“Ascent is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.  Ascent’s Educational Program is far reaching and provides broad curriculum writing and teaching tools for educators of the future. Ascent (independently evaluated and named as a model program) plays an integral role in writing curriculum for New York State’s only Masters in Autism Education program-(one of four in the nation). Ascent provides direct support to children and families living with autism while investing in the professional development of our educational system. Ascent’s program is currently being applied in: Teaching university level courses for educators of our future; providing internships for graduate level students; creating model classrooms; training school district personnel; and writing textbooks and curriculum for the New York State Education Department. Ascent also helps to lead mentor programs to promote social consciousness in all youth.

Ascent provides individualized behavioral, pre-academic and academic programs best suited to the unique characteristics of autism. All teaching strategies are based on the scientifically-derived principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Intensive one-to-one sessions alternate with small group sessions that teach children to relate to classmates and to participate cooperatively in-group activities. Instruction emphasizes language development, social interaction and multiple functional skill areas. Each child’s schedule of learning activities is designed to meet his or her unique needs. All instruction and treatment activities are data-based, providing instructors and parents with objective feedback and ongoing evaluation of the effects of intervention.”

http://ascentschoolforautism.webstarts.com/the_ascent_program.html