Connecting the Dots
Our Mission
The mission of the Connecting the Dots (CTD) program is to provide evidence-based services to individuals ages 2-18 years old. Using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CTD provides caregiver training and individualized intervention strategies for children.
Program Description
CTD assists families by providing a way to understand the relationship between communication and challenging behaviors. Participants attend weekly sessions that are two hours in length over a period of 6 to 8 weeks. The program addresses two primary goals for each child:
- Increasing communication or social skills.
- Decreasing challenging behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, or property destruction.
Alternatively, the program may focus solely on improving communication or social skills, depending on the child's needs. Caregivers also benefit from access to an online Educational Lecture Series that complements the hands-on training provided.
Schedule an Appointment
We are currently operating under a waiting list. To have your family's name added to our waiting list, please complete our initial questionnaire (located on the CADD Home Page under "Scheduling an Appointment"), and then email connectingthedots@uhcl.edu.
Personnel
Clinical Directors:
Jennifer N. Fritz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-TX
Sarah A. Lechago, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-TX
Program Managers:
Kelsey Campbell Leadingham, M.A., BCBA, LBA-TX
Patricia Turnmire, M.A., BCBA, LBA-TX
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Connecting the Dots program?
The Connecting the Dots (CTD) program is a hands-on parent training program focused on increasing verbal behavior while also reducing challenging or unwanted behaviors. Families will receive services once a week for two hours for a total of 6-8 weeks. Services are delivered by graduate students enrolled in the UHCL, Behavior Analysis master's program under the supervision of Kelsey Campbell Leadingham, Patti Turnmire, Dr. Jennifer Fritz, and Dr. Sarah Lechago.
2. Who is eligible for services?
Anyone with a communication skill deficit or with challenging behavior is eligible. Families must provide proof of the client's autism diagnosis.
3. What are the hours of operation?
The hours of operation are Mondays - Fridays, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sessions are typically 2 hours in length and conducted on a weekly basis.
4. What is the cost of services?
There is no cost of services, they are free.
5. Where are services provided?
CTD services are provided at the UHCL Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. It is an on-campus clinic of the University of Houston-Clear Lake. The clinic is located in the Arbor South Building (2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 245, Houston, TX 77058-1002).
6. What if my child has school?
We can provide attendance support (such as excuse notes for school or work or assistance with the Family Medical Leave Act paperwork).
If you have any additional questions about CTD that were not answered here, please contact us at connectingthedots@uhcl.edu.