The Communication and Adaptive Behavior Program is an educational program designed to meet the needs of students who exhibit unique learning styles, often, but not always, associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This program offers classrooms at the early childhood, primary, and intermediate levels (to eighth grade) all housed within Channahon School District #17 located in Channahon, Illinois and Joliet, Illinois. The Communication and Adaptive Behavior Program provides a highly structured instructional setting that incorporates a high teacher-to-student ratio. Teachers, instructional assistants, and the related service personnel of speech-language therapy and occupational therapy are trained in evidence-based methodologies. The methodologies are primarily related to the principles of applied behavior analysis, chosen because of the proven effectiveness in facilitating the skills and utmost potential of our students. Physical therapy services are provided as dictated by a student’s individualized education plan. Individual and group instruction is provided with an initial focus on learning those skills to be a “natural learner” across environments. Academic, functional, and social skills are taught and generalization across materials, instructors, and settings. Students receive adaptive physical education classes daily.

Opportunities for educational and social experiences with students with typical learning styles are orchestrated on an individual basis for the C.A.B. students. Parent involvement is encouraged through daily communication notes, a parent support group, and family problem-solving sessions which are offered at least one time each semester, and open visits to the classrooms. Ongoing consultative services from a communication and behavior specialist are provided and include training opportunities for teams and families, analysis of skill acquisition and behavior replacement data, and student rate of growth related to generalization and retention of acquired skills.