Autism Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It is recommended that you first voice your concerns with your child’s pediatrician. The doctor then should determine if further testing or a neuropsychological evaluation is needed.

It is encouraged that you contact your insurance company to choose a provider that is appropriate and applicable to your policy for that type of testing.

After a visit to your pediatrician, contact your local community mental health department (CMH). Their representatives will take you through the next steps on how to receive an evaluation.

We recommend that you contact your insurance and see what providers are in network.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to improving and understanding behavior that is socially important. The practice of ABA therapy starts with an evaluation of skills by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, working with the family and client to come up with an individualized treatment plan. At the Center for Autism, we work with the family and client to develop and implement a treatment plan utilizing the principles of behavior to help each client reach their full potential. That looks different for every client, since each client is unique. Weather it’s helping to develop new skills or alternative behaviors to reduce maladaptive behaviors, we will work with the clients and families to help the client succeed.

The intensity of ABA therapy for each child is based off the recommendation from the neuropsychological evaluation, as well as the initial assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The hours can vary contingent on the child, this can be as much as 40 hours a week to as little as 10 hours a week.

The BCBA will select the assessment tool that is most applicable based on the initial information received about the client. This could be one of a variety of assessment tools. Typically, a portion of the assessment is a parent interview while another part is broken up into the directly evaluating skills and observing the client.

Some of the tools we may use include:

VB-MAPP

ABLLS-R

PEAK

AFLS

Essential for Living

Vineland

After your child starts therapy, we encourage you to observe a part of his/her session. Work with your child’s BCBA and they would be happy to schedule a time for you to observe your child either remotely through telehealth or schedule an in person observation.