At first glance the facility appears to function as a typical pre-school with parents dropping off their child at the start of each weekday and picking them up in the late afternoon after a day of fun activities, lunch, and perhaps a nap time. However, there is more going on. Based upon research [1], there are several key attributes that Mustard Seeds has in common with other successful autism treatment centers: 

1. Weekly lesson plans - are developed for each class with emphasis also placed on individual child needs from monthly review meetings with the parents and monitoring their progress. While the overall therapy approach is ABA-based and reflective of Walden, the additional therapies provided to each child depends upon the initial assessment of the child and needs determined during ongoing treatment. To promote greater use of varying therapies, Mustard Seeds is designed to offer as many additional therapies on-site so as to make more convenient for the child to receive effective treatment in one familiar, comfortable environment without resorting to traveling to multiple locations across the Metroplex.

2. A highly supportive teaching environment – where core skills are taught but generalized to more complex, natural environments by using behaviorally oriented strategies.

3. Support the need for predictability and routine - research shows that children with autism become more socially responsive and attentive when information is provided in a highly predictable manner.

4. A functional approach to challenging behaviors - the environment is adapted to avoid triggers for problem behavior while promoting alternative means of communication.

5. Transition Support - actively teaching school skills to enable a child to be as independent as possible and to promote integration into new settings.

6. Family involvement - parents are a critical component in early intervention for children with autism. In addition to promoting their involvement in their children’s program, it’s important to recognize the stress families are experiencing and to promote means of emotional support.

7. Sufficient Intensity – It is not just the hours, but the amount of meaningful engagement. While some guidelines stress at least minimum of 15 hours of therapy a week, the curriculum, content, and the involvement of the instructor is important as well provided is important too. The Mustard Seed Program is based upon a 35-40 hour week.

8. Multi-disciplinary approach- each child is unique and there is not one single therapeutic approach that will succeed. It is important to employ a variety of approaches to determine which ones are the most successful as well as providing variety and new ways to develop.

9. Inclusion of Peers – Also known as the Walden Replication approach, including typically developing peers in the classroom promotes mirroring and patterning of neuro-typical behaviors and social interactions. 

10. Faith Based - We will say the Pledge of Allegiance with "in God we trust", as many schools have omitted that. We will say a small grace before snacks and lunches and a small prayer before nap-time. We will use Bible stories and songs in our circle time and other times that permit without taking away from the Therapy.

11.  Therapies Offered - ABA, Incidental, Floortime/DIR, Play Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, Hydro-Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Music Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pet Therapy and Physical Therapy