Education Services
Speech and Language Pathology Services
At the Chicago Autism Academy, our speech-language pathologists (SLP) focus on helping students communicate and increase their receptive/expressive language and speech intelligibility, as well as improve their pragmatic language. We teach our students to communicate in the mode that best suits their needs by using a total communication approach. Total communication encompasses: verbalizations, vocal approximations, and augmentative alternative communication (ex. voice-output devices, pictures, sign language, and translucent signs). Our SLPs assess each student’s needs to create an individualized education plan (IEP) which is used to provide targeted therapy for each student. Our SLPs also collaborate with teachers, parents, and other specialists. Sessions involve group activities, classroom integration, and one-on-one (when warranted), depending on the student’s needs
Assistive Technology Services
The Chicago Autism Academy offers AT services for those students needing extra support to develop and/or generalize communication in the school and community. Students may be working on communication through vocal speech, sign language, PECS, and/or a device. Although the AT specialist is supervised and works in conjunction with the SLP, this is an additional service provided on a 1:1 basis when deemed appropriate for the learner.
Occupational Therapy Services
At CAA, our Occupational Therapy department offers comprehensive assessments of fine motor, gross motor, functional self-help, and vocational skills. In addition, we evaluate for Transition while incorporating Instrumental Activities of Daily Living such as learning to complete laundry or showering to promote each student’s maximum independence. With over 40 years of experience collectively, our seasoned therapists specialize in utilizing sensory integration techniques and mindful movement exercises to teach and encourage self-regulation and motor control. Group and/or individual sessions address visual perception skills like eye-hand coordination and handwriting, bilateral coordination, total body strengthening, motor planning and much more!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Our highly qualified and experienced team of BCBA’s specialize in creating and supporting the students and staff with behavior plans, essential skill development, and developing replacement behaviors for interfering behavior. The BCBA staff also assists in developing social skills, language development, and communication systems for students within the classroom environment.
Nursing
CAA has a school nurse to help students who take medication while at school. Nurse Gina is also helpful in the classroom assisting everyone in staying safe and monitoring all medical situations no matter how big or small.
Instructional Staff
LBS 1 Teachers and Paraprofessional Staff
CAA has a team of passionate and dedicated
individuals. The educational team is highly qualified
and works as a team to carry out meaningful
lessons and activities. The educational team also
ensures that proper supports and the IEP are
carried out throughout the school environment.
Certified Trauma & Resilience Specialists
CAA has 2 Certified Trauma & Resilience Specialists that will assist with the programming needs and goals of students that have been exposed to trauma.
