CONNECTIONS INTERNSHIP CONSORTIUM

General Information

NCA was started to meet the need for alternative school environment to promote success in students with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.  NCA serves a population of children and adolescents ages 6-22 who require more specialized teaching and treatment specific to the needs and features of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Interns at NCA are afforded the opportunity to engage in individual, group, family therapy and crisis management with students of this population. Interns also have involvement in collaborating with the extended day program, which is designated for students who needs more structure and a continuation of skill building during after school hours.  Additionally, Interns at NCA are trained to utilize the SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support) educational and therapeutic model to determine the student’s developmental level and areas in need for improvement for their Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Interns at NCA also receive targeted training in peer supervision, as well as psychoeducational assessment, including the administration and interpretation of psychological testing.  Because NCA provides a therapeutic milieu with a full array of related services, Interns also have the opportunity to receive experience in consultation and multi-disciplinary team collaboration with professionals from the following disciplines: Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry, and School Health (Nursing) Services, Behavioral Intervention Specialists and Post Secondary Transition Specialists.