Early identification and access to evidence based intervention is critical if your child is showing signs of developmental delay. The Wellness Centre was the first on-island centre for autism assessment and diagnosis. Our team of psychologists is fully qualified to administer the assessment measures considered the gold standard in autism assessment and diagnosis. An assessment for autism begins with a conversation with one of our psychologists to discuss your concerns. The assessment process involves gathering information from parents, caregivers, teachers, other experts in the area of child development, as well as time spent interacting and observing your child in a natural social and play environment. A final assessment report will provide you with a clear picture of your child’s strengths and needs, along with a road map leading forward to ensure he/she reaches their fullest potential.
Families are every child’s greatest resource. Efforts to support families warrant the greatest long-term outcomes so we are proud to offer several parent support services. Having a child or family member with autism can feel overwhelming. Parents often fail to prioritize their own needs, as an important part of their child’s intervention plan. At The Wellness Centre we offer a range of family support services, including family therapy, parent education, consultation and training. As children grow it is critical that services take into account their wishes, goals and social needs. Families of persons 16+ are encouraged to participate in Person Centred Planning (PCP), an approach to transition planning that places the individual at the centre of decision making and goal setting.
The Growing Brain: Zero to Three Curriculum: This course provides important early brain development awareness and knowledge to parents, nannies, caregivers, grandparents, and anyone invested in supporting the young children in their lives. Delivered by our Certified Trainer courses can be delivered as 2hour workshops or full-day retreats. For more information email sseymour@wellnesscentre.ky
Help Is In Your Hands: An ESDM Parent Resource: Our training team works in partnership with families using the free online ESDM parent training curriculum. With zoom parent meetings
RUBI Parent Training: The RUBI Autism Network is a system of parent support and training to equip parents and families with the knowledge and competencies to effectively and safely manage tantrums, aggression, and self-harm. The RUBI 13-week programme can be delivered via telehealth, face-to-face, or in groups.
We are proud to offer individual ESDM Therapy as well as Parent P-ESDM, a collaborative approach between parent and therapist aimed at ensuring parents are supported to confidently help their children every step of the way. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence based intervention for children with developmental delay, between 12 to 48 months. ESDM follows a developmental curriculum that defines social, play, communication, cognitive, self-help and motor skills. It can be delivered in a clinic, home, playground or preschool setting. ESDM integrates a relationship focused developmental model with the well validated teaching practices of ABA. In 2012, we became the first clinic in the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean to offer ESDM services.
Play2Grow is an ESDM modeled group for children 2-6 years old. The focus is on shared experiences, social engagement, social communication, and school readiness. Each child works individually and in a supported group setting, building skills and showing them off with peers.
ABA therapy uses the scientific principles of learning and motivation to teach children with autism. ABA uses positive reinforcement to increase positive behaviours and social interactions, while decreasing inappropriate or harmful behaviours which interfere with a child’s ability to learn and engage. ABA is highly individualized and each child’s programme is designed and implemented to ensure their unique needs are being targeted. Our ABA programmes are developed by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst trained and mentored in Hanley’s Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment. MyWay is a trauma-informed relationship-based model of ABA which strives to integrate sound scientific evidence of the past 30 years with an awareness of emerging research in the area of stress, trauma, and childhood adversity. All of our therapists have a minimum designation as a Registered Behaviour Technician™. Your child will often work with several members of our team to ensure their learning is generalized across individuals and environments. ABA therapy can help individuals of all ages, but is most effective when started early and intensely.
There are many reasons parents of children with autism choose to home-school. A home-school programme should be tailored to meet your child’s unique needs and should ensure that learning is clearly measured and targets effectively developed. This can be an overwhelming task for families, but the good news is that we are an approved home-school provider, can assist in the development of a suitable curriculum, and arrange teacher support to satisfy the Department of Education requirements and ensure the most desirable learning outcomes.
Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) provide ABA based support in the community for parents and teachers. This practical hands on approach uses the science of ABA to help parents and teachers improve behaviour so that a child’s learning and independence can emerge. SOS services are individualized and often contain: a functional behaviour assessment, observations, formation of a positive behaviour support plan, parent/staff training and support, in home/school support during the implementation of strategies outlined in the support plan, and will also include maintenance and follow up to ensure success.
For more information about our Developmental Support Services contact our Programme Manager, Sloane Pharr directly at spharr@wellnesscentre.ky to arrange a free consultation.