Provide ABA Therapists and Aides During Program

ACT Today!’s A Film Program for Adolescents with Autism took place from June 17^th thru the 28^th, changing the lives of 50 individuals with autism and their siblings.  It is thanks to the generous donations from individuals and corporations that we were able to fund the program. One of the most important elements in making sure this program ran as smoothly as possible was having ABA therapists on-site.

On June 17^th, we had 50 program participants (38 with autism and 12 siblings) come together at the Cox Communications headquarter in San Diego, CA. These 50 individuals were introduced to the staff and crew of Inclusion Films, and met their 49 fellow filmmaking enthusiast. In addition, they met four ABA Therapists from Xcite Steps. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for autism. It has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General and the New York State Department of Health.

The ABA therapists were ready to intervene or assist when a behavioral issue came up. Providing ABA trained therapists to assist staff and volunteers will be beneficial to multiple parties: the individuals with autism primarily as well as their parents, as having on-site behavioral therapists will provide peace of mind and comfort.

Individuals with autism sometimes need extra support when there has been a change in routine. The film program will be a major change in routine and the support of these therapists will be very valuable. The ABA therapists will help the children with transitions, social interactions and help them keep focus on their assigned task.

It is crucial to film program participants to have the same ABA Therapist on-site at all times. Individuals with autism really benefit from having consistency in personnel, and our therapists will be able to really know each child. The film program participants are divided up into 3 different age groups. It is important to us to have one ABA Therapist assigned to a specific group.

It is very important to all of us at ACT Today! that we were able to continue this program as we saw the benefits immediately. We hope to be able to continue the program for future years and monitor the long-term progress as well. On behalf of the 50 film participants and their families, thank you for your generous donation!