Welcome to STEPS Center for Excellence in Autism

Please join us for our " Night at the Races" Fundraiser event!
October 2, 2010

STEPS Center for Excellence in Autism specializes in the treatment and education of persons diagnosed with Autism and related developmental disabilities. STEPS consultants utilize treatment modalities that are based on principles of ABA, including Applied Verbal Behavior. Treatment consists of 2 main components; clinical programming to increase skill development and behavior modification to decrease maladaptive behaviors that are impeding learning. Research has suggested that early and intensive intervention, utilizing ABA methodology has had the greatest impact on helping children diagnosed with autism and related developmental disabilities. STEPS consultants are data driven and look at the needs of each child individually when developing clinical programs and behavior management programs. STEPS therapists and consultants are also person-centered and adhere to a more humanistic philosophy in understanding and interacting with the children that we service. The goal of STEPS is to help each individual serviced to reach their full potential for happiness and independence.

Jennifer Might, MA, BCBA is the founder and owner of STEPS. She has been working with children diagnosed with autism for 14 years in a variety of capacities, including school and home based services. She has her Masters degree in Psychology from Duquesne University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has done extensive research on children diagnosed with autism in the inclusive setting and has authored articles relating to autism in the Encyclopedia of Special Education 2^nd ed.

STEPS is a Provider for the Ohio Department of Education's Autism Scholarship Program
Autism Scholarship Program »

Parent Testimonials

"STEPS has provided our child with a highly structured intensive teaching program in a fun and nurturing environment. They acknowledge each child's individualism and meet their needs by using innovative ideas, delivered with a high level of energy and enthusiasm. The staff's love for their work is evident in everything they do!"

"My son has been working with STEPS for the last three years. When he started, he had little language, no social skills, and I thought that he may never potty train. We saw him come out of his shell and reengage with the world. The great thing about STEPS is that they are not afraid to try new things. If a child is not learning a desired skill, they change the way it is being taught or reintroduce it when it becomes more meaningful. STEPS has been a great support and ally in our journey to find our son."

"We have been able to enjoy so many proud moments with our 2 children that have attended STEPS for 2 years because they have benefitted so much from the intervention they have received at STEPS.

Guiding Principles of STEPS

1) Honoring the child. We focus on a person-centered philosophy. Our therapists take time to get to know and develop a connection with each child in order to better assess what their needs are. It is our belief that in order to teach a child we need to understand that child.

2) Believing in the potential of each child that we work with. We understand that it is our responsibility to believe in the children so they can, in turn, believe in themselves. Our goal at STEPS is to help each child reach their full potential and develop healthy self-esteem and self-efficacy.

3) Recognizing the importance of creating a positive atmosphere. We understand that creating a positive atmosphere promotes success and achievement in the children that we service.

4) Recognizing the value of using researched based teaching methods, as well as collecting and analyzing data in order to determine effectiveness of methods we use. We believe that this can successfully be combined with a humanistic person- centered approach in how we view and understand the children that we service.

5) Understanding that the children that we service need to be taught, not changed. We honor the individual differences that each child brings.

6) Educating the community on autism. It is our goal to educate the community on autism so the individuals that we service can successfully participate in community activities outside of STEPS. It is our belief that if people understand autism, they are more likely to accept the differences of individuals diagnosed with autism.