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Getting Started
 

A Message From Our Founder
"Recovery is Possible"

In 1978, I met a young boy named Corey. He had autism and he changed my life. His gentle nature, his exceptional memory and his desire to interact even though he couldn’t do so verbally, touched my heart. But what motivated me further was the positive impact of the therapy he received. The notion that major successes and even recovery are possible inspired me to start the Center for Autism & Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) in 1990.

CARD has grown significantly since then, and I believe what sets us apart is the successful results we achieve with each child we treat. We truly believe that recovery is possible and we develop our programs with that in mind.
Building from the findings of our Assessment Center as well as our Research and Development Department, we have developed and continuously improve our suite of services. This allows us to effectively work with individuals at varying levels and ages to achieve measurable results.

The CARD I, CARD II, and CARD Relationship Development Programs include comprehensive and cutting edge curricula that can be tailored to the specific needs of individuals aged 0 – 21 years old. These programs help children learn to communicate, develop friendships, and lead happy, healthy lives.

CARD Specialized Outpatient Services (SOS) provides assistance with specific challenging behaviors, feeding concerns and facilitation of medical procedures such as pill swallowing. SOS targets specific areas of concern for a family and develops and implements strategies to diminish problem behaviors and teach necessary skills. SOS success stories include teaching children to take necessary medications or participate appropriately during a family meal at a restaurant; skills that help enhance the quality of life of the child as well as strengthen the family unit.

CARD SKILLS© is a revolutionary new education system that will allow families to develop a quality ABA program at home. The system includes on-line training, a detailed developmental assessment and the CARD I Curricula. These three products used together will enable families and practitioners to identify the exact skills needed by each child, and will guide them through instructional and curricular areas that aid in setting developmental goals.

We produced a documentary which shows the impact CARD services have had. Recovered: Journeys through the Autism Spectrum and Back documents four children who recovered from autism. Each child received services from CARD. The film presents therapy sessions along with interviews of the children who are now teenagers, and their parents. Their combined stories illuminate both their struggles and triumphs while providing hope to families of newly diagnosed children that recovery is indeed possible. The film also includes DVD extras designed to educate families who are navigating the world of autism treatment.

None of these life-changing programs would be what they are without the work of our exceptional staff. They sincerely care about our clients and they demonstrate their dedication every day. Our highly educated

leadership staff includes PhDs, Licensed Psychologists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Masters-level Supervisors, Social Workers, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and Marriage and Family Therapists. Our amazing front-line therapists are the backbone of our organization. They are not only devoted to the children and families we work with, but they care about helping
all of our children achieve the most they can.

I hope this publication will answer some of your questions about CARD and in doing so give you optimism that success and recovery are possible. Now, let’s get started…

Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D
Founder and Executive Director

Read Doreen's Bio

 

© 2009 Center For Autism & Related Disorders Inc.