Since 1983, the Autism Treatment Center of America has provided The Son-Rise Program for parents and professionals caring for children challenged by Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and other developmental difficulties. The Son-Rise Program teaches a specific and comprehensive system of treatment and education designed to help families and caregivers enable their children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication and skill acquisition. It offers highly effective educational techniques, strategies and principles for designing, implementing and maintaining a stimulating, high-energy, one-on-one, home-based, child-centered program.
SEE OUR PROGRAM GUIDESON-RISE PROGRAM PRINCIPLESWhat Makes
The Son-Rise Program
So Different?
The Son-Rise Program was the first to suggest that children with these diagnoses had the potential for extraordinary healing and growth.
The Son-Rise Program innovated an educational treatment modality which included joining children instead of going against them. The program places parents as key teachers, therapists and directors of their own programs and utilizes the home as the most nurturing environment in which to help their children. The Son-Rise Program dared to suggest that respect and deep caring would be the most important factor impacting a child’s motivation to learn, and from the beginning has made love and acceptance a meaningful part of every teaching process. Employing this attitude, we first seek to create bonding and a safe environment. We then apply sound, time-tested educational strategies pioneered by The Son-Rise Program. These principles remain a cornerstone of our approach.
SUPPORTING RESEARCH & STUDIESHow Do Son-Rise Program Principles & Techniques Benefit Children With Special Needs?
JOINING
Joining in a child’s repetitive and ritualistic behaviors supplies the key to unlocking the mystery of these behaviors and facilitates eye contact, social development and the inclusion of others in play.
UTILIZING MOTIVATION
Utilizing a child’s own motivation advances learning and builds the foundation for education and skill acquisition.
TEACHING THROUGH PLAY
Teaching through interactive play results in effective and meaningful socialization and communication.
THE “THREE E’s”
Using energy, excitement and enthusiasm engages the child and inspires a continuous love of learning and interaction.
EMPLOYING A NONJUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE
Employing a nonjudgmental and optimistic attitude maximizes the child’s enjoyment, attention and desire throughout their Son-Rise Program.
THE PARENT IS A CHILDS #1 RESOURCE
Placing the parent as the child’s most important and lasting resource provides a consistent and compelling focus for training, education and inspiration.
CREATING THE OPTIMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Creating a safe, distraction-free work/play area facilitates the optimal environment for learning and growth.