Our Mission • Range of Services • Information & Referrals • Summer Program • Therapy Program
Our Mission
To help individuals who have developmental, behavioral, or learning disabilities be successful in their homes, schools, jobs, and communities often requires specialized supports. Families and professionals who care for these individuals can receive training and consultative services from Groden Center specialists through its Community Support Services (CSS) department.
Range of Services
The CSS Department is comprised of a team of experienced professionals representing different specialty areas including: psychology, applied behavior analysis, and special education. Services are tailored to meet the needs of the referring agent and may include:
Specialty Evaluations – Behavioral/functional analysis, psychological evaluation, diagnostic evaluations, vocational assessment
Program Consultation – On site assessment, treatment, and consultation services for individuals, schools, group homes, families, and other agencies involved in the treatment of individuals with behavioral and/or developmental disabilities. Specialized assessment and intervention programs are designed according to the specific needs of the individual, classroom, agency, and/or family. These may include: individualized or classroom/school-wide behavior intervention plans, individual or group based therapeutic interventions, educational or vocational programming. Training in the implementation of these programs is provided in schools, work, home, or other agency settings. Services can be requested for short term or on-going consultation and are provided across Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut.
Group Therapy – Social skills groups are conducted at the CSS office during the summer months. Throughout the school year, educational agencies can request on-site group therapy services and training in conducting group programs on a contractual basis.
Professional Development /Parent Training – Presentations and workshops are provided on a wide variety of topics related to developmental and behavioral disabilities. Topics may include but are not limited to: Positive Behavioral Supports, Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Asperger Syndrome), Relaxation and Picture Rehearsal, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Applied Behavior Analysis/ Functional assessment, Social Skills Training, Functional curriculum and instructional strategies.
Referral Process
School or agency administrators, other service providers, individuals, or family members can contact the CSS Referral and Service Coordinator at 274-6310, ext. 1242. Initial referral information will be gathered to determine the general nature of the service needs and potential funding source. Funding typically comes from local school departments or state agencies such as those serving children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Once a contractual agreement is developed, a specialist is assigned to the case and services are initiated.
2010 Summer Program
The Community Support Services program at the Groden Center is once again proud to offer comprehensive six-week summer social groups for children and adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome. The groups focus on providing children and adolescents with Asperger's with the opportunity to meet and interact with peers who have similar strengths and needs. Skills training focuses on the development of skills needed to promote friendship development and stress management. Grants for the summer program are currently available for families who qualify.
The groups will be run by Dr. Kelley Pistacchio and Kristen Petrella, LCSW.Dr. Pistacchio is a licensed clinical psychologist and director of the Community Support Services program, while Ms. Petrella is a clinical social worker who specializes in Asperger's Syndrome.
For more information on the two summer group programs being offered in 2010, please click on the links below for a full brochure. You can also call Maggie Powers at (401)274-6310, ext. 1242 with any questions you may have.
Therapy Programs
The Community Support Services program at the Groden Center is proud to offer therapy programs for children and adults. The groups will focus on social awareness, problem solving, stress and anger management, and self evaluation and awareness. Skills
training focuses on the development of skills needed to promote
friendship development and stress management.