Unicorn Children's Foundation Announces Parent Coaching Scholarship

[Boca Raton, FL – August 12, 2016] -- Unicorn Children’s Foundation, the leading incubator of special needs projects, has announced the availability of a coaching scholarship to teach parents of children with autism how to implement teaching of crucial developmental skills in their child’s daily routines.  This opportunity has been made possible by the generous donations from the Gas Monkey Foundation and an anonymous donor.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based therapy that integrates a relationship-focused, developmental model with the well-validated teaching practices of applied behavior analysis.  The ESDM scholarship includes 14 weekly coaching sessions with Board Certified Behavior Analyst and ESDM Certified Therapist Melissa Burkhardt, currently one of six ESDM Certified Therapist in the State of Florida. Research shows that young children who receive ESDM therapy make significant gains and have less need for special services later in life.

Unicorn’s Executive Director, Sharon Alexander expresses, “We are excited to be able to empower parents to become the experts on their child and learn strategies to boost their child’s development in everyday routines, activities and places.” 

Melissa Burkhardt adds, “Through ESDM Parent Coaching, parents of children with autism are empowered with the knowledge, skills and strategies to embed learning into all those daile moments with their child.  This makes a significant positive impact on their child’s development and ultimate outcome.”

Children must be between the ages of 12 and 42 months of age and have or awaiting a diagnosis of autism. The open enrollment period to apply for the parent coaching scholarship is August 15-28, 2016.  Visit www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org to view additional qualifying requirements and download the application