How do I get started?
You can get started by calling us at 571-777-9200 or emailing us at info@Gateway4ABA.net
After verifying your insurance coverage for ABA, or establishing a self-pay agreement, we will make an initial intake appointment. During this appointment, you will meet with one of our case managers or BCBAs to answer some questions about your child’s history, current functioning, current and past services, and your goals for your child’s ABA program. Your child does not need to be present for this initial appointment. Information gathered at this appointment will help the BCBA determine which assessment tools are appropriate to design the most individualized ABA program for your child possible.
What is the assessment like?
To be prepared for your intake appointment,
you will need:
- Like every child, every assessment is different. The BCBA assigned to your family will determine the best assessment tool or combination of tools in order to get the most accurate measurement of your child’s strengths and needs.
- The BCBA will observe your child in the home or in our clinic setting, depending upon your child’s specific needs and the assessment tool being used. At times, another credentialed clinician (psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, and feeding specialist) may join the assessment to ensure the most thorough assessment of your child’s strengths and needs and to contribute to the development of an in-depth treatment plan. You will always be asked for specific consent for these additional assessments.
- Your child’s treatment plan will be highly individualized, with goals and objectives being drawn from the formal assessments, informal assessment by the clinicians, direct observation, and interviews with stakeholders. At all times, the unique needs and beliefs of each family will be incorporated into the planning and delivery of treatment.
- Within a few weeks of the initial assessment, you will receive a written copy of the treatment plan. This plan will be submitted to your insurer for approval of funding. Your child’s team will get to work implementing the program in a way that will keep your child motivated to learn.
What assessment tools do you use?
- Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Protocol (VB-MAPP)
- Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS)
- Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
- Essential for Living
- Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R)
- Vineland-II
In addition to these tools, the clinician will conduct structured interviews and functional assessments to determine the best course of treatment for challenging behavior.
What will I need?
To be prepared for your intake appointment, you will need:
- A Letter of Medical Necessity from your child’s physician indicating that ABA therapy is medically necessary for the treatment of symptoms arising from autism spectrum disorder. If you have questions about this letter, please contact us and we will help you to get a letter that will meet the requirements of your insurer.
- Your child’s insurance card(s), and information about the subscriber to the policy.
- Copies of relevant medical, psychological, occupational, educational and other assessments (optional, but very helpful).
- You should be prepared to answer questions about your child’s history, medical needs, behavioral needs, and your child’s strengths and interests. You should also plan to answer questions about your family’s values, culture, and vision for treatment. This information is essential to developing a comprehensive, strength-based and family-centered treatment plan.
- You should be prepared to read and sign consent forms for assessment and treatment.
- Please be prepared to provide the intake clinician with your availability for therapy sessions. Staffing for your program may take several weeks depending upon current staffing levels and your availability.