Bridge Builders/Autism Program (Pre-K/K)

Does your child...

  • Have difficulty understanding and using language?
  • Demonstrate repetitive or unusual play skills?
  • Have limited eye contact?
  • Demonstrate unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noise or lights?
  • Have difficulty understanding syllables and sounds in words and understanding what letters correspond to each sound?
  • Have difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings?

Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center is proud to offer a unique program for children ages 3 to 7 years, who are exhibiting characteristics of Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PPD), and Pervasive Development Disorders - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The program embraces the philosophy of Dr. Stanley Greenspan who is a renowned leader in Autism education. The program implements the Greenspan Approach (Floortime, Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR)) for teaching children skills in all developmental areas with a focus on peer and adult social interactions.

Program Features

  • The goal is for children to attain age appropriate communication, social/emotional, behavioral, educational, fine and gross motor skills.
  • Intensive therapy sessions are provided to achieve each child's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals and objectives.
  • Children are engaged in activities that are highly motivating, socially interactive and hands-on.
  • A wide array of materials and equipment assist in maximizing children's learning.
  • Parents play an extremely important role in their child's program.
  • Parent training and support is included on a monthly basis to help families understand their child's disabilities and education.
  • School age program follows New York State Standards.

Educational Program

For children ages 3 to 7 years that are eligible for the program, classes operate five full days a week. The daily schedule is a combination of individual, and small and large group activities that facilitate learning.

The classroom team consists of staff that have been trained and/or educated in the Floortime Teaching Approach. A multidisciplinary team providing services, includes a Speech-Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, Occupational Therapist, Teacher Aides, Social Worker, and Music Therapist.

Other services could include physical therapy if required on a child's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

Parent education and training sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of each child and family. Program funding provided by the NYS Education Department and your county of residence. As a program utilizing the Greenspan/Floortime Approach, we believe...

  • Children take the lead by choosing activities/toys of interest to them.
  • Sensory integration is a key element of the program.
  • Establishing social awareness and interactions lead to meaningful learning.
  • The more parents learn, the more they can help!

Did you know...

  • 1 in 110 children in America have an autism spectrum disorder.
  • Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.
  • The earlier the intervention the better.
  • For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment.