Is Your
Preschooler
on the
Autism Spectrum?

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Your child's treatment under one roof—tailored to build skills for greater independence.

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Our team of specialists coordinates treatment in a thoughtfully structured, preschool-style learning environment.

Building skills for greater independence.

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Developed by GulfSouth Autism Center, SPEAK is a comprehensive, ABA-based, early-intervention program that gives young children with autism a strong foundation for lasting progress.

Set in a structured, preschool-style learning environment, SPEAK brings together Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy to develop essential skills in communication, learning, social interaction, and daily living.

With Kindergarten Readiness as the program’s overarching goal, this coordinated approach prepares children for the routines, relationships, and learning experiences of school—building confidence, independence, and skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

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SPEECH THERAPY

Strengthens communication, language, expression, articulation, and social interaction.

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Speech Therapy helps children develop the skills to express their needs, understand language, and connect with others. Treatment focuses on each child’s communication goals, including receptive and expressive language, articulation, and social interaction, with opportunities to practice these skills through play, learning activities, and everyday routines.

PLAY-BASED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Develops motor coordination and sensory processing through purposeful activities.

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Occupational Therapy uses engaging, developmentally appropriate activities to strengthen motor coordination, sensory processing, and daily living skills. Through guided activities, play, and hands-on experiences, children develop abilities that support participation in learning and everyday routines, building greater independence.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Builds a developmental foundation at a critical stage to support meaningful, enduring progress.

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Early Intervention focuses on the essential skills that support learning, social engagement, and independence. Through structured activities, purposeful play, and familiar routines, children practice following directions, interacting with others, navigating transitions, and participating in increasingly structured learning environments.

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

Provides 1-on-1 treatment to advance learning, communication, and daily functioning.

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Applied Behavior Analysis uses evidence-based approaches to help children develop meaningful skills for everyday life. Guided by individualized treatment plans, one-on-one sessions focus on communication, learning, social interaction, and independence, with ongoing progress monitoring and adjustments to support each child’s development.

KINDERGARTEN READINESS

Prepares children with the tools and confidence for a successful transition to school.

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Kindergarten Readiness brings the SPEAK components together around a shared developmental goal. Children build skills for communication, following routines, participating in group activities, engaging with peers, early learning, and self-care. Individualized goals help each child develop greater confidence and independence as they prepare for kindergarten.

Coordinated Treatment

Two specialized clinical teams. One coordinated plan for your child.

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ABA Treatment

1-on-1 treatment focused on functional communication, learning, social interaction, and daily living skills.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses evidence-based teaching and behavioral strategies to build skills, address behaviors that interfere with learning, and promote greater independence.

GSAC’s Clinical Supervisors oversee the ABA team at each clinic, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), and ABA Technicians. BCBAs develop and supervise individualized treatment plans, with BCaBAs supporting clinical oversight and ABA Technicians delivering one-on-one treatment.

Our ABA clinicians monitor progress, refine treatment strategies, and collaborate with Allied Health to reinforce skills across therapies.

  • Individualized treatment planning
  • One-on-one ABA treatment
  • Ongoing supervision and progress monitoring
  • Collaboration with Allied Health

Allied Health

A unified treatment approach to strengthen communication, motor, sensory, and daily living skills.

Speech-language pathologists help children develop language and communication skills, while occupational therapists use purposeful activities to strengthen motor coordination, sensory processing, and practical skills that promote independence.

When clinically indicated, Feeding Therapy is provided by a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist based on each child’s needs.

GSAC’s Director of Allied Health leads our in-house therapists across all clinics, guiding individualized treatment and collaboration among specialties.

Our Allied Health clinicians work directly with the ABA teams to align treatment goals and reinforce skills across therapies.

  • Speech Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Feeding Therapy
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration

What this Means for Families

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With ABA Treatment, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy under one roof, children benefit from a familiar, consistent treatment environment, while families reclaim valuable time otherwise spent traveling between providers and managing separate appointments.

Because GSAC’s specialists work within the same organization, they communicate directly to align treatment goals and reinforce skills across therapies—minimizing unnecessary disruptions for children and making treatment easier for families to navigate.

At GulfSouth Autism Center, learning continues through lunch.

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Within the familiar SPEAK environment, mealtimes provide natural opportunities for children to practice communication, social interaction, and daily living skills while building greater independence.

When clinically indicated, Feeding Therapy is provided by a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist based on each child’s needs. Because these specialists work within GSAC’s coordinated Allied Health program, feeding goals can be integrated with the child’s broader treatment plan.

ABOUT

GulfSouth Autism Center

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Since opening our first location in 2015, GulfSouth Autism Center (GSAC) has grown to serve families across South Louisiana, with clinics in Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Covington, and Metairie. We provide comprehensive early intervention and individualized, clinic-based treatment for children with autism, focused on developing meaningful skills and greater independence.

Our treatment philosophy was developed by a multidisciplinary team of regionally and internationally recognized autism specialists. This foundation is reflected in our SPEAK Program, which brings Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy together within a structured, preschool-style early-learning environment.

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INSURANCE PLANS

GulfSouth Autism Center accepts a variety of commercial insurance and Medicaid plans. Coverage differs from family to family, but our team can help verify benefits, explain plan requirements, and identify your next steps.

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OUR LOCATIONS
  • Metairie
  • Baton Rouge
  • Prairieville
  • Covington
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Frequently Asked Questions

Five simple steps

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What is the SPEAK Program?

SPEAK is GulfSouth Autism Center’s comprehensive, ABA-based, early-intervention program for young children with autism. It brings together ABA Treatment, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy in a structured, preschool-style learning environment, with Kindergarten Readiness as its overarching goal.

GSAC’s ABA and Allied Health specialists work within the same organization, sharing clinical insights and aligning treatment goals. This approach provides greater consistency across therapies, simplifies treatment coordination for families, and brings multiple services together under one roof.

No. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the foundation of SPEAK, providing individualized, one-on-one treatment. The program also incorporates Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and early-learning activities to support broader developmental goals.

Not necessarily. Each child’s treatment is tailored to their developmental needs and clinical recommendations. The appropriate combination of services and treatment goals is determined individually.

Yes. SPEAK is GulfSouth Autism Center’s core treatment program and is available at all GSAC locations. Each child’s treatment plan is individualized, so the specific services and goals are based on the child’s needs and clinical recommendations.

Yes. When clinically indicated, Feeding Therapy is provided by a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist based on each child’s needs as part of GSAC’s coordinated Allied Health program.

Kindergarten Readiness is SPEAK’s overarching goal, not a separate therapy. It focuses on developing communication, social, learning, and daily living skills that help children participate in school routines, interact with peers, and become more independent.

SPEAK is designed for young children with autism during their early developmental and preschool years. Depending on individual needs and clinical recommendations, treatment may begin as early as 18 months.

Contact GulfSouth Autism Center to discuss your child’s needs, ask questions about treatment and insurance, and understand the next steps in the intake process.

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Gulf South Autism Center
Gulf South Autism Center
Gulf South Autism Center
Gulf South Autism Center
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