The Language and Learning Center (LLC) employs an innovative team of professionals with a broad spectrum of skills. We value a collaborative approach to make the best decisions and recommendations for the member.

As part of Touchstone’s mission, our team supports members and their families by teaching functional skills needed to promote independence.  Our Language & Learning Center provides a strength-based treatment plan to the member and their family to identify areas for intervention across the developmental domains. As members of the Child and Family Team (CFT), LLC clinicians collaborate with all participants to create an informed, cohesive care plan. Our clinical teams are led by Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA®).

At Touchstone, we utilize the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This approach utilizes the principles of reinforcement to teach new skills. ABA therapy is an intensive program that targets identified skill deficits. It has been identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics^® and the National Autism Center (NAC^®)as an evidence-based therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ABA is also beneficial for typically developing individuals and individuals with diagnoses such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Downs Syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities across the lifespan. At Touchstone, we work with ages 0-17 years and are inclusive of all types of development.

The Language and Learning Center is a comprehensive ABA program that typically provides 30-40 hours a week of ABA therapy to those who have deficits in 3+ domains.  These domains include

Our Intake Specialists and Care Coordinators will work with you through the referral process. After the intake process, the LLC team led by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst ® (BCBA) will work with the caregivers through the treatment process. This includes

At the onset of services, your clinician will conduct a comprehensive assessment with your child to identify areas of need and significant problem behaviors. The assessment also considers the culture and needs of the family, in addition to the needs of the child. Included in the assessment process are parent interviews, discussion with our team members, review of previous services, and curriculum-based assessments such as the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills– Revised (ABLLS-R).

Based on the results of the assessment, your clinical team will create an individualized treatment plan for your child that will be used in ABA therapy sessions.  ABA therapy can occur in either the member’s home, in-clinic, or in the community, depending on the clinical recommendations and the individual needs of the member.  The clinical recommendation for hours is based on the assessments conducted.

Progress is shared with the family after sessions, during CFT meetings, and written in the monthly progress reports. In addition, the treatment plan is programmed for the generalization of skills to multiple settings.  Outcomes are measured on a regular basis to ensure the member is receiving the most effective ABA therapy. Our clinicians conduct a full assessment every 6 months to quantify the member’s progress on a larger scale.

It is the vision of the Language and Learning Center to empower our families through the treatment process to learn the skills in the treatment plan.  Meaningful outcomes are only achieved if our families have the skills to move beyond the need for formal supports.  Parents should have active involvement throughout the ABA therapy sessions. Parents will receive extensive training on implementing program goals and other behavior analytic recommendations. Our team also provides resources and tools for long-term success (e.g. tips for future teachers, using skills in different environments).  Once the goals set in the treatment plan are achieved, the LLC team will begin to reduce direct services and provide caregiver training, working collaboratively with the family and the Care Coordination team to create meaningful goals and plan for the next steps after graduating from the program!

At Touchstone Health Services, our therapeutic approach is centered on interventions established by the National Autism Center. NAC evaluates current practices in order to determine which are the most effective. While this specific report discusses ABA therapy for children with autism, the results can be generalized to many other children with learning needs. You may also review the National Autism Center’s National Standards Report.

We also offer these unique opportunities: