The Integrated Model is grounded in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and combines speech and language therapy, motor skills training, sensory integration therapy and play and socialization with peers. All aspects of Applied Behaviour Analysis including DTT, NET, Errorless learning, incidential teaching, shaping and positive reinforcement are utilized to maximize effective teaching and increase generalization to the natural environment. Individual children, depending on their developmental level and symptoms, will need different amounts of each of these approaches in their program. Our Integrated Model melds the best and most child-appropriate elements from each of these approaches in order to produce natural and spontaneous behaviors and language.

Educators at the McCarton School, under the guidance of Cecelia McCarton, M.D., synthesize the most appropriate treatment program for each child by thoroughly evaluating each child's educational needs and synthesizing a curriculum which utilizes relevant techniques from all legitimate, well-studied methods. The resulting individual program maximizes the prospects for reaching the child's broadest and fullest developmental potential.

School Program
The professional staff of the School includes persons trained in developmental pediatrics, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), special education, speech and language therapy, child psychology and occupational therapy (sensory integration, motor skills training and activities of daily living).

Each child's curriculum is multidisciplinary and includes at a minimum components of ABA therapy, speech and language therapy and OT/motor skills therapy.

Behavior plans are consistenly followed across disciplines throughout the day.

Teaching of play skills is an integral part of learning. Child-directed play is used to build relationships and encourage language use and problem solving.

In this multidisciplinary setting all teaching is fully integrated and all teachers used principles of behavioral modification, regardless of their discipline. For example, staffing for a typical classroom of four students is made up of three ABA therapists and a speech and language therapist.

The Home Program
A unique aspect of the Integrated Model is the continuing therapy a child receives after the school day ends. This is part of the child's overall curriculum and can include additional ABA. speech/language or occupational therapy. It may also include play in a community park, facilitated play dates or sports, all in the service of bringing the child into contact with typical peer role models.

Parent training also takes place in the home and focuses on specific behaviors of the child, including behaviors that family members may find disruptive or difficult to manage.

Teachers from the school either continue therapy in the home after school hours or accompany the children to their community activities. The guiding objective is to provide, as much as possible, a seamless interface between the school, the home and the community.

Transition to Mainstream Schools
The McCarton School has collaborative arrangements with private nursery schools in the surrounding neighborhood. As a child develops more skills he/she may spend up to half a day at one of the typical nursery schools, with one of the McCarton School teachers as his one-to-one aide. This gives the child important exposure to typical peer role models in a school setting.

What is ABA Therapy?