FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

ABA therapy or applied behavior analysis is the process of applying the principles of and understanding of behavior change (behavior analysis) to behaviors that are important to that individual, their family, and the community. While applied behavior analysis has been used for decades to help individuals with developmental disabilities and in particular autism, the use of the principles of ABA can be applied to any individual that engages in some form of behavior.

Our approach to therapy is not to teach a child everything they should know but rather to teach them how to learn. In every case, we can show documented improvement in learning across every client. If a client seeks our intensive intervention services to address skill deficits, we see skills enhanced. If a client seeks our services to address behavioral challenges, we see those challenges dissipate and the situation improved.

The best course of action for any parent is to be systematic and pragmatic when evaluating treatment options. Parents are confronted by many treatment options, some will work effectively and some will not. The only way to truly evaluate what is effective is to introduce a method and evaluate the outcome. If more than one method is introduced simultaneously, it becomes more difficult to evaluate the efficacy of each method or treatment. Applied Behavior Analysis is one of the most evidence based practices available and it’s effectiveness at impacting the lives of those with Autism is unparalleled.

While it’s certainly possible that over time your child might continue to improve in their skills, we believe that a “wait and see” approach has little research based validity and therefore would suggest that obtaining an assessment and considering treatment services, if recommended, is always the best course of action.

We view  these providers as valuable resources, but not ones that necessarily provide the level of intensity necessary to impact a person diagnosed with Autism or another diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum. It is important that the determination of what amount or type of therapy is most effective for any client is individually determined.

If your child is receiving services from another provider, we would like to partner with them in order to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.

Your child does not have to have a diagnosis for treatment, but they would need a diagnosis in order for you to access insurance benefits.

Each insurance plan is different, and must be thoroughly evaluated to determine whether or not coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis is covered. Approximately 95% of our clients do access their insurance benefits at some level.

You do not have to wait until we are in-network to begin services if you are willing to pay for services out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier independently.

QUESTIONS REGARDING AUTISM

Currently there is no cure for autism. Advances are currently being made in the field of genetic research and treatments. Applied Behavior Analysis is currently the only evidence-based and research-supported treatment for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism is referred to as a spectrum due the fact that all children shows signs of autism in different ways. The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition) defines a severity scale of autism based on the number of categories or domains in which a child may display barriers or difficulty with certain skills.

The different levels come from the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition). Severity level 1 means that an individual requires support. Severity level 2 means that an individual requires substantial support. Severity level 3 means an individual requires very substantial support. Your diagnosing physician will provide the severity rating as an individual is given an autism diagnosis.

Prior to the 5th edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), autism was broken down into different sub categories. Asperger’s Syndrome was often referred to as high functioning autism in which an individual generally only displayed difficulties with social skills and may at times be indistinguishable from peers. This subtype of autism is no longer mentioned in the latest edition but may be referred to as autism 1.

Autism is 4 times more likely to occur in boys versus girls.

Autism is generally diagnosed in children, with early diagnoses occurring at 18 months, however; as our understanding of autism increase individuals may receive a diagnosis at any age throughout their life.

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