EASTCONN Autism Program
FAQs
What is EASTCONN?
Created in 1980 under Connecticut General Statute 10-66a, EASTCONN is a public, non-profit, regional educational service center. EASTCONN exists to provide high-quality, competitively priced educational and related services to 36 member Boards of Education and the 33 communities they serve in northeastern Connecticut. We are governed by a Board of Directors, who are members of locally elected Boards of Education. Our funding comes from the fees we charge for our services, supplemented by competitively awarded grants and contracts.
What is the EASTCONN Autism Program?
The EASTCONN Autism Program (EAP) is an integrated services program for students grades pre K – 8, with autism or other developmental disabilities. We are a structured, individualized special education setting, supported by a multi-disciplinary team, with an emphasis on the family as an integral part of the team.
What is your approach to education?
At EAP we teach each student according to their individual learning style. Discrete trial instruction and group lessons are designed to meet each student’s needs. Lessons are designed by special education teachers, incorporating input from related service specialists, with a goal to maximize learning time.
Where is the EASTCONN Autism Program located?
The Autism Program is located at the EASTCONN facility at 10 Commerce Drive, Columbia, CT 06237.
How can I contact the EASTCONN Autism Program?
You can contact the Director, Ron Morin, by phone at 860-228-3240, fax at 860-228-3206, or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. Professionals who engage in applied behavior analysis utilize specific and comprehensive principles of learning to address the behavioral needs of individuals with diverse needs in a variety of settings in order to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior.
Behavior analysis:
- Combines the fields of Psychology ad Education (Learning Theory)
- Is Scientific (data-based, research-based)
- Replaces problem behavior with more preferred/appropriate behavior (skills)
For additional information on ABA and its use with individuals with autism and a number of other disabilities, visit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/applied-behavior-analysis-aba
What is Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI)?
Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI) is an instructional approach to teaching that is effective for learners who need repeated trials as well as reinforcement of the learned behavior before they can effectively integrate it into their repertoire of skills. DTI breaks skills down into discrete steps and may include prompting, task analysis, reinforcement, and modeling among other evidence-based strategies.DTI is supported by research in the area of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and is an effective method of teaching skills to children with autism and related disorders. DTI programs are individualized to the specific needs of the student, and comprehensive programs may include skill development in the area of communication, play, social, self-help, and/or vocational skills.
More to come...