A model of intervention is most often determined by the specific needs of the child and family. The service models are designed to provide the most appropriate amount and frequency of consultation for each programme; this may depend upon the age of your child, the amount of time he / she spends in school and the weekly number of one-to-one therapy hours provided by your home team.

Many children begin a home programme at a young age and need to learn how to learn with guidance towards and through an intensive programme. These programmes, based upon Dr. Lovaas' model, require a high level of supervision. Other children need to gather tools for a successful school entrance, while others require skills that help them in school and on the playground. These children require consistent but less frequent consultation. Finally, for those children who require only specific skill acquisition or behaviour reduction strategies, less frequent supervision is required.

At the Centre for Early Autism Treatment, we recognize that as children grow so do their unique needs. To meet the needs of all children we are able to offer the following models:

The Intensive Model : This model most closely represents the work of Dr. Lovaas in his research programme. The Model offers five hours of consultation from a Programme Supervisor per week and monthly Clinic Supervision visits. This model is recommended for pre-school aged-children and those who have over twenty-five hours of therapy per week.

 The Weekly Model : This model offers three hours of consultation from a Programme Supervisor per week and monthly Clinic Supervision visits. This model is also recommended for pre-school and school aged children who receive over twenty hours of therapy per week.

The Fortnightly Model: This model offers six hours of consultation per month, most often provided in two fortnightly visits, with a Supervisor or Director as a primary clinician. Quarterly Clinic Supervision or bi-annual Clinic Reviews are provided respectively. This model is most appropriate for either pre-school children doing an intensive programme or school-aged children receiving 15 - 25 hours of therapy per week.

The Monthly Model: This model is offered to older children who attend school on a full-time basis. The level of supervision provided within this model is discussed between the family and the Directors in order to best meet the needs of the child.

The Workshop Model: This model allows children in regions outside of Northern Ireland to receive services every 6-12 weeks. Although children are not seen as frequently, we feel that with direct communication and support from families this can be a very productive model.