Threshold Academy
Threshold Academy was founded in 1985 as the Childhood Development Center with two programs: a school for children and youth, and a teacher's academy.
Threshold Academy was founded in 1985 as the Childhood Development Center with two programs: a school for children and youth, and a teacher's academy. Our Academy's school helps pre-school, elementary and middle school students to catch up and get ahead. Its students have not previously reached their potential; many have learning disabilities or ADD/ADHD diagnoses. Threshold Academy is a school for children with significant emotional and behavioral problems.
Threshold Academy is for your child if:
- Your child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder
- Your child seems unmotivated, unhappy or shows a lack of interest in school
- Your child underachieves in school
- Your child stands one or more years behind in any or all academic areas
How to Apply — Contact Threshold for enrollment information: 407-671-7060 extension #105.
For students and applicants in the Orlando / Winter Park area, please stop by the Threshold campus at 3550 N. Goldenrod Road in Winter Park.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) — Behavior modification is the method of choice due to its proven success. Parent involvement and intensive one to one instruction are critical components of the preschool program. Each student achieves success while proceeding step by step through a hierarchy of skills aimed at meeting his or her individual needs. Ongoing assessment and treatment of problem behaviors, along with ongoing analysis of learning, take place within the context of a data based program.
A Positive Approach — Using the latest technology in behavior management relies on the use of functional analysis in order to effect long lasting positive changes in behavior. Our goal is to develop self-confidence and self-control.
Instructional Methods — Our methods include discrete trial training, errorless teaching, applied verbal behavior, incidental teaching techniques, natural environment training, computers, augmentative communication systems, and community based training.
Curriculum — Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each child and is modified based on presenting behaviors and academic deficits.
Threshold Staff — Our staff are trained specifically for the positions they hold. Full time instructional staff include teachers of the handicapped, teaching assistants, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavior specialists, and classroom behavioral assistants. Staff training is ongoing through our technical support and training departments.
Communication Programs — Threshold provides individual speech and language instruction. Augmentative devices are used where appropriate. The PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), mechanical augmentative systems, and/or sign language may be used as alternative language systems or as tools to teach and encourage spoken language.
Home Programming — Consists of the collaborative efforts of parents, teachers, and classroom behavioral assistants working together in matters of behavior intervention and generalization of skills across settings.
Preschool Students — Attend a full day program emphasizing discrete trial training with one to one staffing.
Elementary Students — Young students are trained using applied behavior analysis. Academics, activities of daily living, communication, and social skills are stressed.
Interdepartmental Junior High and High School Programs — In addition to academics, activities of daily living, communication, and social skills, students receive vocational training in horticulture, food service, manufacturing, clerical, laundry, delivery, and contract work.
Day Programs — Threshold Center for Autism provides day programs for children and families who need this service on an individual basis. Please call us to find out more about our day programs.
Career Education
University Relationships — A unique, hands-on opportunity to grow professionally.
Threshold Center is the place that serves as the key to lifelong success for all those seeking hands-on experience and professional advancement in the study of autism. At Threshold we never stop growing and learning.
Behavior Students — Students in the field of applied behavior analysis, psychology, education, nursing, speech/language pathologists, occupational and physical therapy are welcome at Threshold. Our intense client population offers experience and training opportunities that are unparalleled in Central Florida. Our Functional Analysis Laboratory is the only one in Orlando and offers students and professors alike the opportunity to evaluate and video clients during their analytic sessions. Through the years many undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida have been employed at Threshold as trainers. For psychology, sociology, education, speech and hearing disorder majors, this experience is invaluable in preparing them for their careers.
As professionals you have been trained superbly in your specific disciplines. Let us help you become the best clinicians possible through learning how to apply our proven behavioral techniques in your specific practice field. All therapy is really about making changes in behavior that serve the health care needs of your clients and patients.
Continuing Education — Threshold offers continuing education for behavioral staff. Behavior analysts are encouraged to attend the Florida Association of Behavior Analysts annual meeting. This allows an opportunity to meet with professional peers and attend lectures and presentations of interest.
Trainers need to update their skills annually based upon requirements of the State of Florida. Threshold offers many of these courses on campus. Employees are paid while attending required courses.
Training programs and lectures are available for parents and others with an interest in autistic spectral disorders, legal information, and social services information. Threshold offers an array of courses to assist families in their day-to-day needs and future needs.