Gold Coast Children’s Center:
Putting the heart in behavioral treatment center in the heart of Darien
The possibility that one’s child needs might go beyond what we as parents can provide can be a terrifying prospect.
Particularly, when it comes to the complicated challenges that accompany an autism diagnosis, parents can feel helpless.
As World Autism Day approaches on April 2, Gold Coast Children’s Center in Darien wants to remind parents that there is a path to help every child to reach their full potential. The center’s experts employ the clinically proven science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to promote success for children who have a variety of needs, including autism, ADHD, social or behavioral challenges, or difficulties with daily life.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
In partnership with families, Gold Coast’s professionals create individualized goals for each child. The skills are then broken down into small steps and taught one at a time using practice and positive reinforcement. As those skills are mastered, more complex skills are introduced to build upon those successes.
Co-founding directors Lori Mastrogiacomo and Jessica Cordier say that while most of the children they work with are preschool and elementary age, they have worked with individuals as young as 14 months and as old as their 30’s. The facility is deliberately designed to be home-like and welcoming.
The spaces are thoughtfully created to replicate places where the children learn and live. There are play and learning spaces including a reading nook, an arts and crafts space, a circle time area, and a pretend
play center. Conversation and meal time skills can be practiced in the kitchen. Those who might have challenges with daily routines such as dressing can spend in the bedroom area. Others who might need help with showering and grooming are offered a fully-equipped bathroom.
“Sometimes when people hear it’s science-based, they expect lab coats and a sterile environment,” Mastrogiacomo said. “But it’s warm and child-centered. We take time to develop a rapport and learn each child’s favorite toys and preferred motivation. Our goal is to make learning fun. Our staff members are often having as much fun as the kids!.”
Mastrogiacomo and Cordier said they meet and work with parents to establish their priorities and what each child needs. “Each skill is taught using baby steps,” Mastrogiacomo said. “There’s a lot of practice and positive reinforcement, and
we build on success as the skills get harder and harder until we reach the end goal,” Cordier added.
Because Gold Coast is located in walkable downtown Darien, Mastrogiacomo and Cordier say their community partners offer a multitude of resources. Children can work on socializing by dining or shopping in Darien businesses. Others even offer programs like martial arts classes.
What is Autism?
Approximately 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. It is characterized by challenges with language, communication, and social skills, as well as repetitive behavior. Early signs include poor eye contact, limited
attempts to communicate using gestures, delayed language, repeating words and phrases, repetitive motor movement, and a lack of interest in sharing items or experiences with others.
With World Autism Day approaching, Gold Coast hopes more people can understand that the use of ABA can be extremely positive when providing therapy for children who are diagnosed. ABA is recognized as the best treatment for autism, and has been endorsed by the Surgeon General, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Many peer-reviewed research studies show good progress can be achieved for
children who begin receiving ABA intervention at a young age under the supervision of a qualified Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Other diagnoses successfully treated include ADHD, social anxiety, behavioral challenges, or challenges with daily living skills. Mastrogiacomo and Cordier want the community to know they have this resource and, most importantly, for parents to know they’re not alone.
“Effective autism treatment is something we should talk about so much more. Years ago, autism awareness was not what it is now,” Cordier said. The more frequent media attention can be good and bad
though, as well-meaning parents sometimes turn to solutions that may cost valuable money and time without results.
Gold Coast offers a free intake consultation to evaluate your child. If ABA is recommended, Gold Coast also offers parent coaching to replicate the ways behavior is addressed during therapy.
Gold Coast Children’s Center is located in the heart of downtown Darien at 972 Post Road, #3. For more information, call 203-8838827, email info@goldcoastchildrenscenter.com, or visit www.goldcoastchildrenscenter.com.