Welcome to our section that contains answers to questions you may have on our ABA Therapy center as well as ABA treatment in general.
Table of Contents
ABA Instruction for Families
As mentioned previously, parental and sibling involvement in the treatment process is a core emphasis in LC methodology. As with the community outings, instructing parents and siblings in ABA techniques, strengthens the relationship between the child and their family members.
In addition, active parental/sibling participation is a key ingredient to ensure consistency in your child’s environment. One of our overarching goals at LC, is to teach parents how to systematically break complex skills down so that their child, understands and is successful, in learning any skill.
Research Articles and Professional Publications on ABA
- Baer, D.M., Wolf, M.M., & Risley, T.R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 20, 313-327.
- Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., & Heward, W.L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd Edition). Upper Saddle, New Jersey & Columbus, Ohio, Merrill/Prentice Hall.
- Leaf, R. & McEachin, J. (1999). A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism. New York, NY. DRL Books Inc.
- Maurice, C., Green, G., & Fox, R. (2001). Making a Difference: Behavioral Interventions for Autism.
- Leaf, R., Taubman, M. & McEachin, J. (2008). It’s Time For School. Building Quality ABA Educational Programs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Lovaas, O. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal Of Consulting And Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3-9
ABA Trainings for Teachers and Professionals
LC offers hands on ABA training for teachers, in both public and private school, settings. The material covered in the training is based on the most up to date scientifically validated strategies and treatments in ABA.
The training focuses on how to teach new skills (i.e. Discrete Trial Training, Group instructions, prompting/prompt fading techniques, generalization and reinforcement), as well as how to eliminate problem behaviors (i.e. identifying function of behavior and implementing proactive/reactive strategies). The format consists of discussion, demonstration, role play with feedback, and application of strategies with their students.
The trainings can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the teacher, school, or district. For instance, if a school district would like to schedule a one day training on how to effectively manage problem behavior we can accommodate such a request.
Definition Of Autism According To The CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as “a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” The CDC further states that they are “committed to continuing to provide essential data on ASD, search for factors that put children at risk for ASD and possible causes, and develop resources that help identify children with ASD as early as possible” (http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html). Early identification and intervention are naturally so important because of the rapid nature of development during early childhood. However, for individuals who did not receive early intervention services, there is no age limit to learning new skills and working toward independence. Autism is considered a pervasive developmental disorder because it affects core areas of development, such as social interaction, daily living skills, communication and behavior. Although there is no specified “cure” for Autism and related diagnoses, we are fortunate that there is now a large body of research to guide specific interventions that can help individuals and families make and reach their goals for the future.
Insurance Information For ABA Therapy
A Summary of the Texas State Mandate
Texas Autism Insurance Reform Law:
•In 2007 HB1919 was passed which requires insurance companies to cover medically
necessary interventions for children with autism between 3-5 years old.
On January 1, 2010, HB 451 went into effect which expanded the age cap to
10 years old or less. In addition, HB 451 provides unlimited
coverage from time the learner is diagnosed until his or hers 10th birthday.
•More recently SB 1484 was passed into law which extends benefits for learners after
they turn 10, which includes $36,000 per year for ABA services. SB 1484 goes
into effect in September 2013. The unlimited coverage specified for
children under the age of 10 remains the same.
We are currently in-network with:
Cigna -ABA in network
Humana/LifeSync- ABA in network PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas – ABA in network
Aetna- ABA in network
United Health Care/United Behavioral Health/Optum-ABA
*ABA services are not currently covered by Medicaid.
Services that are covered by Medicaid are:
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
•If you are interested in submitting insurance claims to help cover ABA services at LC
please complete the Insurance Coverage Form upon enrollment into our
program.
