Established in 1981, the program uses structured, skill-oriented training tailored to the students strengths and weaknesses. The Autistic Children's Program currently operates classrooms in six cities. Each class of six to seven students is staffed with a certified teacher and a teacher assistant. The coordinators, support staff and teachers implement the IEP as a team. The focus of the instructional program depends on both the child's age and skill level.
Most younger children use a developmental curriculum emphasizing communication and cognitive skills.
If necessary, basic self-care skills like dressing, toileting, and eating are taught. Instruction with older students emphasizes the basic skills needed to function as independently as possible in the community and work world. Establishing or strengthening meaningful, functional communication is critical in all classes. There is a strong focus on parents as active collaborators in all aspects of their child's educational process. During the child's enrollment in the Autistic Children's Program, he or she receives an evaluation which includes medical, developmental, educational, and psychological testing.