START Program
Using Pivotal Response Treatment to Increase Verbal Language: A Parent Coaching Group

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

The START Program is a sought-after group program for parents/caregivers of young children with autism. Based on Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), a therapy model developed by the Koegel Autism Centre in California, this innovative program teaches parents practical strategies to support their child in:

• Using words and sentences to ask for things
• Answering questions
• Making choices
• Copying what other people say

The Centre for Autism Services Alberta is the only facility in Western Canada that offers this extraordinary coaching program!

• Designed specifically for early language development in children with autism, ages 2-8
• Program development based on 40 years of research
• Strategies designed to be implemented during daily routines
• All sessions are led by an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with formal certification in PRT. 
• FSCD-Approved
• The Centre also accepts private referrals

Program Details

• Before the group begins, parents will be contacted to share about their child’s communication style.
• 11 weeks of targeted coaching
• Parent group meetings on Zoom from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. we
• Parents receive one home visit mid-program (can be in person or on Zoom)
• Taking and sharing home videos of PRT practice is required
• Each session will be a positive and interactive experience!

The START Program from the eyes of a parent: read Lucas’s story! 

Program Offered 4 Times Per Year!
Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer

Via Zoom Video Conference
Sessions run once a week from 1:30 – 3:00 pm.

Next Session: Spring-Summer 2023

Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

• May 2 – July 11, 2023
  • NO group session on Tuesday, June 13.

For more information, including pricing and to begin the registration process, please contact Angele Fournier at 780-488-6600 ext. 211 or at  AFournier@centreforautismab.ca.