NJ Clinic Opens Inclusive After-School Program for Special Needs Kids & Their Siblings

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Aug. 29, 2022 - PRLog -- Graham Behavior Services, a growing agency supporting children and adults with autism and other behavior challenges, is pleased to launch "Later Gators," an innovative after-school program that brings together kids of all abilities for fun, engaging activities.

The inclusive program is open to school-age children with special needs, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and communication challenges, along with their siblings and other typically developing kids.

"The start of a new school year often comes with a mix of excitement and jitters for kids and parents alike. For families with special needs children, back-to-school time presents additional challenges, including finding supportive after-school programs," said Cara Graham, founder and executive director of Graham Behavior Services (GBS).

The new program begins September 12 and will be open four days a week, from 4-6 p.m., at the GBS clinic located on New Jersey State Highway 36, across from the Monmouth Park Racetrack.

Children from ages 3 to 10 will enjoy learning from one another as they explore arts and crafts, cooking, music and dance, games, gardening, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses and a host of other activities.

"We've created a warm and welcoming environment that blends children of all abilities, who learn and grow together through structured play guided by our caring, trained behavior therapists," said Mrs. Graham, a board-certified behavior analyst and former special education teacher.

GBS Clinical Director Jillian DeTiberiis noted that Later Gators meets a unique need of parents in search of an inclusive after-school setting for both their special needs children and siblings.

"We understand the difficulties that families face, and we are proud to offer a positive, accepting, and supportive environment where all children can realize their potential, and most of all, have fun when the school day ends," said Ms. DeTiberiis.

The GBS team tested the new program during the summer, said Ashley Kemmerer, director of clinical operations. All the recreation and physical activities align with the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), a method for increasing or decreasing targeted behaviors, she explained.

"It's rewarding to see how the children support each other and grow together in a space where everyone is valued," Ms. Kemmerer added.

GBS was founded by Mrs. Graham in 2013 to provide the community with "high quality, specialized therapy to help children and adults with autism and behavior challenges pursue productive, meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling lives."

In addition to Later Gators and individualized ABA therapy, GBS offers parenting workshops and coaching, school-based services, professional workshops for teachers, healthcare providers and fellow therapists, and other supportive programs at the clinic and in the community.

For more information, visit www.grahambehaviorservices.com or call 848-888-3204.