EPIC School | Paramus, New Jersey Autism and ABA - EPIC School | Paramus, New Jersey

Autism and ABA

EPIC School, Paramus, New Jersey - Young girl teaching autistic child

Understanding Autism

Autism is classified as a pervasive developmental disorder that typically can be observed within a child’s first three years of life. Individuals with autism can display a combination of characteristics such as impairment of social skills, impairment of language and communication and/or restricted range of interests and rigidity of routines.

Individuals with autism may engage in behavior that is different than that of neuro-typically developing individuals, but they are similar in many ways. Individuals with autism can learn many skills that address the impairments that they have. With individualized education focusing on the specific needs of each child, adolescent, and young adult, some individuals with autism can learn to live lives that require minimal support.

Autism Facts & Figures

Below are some relevant facts about autism that are offered to help understand how autism affects the population. Please refer to our Autism Resource Center to find more information about autism, and how you can help.

  • The most recent reports show that autism affects 1 in 50 children born in the United States
  • New Jersey has the highest prevalence rate of autism affecting 1 in 49 children and 1 in 29 boys
  • Autism prevalence figures continue to rise and these numbers are only partially explained by better diagnosis
  • Autism affects more children than diabetes, aids, cancer, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, or down syndrome combined.
  • Funding for autism research is less than 5% of other less prevalent childhood diseases
  • There is no medical detection or cure for autism
  • The most effective and scientifically validated methods to educate individuals with autism are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis.

Applied Behavior Analysis

When used to educate individuals with autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be described as the application of the science of behavior to effect meaningful changes to the educational, social, and personal lives of the individuals being served.

Procedures based on the principles of ABA use reinforcement to teach new skills to individuals with autism. Years of research have shown that behavior that is followed by a desired consequence (reinforcement) is more likely to occur again. Using that information, procedures within applied behavior analysis utilize reinforcement to teach new skills and increase pro-social behavior and withhold reinforcement for disruptive behavior and responding that is incompatible with the targeted skills. Those targeted skills are often broken down into smaller component parts that are each taught until they are mastered and then combined. The emphasis on the smaller components of the skill helps to create a solid foundation for the completion of not only the targeted task, but other similar tasks that the learner will eventually complete. Data are recorded on each component of the skill to monitor progress and make objective decisions regarding programming.

EPIC News

EPIC School Announces New Executive Director
Jun 04, 2015
Westwood UNICO Supports Autism Education
Aug 16, 2014
A Night for Autism
Bergenfield High School Softball team supports EPIC
Jul 18, 2013
Dr. Paul Argott EPIC School Paramus New Jersey
EPIC's Dr. Paul Argott on Fox News
Jun 11, 2013
New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie Visits EPIC to kick off Autism Awareness Month
NJ First Lady Mary Pat Christie Kicks Off Autism Awareness Month at The EPIC School
Apr 04, 2011

EPIC School | 238 N. Farview Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 | PHONE: 201-576-0600 | FAX: 201-576-0699 | epic@epicschool.org

EPIC FAQs

What type of school is EPIC?
The Educational Partnership for Instructing Children (EPIC) is a non-profit school dedicated to providing educational services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

What are the ages of your students?
EPIC accepts students between the ages of 3 and 21 years old. The current student population includes students between 5 and 21 years old.

How long is the school day?
Students arrive at 8:45 am and are dismissed at 2:45 pm.

What is the average class size?
Classes range from 3-6 students per class with students matched based on age and level of functioning.

What is EPIC’s teaching method?
EPIC used methods derived from the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to teach skills, increase independence, and reduce disruptive behavior.

Do you provide related services?
No. Skills that are addressed through related services such as OT, PT, and Speech, are addressed at EPIC using behavior analytic principles and are integrated within each student’s day.

What is your staff-to-student ratio?
The ratio of staff-to-students at EPIC is 1:1 throughout the school.

What are the qualifications of your teachers?
Each classroom has a minimum of 1 state certified teacher with either a Teacher of the Handicapped or Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification and an appropriate grade level certification when necessary. Instructional aides hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology, education, or a related field.

Do you transition students back to general education?
Students who display per-requisite skills are eligible to participate in EPIC’s inclusion program which systematically includes students into a general education setting while maintaining student success.

Are you a full year program?
EPIC’s school year consists of 210 school days including an extended school year program. Students attend EPIC for 183 days between September and June and complete an additional 27 days in July and August.

Do you provide parent training?
Included with EPIC’s clinical program is home consultation in which EPIC staff go to the family home to work with parents, siblings, and caregivers to provide them with the tools necessary to effectively interact with the EPIC student.

Do the students go out into the community?
Many of our students participate in community programming that includes shopping at various stores, working at job sites, participating in religious services, among others. All community programs are attached to IEP goals and are intended to address specific skill deficits.

How do I get my child on your referral list?
In order to be placed on the referral list parents or districts are asked to complete the Intake Request Form. All interested parties are welcome and encouraged to come to EPIC for a tour and presentation with EPIC personnel. If interested in pursuing placement, a file should be submitted to the Principal’s attention at 238 N. Farview Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652.

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