STAR Autism Support Campuses

At the STAR Center in Oakland, we deliver specialized autism support through innovative, community-oriented programs. Our focus is on empowering individuals with autism to navigate social, academic, and professional landscapes with confidence. The cornerstone is our ABA-based curriculum, which breaks down complex skills into manageable steps, utilizing pivotal response training to encourage spontaneous learning and generalization across environments.

• Intensive ABA Programs: Daily sessions targeting language development, emotional regulation, and adaptive behaviors, with progress monitored via customized data systems.
• Peer-Mediated Social Interventions: Group activities pairing neurotypical and autistic peers to build friendships, conflict resolution, and collaborative play skills.
• Educational Enrichment: STEM-focused classes incorporating visual aids and hands-on experiments to spark interest in science and technology for autistic learners.
• Family Empowerment Courses: In-depth training on positive behavior supports, crisis intervention, and fostering independence at home through practical demonstrations.
• Sensory Integration Therapy: Therapeutic exercises using swings, weighted vests, and tactile tools to help manage sensory overload and improve focus.

This location emphasizes cultural responsiveness, serving diverse East Bay communities with bilingual staff and inclusive materials. Programs are designed for ages 2-21, with transitions to adult services. We host monthly parent cafes for sharing experiences and accessing resources like respite care referrals. Technology integration includes virtual reality for social scenario practice, enhancing empathy and perspective-taking. Our team of 25 professionals, including OTs and BCBAs, collaborates on individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 accommodations. Annual enrollment exceeds 150 participants, with testimonials highlighting reduced meltdowns and increased school engagement. Community partnerships with Oakland Unified School District provide on-site school support, bridging gaps in public education.

Unique to Oakland, we offer urban exploration modules teaching navigation of city life, from public transport to community events. Art therapy programs channel creativity into expression, aiding emotional processing. Wellness initiatives include nutrition workshops tailored to sensory preferences, promoting healthy eating habits. Our safe, vibrant space equipped with quiet rooms and outdoor play areas ensures comfort. Through evidence-based practices and compassionate care, we cultivate lifelong skills, celebrating each milestone in the autism journey.

The Sacramento STAR Center offers robust autism support programs rooted in community integration and family-centered care. Our approach combines ABA with naturalistic teaching to develop functional skills for everyday life in the Capital region. Programs are inclusive, addressing rural-urban divides with accessible, scalable interventions for lasting impact.

• Community-Based ABA: Outings to local parks and stores for practicing shopping, safety, and social etiquette in real settings.
• Life Skills Curriculum: Training in cooking, laundry, and money management through hands-on, step-by-step modules.
• Academic Remediation: Small-group instruction in literacy and numeracy, incorporating multisensory methods for engagement.
• Sibling and Family Dynamics Groups: Sessions exploring family roles, reducing isolation, and building support networks.
• Speech and Language Therapy: Targeted exercises for articulation, pragmatics, and augmentative communication devices.

With a capacity for 120 participants, this center prioritizes Northern California needs, including advocacy for state services. Our staff of certified specialists delivers personalized plans, tracking outcomes with behavioral assessments. Summer camps focus on recreation and independence, while school-year programs align with district calendars. Parents appreciate the emphasis on self-determination, with modules on rights and future planning. Collaborations with UC Davis MIND Institute enhance program quality through cutting-edge research.

Distinct features include agricultural-themed activities reflecting Sacramento's heritage, teaching responsibility via gardening. Art and music therapy foster expression and coordination. Health education covers puberty, hygiene, and wellness in age-appropriate ways. Emergency preparedness training equips families for crises. Our welcoming facility with adaptive playgrounds promotes physical activity. By nurturing strengths and addressing challenges, we guide individuals toward fulfilling lives, strengthening the autism support ecosystem in Sacramento.

The STAR Center in San Francisco provides comprehensive autism support programs tailored to individuals across the spectrum. Our curriculum emphasizes evidence-based interventions to foster independence, social skills, and academic growth. Central to our offerings is the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, which uses positive reinforcement to teach essential life skills, communication, and behavior management techniques. Participants engage in individualized sessions that adapt to their unique needs, promoting long-term success in daily living.

• ABA Therapy: Intensive one-on-one sessions focusing on discrete trial training and natural environment teaching to build foundational skills like verbal communication and self-care.
• Social Skills Groups: Interactive workshops where children and teens practice turn-taking, empathy, and conversation in a supportive peer setting, using role-playing and real-life scenarios.
• Academic Support: Customized tutoring in core subjects such as reading, math, and writing, integrated with sensory integration strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Parent Training Workshops: Educational modules for families on implementing ABA at home, understanding sensory processing, and navigating IEPs for school integration.
• Occupational Therapy Integration: Hands-on activities to improve fine motor skills, sensory regulation, and executive functioning through play-based learning.

Our multidisciplinary team, including board-certified behavior analysts, speech therapists, and educators, ensures holistic development. Programs run year-round with flexible scheduling, including after-school and summer intensives. We incorporate technology like iPads for visual supports and data tracking to measure progress objectively. Community outings enhance real-world application, from grocery shopping simulations to public transit navigation. Research-backed approaches, such as the STAR Program curriculum, form the backbone, with ongoing assessments to refine goals. Families report significant improvements in communication and behavior within months. This campus serves over 200 families annually, creating a nurturing environment where every individual thrives. Our commitment to inclusion extends to sibling support groups and advocacy training, empowering the entire autism community in the Bay Area.

Expansion includes emerging programs in vocational training for adolescents, preparing them for employment through job shadowing and resume building. Mindfulness sessions address anxiety common in autism, using breathing exercises and yoga adapted for sensory sensitivities. Collaboration with local schools ensures seamless transitions, with on-site consultations for educators. Safety protocols and inclusive policies make this a premier destination for autism support, fostering resilience and joy in learning.

The San Jose STAR Center specializes in tech-infused autism support programs, leveraging Silicon Valley's innovation to advance learning outcomes. Our curriculum integrates ABA principles with digital tools, creating engaging pathways for skill acquisition in communication, academics, and self-advocacy. Tailored for the fast-paced South Bay environment, programs address unique challenges like tech overload while harnessing its benefits.

• Digital ABA Modules: App-based learning for skill-building, including gamified tasks for math, reading, and social cues, with real-time feedback.
• Tech Social Skills Labs: VR simulations of job interviews, networking events, and daily interactions to practice in low-stakes settings.
• STEM Autism Academy: Courses in coding, robotics, and engineering adapted for autistic strengths, using visual programming languages like Scratch.
• Caregiver Tech Training: Workshops on assistive technologies, such as communication apps and sensory apps, to support home-based learning.
• Executive Function Coaching: Structured sessions on time management, organization, and goal-setting using planners and digital reminders.

Serving over 180 families, this campus features state-of-the-art facilities with coding labs and sensory-friendly tech zones. Our expert team includes tech-savvy therapists who collaborate with local universities for research-driven updates. Programs span early intervention to young adult transition, including career readiness with mock interviews and resume tech. Parent feedback notes enhanced tech literacy and reduced anxiety in digital worlds. We partner with San Jose State University for internships, providing real-world exposure.

Innovative elements include AI-assisted progress tracking and teletherapy options for remote access. Mindfulness tech like biofeedback devices helps with stress management. Community events, such as autism-friendly tech fairs, build networks. Nutrition and fitness programs incorporate wearable tech for activity monitoring. Emphasizing neurodiversity, we celebrate autistic talents in innovation. This hub not only teaches skills but inspires futures in a tech-centric society, ensuring inclusive participation and empowerment.