Navigating the Spectrum is a not for profit organization that offers a forum for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to:
- gain reliable information about a variety of therapy options;
- share successful intervention approaches and techniques;
- obtain practical advice and guidance;
- acquire strategies for coordinating a strong team approach;
- increase their awareness of the different therapy disciplines so as to feel knowledgeable, confident and empowered to lead their child's intervention;
- discuss in a secure, supportive and confidential environment the challenges of autism and developmental delays and its impact on family life.
Navigating the Spectrum is supported by educated, experienced and dedicated professionals who are trained and certified in a variety of effective intervention disciplines including Applied Behavior Analysis, Relationship Development Intervention, Speech and Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy and DIR/Floortime. We give families the opportunity to allow their children to benefit from an intervention that embraces a Spectrum Approach to their Spectrum Disorder.
Our focus is on the family as the cornerstone of a successful intervention. In order for any therapy to be effective, the child's parent must be an integral and informed participant. This means that the parent must be as knowledgeable about the method of intervention and as able to implement it as any member of the therapy team. Intervention that lasts only as long as a therapist's session will never have the same impact as intervention that continues long after the therapist has gone home.
The gold standard for a successful intervention is one where the child's therapists are not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also are enthusiastic and solid team players; and an educated and involved parent is the most valuable player of all.
Just as a captain cannot navigate a ship through the ocean unless properly equipped with a compass, maps and a knowledge of the celestial field, so too a family cannot navigate a child through the spectrum unless properly equipped with the right tools and the right knowledge. Navigating the Spectrum is committed to providing parents with the information and skills needed to effectively captain their child?s intervention.