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Providing Clinical, Educational, and Vocational Services to the Greater New Orleans
Autism Community.

Chartwell Center is a New Orleans nonprofit (501c3) working to make a difference in the autism community. We are in our 20th year educating and providing clinical services to children and adults with autism. Currently, we provide a wide variety of services including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), academic services, and vocational training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pieces to the Chartwell Puzzle

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Our ABA Clinic implements Applied Behavior Analysis for children ages 3 to 7 who are on the autism spectrum. We work with our children on important skill building with the goal of returning them to a mainstream classroom. One highly trained staff member works with one child, and we offer opportunities for inclusion like trips to the library, horseback riding, and other community-based activities outside of Chartwell.

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The Center is set up for children and adolescents between 8 and 21 years old who are on the autism spectrum. Here, our teachers and staff utilize the UNIQUE Curriculum in combination with ABA principles to provide a structured and safe learning environment. Staff to client ratios are between 1:1 and 1:2. Our goals in Center can range from solidifying communication systems, increasing socialization in a collaborative environment, to making strides academically.

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The PATH Program is Chartwell’s gem – unique in its service to the New Orleans community, and on the cutting edge of best practices for adults on the spectrum.  We offer services to adults, 21 and over, on the autism spectrum.  Our focus is to guide individuals to reach their fullest potential in their independent living, social, and vocational endeavors.  Our adults have been integrated into and are a part of the New Orleans community. We have jobs at local businesses that include The Marriott Hotels, Audubon Zoo, and Theo’s Pizza; as well as our own enterprise The PATH Program Dog Treats.

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Chartwell believes that education creates change. It drives what we do with our staff, the individuals that we serve, and our community. Outreach and training represent the fourth piece to our puzzle. Chartwell hosts interns from Tulane University, works with the LSU Speech-Language Pathology Program, and is always looking for new opportunities to broaden the visibility and understanding of autism in New Orleans. Please reach out for current training offerings and ways to connect with Chartwell.

Our Four Guiding Pillars

ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses evidence-based assessments and interventions to reduce problem behaviors and increase communication, social/play, and adaptive skills. Research has proven ABA to be an effective therapy for those on the Autism Spectrum. ABA at Chartwell is covered through medical insurance. We utilize a combination of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to teach, generalize, and maintain skills. We believe parent involvement in ABA is crucial to our success and work to involve parents in goal selection and to train parents on effective strategies for their child.

Community Based Instruction

Community Based Instruction (CBI) is a method of teaching that takes students out of the classroom to teach them functional skills in the natural environment. CBI targets skills that are meaningful to individuals and to families. The goal is to teach valuable skills like vocational skills as well as things like how to ride public transport, how to go grocery shopping, and how to order in a restaurant. CBI allows students to generalize their skills in new environments and promotes independence and self-esteem. Not only that, but going out into the community means spreading autism awareness to our neighbors.

Arts Integration

At Chartwell, we know that exposure to the arts and the creative process can benefit a student’s cognitive and emotional development. When appropriate, visual and performing arts are included in curriculum via project-based learning. For some students, arts integration means using art to teach fine motor skills, imitation, and so much more. Art is also taught as a play skill and as an appropriate outlet for sensory stimulation that so many of our students require. Our talented resident music therapist, Meredith Sharpe, of Sharpe Notes LLC leads group and individual music therapy sessions for all our students.

Health & Wellness

It is common for parents of children and adults with autism to have dietary and health concerns. This is why our dedicated staff keeps our students physically engaged and seizes teaching opportunities to encourage healthy eating behaviors. Our students participate in activities like meditation, yoga, basketball, physical play, walks in the park, and more. When possible, our students learn to prepare healthy meals and snacks for themselves embedding nutrition into this life skill. Our PATH students tend to our urban garden planting and harvest seasonal crops. Our goal is for all of our students to lead a healthy and happy life.

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