Q: What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.  People with ASDs handle information in their brain differently than other people. ASDs are “spectrum disorders.”  That means ASDs affect each person in different ways, and can range from very mild to severe.  People with ASDs share some similar symptoms, such as problems with social interaction.  But there are differences in when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms.

There are three different types of ASDs:

• Autistic Disorder (also called “classic” autism)
  This is what most people think of when hearing the word “autism.”  People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have intellectual disability.
• Asperger Syndrome
  People with Asperger syndrome usually have some milder symptoms of autistic disorder.  They might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests.  However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disability.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS; also called “atypical autism”)
  People who meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder.  The symptoms might cause only social and communication challenges.

Q: What are the symptoms in a child with Autism?

ASDs begin before the age of 3 and last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with an ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms might not show up until 24 months or later. Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had.

A person with an ASD might:

• Not respond to their name by 12 months
• Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll) by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Q: What is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?

ABA, in its simplest terms, is the study and modification of behavior. It is a one-on-one therapy that involves the process of applying behavior modification in order to reduce behavior and improve the learning environment. It is the power of reinforcement that allows therapists to modify a behavior and  teach new skills. ABA, in a structured environment, helps children acquire skills that typical children learn naturally. It is the most researched and supported therapy for helping children with special needs improve. Applied Behavior Analysis is the only scientifically proven way to treat children with Autism and other special needs, and it is easy to understand because it uses simple rules and procedures.

Q: Do you diagnose children at your Learning Center?

Currently we do not diagnose children at our Learning Center, but we are able to offer referrals if requested.

Q: What qualifications do your staff have?

We have a vigorous hiring process to ensure that we only hire therapists that have a true passion for working with your child. Most therapists are college students or college graduates who are aiming to become behavior analysts, speech pathologists or special education teachers. They go through a comprehensive in-house training program, and gain lots of supervised hands-on experience before they work with your child.

Q: How soon can you start services?

Generally in two to three weeks. After insurance is verified and your initial assessment is successfully completed, we will work out the therapy schedule to best fulfill your needs and match it with our therapist availability.

Q: Do you take insurance?

We now have a third party biller who can verify whether or not your insurance plan will cover ABA Services. She is able to verify most private insurance companies, such as: Aetna, Cigna, United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Tricare Military, among others. Unfortunately, Medicare/Medicaid does not cover ABA Services at this time.

(Some information in this FAQ can also be found at the CDC's website, http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html)