FAQ's
What is autism? What is the test for autism?
People who have autism, more or less share three main core deficits:
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Communication skill deficits
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Social skill deficits
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Limited interests and/or problematic behaviors
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The autism spectrum is large and wide containing everywhere from: mild/Asperger’s, to moderate, to severe.
To know for sure if your child has autism, go see either a developmental pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist and obtain a diagnosis. They will be using the DSM-V criteria for autism.
What are signs that my child has autism?
A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive, see text):
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1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.
2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.
3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.
Specify current severity: Severity is based on social communication impairments and restricted repetitive patterns of behavior. (See table below.)
B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):
1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypies, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).
2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns or verbal nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat food every day).
3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g, strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interest).
4. Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement).
Where can I find a diagnosing doctor?
On your insurance company’s website, search for the type of provider you are looking for along with where you live and the system will match you up with a doctor.
My child has autism, how do I get therapy?
Fill out the online form below to get the process started.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills and communication as well as adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality, and job competence. ABA is effective for children and adults with psychological disorders in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, homes, and clinics. It has also been shown that consistent ABA can significantly improve behaviors and skills and decrease the need for special services.
How does ABA Therapy work?
We use scientifically proven methods of learning and behavior to evaluate your child's comportment, and develop a treatment plan that decreases or extinguishes problematic behaviors while increasing communication skills, social skills, and positive habits. By carefully recording and analyzing data, we ensure your child is progressing at a steady pace, rising to new challenges, and meeting new opportunities.
How much will ABA Therapy cost?
On your member ID, under "Specialist" or "Mental Health", it should state your copay or coinsurance amount. If it is not there, or you have any questions we can assist you.
How will I pay for ABA Therapy?
We accept cash and online payments from your bank and/or credit card.