Medical Care Review: Specials Magazine
Autism is not a limitation; it’s a call to embark on a different life journey, unfolding at its own pace. Early intervention is the key for nurturing the budding potential of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, giving them an opportunity to confidently explore the real world,” says Daniel Baker, Clinic Director at Texas Cares. As a premier early intervention facility, Texas Cares takes pride in its three decades of experience. It specializes in research-driven, highly effective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for addressing all major concerns associated with Autism. A team of seasoned experts, comprising certified Behavior Analysts and RBTs, takes the lead in positioning TCA as the most trusted partner for children with Autism. They focus on delivering the best results-driven services with equal doses of kindness, compassion, and gentleness to help enhance all relevant developmental milestones. Texas Cares recognizes the importance of collaborative intervention and adopts a philosophy involving deep parental involvement and teamwork between professionals. Texas Cares offers a range of different treatment packages including Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, Early Start Denver Model, and various Verbal Behavior techniques. With a focus on what each child truly wants, the team utilizes empathy-based approaches to deliver services in a secure and attentive environment. Treatment options at TCA are ideal for young children as the focus remains on getting them ready for their next chapters in life. Texas Cares follows the early intervention research that suggests full-time hours are most efficacious. ESDM is one of TCA’s signature programs. This focuses on a child’s happiness and capitalizes on motivation to enhance their communication, social attention, imitation, and play skills. Here, a certified professional engages with each child to identify the areas that need special attention. By utilizing the child’s own motivation in a naturalistic manner, improvements can occur that foster cognitive and relationship-building abilities. “Unlike traditional therapies that emphasize extensive repetition and drill-based learning, our treatment focuses on identifying the best learning strategy for each child,” says Lori Popa, Director of Research at Texas Cares.
Digital Magazine
Top Behavioral Treatment Center In Virginia
The need to identify treatments that positively impact the daily lives of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is ever-present, and families yearn for tangible progress that can be measured by improvements in their child’s daily life. This is where the limitations of conventional ABA therapy become apparent, as it often relies on standardized developmental assessments and treatment protocols that fail to address the unique needs of each child and family. Spectrum Autism Services, an ABA therapy provider, emerges as a transformative force when navigating the inherent complexities of providing ABA treatment to individuals with autism. With a CEO who has a deep personal and professional understanding of ASD and a dedication to supporting families through every step of their journey, Spectrum delivers individualized ABA therapy that is tailored to the unique needs of each family and child. Spectrum capitalizes on the learning opportunities that occur naturally during a child’s daily routines and play, utilizing natural-environment teaching techniques throughout treatment sessions. Spectrum integrates the insights gathered from in-depth discussions with a child’s parents and caregivers, in-person behavioral observations, as well as developmental assessments and rating scales with proprietary treatment protocols, to develop individualized treatment objectives. “At Spectrum, we work with families to ensure that treatment has a meaningful impact on the child’s life,” says Nancy Daly, CEO of Spectrum Autism Services. She and her husband established the company with a deeply personal mission that originated from their own experiences as the parents of a child with autism.
At-Home Treatment
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy centers shine as beacons of hope, committed to surmounting the distinct challenges faced by autistic children. To augment their therapy sessions and achieve desired results, the involvement of parents is invaluable. As caregivers, they require the right guidance and support to create a nurturing environment conducive to their child’s comprehensive development and quality of life. Blue Iris Behavioral Services, a locally owned ABA therapy provider, is changing the course of autism care through its holistic ABA therapy services and support offered to children and their families. It provides effective interventions in a child’s self-care, social, and group skills, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, classroom management, and verbal communication. What sets it apart is its approach to involving parents and guardians in the child’s treatment process, which is driven by its belief that parental involvement is key to the therapy’s success. Accordingly, Blue Iris educates and trains them to effectively work with their child through their behavioral issues and create a wholesome environment for the child’s behavioral development, even when trained therapists are unavailable. “Our goal is to serve families with autistic children, addressing the child requiring intervention and educating parents about their specific challenges,” says Diliana Polanco, president of Blue Iris Behavioral Services and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Dedicated to ease access to ABA therapy, Blue Iris delivers therapy sessions in client residences and educational institutions. This relieves parents from the need to commute with their children to a center for therapy. Its ABA team evaluates each child’s skill level, including their emotional, psychological and cognitive function, and creates an individualized treatment plan (ITP). Before commencing the therapy, the therapists meet the child’s parents during an intake appointment, where they discuss their concerns and treatment goals in a comfortable and open environment.
Holistic Care Programs
Success On The Spectrum (SOS) redefines the landscape of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy clinics with its distinctive franchise model. Unlike typical clinics owned by private equity investment groups, each SOS clinic is individually owned—most of them by parents of children with autism. This approach drives a mission centered on delivering exceptional, empathetic care, making the model deeply personal and compassionate. “Our unique clinic owners bring a personal touch that large investment groups simply cannot replicate. The superior franchise model, coupled with the many free services that we offer, shows our focus on the well-being of the child, not profits,” says Nichole Daher, CEO. Even from a therapeutic standpoint, the clinics are markedly different. Traditional ABA therapy clinics often limit their services to children under six. In contrast, SOS’s clinics provide comprehensive support for children up to 18 years old. Their holistic approach also integrates ABA therapy with speech, occupational therapy and social skills classes, addressing a wider array of needs for a child’s overall development rather than just meeting minimal therapy requirements. Through community outreach programs, SOS also offers free social opportunities, parent training and events for any child with autism, fostering inclusion and raising autism awareness. These initiatives help in creating a supportive environment for all affected by autism, not just those served by the clinic directly. Addressing Staff Shortage Recent CDC reports suggest that approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, reflecting a significant rise over the past few years. However, currently, there are only about 60,000 licensed behavior analysts in the country, which is insufficient given the number of children needing support.
CXO INSIGHTS
Destigmatizing Mental Health in Healthcare Space
Anne Mary K. Montero, Medical Director, Indiana University Health
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
David F. Tolin, Ph.D., Director of Anxiety Disorders Center and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hartford Hospital
Strategies For Success: Transforming Challenges Into Achievements In Home Healthcare
Vannett Hamilton, Director of Nursing, Extendicare
The Power Of Caring
Stephanie Lee, Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Associate Director Of Nursing, Critical Care, New York City Health And Hospitals Bellevue Hospital Center
Strengthening Long Term Care for the Postpandemic World
Susan Brooks, Director of Patient Care Services, Catholic Health
IN FOCUS
Optimizing ABA Therapy to Instill Socio-Positive Behavior
According to studies, one in 44 American children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Aba Therapy: Best Practices To Know
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy uses reinforcement to teach skills and appropriate behavior.
EDITORIAL
Technological Advances Transforming Autism Therapy
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder that affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide. As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, so does the demand for effective treatments. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy stands out as a gold standard in the field of autism intervention. Improved insurance coverage and higher investments have further driven the sector’s growth. By utilizing fundamental behavioral techniques, including positive reinforcement and outcome-based strategies, ABA therapy not only treats ASD but also promotes the development of essential life skills, ensuring its continued success. The autism therapy market is experiencing significant technological advances that are propelling its growth. With the market projected to reach $3.42 bn by 2030, a CAGR of 6.60 percent is expected from 2023 to 2030. The increased incidence of autism and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is a major driver of this growth. Extensive research studies, particularly in the safety and efficacy of drugs for ASD patients, are contributing to market expansion. The stimulants segment leads the market, largely due to the wide availability and accessibility of such drugs for patients. Augmented reality offers new ways to engage children with ASD, while robots are proving effective in teaching social skills and maintaining focus during therapy sessions. This Medical Care Review edition highlights the key developments in ABA therapy through thought leadership articles from Dawn Ayala, BS, RRT, AE-C, Director of Respiratory Therapy Services at Bethany Children’s Health Center, and Susan Brooks, Director of Patient Care Services at Catholic Health. Sohail Masood highlights the home infusion industry’s evolving landscape, including the increased influx of injectable drugs for various conditions and the potential for gene therapy. Let us know your thoughts.
