The School Program of the DDDC serves children ages 3 to 21 who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The DDDC also operates a special class for students with Asperger Disorder. The School Program uses an intensive, individualized ABA model that highlights the development and generalization of speech and language, social skills, functional academics, life skills, prevocational skills and daily living skills. Each class is staffed with certified teachers and speech therapists, and highly trained paraprofessionals. All staff are strongly encouraged and supported to pursue certification as a Behavior Analyst. School Program administrators all hold this credential.
The curriculum of the School Program is closely linked to the Core Curriculum Content Standards set by the New Jersey State Department of Education; and goals for our preschool students are determined according to the Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations: Standards of Quality. The Verbal Behavior classification system is used as a framework to guide language instruction. A full range of ABA strategies is used that include, but is not limited to: strategic use of discrete trial instruction; natural environmental training to increase initiation, spontaneity and generalization; incidental teaching to support the naturalistic use of language and social skills; and fluency-based instruction to ensure the smooth, integrated use of skills. Functional behavioral assessment is the cornerstone for the development of all behavior interventions. Each class shares all of the DDDC's resources and supports, particularly the Division of Research and Training that ensures that educational programming is state-of-the-art.
We believe that family involvement is crucial in the effective treatment and education of our students. Support and training for family members include:
- education
- collaborative goal setting
- parent and sibling support groups
- regularly scheduled meetings
- classroom observations
- in-home consultation
- parent informational seminars
- community resources
The School Program operates in three locations: the Douglass School Campus, the Ryders Lane Campus and the Annex.
Douglass School Campus
Preschool Classes. Students in our preschool classes are provided with range of educational experiences. Some students receive exclusive one-to-one instruction to establish behavioral control and fundamental skills such as attending, following directions and the rudiments of speech. Adaptive skills such as toileting and dressing are also taught. Other students are provided with a blend of individual and small group teaching to promote expanded communication and social skills. Another group of students is placed in our Small Wonders class where they attend school with same age typical peers, and are prepared for a less restrictive placement. Some of the students are provided with part-time experiences in Small Wonders to enhance their social and communication development.
Elementary Classes. Our elementary age students are provided with a rich student-to-staff ratio that includes individual, small and large group instruction. The curriculum emphasizes instructional readiness, behavioral control, basic communication and social skills training, with a focus on independence and life skills.
Intermediate Classes. Students in our intermediate classes receive primarily paired and small group instruction; however, strategic individual support is also available. The curriculum focuses on advanced communication and social skills, functional academics, and the remediation of behavioral concerns.
Secondary Classes. Students in our secondary classes learn to work in larger groups, along with paired and small group instruction. The curriculum highlights functional academics, and community and life skills; while continuing to remediate behavioral concerns. University and community based work opportunities are also available, and coordination of transitions to postsecondary placements is also provided.
Ryders Lane Campus
Preschool Class. Students in this preschool class are provided with exclusive one-to-one instruction. The curriculum emphasizes instructional and behavioral control, readiness skills, interpersonal awareness and communication skills. Students in this class are being prepared for a less restrictive setting.
Elementary Class. Students in this elementary class receive primarily one-to-one instruction, and individually supported paired instruction when appropriate. The curriculum focuses on instructional readiness skills, communication and social responsiveness. Behavioral concerns are also addressed. Systematic transitional planning for less restrictive placements is also provided.
Adolescent Class. Students in our adolescent class pose very substantial behavior problems that preclude them from being placed in other less restrictive settings. These young people all have significant, long standing challenging behaviors, such as aggression or self-injury; and have not responded favorably to previous treatment efforts. Students in this class receive exclusive one-to-one instruction, and additional support is also available. The curriculum focuses on instructional and behavioral control, along with functional academics. Prevocational training is also provided.
Asperger Class. Students in our Asperger class have average or above average intellectual functioning and a diagnosis of Asperger Disorder, who require more extensive social skills training and/or engage in challenging behaviors that preclude placement in a less restricted setting. Students in this class are provided with a rich student-to-staff ratio, as well as a curriculum that emphasizes the development of academic and interpersonal skills. These students also have the opportunity to work toward their GED, in preparation for postsecondary experiences.
Annex
The annex is a partnership with a New Jersey public school system. The six elementary age students in our annex class receive exclusive one-to-one instruction by DDDC staff in a public school building; and are also provided with all of the other supports from the Center. The curriculum focuses on instructional and behavioral control, readiness skills, communication and social responsiveness. A range of inclusive experiences is also available.
Who To Contact About Our School Program:
| Location | Director | |
| Douglass School Campus | Maria Arnold, M.Ed., BCBA 25 Gibbons Circle New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
732-932-9137 Fax: 732-932-8011 |
| Ryders Lane Campus: | ||
| Preschool & Elementary Class |
Rita Gordon, M.Ed., BCBA 151 Ryders Lane New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
732-932-3902 Fax: 732-932-4469 |
| Adolescent & Asperger Class |
Marlene Cohen, Ed.D., BCBA 151 Ryders Lane New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
732-932-2791 Fax: 732-932-0077 |
| Annex |
Rita Gordon, M.Ed., BCBA 151 Ryders Lane New Brunswick, NJ 08901 |
732-932-3902 Fax: 732-932-3902 |
For information & enrollment in our school program please have your child's Child Study Team send a referral to:
Nadine Byczkowski
Administrative Assistant
Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center
151 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-8557
732-932-4500
Fax: 732-932-3095
Please note that referrals are considered for all locations of our School Program (The Douglass School Campus, the Ryders Lane Campus and the Annex). However, you may indicate a particular location if there is a special interest.
