The TCI Programs
TCI Classroom
At The Children’s Institute of Hong Kong We look forward to providing learners with autism the most comprehensive Applied Behavior Analytic approach to education. TCI is a 12-month full time program for children from 3-11 years of age. In our interdisciplinary school model, learners receive special instruction ABA interventions in combination with individualized therapeutic services.
Research has demonstrated that (ABA) is the safest and most effective treatment for autism. ABA is widely recognized by educators and professionals as the only intervention leading to comprehensive, lasting improvements in the lives of individuals with autism and their families. This approach has been endorsed by a number of agencies in the United States, such as the Department of Defense, the US Surgeon General, and the New York State Department of Health.
TCI@HOME
In TCI@HOME, children can receive one to one service in their homes and communities. Regular supervision and team meetings ensures consistency in programming and positive outcomes.
TCI S.T.A.R.S
In TCI S.T.A.R.S (Social Teaching And Relationship Skills) students can participate an after school group social skills training class. Children can develop their socially appropriate language, play skills, and to forge friendships and relationships with peers.
Applied Behavior Analysis provides us with:
- Learner driven motivational systems and positive reinforcement
- A design for individualized curriculum
- Curriculum is always individualized and adapted depending on skill levels of students
- The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS-R, 2006) is conducted annually to function as a springboard for individualized curriculum development and to share progress with parents
- Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans are conducted, as needed, by full time Board Certified Behavior Analysts
How ABA works
- Skills are broken down into steps based on a given student’s performance
- Behaviors are considered for their own right and are defined carefully
- Each student skill is reinforced or corrected until components of each concept are learned
- More than 200 various instructional tactics are used to ensure learning. “The student is always right” – Fred S. Keller
- Learning is the responsibility of TCI. “If the student cannot learn the way we are teaching, then we must teach in the way the student can learn” – Ivar O. Lovaas
- Methods used are scientific and based on research literature
- All instructional decisions are first parent driven, then student driven
- Students are in the center stage in the classroom
- The program merges Learn Units (Greer, 2002), Group Instruction, & Natural Environment Training
- Inclusion and mainstreaming is a systematic goal-oriented process
- Because of the challenges presented by developmental delays, we believe that time is of the essence and every moment is an opportunity to learn
Our Curricula
The components of the curricula are
- Academic (i.e. reading, math, language arts, writing)
- Social Skills (i.e. attention to task, cooperative play, conversation units)
- Verbal behavior (i.e. communicative behavior, joint attention and perspective taking)
- Self-management (i.e. functional daily-living skills)
- Community of Reinforcers, an expanded community of interests (i.e. appropriate play behaviors and interest in age appropriate leisure activities)