STRIVE provides comprehensive autism services, including diagnostics, therapy, and support, at our center, home, or in the community. Our team of experts offers personalized, family-focused care tailored to your child’s unique needs. At FCS, we specialize in ABA Therapy, a proven method to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors in children with autism. Our team creates personalized plans to improve communication, social skills, and daily living. We also provide family training to reinforce progress at home and in the community, promoting long-term success and independence.
Autism diagnostic services involve a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These services typically include a combination of developmental history, structured assessments, and observations to assess behavior, communication, social interactions, and overall developmental milestones. Our team works together to provide an accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis is essential for creating an effective treatment plan, which can lead to better outcomes and support for children with autism and their families.
To learn more about our diagnostic services visit our diagnostic information page.
To schedule an appointment please email us at referrals@firstchildrenservices.com.
STRIVE is an interdisciplinary continuum of care to diagnose, treat and achieve positive outcomes for children with autism and their families. STRIVE integrates diagnostic services, interdisciplinary behavioral health treatments and other therapeutic services under one roof. Services take place in center, home, and community settings.
Our team will work with the individual and their family to understand preferences and aversions whether they are tangible items or social interactions. We listen to how they communicate and what is being communicated through behavior.
We make sure that the environment is filled with objects and activities that will allow each child to feel safe and in control. We follow their lead and ensure they know we see them, hear them and are there for them. By creating joy, we empower each individual to reach their greatest potential without feeling coerced.
We gradually introduce skills while ensuring each child feels empowered. We are teaching them that even though we may not always understand what they are trying to communicate, they do not need to comply against their will nor do they need to engage in challenging or unsafe behavior.
When our learners are happy, relaxed and engaged and understand they have control, the possibilities are endless. Whether it is child, clinician or parent lead, the individual is learning and teaching us at the same time.
We know that most individuals have had trauma or had experiences of being coerced, misunderstood or ignored. It takes time to restore that trust and maintaining it is a process.
At FCS we don’t believe in working through a behavior in order to teach a new skill or ignoring a behavior. Behavior is communication. New skills will be learned when your child is connected to the person teaching the skill.
First Children Services provides comprehensive autism services through its STRIVE model, including autism diagnostic evaluations, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, parent training, social skills groups, and behavioral health support. Services are available in center-based, home, school, and community settings, depending on the child’s needs. Families in Roselle Park, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities can access individualized support designed to improve communication, social development, daily living skills, and independence.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps children develop meaningful skills through individualized teaching and positive learning experiences. ABA therapy can support communication, social interaction, daily living skills, emotional regulation, and other areas of development. At First Children Services, ABA programs are personalized around each child’s strengths, preferences, needs, and communication style, with an emphasis on building trust, encouraging independence, and creating positive learning experiences.
Yes. First Children Services offers ABA therapy in multiple environments, including its autism centers, the home, schools, and community settings. In-home ABA therapy allows children to practice communication, daily living, and other developmental skills within familiar surroundings. Home, school, and community-based services also help families reinforce learned skills in everyday situations. First Children Services serves families throughout New Jersey, including Roselle Park and surrounding Union County communities.
Yes. First Children Services offers autism diagnostic services to help determine whether a child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Evaluations may include ADOS testing, developmental history, structured assessments, and observations of communication, social interaction, behavior, and developmental milestones. The organization also offers telediagnostic services and care planning following diagnosis. Families can contact the referrals team at referrals@firstchildrenservices.com to learn more about scheduling an evaluation and available services.
Yes. Parent training and family support are important parts of the First Children Services STRIVE autism services model. Parents and caregivers receive guidance on reinforcing communication, social, and daily living skills at home and in the community. This collaborative approach helps families better understand their child’s needs and apply strategies consistently across everyday environments. By involving parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process, First Children Services works to promote meaningful progress, greater independence, and long-term success for children with autism.
