May Institute Opens Center-based Program for Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Randolph, Mass. — May Institute, a national network of programs and services for individuals of all ages with a variety of special needs, has opened the May Center for Early Childhood Services, a day program for children ages 2.6 to 5 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Located in Randolph, Mass., the Center offers a four-hour program that features one-on-one instruction based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. ABA has been shown through hundreds of scientific studies to be the most effective method to teach children with autism and other development disabilities.

Each child’s instructional program is individualized and based on his or her assessment and treatment objectives. Teachers use discrete trial instruction, and focus on teaching social and play skills, such as taking turns and participating in small group activities.

“Studies show that treatment during the first years of child’s life can significantly impact his or her long-term prognosis, particularly in the areas of language and social behavior,” said Assistant Clinical Director Ann Essig, M.S., BCBA, LABA. “What makes our program unique is that our students have the opportunity to interact with typically developing peers. These children are integrated into the classroom during developmentally appropriate activities that promote social interaction.”

The May Center has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Services are funded through families’ insurance plans and the Massachusetts Health and Human Services’ Early Intervention Program for children under the age of 3.

The program currently has openings for a limited number of students. For more information, call 781-437-1331.

About May Institute
May Institute is an award-winning nonprofit organization with more than 60 years of experience in serving children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, and behavioral health needs. The organization provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals, as well as training and consultation services to professionals, organizations, and public school systems. At more than 140 service locations across the country, highly trained staff work to create new and more effective ways to meet the special needs of individuals and families across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.