Family-Centered Autism Program

Touchstone Health Services Family-Centered Autism Program (FCAP) provides integrated and comprehensive treatment services, in the natural environment, to children, and their families, affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

The goal is improving the lives of both children with autism and their family members.  This goal is achieved by focusing on functional skills with the use of evidence-based behavior analytic procedures, such as positive reinforcement to increase or decrease significant behaviors. The program emphasis is a family-based intervention protocol (Family Therapy) that centers on building family communication and developing relationships. We recognize the key role that parents/guardians play in a child’s development and encourage family involvement throughout treatment.  When appropriate we take into consideration the Trans-generational trauma cycles and sensory sensitivity commonly observed among youths diagnosed with ASD. FCAP treatment services can involve a trauma-centered approach to helping youths build resiliency as they develop emotional self-regulation skills.  Higher functioning youths and young adults on the spectrum will also learn how to take control of their behavioral and physical health through integrative behavioral health care.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of Therapists and Social Skills Specialists to provide a well-rounded approach when caring for our program members and their families.

Therapy

FCAP Therapists have various backgrounds, including trauma, sand tray, etc. They provide therapy services in the home, office or community setting. Therapists work with Members on various things, such as self-esteem, healthy relationship, communication skills, expressing emotions appropriately, social skills, etc.

FCAP Group Therapy

FCAP Group takes place once a week for eight weeks total. FCAP currently has multiple curricula to best meet the client’s needs, which are offered at all Touchstone Health Services locations.

Participants learn how to identify feelings and learn coping skills in a supportive environment. Topics include: social awareness, emotions (physical signs and using feeling words), recognizing triggers, coping tools, and expressing emotions and needs.

Participants learn how to identify nonverbal communication and how to participate in group discussion with peers in a supportive group environment. Topics include: social interest, types of conversation, perspective taking, body language and boundaries, verbal boundaries, steps of conversation, and reciprocal conversations.

Participants learn the dynamics of a healthy and unhealthy relationship in a supportive group environment. Topics include: social interest, reciprocal conversation, assertive communication, understanding motives, safety in relationships, progression of relationships, self-esteem, and social media.

Participants reinforce social skills in a supportive environment and is designed for participants who have already completed other social skills groups. Topics include: joining a group, listening and following directions, self-control, asking for help, respecting personal space, sharing/turn taking, accepting differences, compassion, compromising, sportsmanship, teamwork.

FCAP AuSome Sib Shop

FCAP offers a workshop for siblings of children with special needs, with a focus on Autism. FCAP offers opportunities for siblings to obtain peer support and education within a recreational context. This service is offered at our Main and Mesa campus.

Some of the objectives for our AuSome Siblings Workshop include:

  • Enabling siblings to engage in fun activities while connecting with others who share similar life experiences.
  • Improvement of the sibling relationship
  • Increased understanding about sibling’s developmental needs

Playground Partners

Autism Family Centered Therapy Programs

Our Family-Centered Autism Program currently partners with six schools throughout the valley to work with youth on social skills in their natural setting. The child must be enrolled in any of the six schools in order to participate in this service. FCAP currently offers Playground Partners at the following schools:

  • Kachina Elementary School
  • Granada East School
  • Marshall Ranch Elementary School
  • Paseo Verde Elementary School
  • Catalina Ventura School
  • Desert Springs Preparatory Elementary School