Abilities First Integrated School at Violet Avenue Elementary School, Hyde Park | Poughkeepsie

At Abilities First Integrated School at Violet Avenue Elementary School in Hyde Park, Poughkeepsie, we understand that it can be difficult to determine if your child needs speech therapy. While it is usually recommended for autistic children, any child can benefit from therapy to develop communication skills such as responding to questions, starting and ending conversations, using gestures, and understanding body language. Speech therapy is a critical component of early intervention for autistic kids, and can help them grow into more independent and confident individuals. If your child is very quiet, says only a few words, or does not speak at all, they may benefit from speech therapy. To learn more about how speech therapy can help your child, please visit our guide to speech therapy.

At Abilities First Integrated School at Violet Avenue Elementary School in Hyde Park, Poughkeepsie, we understand the importance of effective communication. Our speech therapy services are designed to help your child express themselves through various forms of communication, including gestures, signs, verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). With the help of our speech therapists, your child can gain the skills they need to develop their nonverbal skills, form speech more clearly, communicate thoughts and feelings, understand and respond to questions, discern facial expressions, recognize body language, and more. We also specialize in helping those who stutter. Whatever your child’s communication goals are, we are here to help them reach them.

At Abilities First Integrated School at Violet Avenue Elementary School, Hyde Park | Poughkeepsie, we specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is a science-based therapy that helps improve communication, social, and daily living skills, while reducing problematic behaviors. Our ABA therapy program focuses on teaching skills that lead to independence, and supports individuals of all ages in achieving their individual goals. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive ABA services to help individuals reach their highest potential. We invite you to learn more about ABA therapy and explore our guide for everything you need to know.

At Abilities First Integrated School at Violet Avenue Elementary School, Hyde Park | Poughkeepsie, we understand that making the decision to explore Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for your child can be difficult. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision and provide the best care possible. We believe in ABA as an effective intervention for improving communication skills, introducing productive habits, and reducing problem behaviors, but we caution against providers who look to “cure” autism. Our approach to ABA is not to “fix” children, but rather to help them learn to their fullest potential while honoring their unique personality traits. We have an extensive guide to help you start and end ABA therapy to ensure your child receives the best care.