Intensive Residential Treatment
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What To Expect
Heartland Center for Autism is the first facility of its kind to provide intensive residential short term treatment to youth with intellectaul disabilites.
Our environmental design is not the only thing that makes us an optimal treatment center for children with Autism and/or developmental disabilities. We provide a safe environment where we can focus on ensuring that each of our residents gets the unique and appropriate attention for the their specific challenges.
Intake Process
An assessment is conducted, and an individualized Behavior Intervention Plan, as well as an overall treatment plan, is designed. We utilize the principles and strategies of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach critical skills for coping with stress, functional communication, and reducing the rate and intensity of maladaptive behavior. We pride ourselves on equipping families and caregivers with the tools they need through parent training, enabling their children to continue thriving within the family unit after discharge from Heartland Center for Autism.
Clinical Profile, Age, Length of Stay
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Profile: Moderate to high-functioning youth with an Autism diagnosis and/or developmental disability
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Age Range: 6-17 years
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Length of Stay: 14-90 days, with potential extensions beyond 90 days if clinical necessity is established
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Facility: 7-bed facility located in Grand Rapids, MI
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Extended Stay: Up to 12 months available via the Adoption Medical Subsidy
Screening and Intake (ABA Discovery Process)
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An assessment is conducted during intake to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current level of functioning, history of maladaptive behavior, and overall strengths and weaknesses.
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The BCBA will collaborate with existing providers to thoroughly understand the treatment history.
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The BCBA will collaborate with the existing school team to review any current IEP goals and Behavior Intervention Plans.
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Any existing Behavior Intervention Plans and ABA programming will be reviewed and incorporated as needed.
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Individualized Behavior Intervention Plans will be designed to target the reduction of maladaptive behavior.
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Skill acquisition treatment plans will be developed to teach coping strategies, social-emotional growth, social interaction, daily living, and self-help skills.
What To Expect: Step By Step
Heartland Center for Autism has outlined specific service goals, which are aimed at improving the overall quality of life for the children we serve. These goals include:
Increasing Functional Communication Skills:
Helping children effectively express
their thoughts, needs, and desires.
Decreasing Challenging Behavior:
Using ABA techniques to reduce
problem behaviors that can impede learning and socialization.
Learning
to Wait:
Teaching patience and the ability
to delay gratification.
Building Self-Care and Adaptive Living Skills:
Equipping children with essential life skills required for daily living.
Accepting
“No”:
Assisting children in understanding
and accepting limits and boundaries.
Improving
Social Skills:
Enhancing the ability to engage in positive social interactions with others.
Participating
in a Group:
Encouraging social interaction and cooperation with peers.
What does a day in the treatment program at Heartland Center for Autism look like?
Our environmental design is not the only thing that makes us an optimal treatment center for children with Autism and/or developmental disabilities. We provide a safe environment where we can focus on ensuring that each of our residents gets the unique and appropriate attention for the their specific challenges.
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Our programs focus on behavioral supports that are proven to encourage successful outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health concerns. And unlike the group-based supports that are seen elsewhere, we provide a highly individualized treatment program that reflects the needs of each resident.
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Families and outpatient providers may schedule visitation at times that are convenient for them, thus providing more flexibility for visitors and less stimulation on the unit at one time.
