What we do?

WHAT WE DO

At Forward Steps, we empower the neurodivergent community to achieve their full potential as independent, healthy, and contributing members of society. As a not-for-profit organization, we serve both the local and expatriate communities in Hanoi, Vietnam. Our services include high-quality, evidence-based practices in:

Occupational therapy
Behavioral Intervention
Speech-Language Pathology
Social Skills Program
Psychological Counseling
Educational Tutoring
1:1 Shadow Teacher Training & Placement Services
Education Consultancy and Program Design
Continuing Education Programing

Speech-Language Pathology

At Forward Steps, our comprehensive Speech-Language Pathology team is dedicated to helping individuals improve their communication skills and overcome challenges related to speech and language. Our experienced speech-language pathologists work with individuals with a variety of needs, providing personalized care and support.

1 Individual and Group Therapy Sessions

We offer both individual and group therapy sessions to provide flexible and tailored support. Individual sessions focus on personalized, one-on-one therapy, while group sessions offer opportunities for practicing communication skills in a supportive, social environment.

2 Individualized Therapy Plans

Our program emphasizes the creation of individualized therapy plans tailored to each person’s unique communication needs and goals. Through a combination of assessment, therapy, and ongoing support, we aim to help our clients effectively communicate, express themselves, and navigate social interactions in their daily lives.

3 Comprehensive Services

Our speech-language pathologists utilize evidence-based techniques and innovative therapeutic interventions to address a range of communication difficulties, including:
– **Articulation:** Improving clarity and precision in speech sounds.
– **Expressive and Receptive Language Skills:** Enhancing the ability to understand and use language effectively.
– **Social Communication:** Developing skills for better interaction and communication in social contexts.
– **Pragmatic Language Abilities:** Focusing on the use of language in practical, everyday situations.

4 Evaluation and Ongoing Support

We provide thorough evaluations to identify each individual’s strengths and areas for improvement. Our ongoing support includes regular re-evaluations and updates to therapy plans to ensure continuous progress and adaptation to changing needs.

5 Goal-Oriented Approach

Our goal is to empower individuals to reach their full potential in communication, whether that be participating in social activities, excelling in academic environments, or enhancing personal relationships. Through evidence-based practices and personalized care, we strive to foster effective communication and overall success in our clients’ daily lives.

Psychological Counseling

At Forward Steps, we offer comprehensive psychological services provided by experienced and compassionate mental health professionals. Our goal is to provide support, guidance, and coping strategies for individuals facing a range of challenges related to their neurodivergence.

Educational Psychological Evaluations

We conduct thorough educational psychological evaluations to identify each individual’s strengths, challenges, and specific needs. These evaluations help inform personalized treatment plans and support strategies, ensuring tailored and effective care.

Individualized Counseling Services

We take a person-centered approach to therapy, allowing each individual to drive the focus of sessions and work collaboratively with their counselor to develop personalized treatment plans. Our counseling techniques include:
– **Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):** Helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
– **Mindfulness Techniques:** Promoting present-moment awareness and stress reduction.
– **Play Therapy:** Using play to help children express emotions and resolve conflicts.
– **Executive Function Support:** Assisting with planning, organization, and time management skills to improve overall functioning.

Group Therapy Programs

In addition to one-on-one counseling, we offer group therapy programs that provide opportunities for individuals to practice and generalize their skills in a supportive and structured environment. These programs focus on enhancing social skills, emotional regulation, and peer interactions.

Ongoing Support and Re-Evaluations

We provide continuous support and regular re-evaluations to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. This ensures that our clients receive the most effective and relevant care throughout their therapeutic journey.

Comprehensive Services

Our psychological services also include:
– **Support with Executive Function:** Helping individuals improve their ability to plan, organize, and manage time effectively.
– **Behavior Modification:** Implementing strategies to encourage positive behaviors and reduce challenging ones.
– **Social Skills Development:** Facilitating the improvement of interpersonal skills for better social interactions.
– **Self-Regulation Strategies:** Developing techniques to manage emotions and behaviors effectively.

Goal-Oriented Approach

Our goal is to empower individuals to reach their full potential and achieve their personal goals, whether that be excelling in academic environments, improving personal independence, or enhancing social relationships. Through evidence-based practices and personalized care, we strive to foster a nurturing and effective environment for growth and achievement.

Behavioral Intervention

At Forward Steps, our Behavioral Intervention program is designed to provide comprehensive and individualized support for individuals with diverse behavioral needs. Recognizing that individuals may experience challenges with social interactions, communication, emotional regulation, and adaptive behaviors, our program is specifically tailored to address these areas and promote positive behavioral development.

1 Personalized Assessments and Data-Driven Strategies

Our team of experienced and trained behavior specialists utilize evidence-based interventions to assess, analyze, and address challenging behaviors. We use a variety of techniques, including:
– **Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)**
– **Positive Behavior Support (PBS)**
– **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**

By employing data-driven strategies, we aim to identify the underlying causes of challenging behaviors, develop personalized behavior plans, and implement targeted interventions to promote positive changes and build more adaptive skills.

2 Focus Areas

Our Behavioral Intervention Plan concentrates on several key areas:
– **Teaching Essential Skills:** Developing foundational skills that are crucial for daily living and independence.
– **Improving Social Communication:** Enhancing the ability to interact effectively with others.
– **Enhancing Self-Regulation:** Implementing strategies to manage emotions and behaviors.
– **Promoting Independence:** Encouraging self-sufficiency in daily activities.

3 Individual and Group Interventions

We offer both individual and group interventions to provide flexible and comprehensive support. Individual sessions focus on personalized, one-on-one strategies, while group sessions offer opportunities for practicing skills in a social and supportive environment.

4 Collaborative Implementation

Our program is designed to be implemented collaboratively with families, caregivers, educators, and other professionals involved in the individual’s care. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the individual’s environment are aligned to support their behavioral development and success.

5 Ongoing Support and Re-Evaluation

We provide continuous support and regular re-evaluations to monitor progress and adjust behavior plans as needed. This ensures that our clients receive the most effective and relevant care throughout their therapeutic journey.

6 Goal-Oriented Approach

Our goal is to empower individuals to reach their full potential and achieve their personal goals, whether that be improving social interactions, enhancing emotional regulation, or gaining independence in daily activities. Through evidence-based practices and personalized care, we strive to foster a nurturing and effective environment for positive behavioral development.

1:1 Shadow Teacher Training & Placement Services

A shadow teacher, also known as an educational or classroom assistant, is a professional who provides one-on-one support to a student within an educational setting. The term “shadow” refers to the idea that the teacher is shadowing or closely following the student throughout their school day. Shadow teachers are often employed to assist students with special needs, learning disabilities, or behavioral challenges. Their primary goal is to facilitate the student’s participation in the regular classroom environment and help them succeed academically and socially.

Key responsibilities of shadow teachers include:

1 Individualized Support

Providing personalized support based on the specific needs of the student, whether they involve academic, social, or behavioral aspects.

2 Assistance with Tasks

Helping the student with classroom assignments, note-taking, organization, and other academic tasks to ensure they can keep up with the curriculum.

3 Behavioral Support

Assisting in managing and addressing any behavioral challenges the student may face, promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment.

4 Communication

Collaborating with teachers, parents, and other educational professionals to ensure a cohesive and supportive approach to the student’s education.

5 Facilitation of Social Interactions

Supporting the student in developing and maintaining positive social interactions with peers, fostering social skills and inclusion.

6 Adaptations

Implementing any necessary adaptations or modifications to the curriculum to accommodate the student’s individual learning style and needs.

At Forwardsteps, our inclusion fellows are certified in Child SafeGuarding, extensively trained and well equipped with profound comprehension of neurodiversity, behavioral management techniques, and professionalism.
Our service connects trained shadow teachers with schools and organizations, ensuring that individuals receive the support they require to thrive in their educational environments.

Social Skills Program

Our Social Skills Program is a therapeutic intervention designed to help individuals develop and enhance their social abilities and interactions. The goal is to teach individuals the skills they need to navigate social situations, build meaningful relationships, and effectively communicate with others. This type of training is often used for individuals who may face challenges in social interactions due to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social anxiety, or other developmental or mental health concerns.

Generalization of skills is a crucial aspect of social skills training, aiming to help individuals transfer and apply learned social skills across various settings and situations. The goal is to ensure that the skills acquired during training can be effectively utilized in real-life scenarios. Here are key considerations related to the generalization of social skills:

Real-world Application

Social skills training equips individuals with practical and applicable skills for everyday life, fostering meaningful interactions in diverse environments.

Multiple Settings

Training programs often incorporate exposure to different settings, promoting the transferability of social skills beyond the therapy room to school, home, community, or workplace settings.

Diverse Social Scenarios

Individuals are exposed to various social scenarios to enhance adaptability, including navigating conversations with peers, interacting with authority figures, participating in group activities, and handling formal and informal social situations.

Community Integration

Integration into community activities provides opportunities for practicing social skills in natural, uncontrolled settings, such as community events, clubs, or recreational activities.

Supportive Coaching

Ongoing support and coaching from therapists, educators, or caregivers are essential for reinforcing and encouraging the application of learned skills outside the training environment.

Education Consultancy and Program Design

Our Program provide expert guidance and support to schools and organizations looking to create inclusive and effective curricula for children with special needs.

Our team of experienced professionals works closely with clients to customize programs, develop schedules, implement modifications, and enhance academic support for each individual with learning challenges.
With a focus on holistic support and individualized care, we aim to empower your student to reach their full potential and thrive in educational settings.

Continuing Education Programing

We provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities for educators and staff working with neurodivergent children. Our program offers a range of workshops, training sessions, and resources to enhance knowledge, skills, and best practices in supporting children with different needs.

Whether you are looking to improve classroom strategies, develop inclusive curriculum, or create a more supportive learning environment, our Continuing Education Program can help your institution stay up-to-date and equipped to meet the needs of all learners.