Comprehensive autism care for children under one roof

What does a typical day look like for a child at CHOP-Soar?

Every child at CHOP-Soar is welcomed into a structured yet dynamic environment designed to cater to their individual needs and promote growth. Our team is comprised of highly trained professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), Occupational Therapists (OT), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and additional wraparound support as needed to ensure comprehensive care.

Most children attend CHOP-Soar for either half-day or full-day programs based on the recommendation from their clinical team. During their time here, they experience a mix of individual and group therapies tailored to their unique developmental needs.

How does CHOP-Soar balance individual and group therapy?

At CHOP-Soar, we understand the importance of both individualized attention while also working towards graduating children to school. Every child is assigned to a group, typically comprising 5-6 children, to foster a sense of community and mutual growth. Our groups are leveled according to each child’s ability to learn in a group environment, ensuring a customized learning experience.

The day is structured around a combination of one-on-one therapy sessions and group activities such as Circle Time, Art, Playground visits, Centers, and meal times. This approach decreases distractions, increases predictability, and systematically introduces the child to more group interactions, aiming for a balanced mix of individual and group time that gradually prepares them for a school setting.

How long do children typically stay in therapy at CHOP-Soar?

Our goal is to provide impactful therapy that equips children with the skills they need to transition into school environments successfully. Most children are with us for 1-3 years, with two years being the most common duration. At CHOP-Soar, we believe in setting the foundation for a bright future rather than offering therapy for life. For children who need additional support, we offer a graduate program to support them after their time at Soar.

Who oversees a CHOP-Soar center?

Each CHOP-Soar center is led by a senior clinician with expertise in Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy, either ESDM certified or in the process of certification. This oversight ensures our therapeutic practices are evidence-based and effective. Additionally, a dedicated Center Operations Director is responsible for operational excellence, ensuring that every child’s experience at CHOP-Soar is safe, engaging, and productive.

What support does CHOP-Soar offer families?

We believe in the power of family involvement in therapy. We have an open door policy that allows for families to visit the center and/or join therapy sessions. We provide regular family treatment guidance sessions and multi-disciplinary progress meetings to stay up to date on what our team is working on in therapy.

How does CHOP-Soar prepare children for school?

Preparing children for school is the fundamental goal of our therapy programs. Through a balanced approach to individual and group therapy, we focus on developing communication, social, and adaptive behavior skills necessary for a successful transition to a school environment. We then gradually mimic group-based environments that the child will need to graduate to to help them prepare for that setting. We also work closely with families on school transitions to support their transition out of our center.