Alphabet Therapy Program

The Alphabet Therapy method was created for children with Angelman syndrome but can be used with any non-verbal cognitively-disabled child at any age.

Relying on each child’s strengths and preferences, ABCT uses a combination of behavior intervention techniques and discrete trial training to motivate the child to learn academic skills. Choices are presented in a simple format which minimizes the child’s need for motor planning. The child is told exactly how much work is necessary to receive a reward. Outcomes are recorded for use in creating IEP goals and in measuring progress.

Our mission is to find a way to help Angelman children learn as much as they can, and demonstrate what they have learned. Offering workshop events (live demonstrations and practice of the Alphabet Therapy method) and private consultations as well as conducting research on the method are stepping stones towards our mission and essentially, towards our vision. The Alphabet Therapy Project's vision is to help families find their children's potential and to help children exceed our expectations.

In Alphabet Therapy, we expect children to sit to finish work, we use positive reinforcement, we consciously set up as many situations as we can for success to practice correct/appropriate responses and to build confidence, we possess a "can do" attitude, and we assume that all the children we work with have potential. Our goal is to have the children we work toward using alphabet boards or keyboards to type. We constantly evaluate and add skills and practice to help with academics, behavior, and communication. Words are everywhere- in Alphabet Therapy, we practice and encourage signing and verbal approximations and verbalizations if the children have them, but we do introduce sight words because reading is everywhere, and is especially key for non-verbal people! Signs around the community and home keep us safe and direct us where to go. We expect everyone in our community to understand them, so in Alphabet Therapy, we give the children a chance to show us what they know and to find ways to teach them anything and everything.

Pilot studies were successful in teaching two children with Angelman syndrome basic school skills, such as alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes and pattern recognition. A subsequent study of ABCT funded by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation was completed in 2009, but results based on Vineland, Bayley and modified Woodcock-Johnson tests were inconclusive. Further studies are planned in 2011.

Alphabet Therapists are employed directly through Vanderbilt University and reside in Tennessee, Illinois, California, and Texas. Independent ABC Therapists work under Vanderbilt supervision. To schedule an Alphabet Therapy session please contact Carmen Rabbitt

View a fact sheet about Private Therapy Sessions.

Workshops

Workshops on Alphabet Therapy are designed to introduce you, and your child's caregivers and teachers to the method.

Alphabet Therapy Workshops are conducted on a standard design: wherever and whenever you work with us, we will cover the same topics (variable by attendee questions):

• The Alphabet Therapy method,
• How to use ABC Therapy at home and at school,
• IEP goal suggestions based on Alphabet Therapy lessons,
• How to apply necessary language to create clear and achievable IEP goals,
• How to improve your child’s behavior during academic work,
• Positive reinforcement,
• We will demonstrate the method with actual children with Angelman syndrome,
• We invite workshop attendees to practice the method first-hand.

Workshops include live demonstrations of the method as well as some lecture and discussion.

A maximum of four school-aged children with Angelman Syndrome can participate in each workshop, but there is no limit to the number of adults, teachers, therapists or families. If more than four children are interested, a waiting list will be created. All adult participants will have the opportunity to practice the method live, under the supervision of trained therapists.

Families interested in ABC therapy for a child younger than 5 or older than 18 must arrange private consultation to plan individualized lessons. Arranging an appointment is required. Private consultations are available before the workshop starts (please allow at least one hour), or following the workshop.

Fees: People with Angelman syndrome are $150 each, caregivers are $100 each, and all adults who wish to attend the workshop are $150 each. (Late fees apply to late registrations.)

Child participant slots will not be confirmed until payment is received. Slot availability is on a first-pay, first-serve basis.

The Alphabet Therapy Project has a no refund policy do to the fact that we also have deadlines to meet in paying for expenses such as the venue, food, educational materials, workshop supplements, airfare, lodging, and therapist time. We will allow you to apply payments towards future workshops or future private consultations if a participant is unable to attend after registering.

Refreshments will be provided.

See a workshop schedule and who can attend a workshop.

How to Contribute?

Anyone can help the Alphabet Therapy Project. One hundred percent of your contribution will go towards the Angelman Fund. Please make your check payable to Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (For: Angelman Fund) and send it to:

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center C/O Laura McLeod
230 Appleton Place
Peabody Box 40
Nashville, TN 37203

Online donations can be made here

• Select Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
• In the special comments field note that the donation is for the Angelman Fund, and specify if you want your donation to go to research, scholarships, or something else!

Donations are tax-exempt, and the donation receipts will be mailed to you after your contribution is received.

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The Alphabet Therapy (ABCT) Project is part of a 501(c)(3) organization- Vanderbilt University's Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development.The ABCT Project is not affiliated with the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF).