About Hattie Larlham Autism Preschool

This educational initiative provides evidence and individual-based services to preschool age children with a primary diagnosis of autism. The preschool incorporates the HighScope education curriculum and the SCERTS model into the classroom. The program also provides transactional support to assist in the successful transition of the preschool child to kindergarten.

Therapy Philosophy

The Hattie Larlham Autism Preschool believes team collaboration is essential to providing services that benefit the child. Staff integrates occupational, speech and recreational disciplines into classroom and family activities. These therapies are provided in settings throughout Hattie Larlham: in the classroom, therapy room, The Play Center, the pool and in individual, small and large group therapy sessions.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps children to function at their best. This therapy focuses on play skills, hand skills, self care skills (such as eating and dressing), sensory processing and motor skills (both gross and fine). This could be learning to sit, to play with a new toy, to eat with a spoon or to understand the sensory input from the world around them.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy at the Hattie Larlham Autism Preschool is organized to reflect preschool curricula and daily classroom activities. It is individualized to help each child achieve success in his/her school and home environment. Speech therapy goals may include: attention to tasks, following schedules, taking turns with peers and adults and expanding the understanding and use of language through visual and/or sign language, verbalization and/or assistive technology. The Hattie Larlham speech-language pathologist works with parents to assess the child’s needs both in school and in his/her home.

Recreational Therapy

The Hattie Larlham Autism Preschool recreational therapist plans and implements programs that improve students’ physical, mental and emotional well being as well as improve social skills, self confidence and self control. Programs consist of activities such as sports, music, games, arts and crafts, drama, dance and pool sessions. The recreational therapist helps overcome adversity by building confidence and helping the students effectively socialize.

The preschool is a collaborative program between the Hattie Larlham Research Institute, the Portage County Educational Service Center.