TEAM APPROACH

It's important to collaborate and help coordinate care with physicians who care for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Physicians play an important role in coordinating care through an interdisciplinary team; referring families for specialized services; and treating children's associated conditions, including sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Autism is a lifelong condition, but early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment can improve the prognosis, whereas associated medical conditions, psychiatric conditions, and intellectual disability can worsen the prognosis. 

Family physicians play a critical role in the identification and long-term management of autism in children. 

Provides clinical services such as diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, psychological testing/assessment, psychological evaluations, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, crisis management services and other clinical services typically considered within the scope of practice of Licensed Psychological Associates and under the supervision of a Licensed Psychologist.

Provides staff training on mental health issues.

Ensures that services provided are in accordance with relevant ethical and professional standards of care.

Participates in case staffing or care management meetings involving active clinical cases.

Although most behavior analysts in the education system work in special education settings, the field of applied behavior analysis has had considerable influence on the general education system as well and continues to find applications in regular classrooms.

The ABA’s role continues in the development of the IEP. Working in coordination with other medical and psychology professionals, parents, teachers, and administrators, the ABA will help shape the IEP and, when necessary, construct a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) as part of it.

A BIP provides a blueprint for all educators and caregivers responsible for the student to follow. The BIP:

• Sets goals and objectives for the student.
• Describes the techniques for direction intervention in problem behaviors.
• Identifies appropriate responses to the exhibition of problem behaviors.
• Lists replacement behaviors to encourage.

Occupational therapists study human growth and development and a person’s interaction with the environment through daily activities. They are experts in the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury. This knowledge helps them promote skills for independent living in people with autism and other developmental disorders.

Occupational therapists work as part of a team that includes parents, teachers, and other professionals. They help set specific goals for the person with autism. These goals often involve social interaction, behavior, and classroom performance.

Occupational therapists can help in two main ways: evaluation and therapy. 

[reference; webmd.com]

Known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD, autism may be linked with a wide range of traits. These include:

• Repetitive activities
• Extreme resistance to changes in daily routines
• Unusual responses to things such as touch
• Inability to interact with environment

People with ASD may have major problems with both speech and nonverbal communication. They may also find it very hard to interact socially. For these reasons, speech therapy is a central part of treatment for autism. Speech therapy can address a wide range of communication problems for people with autism.

[reference: webmd.com]

Our trained, BCABAs/QPs/RBTs/BHTs/PPs are supervised by board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and provide compassionate and knowledgeable care. Services include the following:

ASSESSMENTS:

Conduct initial assessment including family interview and discuss a customized plan that works for your child

IN HOME THERAPY:

Deliver personalized in-home therapy (virtual appointments also available)

TRAINING:

Counsel, train, and support family members

VIRTUAL SUPPORT:

Access our helpline and teams for support between in-home sessions

COORDINATION:

Coordinate with teachers and health professionals working with your family to ensure a consistent plan.

ASSISTANCE:

Assist with daily activities including transportation to school / activities, or supplemental daycare/preschool support

Parents play a vital role in continuing the therapeutic process outside of those 30-40 hours.  For example, if a child is working in therapy on appropriately requesting attention, but those strategies only exist during the therapy time, then the skill will not generalize to the child’s real life.  Parents need to work with their treatment team to ensure they are aware of interventions being used and how to help with implementation.  The ultimate goal with this type of therapy is for the child to be able to tolerate “normal” situations and expectations.  If the child is allowed to continue to assert control over their environment, then tolerance for not getting their way will likely not occur. Frequent communication and collaboration is crucial between healthcare professionals, parents, caregivers, behavior specialists and educators. A communication log that shares data collected between all those involved in the program is vital for success. We are a resource busy healthcare providers can turn to for behavioral services, and other special services, including speech and occupational therapy. We are also available for training and support for professional staff.