About CATS
"Autism is an extremely variable disorder."
CATS is a center based facility dedicated to providing children with symptoms on the Autism Spectrum the highest quality Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy possible. It is located in Ft. Myers, Florida and is unique in the area. Most therapy is performed in-home or in large classrooms in public or private schools. In contrast, therapy at the CATS Center is performed on an individualized basis, with the therapist giving the child his or her full attention in a setting specifically designed to promote learning and growth for children on the spectrum.
The CATS Center is a state of the art facility of nearly 2000 square feet, with four individualized therapy rooms and a playroom, as well as offices and a conference room. In addition to serving as a treatment facility, the CATS Center allows its space to be used for community related activities involving Autism.
The playroom is certainly the most popular spot in the center for children of all ages. It is filled with therapeutic toys of every description, from a ball tent to an interactive school bus learning center to a sensory crawling wheel. In addition to providing the children with a break from the intensive therapy, this room is also used for sensory integration experiences, socialization exercises, and for the enhancement of language skills.
By creating a center-based facility, Dr. Laura O’Sullivan, Clinical Director of CATS, is able to supervise and direct other Behavioral Therapists while also providing therapy herself. This close supervision ensures that every child receives therapy appropriate to his or her diagnosis, assessment and symptoms.
Children's Autism Treatment Center Staff
As a Developmental Psychologist, Dr. O’Sullivan brings a unique perspective to behavioral therapy, in that her training ensures that all therapy programs are geared toward developmentally appropriate practices. Skills are taught following the appropriate developmental sequence, ensuring that supporting skills are learned before more advanced ones are attempted. This enables children to learn more quickly and readily and to experience less frustration and stress in doing so. Dr. O’Sullivan creates an individualized treatment plan for each child, but only after she has performed an in-depth assessment and written an extensive report of her findings so she and the parents will be fully aware of the child’s strengths and areas of need.
Dr. O’Sullivan is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, ensuring that she possesses the highest degree of competence in administering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. ABA Therapy is the science of observing, understanding and improving human behavior through the application of positive behavioral techniques.
Dr. O’Sullivan earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Neuroscience at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. She than obtained a Master of Science Degree and a Ph. D. Degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After teaching for three years a Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, Florida, she undertook the Applied Behavior Analysis certification program at Penn State University and performed a 1500-hour practicum. Upon completing this training and receiving her certification from Penn State, she passed the rigorous nationwide examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, one of only a handful in the Ft. Myers/Naples, Florida area.
Dr O’Sullivan also completed a certification program in Autism and related disorders, also at Penn State University and is now designated a Certified Autism Specialist.
As Clinical Director of CATS, Dr O’Sullivan is responsible for ensuring the quality of therapy offered at her Center. Together with her business manager, she is also responsible for the overall running of the CATS Center.
