AUGUSTA LEVY LEARNING CENTER INC
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Mission Statement
Augusta Levy Learning Center (ALLC) is the first and largest autism treatment program in West Virginia that serves individuals from Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
About This Cause
Augusta Levy Learning Center (ALLC) was established in June 2005 as the only autism treatment program in West Virginia. Utilizing methods pioneered and proven by Dr. Lovaas of UCLA, and under the guidance of the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention (LIFE), the Levy Center transforms the lives of children with autism by enhancing the language, social, academic, and independent living skills of its students through a year-round, intensive, one-on-one educational and therapeutic program. ALLC serves children from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. The Center has an established track record of accomplishments, as measured by: • The progress of its students-nearly 84% of graduates have transitioned to a typical classroom; all are making significant progress; • Augusta Levy Learning Center was recognized as one of “55 Good Things About West Virginia” by The State Journal in 2012 • Partnerships with area school districts • Increased funding from a variety of sources • Contract with West Virginia University to establish a similar program at their Centers for Excellence in Disabilities • National recognition as the subject of a PBS documentary entitled “Heroes of Hope” • Growth in the program • Referrals from Klingberg Center at West Virginia University, the Nisonger Center at the Ohio State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, and Akron Children’s Hospital • Interest generated from state and federal government • An increased geographical distribution of inquiries • Awarded “Celebration of Achievement Award” by ARC of Ohio County in June, 2015 • Collaborations with community partners including: West Virginia University, Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention, Wheeling Housing Authority, Kohl’s, Cardinal Health, Wheeling Nailers, Ohio County Schools, Verizon Wireless, Wheeling Police Department, Wheeling Fire Department, Easter Seals, SpringHill Suites, YMCA, and St. Michael’s School. The Center conducts community workshops and trainings for parents, educators, and child care providers. Augusta Levy utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an intervention based on 40 years of research that is backed by peer-reviewed studies showing at least 50% of children with autism who receive this intensive treatment become indistinguishable from other children on tests of cognitive and social skills by the time they complete first grade. Through the use of these research-based methods, Augusta Levy Learning Center achieves breakthrough progress for its students, while serving as a resource for area school districts. ABA is fascinating in that it literally changes the make-up of the child’s brain by developing new neural pathways through intensive intervention. The brain is not much different than other parts of the body in that when it is not utilized, it tends to atrophy; but when it is exercised frequently, it tends to grow in strength and develop strong pathways between neurons. Based upon experiences, these neuron networks can change pathways and essentially change their functions, thereby altering the brain itself. ABA therapy is an excellent means of rewiring the brain pathways in that it provides constant repetition of positive behavior. Early Intervention is critical as the younger years are the most optimal for changing and reprogramming the developing brain. ABA focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. ABA breaks down desired skills into manageable steps. The field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing desirable behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning through decades of research. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that ABA techniques can produce improvements in communication, social relationships, play, self-help skills, school and eventually employment. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) develops treatment plans for every individual child. The BCBA is responsible for designing and directly overseeing interventions, assessing each child’s skills, designing programs and behavior protocols, designing and implementing programs that will emphasize the skills that will enable each child to become independent and successful, overseeing monthly workshops involving each child’s team, as well as family members, and completing ongoing objective measurement of each child’s progress. Children who come to the Center unable to tolerate any instruction are rapidly transformed into children who can communicate, learn, and interact with their world. ABA addresses communication, social skills, academics, reading, gross and fine motor skills, adaptive living skills, toileting, dressing, eating, personal self-care, domestic skills, and work skills. Augusta Levy invests in talent and hard work with a year-round program that delivers intensive one-on-one early intervention. During this time, each child is paired with a trained ABA therapist for two-hour time increments. Each child sees a total of three therapists a day to promote generalization and avoid satiation. Parents attend at least one session a week where they observe and learn to implement the programming for their child, carrying it over into the home setting. The children also participate in various peer groups throughout the day such as buddy group, movement group, and mock school. Once a child completes the intensive program at Augusta Levy and is ready to begin the transition into their home school district, a therapist is provided to accompany them for as long as needed. This process provides each child with the skills and confidence required to enable them to attend a typical classroom.