ECAP currently serves about 25 clients aged 2 to 22 who have been diagnosed with developmental delays and disabilities, including autism. The clinic at FSU Panama City suffered water and hurricane damage and lost most of the playroom’s toys and larger play items, limiting the amount of space available to serve the children of Bay County. 

With over 500 children in the Bay County area could be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and a waitlist of families requesting ECAP's services, it is important that ECAP return to its pre-disaster condition as soon as possible. 

Serving children, families and the community

Through the years, ECAP has grown from in-home and in-school therapy to include an on-campus clinic and a Parent Resource Center. The clinic also serves as a learning tool for students in the FSU Panama City Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) master's program, which is one of the highest ranked programs in the country.

ECAP is the only nonprofit ABA therapy provider in Bay County and unfortunately, post Hurricane Michael, ECAP is the only operational ABA clinic currently providing this life changing therapy. With repairs made to the therapy space, ECAP would be able to serve more families who are in need of ABA services and provide more resources to the community.

Learning

Using positive reinforcement and individualized teaching, graduate student therapists follow individual behavior treatment plans to help children develop academic, social, language, cognitive, daily living and other motor skills. Parents take part in the process as well, by watching therapy in the clinic via live video feeds or by participating in parent trainings offered by ECAP.

Playing

ECAP'S ABA therapy consists of 1:1 teaching conducted by a behavior therapist under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). During each session the therapist implements a mixture of structured work time at a table and more relaxed play time in order to complete each child's learning activities. These two methods are also employed to keep children's attention as well as help motivate them to learn. Some children have formed friendships at the clinic, and ECAP has built upon those friendships by hosting a weekly social group during which children learn and practice social skills together. Every activity is a learning opportunity at ECAP and new skills are taught every day.

Growing

ECAP's staff of BCBA supervisors oversee sessions and work diligently with therapists to tailor treatment to accommodate every child's individual needs. All ECAP supervisors meet multiple times per week to discuss clinical case management, client/staff schedules, treatment plan development, data analysis and other clinic updates.