Programs for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Devereux Releases National Outcomes Report Devereux’s latest annual report outlines the organization’s national outcomes data, its 2026-28 strategic plan and its show of supporters across the country. Devereux ASCEND The Devereux ASCEND Career Accelerator Program provides employees with the career guidance, one-on-one coaching, skills and financial assistance they need to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally. Video: Welcome to Devereux MA/RI Devereux MA/RI provides specialized services and supports for individuals with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences at all stages of their lives. Learn how we provide hope and healing to those in need. Become a Foster Parent Open your heart and home to a child, adolescent or young adult in need, and give them a chance to fulfill their unique potential and build a better tomorrow. Call us at (508) 829-6769. Turn down the volume on negative self-talk Did you know that negative self-talk can significantly impact your happiness, concentration and overall quality of life? Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers strategies to help you shift your inner soundtrack.
Residential Services Group Homes Special Education - Schools for Residential and Day Students CARES School - Center for Autism Resources and Education Services Diagnostic Services Become a Foster Parent Therapeutic/Intensive Foster Care Emergency Residences Adult Services Become an Adult Shared Living Provider	Programs for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders Devereux offers programs for youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that incorporate various living arrangements, including on-campus units and group homes in Massachusetts. The goal of our programs is to help youth improve in the following areas: Increase ability to initiate and maintain positive social relationships Enhance functional living abilities to support greater self-sufficiency Replace challenging behaviors with effective prosocial strategies Decrease chronic feelings of anxiety and improve sensory processing Enhance academic performance and develop vocational competencies Population Served Males, ages 5 to 21, who face challenges in the areas of social communication, social cognition and self-regulation. These youth typically exhibit primary difficulties consistent with: Asperger’s syndrome High-functioning autism Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified Nonverbal learning disability In addition, these youth often carry secondary diagnoses including: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Oppositional defiant disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder Major depressive disorder Treatment Philosophy The foundation of our treatment is Positive Behavior Support. Multi-disciplinary teams conduct a thorough assessment of each child’s abilities to create individualized behavior support plans based on the child’s strengths and needs. These plans are designed to improve self-efficacy with a systematic focus on social pragmatic skills. By integrating applied behavior analytic methods with a relational approach, Devereux offers youth and their families a cohesive, supportive and evidence-based model of treatment. In addition to core approaches, a full range of services are provided for optimum care: Functional assessment of behavior 24/7 focus on social skills development Functional living skills development Speech and language therapy Family support group and aftercare planning Occupational therapy (fine/gross motor skills) Creation of a “sensory profile” of each youth Regular therapeutic recreation Expressive arts Animal care therapy Adventure-based counseling Vocational training