KAA provides a continuum of evidence‑based services tailored to the strengths and needs of autistic children and their families. Training is provided on a one teacher: one student basis, for greater impact and improvement. Individualised training plans are designed for all students. Below is a brief overview.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – ABA uses positive reinforcement to teach socially significant skills—communication, daily living, play, fine motor skills, and academic readiness. ABA focuses on teaching small, measurable units of behaviour systematically. Each skill, from relatively simple responses e.g. looking at others to complex acts e.g. spontaneous communication and social interaction, is broken down into small steps, and taught to the child until he/she masters it.
Treatment & Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) – This approach emphasises visual schedules, clearly organised work systems, and environmental supports to promote independence and reduce anxiety. TEACCH strategies are woven into classroom routines. This programme is to train students to do tasks or activities independently. These measures are beneficial for students with autism who are frequently held back by their inability to work independently in a variety of situations.
Sensory Integration & Motor Skills – Many children with autism experience sensory processing issues – they may be averse to loud noises, bright lights, touch and smells. Often, these sensory issues need to be dealt with before the children can focus and learn. The Gym room has a variety of equipment, that aim to improve the child’s motor coordination, muscular control, voluntary movement, learning ability and concentration. The activities for each student are different based on their individualised programmes.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – PECS teaches functional communication using picture cards. It is a simple and unique alternative training package which is developed for use in children with autism and other social communication deficits. The children are trained to communicate with adults by showing picture cards of objects to indicate what they want.
School-Age Social Skills Groups
Weekly groups focus on social skills, emotional regulation, and problem‑solving, blending role‑play with real‑life practice. Children are taught through interactive activities to stimulate and motivate them to explore their surroundings. These activities also teach the children about turn-taking and sharing.
The Centre also provides Hands-on training and Seminars for parents, as we believe that parents are the best job-coaches and trainers in the home environment. As parents work together with KAA teachers, training at the Centre is reinforced and strengthened by further training at home. This is crucial for children aged 7 years and below, as research has shown that children at this age respond well to intervention and therapy.
The Centre also trains students of all ages in Personal hygiene and Living skills and provides Pre-Vocational training for students aged 12 and above, under the Secondary Instruction Programme.
Pre-Vocational Training – The aim is to train students in housekeeping, laundry and cooking, gardening, packing and sorting, art and craft, income generating skills (e.g. beadwork, handmade items, baked goods), and functional academic skills.
The more academically inclined students are taught comprehension, use of a dictionary, a calendar, a calculator, the concept of money and mathematics. and basic office skills such as typing, laminating, sealing envelopes, stapling, filling and photocopying.