The two biggest questions parents ask following an autism diagnosis are:
- How do I connect with ABA therapy experts to find my child the best treatment?
- What should I expect from an ABA treatment provider?
Fortunately, there are a wealth of free resources and support options to help you answer these two questions, which we outline below!
The First Steps: Autism Diagnosis & Provider Research
- Getting an official autism diagnosis from a qualified provider is required by most insurance companies and autism therapy providers before ABA therapy can commence. Some helpful resources for acquiring an autism diagnosis are:
- Pediatricians
- Developmental specialists
- Psychologists
After receiving an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, your medical provider will teach
you more about the diagnosis and connect you with helpful resources.
- Finding a credible ABA provider that provides evidence-based interventions is critical! ABA services in Trumbull, CT, and our other clinic locations are covered by most insurances. Your doctor or psychologist is one of the best resources for finding a credible ABA provider. Helping Hands Family receives referrals from local pediatricians and psychologists. We actively collaborate with many medical professionals to ensure seamless continuity of care as individuals transition into ABA therapy.
There are alternative strategies for researching the best ABA therapy options independently.
- Reaching out to local autism organizations: Contact local providers who specialize in approved autism therapy and speak with their intake teams. This will help you compare autism treatment providers.
- Evaluating company reviews: Parents share ABA therapy appraisals through reviews that are easily accessible online. Browse the reviews of providers you are interested in to see the feedback from their current/past clients.
- Meeting providers and touring clinics before committing: Before signing up with an ABA therapy provider, take the time to connect with the providers in person. This extra step will help determine if they are the best fit for your child and family. Some questions to ask are:
- Is the ABA clinic clean and well-equipped?
- Are the providers friendly and knowledgeable?
- What treatment strategies does the clinical team use?
- Does the company help provide ongoing training for its clinicians?
What to Expect When ABA Therapy Begins
After the initial autism assessment, our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts develop comprehensive behavior plans with consideration for all realms of behavior, communication, and social development. Behavior therapy plans are personalized, ensuring that each child benefits from a learning and progress plan that is relatable, attainable, and beneficial.
While each behavior plan and learning approach is unique, our ABA services in West Chester, PA, and other clinics incorporate proven behavior therapy interventions.
- Child-Led, Play-Based Learning: Helping Hands Family uses fun and meaningful lesson plans to enrich functional development. Our clinical team uses relatable games, stimulating group opportunities, and enjoyable activities to help each child reach personalized learning milestones.
- Constructive & Caring Positive Reinforcement: Establishing familiarity and trust is essential to ABA success. Encouragement, creative exploration, and engaging rewards are used to improve learning outcomes/reduce problematic behaviors.
- Inclusive Family & Caregiver Involvement: We actively educate and empower our clients and their families/teachers/caregivers with practical guidance to establish a cohesive learning atmosphere at home, at school, and in the clinic.
With Helping Hands Family supporting you and your family, you can expect to be a part of the growth every step of the way! Learn more about our diverse service options and our modern ABA therapy clinics. Our friendly and knowledgeable Care Coordination team will help you begin the ABA therapy journey!
