First steps
As a parent, receiving a diagnosis for your child of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be daunting. You may be unsure about what steps you should take to best support your child. We understand navigating care for your child can be overwhelming, and we are here to help answer some of the questions you may have.
Understanding your child’s diagnosis is a key first step toward supporting them. According to the DSM-5, ASD is a generalized diagnosis that encompasses persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts.
ASD ranges in severity based on social communication impairments and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. Each child is unique, and ASD presents differently in each child.
First, you should prioritize seeking out information to educate yourself on ASD and potential therapy and intervention services to support your child’s growth. Review your child’s diagnostic evaluation with their pediatrician for guidance and recommendations for care. Focus on identifying your child’s unique skills and needs to guide your treatment decision.
Decide if ABA therapy is right for your child
There are many approaches for treatment for ASD to consider, depending on your child’s needs and goals. Treatment can often include a combination of methodologies including behavioral, developmental, educational, social-relational, pharmacological, psychological or complementary and alternative approaches.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a behavioral treatment approach and is the leading evidence-based, validated treatment for ASD. For children with ASD, ABA therapy involves working with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who teaches skills according to the goals outlined in your child’s treatment plan.
The main goals of ABA therapy are:
- Building communication skills
- Improving social connections and friendships
- Reducing risk behavior by teaching alternate strategies
- Increasing independence in adaptive and learning skills
- Navigating life transitions
Finding the right ABA therapy provider
Thoroughly researching and choosing a behavioral care provider is one of the biggest decisions you may make following your child’s ASD diagnosis. At Maxim Behavioral, we strive to empower children through effective and compassionate behavioral care and want to make this decision as easy as possible for your family.
Our behavioral care helps build confidence, connection and essential life skills for children diagnosed with ASD, developmental delays and related conditions. We pride ourselves on our flexible, empathetic and personalized approach to behavioral care, and our behavior technicians focus on excellence at every touchpoint. We offer:
- Evidence-based ABA therapy in home, school and community settings
- Expertise working with children of all ages
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) development and supervision of all treatment plans
We understand that each child is unique, so we develop treatment plans tailored to the needs of each child. Our behavioral clinicians can collaborate with your child’s other medical professionals to develop a treatment plan specific to their goals.
Our direct care staff complete Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)-approved 40-hour training, receive ongoing professional development and supervision from one of our BCBAs, and meet all state and local requirements.
Getting started with ABA therapy
1. Intake and insurance process
Our intake process starts with a phone interview to learn some general information about your child’s diagnosis, insurance and availability for services. One of our BCBAs will conduct a pre-assessment to learn more about your child’s current skills, needs, and previous and current services.
After the pre-assessment, your child’s BCBA will complete an additional assessment within one to three visits consisting of a:
- Review of your child’s diagnostic evaluation, recent service assessments and progress reports, and individualized education plan (IEP)
- Structured interview with you, your family and any other guardians
- Direct observation and interaction with your child
- Discussion of service priorities and initial goal areas
The BCBA will develop an initial treatment plan report and provide service recommendations. They will submit their report and recommendations to obtain authorization for services while remaining in close contact with you and your family.
2. Matching with an RBT
While waiting for authorization for services, your child’s BCBA will identify potential RBTs and schedule a projected first session. Our BCBAs match families with an RBT by learning about specific requests and characteristic preferences during the initial assessment and intake process. They will introduce the recommended RBT(s) to your family before your child’s first session so you can get to know each other.
3. Initial sessions
During the initial ABA therapy sessions, your child’s RBT will focus on building a strong and positive relationship with your child. Early sessions will focus on activities your child enjoys while incorporating their RBT into their routines. Gradually, your child’s BCBA and RBT will introduce goals and specific targets for teaching.
4. BCBA supervision and adaptation of treatment plan
After initial sessions, your child’s BCBA will complete weekly or biweekly visits with your child, their RBT and your family. Your child’s BCBA will also schedule occasional specific family guidance and collaboration meetings with you and your family.
Between each visit, your child’s BCBA will review and update teaching targets, goals and behavior support plans to enhance your child’s development. Following supervisory visits, your child’s BCBA will meet with their RBT to provide feedback and model strategies to continually support your child’s goals and needs in ABA therapy.
As your child meets their goals, their BCBA will discuss new goals with you, your family, and their RBT.
We will complete a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s treatment plan every six months describing your child’s progress, current and new needs and goals, and additional recommendations. You and your family may be asked to complete an updated questionnaire as part of the biannual evaluation.
Your ongoing role as a parent
Parental involvement during and outside of ABA therapy is essential for continued progress and success. The partnership between parents and their child’s behavioral clinicians help create a supportive environment for growth and development.
As a parent, you are responsible for reinforcing the techniques, strategies and skills that are taught during ABA therapy practice. Take notes about how your child is behaving or performing certain skills. Share this information with your child’s BCBA, who will further analyze their treatment plan progress.
The process of undergoing treatment for your child following an ASD diagnosis can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. With the right tools and support, you can learn to positively and effectively support your child’s progress.
Strong coordination and communication with your child’s behavioral care team can help your child make long-lasting progress toward their unique goals.
