Dynamic Minds
The Center for Dynamic Minds
offers therapeutic education for children with home,
parent-based RDI Programs.
Mission: To promote
collaboration, problem-solving, dynamic communication,
flexible and creative thinking, and self-awareness for
dynamic intelligence in children with autism spectrum
disorders.
Program: We use the RDI
Program as our primary intervention for autism at
Dynamic Minds. The center supports the child's home
program with daily, direct extension, incorporating the
cognitive, social, and emotional remediation objectives
into the child's entire day. All of the activities at
the center are dynamic in nature and
individualized to meet the child’s individual objectives
and goals. We aim to build the foundations needed for
successful quality of life in real-world settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum
is based on the Indiana State Academic Standards. Our
approach used to meet these standards is dynamic,
experiential, and individualized based on the needs of
every child and adolescent. While many standards are
static in nature, some require developmental components
that are targeted with RDI. We also incorporate
functional skills into the curriculum.
Other therapies: At the
center, we understand that individuals with ASD have
co-occurring needs. We collaborate with outside
professionals to incorporate occupational, speech
therapy, and any other therapies needed for each child.
We utilize behavior modification to target
non-symptomatic behaviors. Students may allow attend
outside courses with an extender, like home school gym,
swimming, or art classes, etc.
Students: While most of the students at Dynamic Minds have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, we do not limit dynamic intelligence and developmental remediation to only those with ASD. Children and adolescents ages 4-22 may attend the center. Students must be meeting their RDI Program objectives in their home environment, facilitated by an RDI Program Certified Consultant.
Staff: Our staff is committed to provide best
practices to individuals with ASD. We have a range of
educational backgrounds, including social work,
education/special education, and speech therapy. RDI
Program Certified Consultants train and supervise the
“extenders” on the RDI objectives. Our Educational
Coordinator monitors and individualizes the curriculum
of each student. Extenders work with students at 1:1
ratio.
Facility/Capacity: Until
June 2011, our center’s capacity is 8 children and 4
adolescents. We are committed to quality of services,
keeping enrollment limited while we ensure progress is
exceptional with all of our students. The center has 3
open therapy rooms, two large group rooms (lunch and
group activities), calming space, and sensory gym.
Separate from the main center and near the office, we
have a large room for our adolescent students. We have
frequent outings during the week, especially in the
warmer weather, in order for the child to meet
objectives in more dynamic, complex
environments. Home extension is also available with
no limit on number of children served.
Schedule: Our center hours are 9:00am-3:00pm M-F and 3:00-5:00pm for after school extension. Home extension can extend to evening hours and weekends based on needs of child and family. Students may receive extension on a part-time basis for 6-15 hours or full-time basis for 18-30 hours per week. Students attending for less than 9 hours will receive RDI Program services only.
Lunch is between 11:30-12:30 which allows for
transitions, socialization, independent play, and
sensory integration. Students are engaged in 1:1
individualized treatment and dynamic curriculum,
with the exception of 3 group times during the day. RDI
Programming makes up 70 percent of the students daily
focus.
Enrollment: To enroll in
Dynamic Minds, the family and student must be beginning
or involved in a home, RDI Program. We know that it is
best practice to have consistency across environments.
Sessions are January-June and July-December. Please
contact a consultant to learn more.
Cost: Fees for direct extension services are separate from the home program. The cost is $45 per hour. We offer financial assistance to those who qualify. Many insurance policies are reimbursing and covering these services. Please contact our office to find out how to seek approval. Our office staff will assist you in any way we can.