Our Approach
Start with motivation, not compliance
We use Pivotal Response Treatment to understand what engages a child, create meaningful opportunities to communicate, and teach skills within real interactions.
How Pivotal Response Treatment works
Pivotal Response Treatment focuses on a small number of foundational areas that can influence many other skills. We follow the child's motivation, offer meaningful choices, and use natural reinforcement so learning stays connected to the activity itself.
- The child has meaningful choices during sessions
- Interests and preferred activities are used to support engagement
- Attempts are reinforced, not only perfect responses
- Communication and social initiation are practiced naturally
- Skills are taught with carryover across people, places, and routines
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Curriculum
The Early Start Denver Model is a play-based, developmental and behavioral approach created for young autistic children. Teaching happens through relationships, everyday routines and activities the child already enjoys. The curriculum helps identify a child's current skills, set individualized goals and track progress across developmental areas.
- Uses play and natural daily routines as learning opportunities
- Builds communication, social engagement, imitation, cognition and daily living skills
- Follows the child's interests while creating frequent opportunities to learn
- Includes individualized objectives based on the child's developmental profile
- Encourages active collaboration with parents and caregivers
What are NDBIs?
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions combine developmental science with behavioral principles. Learning is embedded in play, relationships, routines, interests, and everyday environments so skills are relevant and meaningful to the individual.
- Learning through natural interactions and activities
- Following the individual's interests and motivation
- Developmentally appropriate goals and expectations
- Skills practiced where they matter in daily life
- Active collaboration with parents and caregivers
What this looks like in practice
Follow the Child's Motivation
Interests and choices help us identify when a child is ready to engage and what will make learning meaningful.
Create Natural Opportunities
Communication and social skills are practiced during play, routines, and real interactions instead of isolated drills.
Reinforce the Attempt
Effort and meaningful communication are acknowledged so children are encouraged to keep trying.
Respect Communication
Discomfort, refusal, and changes in engagement provide information. Sessions adjust rather than pushing through.
Coach the Family
Parents learn why strategies work and how to use them during daily routines outside therapy.
Build for Generalization
Skills are taught with different people, settings, and activities so progress is useful beyond a session.
Therapy should feel meaningful
We do not view progress as a checklist of isolated skills. We work to create learning experiences that help individuals participate more fully in relationships, routines, communities, and the parts of life that matter to them.
See whether The Finding Place is the right fit
We welcome questions about our philosophy, services, insurance, and intake process.