The Watson Institute Behavior Support Academy (WIBSA)

Exceptional Children Achieving Exceptional Results

301 Camp Meeting Rd.
Sewickley, PA  15143
412-741-1800

The Watson Institute Behavior Support Academy for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other communication behavior disorders is a program at Watson's Sewickley campus.  It is our intention to serve students in this program with considerable behavior challenges, but for whom their team feels, with intensive behavioral support for a relatively short period of time, would be able to return to a less restrictive setting.  Students appropriately served in this program can benefit from an adapted academic program but because of their behavior challenges need a program that is highly structured and systematic.  The goal of The Watson Institute Behavior Support Academy is to develop and implement a Positive Behavior Support program for each student within a rich learning environment.  When the student is making progress and the team feels the child is able to attend classes in his/her home district, Watson staff will support the transition back to the district.  the Positive behavior Support Plan will be implemented in the school district with the support of Watson staff.

• Staffing ratio is one classroom team member to every two students.
• Students also benefit from services including occupational therapy, speech language therapy, physical therapy, social workers and board certified behavior analysts.
• Students are assessed using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills - Revised (ABLLS-R) and/or the Verbal Behavior milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) along with other instruments or assessment techniques identified by the staff.
• Program staff include seasoned technicians with expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis and TEACCH strategies such as visual schedules and work systems within a highly structured program.  Staff are well supported by Watson Institute professionals with years of experience with special needs populations.
• Program is supported by a board certified behavior analyst.
• Opportunities available for community based instruction on site and in the community.
• Individualized curriculum for each student.

For more information on the WIBSA program contact Meagan Trimbur at 412-749-2805 or meagant@thewatsoninstitute.org.