Our Model

The McCarton School has developed an integrated education model focused on helping children learn academic and social skills to maximize their adaption to the natural environment. Our educational model is firmly rooted in the science of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), an evidence based treatment backed by peer reviewed studies as the most effective teaching method for children with autism. The McCarton School uses best practices from a variety of therapies, including speech and language and sensory integration, in conjunction with motor skills training and peer interaction. In addition, The McCarton School schedules an extended day that ensures students receive the recommended 40 hours per week of ABA.

All aspects of ABA including DTT, NET, Errorless Learning, incidental teaching, shaping and positive reinforcement are utilized to maximize effective teaching and increase generalization to the natural environment. Individual children, depending on their developmental level, will need different amounts of each of these approaches in their program. Our Integrated Model melds the best and most child-appropriate elements from each of these approaches in order to produce natural and spontaneous behaviors and language.

The McCarton School’s one-to-one student-teacher ratio allows for individualized educational programs that reinforce each student’s ability to realize his or her fullest developmental potential. The staff analyzes each child’s program to create a curriculum that uses the best accepted techniques and reviews it daily, making alterations as needed.