Center for Autism + Developmental Disabilities (C.A.D.D.) 

Transforming the developmental disabilities community 

Special Needs Network operates the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) a full-service autism health and community center delivering comprehensive medical and developmental services in the historic Watts/Willowbrook/Compton neighborhood. 

Located on the campus of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, the CADD provides young people and their families with compassionate, integrated diagnoses and intervention services, speech, occupational, physical, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies to primarily Medi-Cal recipients, uninsured, and low-to-moderate-income families. Through our partner, St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, families receive medical and dental care. Additional services include early intervention therapy programs for toddlers, a free legal clinic, a family resource center, vocational and skills training, and afterschool diversion programs.

Behavior Therapy

Building skills and advancing positive behaviors

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy aims to teach and reinforce new skills and positive behaviors while reducing behaviors that interfere with progress. Studies have found ABA to be an effective intervention, especially when introduced consistently and at a young age. 

SNN provides ABA through Discrete Trial Training (DTT), play therapy, natural environment training, and social skills. Every child works with a therapist several times a week toward individualized goals ― stepping stones toward the level of performance of a more typically developing child. The ultimate goal is to provide every child access to opportunities and environments available to their typical counterparts.  

Supporting and educating parents

A Parent Education component is central to all of our programs. SNN prioritizes delivering parents the support and resources they need to help the whole family thrive. Support and intervention for children in the home are essential to providing intervention. 

We work with parents on individualized programs designed to reinforce, in different environments, the therapy that children receive from SNN. This includes a written, step-by-step plan outlining how caregivers can best respond to various situations to help build language, social, and motor skills.

We also teach parents and caregivers the skills they need to advocate for children in educational, therapeutic, and social settings.  

In addition, SNN professionals provide:

+ Referrals and links to additional special needs services
+ Comprehensive primary and preventative medical care
+ Behavioral health services and assessments

Our Services

ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis): Focuses on teaching skills and reducing challenging behaviors through structured interventions based on principles of behavior science. Our therapists use data-driven approaches to create individualized treatment plans that support each child’s unique needs. ABA therapy helps children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions build functional life skills such as communication, social interaction, and self-management.

Speech Therapy: Addresses communication and language disorders, helping children improve their ability to understand and express themselves. Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with children to enhance speech, language, social communication, and literacy skills. Therapy may include articulation therapy, language comprehension, social skills training, and interventions for feeding or swallowing disorders.

Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities (or “occupations”) at home, school, and in the community. This may include fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care skills (like dressing or eating), and more. OTs provide customized strategies to help children improve their independence and quality of life in functional activities.

Social Skills: Help children by enabling them to build positive relationships, navigate social situations, and communicate effectively with others. Learning skills like sharing, taking turns, making eye contact, and expressing emotions appropriately allows children to interact confidently with peers and adults. Strong social skills not only support friendships but also improve collaboration, reduce conflicts, and foster emotional well-being. These abilities are essential for success in school, at home, and later in life, helping children feel understood, respected, and connected to their communities.

Parent Education: Is crucial for children with autism and developmental disabilities because it empowers parents with the tools and strategies they need to support their child’s development at home. By learning specific techniques for managing behavior, teaching new skills, and fostering communication, parents can create a consistent, structured environment that reinforces the child’s progress. Parent training also helps reduce stress, improve the parent-child relationship, and ensure that children receive the necessary support in their everyday lives. Ultimately, when parents are equipped with knowledge and confidence, children benefit from more effective interventions and a stronger foundation for growth and learning.

Policy and Procedures

Center Hours:
We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your child. Please find our standard hours of operation below:


Regular Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Holiday Hours:
Our center will be closed on the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

In the event of any additional closures, we will provide advance notice.

 

Sign-In and Pick up Process

To ensure the safety and well-being of every child, we have a structured sign-in and pick-up process in place. Please follow these procedures:

Sign-In Process:

  • Arrival Time: All children must be signed in upon arrival each day.
  • Sign-In Location: Please sign your child in at the designated sign-in area (e.g., front desk or check-in station).
  • Required Information: You will need to provide your child’s name, the time of arrival, and your signature. If applicable, please note any special instructions for
    the day (e.g., early pick-up, medication).
  • Authorized Persons: If someone other than the primary caregiver is dropping off, they must present photo identification, and a pre-approved authorization form must be on file. 

Pick-Up Process:

  • Authorized Pick-Up: Children will only be released to individuals listed on the child’s emergency contact or pick-up form. If someone else is picking up, please inform us in advance.
  • Photo Identification: For security reasons, we require photo identification from any authorized pick-up person.
  • Pick-Up Time: Please pick up your child promptly by session end time 
  • Sign-Out: When you pick up your child, please sign them out at the designated pick-up area. This includes writing the time of departure and your signature.

Special Instructions: If your child has any changes in their routine (e.g., after-school activities or medical needs), please communicate these details during pick-up.

Important Notes:

  • Emergency Contacts: Ensure that emergency contact information is up to date for anyone who may pick up your child.
  • Late Pick-Up Fees: A late fee will be assessed for pick-ups after the designated closing time.

Safety First: For the safety of all children, staff will verify the identity of all individuals picking up and will not release a child without proper identification.

This process ensures clarity, safety, and smooth transitions for both parents and staff. You can adjust times and policies to fit your center’s specific needs.

Appointment Scheduling and Cancellations:

  • Appointments must be scheduled in advance through our front desk or Center Scheduler.
  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Frequent cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may result to termination of services.
  • Consistent attendance is important for progress. We recommend maintaining regular therapy sessions for the best results.

Safety and Health Protocols:

  • We maintain a clean and safe environment for our clients and staff.
  • All clients are required to undergo a brief health screening before each session.
  • If your child is sick, please keep them at home to prevent the spread of illness.
  • Masks and sanitization protocols may be required during flu season or during periods of heightened health risks.

Diaper Changing Protocol: 

Our center follows a strict diaper-changing policy to ensure the health and safety of every child. Diapers will be changed regularly throughout the day, as well as whenever needed, based on each child’s individual schedule. Our center follows a two-person diaper changing policy to ensure safety and hygiene. Each diaper change is conducted by two trained staff members, with one handling the change and the other assisting with supervision and cleanliness. Staff members will follow proper hygiene procedures, including wearing gloves, sanitizing hands before and after changing, and using clean surfaces and wipes. Parents are asked to provide an adequate supply of diapers, wipes, and any other necessary supplies for their child. If your child has any specific preferences or requirements regarding diapering, please inform us so we can accommodate their needs.

Confidentiality and Privacy:

  • We adhere to all HIPAA guidelines to protect your child’s privacy.
  • All records related to therapy are confidential and will only be shared with authorized individuals with written consent.
  • Progress reports and other personal information will not be disclosed without your permission.

Roles and Responsibilities

Client and Family Expectations:

  • Communication: It is essential that families keep open lines of communication with their child’s therapy team. Regular updates and feedback are crucial
    to success
  • Collaboration: Family involvement in therapy is key. We encourage you to participate in sessions and practice strategies at home.
  • Attendance: Consistency in attending sessions helps maximize the benefits of therapy.

    Therapist Roles:

    • ABA Therapist: Our BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) or RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) will assess, create, and implement behavior
      intervention plans.
    • Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): The SLP will assess your child’s communication needs, design therapy activities, and track progress.
    • Occupational Therapist: Our OT will assess fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing needs, and daily living skills to develop a personalized
      treatment plan.
    • Social Skills Clinician: The staff’s role in developing social skills is to model, guide, and reinforce appropriate social behaviors, helping children learn how to interact, communicate, and build relationships with peers and adults.

      Center Support Team:

      • Receptionists/Front Desk Staff: Our support staff will assist with appointment scheduling, billing, and answering any general inquiries.
      • Therapy Coordinators: These professionals oversee day-to-day operations and ensure that your therapy schedule aligns with your child’s needs.

        Therapy Session Information

        What to Expect During ABA Therapy:

        • Initial Assessment: The first step is an assessment where the therapist evaluates your child’s behavior and needs.
        • Goal Setting: Based on the assessment, individualized goals will be created.
        • Ongoing Sessions: Sessions are typically 1-2 hours in length and may include structured activities, play-based learning, and behavior modification techniques.
        • Parent Training: Parents will be involved in the process and trained to implement strategies at home.

          What to Expect During Speech Therapy:

          • Initial Evaluation: The SLP will conduct a detailed assessment of your child’s speech and language skills.
          • Individualized Plan: A customized therapy plan will focus on areas like articulation, language comprehension, and social communication.
          • Session Activities: Sessions may include play, storytelling, exercises, and techniques to improve communication.

            What to Expect During Occupational Therapy:

            • Assessment and Goal Setting: Your child’s strengths and challenges will be evaluated to create a treatment plan focused on motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living tasks.
            • Therapy Activities: OT sessions may involve activities such as drawing, handwriting, puzzles, and exercises to strengthen motor coordination and sensory integration.

              Communication and Collaboration

              Parent and Caregiver Involvement:

              • Families are encouraged to stay engaged with the therapeutic process. Attending meetings, asking questions, and practicing strategies at home will lead to
                the best outcomes.
              • Regular parent conferences will be scheduled to discuss progress, challenges, and updates to the treatment plan.

              Progress Reports:

              • You will receive periodic written progress reports detailing your child’s achievements, challenges, and next steps.
              • Parents are welcome to request updates or reports at any time.

              Communication with Therapists and Staff:

              • You may contact therapists via email or phone to discuss progress or ask questions.
              • Please allow 24-48 hours for a response, as therapists are often in sessions with children.

              Additional Resources

              Recommended Activities and Home Exercises:

              • Your therapist will provide you with home activities and exercises to reinforce learning between sessions.
              • Resources may include visual supports, communication tools, or motor activities.

              Community Resources:

              • We maintain a list of local resources, including support groups, educational materials, and community events that may benefit your child and family.

              Support Groups:

              • Our center may offer parent support groups or collaborate with local organizations to provide a network of support for families navigating therapy and developmental challenges.

               

              Thank you for choosing our center for your child’s therapeutic needs. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, effective, and personalized care. If you ever
              have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we can help your child achieve their fullest potential.

              We look forward to being part of your child’s developmental journey!

               

              Get in touch to access services by calling 323.291.7100 or emailing snnaba@snnla.org

              Journey to the Autism Center