We offer many different services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to improving and understanding behavior that is socially important. The practice of ABA involves observation by a Behavior Analyst, who will develop individualized treatment plans for each client based on the principles of behavior. At the Center for Autism, we seek to understand the function of each of our client’s behaviors in order to create treatment plans that will focus on improving those behaviors that are socially significant and decreasing any behaviors that might interfere with the learning process.
Virtually everyone admitted to Hope Network’s Center for Autism program undergoes a neuropsychological evaluation which helps our team diagnose specific needs related to cognitive, social and emotional development. Typically, the evaluation employs games, puzzles, play and exercises that help us assess memory, language, behavior, thinking skills and more. This evaluation serves as an important starting point to help us devise a treatment regimen, which may include medications, more diagnostic tests, and therapies and strategies that can be employed at home, school, work or in the community at large. Our neuropsychologist has evaluated children aged 14 months through adulthood. As part of the process, the neuropsychologist will share results with the patient’s parent or guardian, as well as the primary physician.
A functional analysis (FA) may be conducted as a part of an FBA to get a more clear picture as to why a specific behavior occurs. A FA tests the main functions of behavior – attention (does the child engage in this behavior to get attention for a peer, teacher, parent?), escape from a demand (does the child engage in this behavior so they do not have to complete a task?), alone (does the child do this behavior when they are alone?), and tangible (does the child engage in this behavior to get access to an item?). Knowing why the behavior occurs allows us to respond to the behavior in a way that would decrease it in the future. FAs are conducted under the direct supervision of a BCBA, during therapy hours, usually lasting approximately 2 hours.
After your child has begun therapy, we encourage you to observe a part of his/her session. Our observation room consists of a one-way mirror, allowing you to observe your child’s session without any interruption. The Behavior Analyst will accompany you during your observation, explaining the session as well as answering any questions that you may have.
A functional behavior assessment (FBA) can include direct observations, interviews with the caregivers, or a procedure to modify the environment which can more easily pinpoint the function. Each of these methods essentially provides a reason for why the behavior occurs. We conduct FBAs to make sure we have a clear picture of your child’s behavior, so we can individualize our teaching and treatment plans.
Caregiver/sibling trainings are offered upon request. These will be scheduled with the Behavior Analyst, and conducted in one of the CFA therapy rooms. Trainings can be requested at any time. We will individualize your training based on needs or concerns you may have with your family. While we don’t provide in-school ABA, we can provide in-school support on an as-needed basis.
These are quarterly meetings in which we share recent progress and new goals. We encourage caregivers to come with stories of progress, concerns, and goals that you would like us to address.
Learn more about the Center for Autism team.