Many children and teenagers with autism stim. While stimming is not necessarily dangerous, it can be a cause for concern among parents with children whose stimming behaviors may cause physical harm.

Read on as we dive into why children with autism stim, what it looks like, and how you can help them manage it.

 

What is Stimming?

Stimming, also known as self-stimulating behavior, is repetitive or unusual body movements or noises. Here’s what stimming looks like.

 

What Does Stimming Look Like?

Stimming varies a lot among children and teenagers with autism. For instance, some children have mild stimming mannerisms, while others spend a lot of time stimming. The self-stimulating behavior can also vary depending on the situation. For instance, some children start stimming or even stim more when they feel anxious or stressed.

Stimming behaviors may include:

• Finger-snapping
• Spinning or tapping objects
• Hand and finger mannerisms like flapping and finger flicking
• Unusual body movements like pacing back and forth and rocking back and forth
• Spinning and twirling
• Repeating phrases or words
• Humming
• Hard blinking
• Opening and closing doors
• Flicking switches
• Covering and uncovering their ears

Just like there are different stimming behaviors, children with autism may self-stimulate due to several reasons.

 

Why Do Children With Autism Stim?

Stimming seems to help children with autism manage emotions like anger, excitement, fear, and anxiety.

Stimming may also help children with autism manage overwhelming sensory information or stimulate underactive senses. Moreover, these behaviors may help reduce sensory overload and improve focus in children who are hypersensitive to sensory information.

Likewise, stimming can help stimulate the senses of children who are under-sensitive to sensory information.

These behaviors can also affect children with autism in various ways.

 

How Does Stimming Affect Children With Autism?

Although stimming might come across as unusual or distracting to the average person, it’s not necessarily harmful. There’s still a lot of debate on the actual cause of stimming, but experts consider it a tool for emotional self-regulation. This means that stimming is not always a sign of discomfort. It can also be a sign of happiness or excitement.

However, some stims have the potential to be harmful and, if not regulated, can cause self-injury. Stims that require management to prevent harm include the following:

• Excessive nail biting
• Excessive self-scratching or self-rubbing
• Head-banging
• Ear clapping
• Hitting or slapping oneself
• Hand biting

But that doesn’t mean that stimming is all bad. It also presents some benefits for children with autism in managing their senses. Most children with autism have sensory processing disorder. They either under-respond or over-respond to stimuli such as textures, sounds, and smells.

For instance, they might be overcome by loud noises and experience sensory overload (hypersensitivity). In the same measure, they might be less responsive to stimuli, like not responding or even noticing a noise (hyposensitivity).

When overstimulated, stimming can help them block out excessive sensory input. Stimming can also provide stimulation in cases where they are hyposensitive to certain stimuli and also help them manage strong emotions, which would otherwise overwhelm them.

However, since self-injury is always possible, it is advisable to help children with autism manage stimming. Here’s how you can do that.

 

How to Help Manage Stimming

Some people say that you should let children with autism stim until the point where it starts affecting them. There’s some truth to this sentiment since it doesn’t necessarily need to be controlled unless it’s causing problems such as physical harm.

You may need to manage your child’s stimming mannerisms if;

• Their stimming is destructive or dangerous
• Their stimming has caused social isolation
• Stimming is affecting their ability to learn
• Stimming is causing problems for other family members

It is easier to manage stimming once you figure out the reason behind it. Every child is unique and, therefore, has different triggers. Therefore, try to evaluate the situation just before your child starts stimming. This way, you’ll be better able to understand their triggers.

You can also consider working with an autism or behavior specialist, so they can help you determine the triggers. Once you’ve got that covered, you’ll be better able to manage your child’s stimming by keeping them away from their triggers.

Here are a few other ways you can help your child manage stimming.

 

Changing the Environment

Reducing the environmental and social stress around your child can help reduce the risk of sensory overload. If your child finds the environment too stimulating, they might need a place to go or a calm activity or toy to focus on.

Conversely, if your child needs more stimulation, they might benefit from extra playtime, engaging toys, or even playing a little music in the background.

Some schools have specially designed sensory rooms for children with autism who need extra stimulation. These rooms generally have equipment children can jump on, spin around, and swing, as well as a variety of visually stimulating toys to keep them engaged.

 

Working on Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common causes of stimming behavior in children with autism. You can determine whether your child is stimming due to anxiety by watching when and how much they stim.

If you determine that your child is stimming because they’re anxious, you can consider changing the environment to reduce their anxiety. In some cases, you may not be able to change the environment around your child. In such situations, it’s better to teach your child new skills to deal with their anxiety, ultimately reducing stimming.

 

Increasing Exercise or Physical Activity

Recent studies show that increased physical activity may help decrease stimming and increase appropriate responses. There’s still a lot of controversy over how it works, but the consensus is that certain types of physical activity can help children with autism refocus and have fun. This way, they release all that energy and anxiety pent up inside them.

 

Preparing Your Child

The world is unpredictable; unfortunately, children with autism bear the brunt of it, resulting in more stress and anxiety. As a parent or guardian, you can’t protect your child from unexpected situations, but there are certain circumstances where you can prepare them to deal with new environments, activities, and stimuli that would otherwise increase their anxiety.

For instance, before visiting the doctor’s clinic for an appointment, you can take your child there so they can familiarize themselves with the environment. Likewise, if your child fears new activities, you can help relieve their anxiety by showing them a video of children having fun participating in the activity.

If all else fails, it helps to have a backup plan, such as their favorite toy or storybook. Having something to keep them engaged can help them relieve stress and the stimming that comes with it when faced with new circumstances.

 

Promoting Routine and Familiarity

People with autism often describe their world as unpredictable and overwhelming. Having a daily routine helps relieve some of the stress and uncertainty.

Knowing what to expect in various situations can also offer your child a sign of comfort. That way, they are better able to manage their anxiety. Therefore, try creating the same routine for each activity, such as when they wake up, how you prepare their meals, and the route they take to school.

 

The Bottom Line

Stimming is typically harmless. It’s just a means of dealing with sensory overload. However, it is advisable to manage it if your child has aggressive stimming mannerisms like hand biting and head banging. It would help if you also considered seeking professional help so your child can live a more socially acceptable and fulfilling life.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Recreation is a critical tool for children with autism. It allows them to participate in things they enjoy and offers the chance to practice social skills, express themselves with creativity, and experience satisfaction. This article will cover everything you need to know about recreational therapy for children with autism.

 

What is Recreation?

Recreation is an activity a person completes when they are not working. This activity produces a feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment in a person, giving them the chance to achieve new skills and excitingly express creativity. 

The need to do something for fun is critical for all human beings. It helps us biologically and socially, allowing our bodies to relax and our brains to develop. If you don’t have a recreational activity you love, it’s tricky to find peace in the off moments.

Children with autism are like anyone else. It’s critical to provide them with the chance to access recreational opportunities.

Why Recreation is Important for Those With Autism

Recreation is critical for children with autism to experience. Not only does it allow for enjoyment, but it also improves the quality of life and opens up tons of opportunities.

Here are a few reasons why recreation is critical for those with autism:

•     Skill practices: Recreations permits children with autism to practice skills and get better at them.
•     Self-confidence: The more a child does something, the more confident they will become in their ability to take on the world.
•     Inclusion: Children with autism can feel included when they take part in recreational activities like their peers.
•     Quality of life: The more activities children with autism have to enjoy, the better their quality of life becomes.
•     Satisfaction: When a child accomplishes a task, they can experience a feeling of satisfaction.
•     Community: Children find a sense of community when they are around others who love the same activity.
•     New friends: New recreation provides a chance to make new friends with people who share the same interest. There is always something to do.
•     Mental and physical health: Fun activities provide the chance for improved mental and physical health.
•     Reduced reliance: The more a child spends time on their activity, the less they must rely on their parents or caregivers.
•     Increased opportunities: The less reliant a child with autism is on their parents, the more opportunities will open up in the future.

 

There are tons of benefits for children with autism who engage in recreation. 

Although it might seem scary to get started with recreational activities, there is so much to explore. Take it slowly and work with your child to determine what they enjoy and what pushes them too far out of their comfort zone. The more they can enjoy themselves and experience independence, the greater their quality of life.

It’s normal to have questions when considering recreational therapy for children with autism. Let’s answer a few of the most common.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Recreation Activities for Children with Autism

How Do I Figure Out What My Child Enjoys?

Every kid is different, and it can be tricky to determine what a child with autism enjoys. We have a few tips and tricks that can help you determine what your kid might enjoy. These can make it less stressful to try something fun.

Here are a few ways you can determine what your child enjoys:

•     Determine your kid’s skills and interests and work within them
•     Allow your child to attempt multiple activities and determine if any of them click
•     Teach your child skills to help them feel more confident, which will then allow them to be more interested in other activities
•     Access technology to determine the proper choice

 

These should open up some avenues for your child.

There isn’t perfection in this process. The more you work with your child, the clearer their recreational activity preferences will be. There are tons of choices, so don’t give up if the first few choices don’t stick.

 

How Do I Deal With a Situation Involving Recreation That Goes Bad?

Not every situation with recreation will go perfectly, especially when starting out on your adventure. Sometimes, some situations might be tricky or uncomfortable and are impossible to change. It’s best to be aware that these things can happen, so you’re not surprised.

The best way to be ready is to plan ahead. You should have an alternate plan and be prepared to remove yourself from the situation if possible. It also helps to have other parents of children with autism close, ready to help based on their experience.

The more you venture out, the better you will get at handling these situations. The world is vast, and you can’t control everything.

 

What Are Some Examples of Recreational Activities for Children With Autism?

It can be tricky to determine where to start with recreational activities for children with autism. There is a world of things to do. We have a few examples of recreational activities for children with autism.

Here are a few examples of recreational activities for children with autism:

•     Collecting: They can collect stamps, dolls, cars, and anything else that piques their interest.
•     Art: Photography, painting, and drawing allow children with autism to express themselves.
•     Sports: Track, skiing, and cycling are all excellent choices for kids with autism.
•     Autism-specific sports: Children who need more assistance can get help in some communities with autism-specific sports.

 

These can bring new joy into a child’s world.

Start with one thing at a time and work your way through the options until you find something your child loves. The best thing to do is determine a category you want to work with, then find a niche. Once you have a winner, you and your child with autism can enjoy it together.

 

Recreational Therapies Ideas

If you’re interested in recreational therapy ideas, it can be tricky to find a place to start. Some activities seem a little boring, while others are far too much. We have a list of recreational therapy ideas that will satisfy your kid.

Here are a few ideas for recreational therapy children with autism can enjoy:

 

•     Gardening
•     Music
•     Art
•     Board games
•     Solo and group sports
•     Interacting with pets
•     Dancing

 

Every child is different and will enjoy various activities in their free time.

You can work your way through one at a time or try multiple at once. You can also speak to local groups and locations that run the activities to determine what they think. Some recreational activities can occur from home, providing a chance to practice before taking the activity out to the public eye.

 

Final Thoughts

Recreational activities can improve your child’s life in a multitude of ways. Kids with autism can participate in gardening and music, improving their mental health and becoming part of a community. Although it might seem scary, recreational therapy is worth every second and penny for your child.

We hope this information was helpful, as recreational therapy is one of the best things you can do for a child with autism. The more they can get out into the world with an activity they enjoy, the better they will fare. Practice makes perfect – start slow and work your way into activities your child will fall in love with for life.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Autism Summer Camps Indiana

Are you looking for a summer camp option for your child with autism? Check out our list of top camps in Indiana specifically designed to meet the needs of children with autism and provide a fun, inclusive environment. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your child’s perfect summer today!

1. Camp Red Cedar

Since 1970, Camp Red Cedar in Indiana has been an excellent choice for children with autism because it provides a supportive and nurturing environment where they can feel safe and accepted. 

The staff is trained to understand and meet the needs of children with autism, and they offer a wide range of activities and therapies that can help improve communication, social skills, and behavior. Let’s examine the key features of this inclusive camp.

Facilities

Scenically located on 57 acres of beautiful terrain, Camp Red Cedar boasts forests, trails, and a ten-acre lake bordering a sandy beach. Complete with a new 12,000 sq ft activity center, state-of-the-art kitchen, and four new cabins with accessible washrooms, the facilities are top-notch. Let’s examine the activities offered.

Programs Offered

Camp Red Cedar offers programs for children of all abilities, including therapeutic riding lessons, recreational therapy, and specialized summer camps for children with autism called Journey Camps. Here are the details:

• Requirements. Journey Camps are provided for children on the autism spectrum.
• Dates. Camps are offered for two different age groups:
  • Ages 6-12, June 12-16/2023
  • Ages 13-18, June 10-14/2023
• Times. Mon.-Fri. 8 AM – 3 PM
• Price. Cost is determined by the level of assistance needed, but Medicaid waivers are accepted, and scholarships are available for children who meet the criteria.
• Counselor to camper ratio. For every camper attending, there is a counselor provided, so there is a 1:1 ratio of support for your little (or big) camper.

According to the website, here’s the list of activities offered at Camp Red Cedar.

Activities

Whatever your child’s interests, they’re sure to find something to appeal to them at Camp Red Cedar. Take a look at all the activities offered in their fully wheelchair-accessible environment:

• Campfire sing-a-longs
• Swimming
• Horseback riding and recreational therapy
• Canoeing
• Nature hikes
• Games
• Arts and crafts

Camp Red Cedar is a great choice for summer fun for your kiddo on the spectrum. If you’re looking to learn more, here is their contact information:

(260) 637-3608

3900 Hursh Road Fort Wayne, IN 46845

RedCedar@CampRedCedar.com

http://campredcedar.com/

Now, introducing our second choice for summer camps in Indiana if you have children on the spectrum.

2. Camp Millhouse

Camp Millhouse is a unique summer camp located in South Bend, Indiana, that specializes in serving children on the autism spectrum. The camp offers various activities and services to help these children socialize, learn new skills, and have fun. 

The highly trained staff is experienced in working with children on the spectrum and is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment. With a focus on compassion, empowerment, and independence, Camp Millhouse is an excellent choice for summer fun for your kiddo with ASD.

Facilities

Sporting a low-ropes challenge course and specialized equipment for their adaptive art programs, Camp Millhouse even boasts a heated pool that is accessible to people of all abilities. Let’s take a look at the programs they offer!

Programs Offered

All sessions are open to children with differing abilities, including children with autism. If your child requires a higher level of support, the camp offers a “One”derful Week specifically for children who need one-to-one care. Here are the details:

• Requirements. The program is offered to all children with special needs who require one-to-one assistance.
• Dates. June 25-29/2023
• Times. Contact camp Millhouse directly for more information about the times. 
• Price. Pricing is based on a tiered system, with scholarships and “camperships” offered to help cut costs.
• Counselor to camper ratio. During the “One”derful Week, each camper will have their own counselor. The ratio may rise to a 1:4 ratio of support staff to campers during other programs offered.
• Special note. Camp Millhouse is not equipped to support campers with tracheostomies or ventilators.

Now let’s look at the many activities offered for campers at Camp Millhouse.

Activities

• Camp Millhouse offers:
• Swimming
• Arts and crafts
• Music
• Ropes courses
• Train rides
• Indoor and outdoor sports

With its focus on compassion and independence, Camp Millhouse is a great place to check out for you and your kiddo(s) with autism. Here is the contact information:

(574) 233-2202

25600 Kelly Rd. South Bend, IN 46614

campmillhouse@gmail.com

https://www.campmillhouse.org/

Now let’s examine our final option for summer camps in Indiana for kids with ASD.

Noble of Indiana

Noble is an organization dedicated to helping people with autism and Down syndrome achieve their dreams. Since 1953, they’ve offered support and programs for people with special needs. 

Noble offers a full array of day camps for your children with ASD to choose from. Let’s take a look.

Facilities

Noble runs their day camps at various locations around Noblesville and Indianapolis. Check their 2023 brochure for details when it is released.

Programs Offered

Noble Indiana offers both neurotypical and neurodivergent children many fun and exciting day camps to pick from, including:

• All About Animals 
• Art Camps
• Fun and Games
• Kitchen Adventures
• Music and Dance
• Water Works

All camps run Mon. to Fri., 9 AM to 3:30 PM, and require campers to bring their own lunch. Dates and times for 2023 have not been posted yet, so if you’re interested, you should contact Noble at:

317-375-2700

https://www.mynoblelife.org/

Don’t Procrastinate

Summer camps fill up quickly, so if you’re looking to find some summer fun for your child on the spectrum, contact one of these camps today to get your child with ASD geared up and ready to enjoy the upcoming summer season!

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in Indiana, give us a call at (317) 406-0072. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Autism Grants

Although early intervention is essential in treating autism spectrum disorder, many families are not able to get treatment for their children with autism due to financial constraints. Below, we provide a list of organizations that offer autism grants for families in need. 

Autism Grants

Autism Care Today (ACT) Grants

ACT is a national nonprofit organization that helps raise awareness and provides assistance to families of children with autism. ACT facilitates early and ongoing treatment by providing resources such as guidance, referrals, and funding. Grants are paid directly to pre-approved service providers.

 

ACT’s main areas of support include ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapy, bio-medical testing, supplements, assistive technologies, safety equipment, and summer camps. In 2010, the organization launched Autism Care Today for Military Families (ATMF), the first nationwide campaign dedicated to helping military children with autism. 

CARE Autism Foundation Grant Program

CARE Family Grant Program provides funding for autism research and innovative projects. The program assists families of children with autism with everything from diagnosis, evaluation, and testing to therapy sessions (including speech, occupational, and ABA therapy) and medication. Families whose annual income level is below $75,000 are eligible to apply for this grant. Grants are paid directly to pre-approved service providers and vendors.

Chrysalis Fund

Chrysalis Fund is a national charitable organization that offers grants and stipends of $2,500-$10,000. The fund assists with the financing of limited, targeted educational investments for children on the autism spectrum. Proposals made by special needs teachers from public school systems are prioritized. 

Danny’s Wish iPads for Autism Campaign

The mission of Danny’s Wish is to provide resources to families of children with autism and autism-related disorders. Danny’s Wish iPads for Autism Campaign offers free iPads to families who have nonverbal children with autism. 

The foundation raises money primarily through the Hope Process fundraising, where customers donate to charities based on a percentage of their credit card processing fees that would otherwise be collected as profit.

First Hand Foundation Grants

First Hand Foundation provides eligible families with grants of up to $1,000 for treatments including ABA therapy, in addition to assistive technology equipment, transportation, as well as home and vehicle modifications. To qualify, the child must be 18 years or younger, under the care of a pediatrician, and have specific health care needs. 

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)

FODAC provides refurbished equipment and services for mobility-impaired children with autism and other disabilities, including wheelchairs, home medical equipment, vehicle and home adaptations, and other items that may enhance the child’s quality of life. FODAC assistance is available in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as several out-of-state locations.

Friends of Man

Friends of Man is a non-profit organization that uses 100% of donations for charitable assistance and does not allocate any part of funds for administrative costs and expenses. The organization requires that referring professionals, such as case managers, healthcare workers, social workers, and teachers, apply on behalf of children with autism who need assistance. 

 

Friends of Man provides help directly to families in the form of mobility or medical equipment, prescriptions, or clothing. Full assistance is offered in the state of Colorado, while families who reside in other states may be eligible for more limited aid.

Fund It Forward

Fund It Forward raises money for medical and adaptive equipment for children with special needs, including autism, when these expenses are not covered by health insurance. Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who are in need of a medical device or equipment, for example, augmentative communication devices, bathing and feeding chairs, enclosed beds, or sensory equipment, can benefit from these funds.

Maggie Welby Foundation Scholarships

The Maggie Welby Foundation awards biannual scholarships for children with autism grades K-12. The scholarship may help cover bills, medical needs, as well as athletic and other activities. To qualify, families must demonstrate a financial need and are required to complete the Maggie Welby Foundation Scholarship Application.

Modest Needs Grants 

Modest Needs is a non-profit organization that provides short-term financial assistance to families with children on the autism spectrum who live just above the poverty level and are ineligible for other types of social assistance. In addition, the Modest Needs Self-Sufficiency Grant helps households who can’t afford unexpected or emergency expenses or monthly bills due to extenuating circumstances that occurred within the past year.

 

Modest Needs issues payments directly to the service provider or vendor indicated in the applicant’s documentation.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) Programs

ASDF partners with autism organizations across the country to provide direct financial assistance to families with children with autism. It offers tools and educational materials to assist in the early detection of autism, as well as extensive information on available programs and treatments. In addition, the foundation works to educate the public about autism spectrum disorder.

 

ASDF programs include equine therapy, iPad program, swim program, and Holiday Gift Card Program, where families are offered a $250 gift card for the holidays.

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) Medical Grants

UHCCF provides medical grants to help children with autism and other disabilities gain access to health-related services that are not fully covered by their family’s health insurance plan. The foundation offers financial assistance toward the family’s share of the cost of medical services. Funding is provided through contributions from individual donors, corporations, and UnitedHealth Group employees.

Varghese Summersett PLLC Autism Scholarships

Varghese Summersett PLLC, a law firm that assists individuals charged with serious criminal offenses, gives back to the community by awarding annual scholarships to children with autism. To be eligible, applicants must be 15 years old or younger and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The annual Autism Scholarship of $500 can be used to cover the cost of summer camps, tutoring, classes, tools, as well as secondary and post-secondary education.

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Prompting is an essential ABA technique that consists of providing various levels of assistance to perform a specific task. The ultimate goal of prompting is to teach the child to demonstrate target skills independently. Continue reading to learn about different prompt types and how they are used in ABA therapy. 

What Is a Prompt?

Prompting is a strategy commonly used by ABA therapists to teach new skills and increase learning in children with autism spectrum disorder. A prompt can be an instruction, a gesture, a demonstration, or any other form of assistance that encourages the child to produce a correct response or display the desired behavior. 

Why are prompts used?

In ABA therapy, prompts are used to give children on the autism spectrum cues that will help them perform given tasks and eventually enable them to engage in target behaviors independently. The therapist will systematically provide or remove prompts until the child begins to perform the skill without any external help. 

When are prompts used?

Prompts in ABA therapy are given before the behavior starts, which means that they are always antecedents. A prompt is generally placed after the instruction and before the child’s response.

Prompts can be used in the following situations:

 

• When the child is about to provide an incorrect response 
• When the child gives a wrong response
• When the child doesn’t respond to instructions.

 

Below, we list the main types of prompts used during ABA therapy sessions. 

Types of Prompts 

Prompts come in many different forms and some are more intrusive than others. Here are the most commonly used ones. 

Verbal prompt 

Verbal prompts are considered to be the least intrusive of all prompt types. Verbal prompting consists of providing verbal assistance, such as a verbal cue, a hint, or providing a part of the answer, in order to help the child use target skills correctly. For example, the therapist may instruct a child to pick up a toothbrush to indicate the first step of brushing their teeth. 

Gestural prompt

Gestural prompts include gestures, such as looking at an object, pointing, reaching, nodding, or touching an object. The goal of providing a gestural prompt is to communicate the action that the child is supposed to take. For example, the therapist can point at a ball to show that the child should pick it up. 

 

It is important to keep in mind that gestural prompts are always silent. When they are accompanied by verbal instructions, the therapist is simultaneously using two different prompts.

Model prompt

Model prompting refers to performing the target skill to show what the child is supposed to do. For example, when teaching a child the correct way to wash hands, the therapist may need to demonstrate to the child the step-by-step process of hand washing.

Full physical prompt

Full physical prompting, also known as hand-over-hand (HOH) assistance, involves physically guiding the child to help him or her perform the target skill. For instance, the therapist can take the child’s hand to lead them to a different location, guide the child’s hand to draw a letter, or move the child’s hand to teach proper teeth-brushing technique. 

 

Full physical prompts are considered to be the most intrusive kind of prompts as the child is relying entirely on the therapist’s assistance to complete the task. This form of prompting is commonly used to teach fine and gross motor skills, as well as in situations where less restrictive prompts are not efficient.

Partial physical prompt

Partial physical prompts are less intrusive than full physical ones. Partial physical prompting includes actions such as gentle tapping on the child’s hand in order to help them complete the given task. In this case, the therapist provides some assistance to guide the child through parts of the activity, but less than in a full physical prompt.

Visual prompt

Visual prompts use different types of images, such as visual schedules, videos, photographs, drawings, first-then boards, social stories, or flashcards with the right answer, to convey information about the correct response. These supports serve as gentle reminders to the child about how they should respond in a given situation. 

 

Using visuals is a great way to teach children with autism a wide variety of skills, from play activities to daily routines, without having to resort to more invasive prompting methods. It is also effective for teaching the steps of more complex activities by helping the child visualize the task sequences that they are expected to follow.

Positional prompt

Positional prompting, sometimes also referred to as spatial prompting, consists of the therapist placing an object in proximity to the child to give more information about the correct answer. To illustrate, if the child is supposed to use a red crayon to make a drawing, the therapist can place the red crayon closer to the child’s hand than the other crayons. This way, the therapist will subtly assist the child to pick up the correct item.

Why Are Prompts Important?

Prompts are an essential part of teaching new skills in ABA therapy. Using prompts can help children with autism learn the steps they need to follow to demonstrate a target behavior or master a task.

When implemented correctly, prompting can help the child learn more efficiently, increase the rate of responding, lower frustration, and reduce the occurrences of aggressive behaviors. It is also an invaluable tool for developing independence and self esteem in children with autism.

Moreover, using prompts is a positive way of teaching new skills and behaviors. It encourages learning because children are able to continually make progress, without being corrected each time they make a mistake.

Finally, the wide selection of prompts to choose from enables ABA therapists to adapt teaching new skills to the child’s age, functioning level, and individual needs. For example, by offering a physical prompt, the therapist can minimize the language necessary to teach the task, which is especially useful for children on the autism spectrum who have limited verbal capabilities. 

 

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. There is no cure for autism, but early intervention can make a big difference in the lives of those affected.

 This article will examine Indiana Medicaid as a resource for people living with Autism.

What are the Indiana Medicaid waivers for children with autism?

Indiana Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides medical coverage to the state’s low-income residents. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) administers the program.

Indiana Medicaid offers two types of waivers for children with autism:

Family Supports HCBS Waiver

When it comes to developmental disabilities, early intervention is critical. Many Indiana families are relieved that the state recently approved a Medicaid waiver for home and community-based services (HCBS). 

The waiver will provide support for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities throughout their lifetimes. Before the HCBS waiver was approved, Indiana only provided support services until age 21.

Now, people with ASD can receive services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy until age 65. The waiver will also support families caring for loved ones with ASD. 

Respite care, counseling, and other services will help families to better care for their loved ones at home. As you can guess, the HCBS Waiver is a life-saver for many families. Now, on to the next waiver!

Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver

The Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver is a Medicaid-funded program that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live and work in their communities. 

The CIH waiver provides services and support unavailable through traditional Medicaid programs. These services and supports help people with IDD live independently and participate in their communities. 

The CIH waiver is available to Indiana residents of any age who have an IDD diagnosis and who meet the following criteria:

• Are eligible for Medicaid
• Need habilitation or rehabilitation services that are not available through traditional Medicaid programs
• Can live in a community setting with support from the CIH waiver program.

Are children with autism eligible for CDPAP caregivers in Indiana?

The Caregiver and Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a Medicaid program that allows children with autism to receive in-home care from a caregiver of their choice. 

This program allows families to choose who provides care for their child and when and how care is provided. The CDPAP caregivers are there to help with things the person may not be able to do independently.

Caregivers will also help with fundamental issues encountered by children with autism, such as communication, social skills, and repetitive behaviors. These approved caregivers are also there to provide support for the family.

The CDPAP caregivers in Indiana are chosen by the Department of Health and Human Services. They must go through a background check and training program and pass a test by the Department of Health and Human Services.

You might be wondering if parents can qualify to become CDPAP Caregivers. Let’s find out.

Can Parents Qualify to Become CDPAP Caregivers?

As much as parents might want to qualify to be CDPAP caregivers, there are stipulations. If their child with autism is 21 years old or older, the good news is they can qualify to be their adult child’s support worker. 

However, if your child is younger than 21, you cannot act as a CDPAP caregiver, as you are legally responsible for your child.

There is good news, however, as you can still assign a grandparent or relative or even hire a personal assistant. There is even better news for parents, as you can be heavily involved in the process.

When choosing a CDPAP Caregiver for your child with ASD, you screen candidates, set up schedules, and even help train the selected caregiver so they can better serve your child, which gives a feeling of control over the type of help you receive.

Now that we’ve looked at the types of waivers available and caregiver support, let’s move on to the kind of treatment Medicaid will cover.

Does Medicaid cover ABA therapy?

There is good news for families dealing with children with Autism. Medicaid plans must provide coverage for medically necessary services under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) guidelines. 

These guidelines include treatment for ASD, which can be very expensive. The most common treatment for ASD is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA therapy costs upwards of $50,000 annually, so understanding your coverage is vital!

Applied Behavior Analysis is a treatment for Autism that has been proven successful and is based on positive reinforcement and rewards for desired behavior.

ABA therapy was not previously covered because it was considered experimental, but now the state has seen enough success stories to feel confident in approving it for coverage. 

With Medicaid coverage, families will not have to worry about how they will afford this necessary treatment. ABA therapy is vital for children with Autism because it helps them to learn the skills they need to function in society. 

Without this treatment, many children with ASD would be unable to attend school, hold a job, or live independently. ABA therapy teaches essential life skills like dressing and grooming. Let’s look more closely to see what this treatment entails.

What is included in treatment?

Regarding ABA therapy for autism, Medicaid in Indiana covers a lot of ground. Here’s what’s included in this type of therapy through Medicaid: 

• A comprehensive assessment to determine the best course of treatment Individualized treatment plans that target specific areas of need 
• Ongoing progress monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of treatment 
• Parent training and support to help families implement treatment strategies at home Therapist supervision and consultation throughout treatment. 

ABA therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for autism. Medicaid in Indiana covers a wide range of services to ensure that every individual with autism has access to the care they need.

If you or someone you know is seeking ABA therapy, contact your local Medicaid office to learn more about coverage and eligibility. Remember, it can feel like you are all alone when caring for a child on the spectrum, so take this advice:

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help.

An ASD diagnosis for you or your child can be life-changing, and you will encounter many challenges along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

 

Early detection and intervention can help children with autism live happier and more fulfilling lives. Although there isn’t a straightforward examination process that can detect autism in children, there are signs that you can watch out for. This article dives into the signs of autism in babies and how to spot them.

 

How Young Do Children Show Signs of Autism?

Signs of autism are tough to spot in young children. Parents aren’t often on the lookout for signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their newborns. Although every child develops at varying speeds and levels, delays can often indicate a disorder.

 

This begs the question: how young do children display signs of ASD?

 

Generally, parents can observe signs of autism in their babies as early as 3 to 6 months. While news of your baby having autism can feel overwhelming and disheartening, you should know it’s not the end of the road.

 

Recognizing early signs of ASD in children can help them get the right care and treatment ASAP. This increases their chances of living a happy and fruitful life, despite their autism diagnosis.

 

Autism Signs By 3 Months

Symptoms of ASD can be identified in children as young as 3 months. Here are a few things to watch out for if you’re worried about your baby:

 

• Your baby isn’t reacting to loud sounds or noises in their surroundings.
•  They don’t smile at you or other people.
•  They don’t make any babbling noises or don’t try to pronounce words.
•  They don’t follow objects with their eyes, especially brightly colored toys.

 

Talking to a professional about your baby’s symptoms can help you find the right care for him or her. If you suspect your little one to have autism, speak to their pediatrician as soon as you can.

 

Autism Signs By 7 Months

Some babies don’t show signs of autism until they’re a little over six months old. Look for the following signs to determine whether your 7-month-old has autism:

 

• Your baby doesn’t show affection toward you or another parent.
•  They don’t respond to the word “no.”
•  They don’t blabber or try to say words.  
• They don’t try to interact with you through actions.
• They don’t respond to their name.
•  They don’t show interest in socializing or playing games like peekaboo.

 

Babies are naturally curious and want to explore their surroundings as much as they can. If your child doesn’t show the same level of curiosity, it can be a strong indicator that they may have ASD.

 

Signs of Autism in Children Over a Year

Children older than 12 months display more pronounced symptoms of autism. Look out for the following signs at 12 months if you’re worried about your little one:

 

• Your toddler is displaying strange sensory sensitivities (e.g., they feel uncomfortable when hearing loud noises).
• They seem unable or unwilling to make simple gestures, like waving goodbye or nodding.
• They are unable to ask for or point to toys they want to play with.
• They don’t attempt to pronounce words.
• It’s difficult to soothe them when they’re upset.
•  It takes them a while to respond or recognize their name.

 

At 18 Months 

It’s possible for babies not to develop noticeable autism signs until they’re 18 months old. Children may be able to experience certain milestones before regression starts to kick in.

 

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms if you suspect autism in your 18-month-old:

 

•  They remain nonverbal and haven’t spoken their first words.
• If they already speak, they may start to lose their language skills at this point.
• They don’t engage in pretend play.
• They don’t point at objects they’re curious about.
• They experience outbursts or meltdowns when faced with minor routine changes.
•  They seem to ignore things you say or ask.

 

 

Signs of Autism in Children That are 2 Years Old

Two-year-olds with autism typically display similar symptoms as 18-month-old patients. Generally, they don’t seem all that interested in interacting with their peers. Additionally, they may display unusual and repetitive behaviors, like staring at a rotating wheel for too long or repeating a certain word they just heard.

 

Other signs that you may notice include the following:

 

•  Problems with maintaining eye contact
• Doesn’t respond when called by their name
• Doesn’t socialize or participate in games with peers
• Has trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication, especially since many 2-year-old children already know how to speak in sentences

 

What is Regression?

When a child diagnosed with autism loses a certain skill, this is often referred to as regression. For instance, a child with ASD may have learned how to speak a few words for a certain period of their development. As their condition progresses, they may lose this ability, their language skills reverting to zero.

 

Regression is a huge indicator that a child may have ASD. Typically, signs and symptoms appear between the ages of 15 and 30 months.

 

Signs of regression include the following:

 

• Your child is no longer using gestures or maintaining eye contact
• Your child has lost interest in socialization and engaging with others
•  Your child has reverted to playing with their toys or watching TV on their own

 

Keep in mind that every child with autism is unique, and their progress will be determined by a variety of factors.

 

Testing for Autism in Babies

Autism is not an easy disorder to diagnose because there isn’t a fixed medical test or examination for it. Instead, doctors evaluate the patient’s developmental history to reach a diagnosis. Parents and guardians may also be asked to participate in interviews.

 

Your answers are crucial in the screening of your child. If all checks out and you have no concerns, you’re done. However, if your child exhibits developmental delays or your doctor has doubts, they will refer you to a specialist for additional testing.

 

Babies may be diagnosed as early as 6 to 18 months. However, most people don’t receive a reliable diagnosis until they reach the age of 2.

 

Developmental Screening

 

Developmental screening examines your child’s development in greater detail. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests behavioral and developmental testing for all children at ages 9, 18, 24, and 36 months during regular well-child visits.

 

A doctor, nurse, or another healthcare professional can perform the screening on your child. Aside from asking you questions about the child’s development, the doctor may also talk to your child or play with him to determine any sensory, behavioral, or cognitive issues.

 

Testing questionnaires and checklists are also based on studies that compare your child to other children from the same age group.

 

Comprehensive Behavioral Evaluation

 

Comprehensive evaluations aim to provide patients with a personalized treatment plan. This evaluation will include the following:

 

•  A visual and verbal assessment of the patient’s behavioral and developmental patterns
• Genetic testing
• Neurological testing
•  Hearing and vision testing
•  A brief interview with the parents
• Other medical evaluations

 

Identifying the Signs of Autism in Children

The autism diagnostic process is difficult and time-consuming. However, you can begin treatment as soon as you suspect your child has developmental delays. Screening must also be continuous during the first three years.

 

Early intervention is a federally funded program for disabled infants and toddlers. It’s designed to assist children with autism in reaching their full potential.

 

Children who exhibit several early warning signs may experience developmental delays. Whether or not they meet the full criteria for ASD, they can benefit from early intervention.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

 

Errorless learning is based on the idea that children with autism are more likely to learn new skills when they are presented with ample opportunities to be successful. In this article, we take a closer look at errorless learning and the ways this technique is used in ABA therapy. 

What Is Errorless Learning?

Errorless learning is an ABA procedure in which children are presented with prompts to minimize the chances of giving incorrect responses. A prompt is any cue or hint that shows how to respond in a particular situation. It can be anything from verbal and physical assistance to pointing, demonstrating, and providing visual support. 

 

The theory behind errorless learning is that children on the autism spectrum don’t learn as successfully from mistakes as their neurotypical peers. What’s more, frustration caused by incorrect responses may trigger challenging behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, and self injury. By reducing the number of errors, children with autism are given a better chance to succeed in acquiring new skills.

Benefits of errorless learning

Errorless learning has many advantages compared to other learning styles that allow errors, such as:

 

• Positive learning environment
• More opportunities to access reinforcement
• Higher engagement due to fast-paced and varied tasks

• Increased motivation
• Higher accuracy of performed tasks
• Better self-esteem
• Developing independence
• Decreased frustration and discouragement 
• Reduced likelihood of challenging behaviors
• Faster acquisition of skills.

What skills can be taught using errorless learning? 

Errorless learning is a valuable behavioral treatment procedure for teaching target skills. Almost any skill can be taught using this technique, for example:

• Daily living skills
• Verbal skills
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Motor imitation
• Social skills.

How Is It Taught?

During errorless learning, the therapist offers a prompt immediately following an instruction. As the child becomes familiar with the target behavior, prompting is systematically faded. This method allows to achieve accuracy with the least amount of errors and frustration. 

Steps of errorless learning

ABA therapists who rely on errorless learning typically follow a set of steps, adjusting them to the needs of each child.

1. Probe

Probing consists of asking the child a series of questions to assess their current skill level.

1. Present the question

In this step, the therapist demonstrates to the child the desired outcome of the correct answer.

1. Give a prompt

Prompting is done immediately after presenting the task in order to minimize errors. Prompts can be verbal, gestural, physical, or visual and are adapted to the child’s age and functioning levels. 

1. Conduct a trial

Trials are repeated until the child is ready to carry out the task independently. Before moving on, the therapist must ensure that the child is able to respond correctly at least 90% of the time.

1. Decrease prompting

In order for the child to achieve independence, the therapist will gradually increase the time interval between the question and the prompt. Prompts are slowly faded and then completely removed once the child is able to perform a task on their own.

 

In the following section, we explain different strategies for errorless teaching.

Positive Reinforcement and Errorless Learning

In addition to prompting, errorless learning relies on positive reinforcement to teach new skills. The therapist immediately follows instructions by prompts, to then provide positive reinforcement for each correct response. A reinforcer, such as a small toy, a treat, verbal praise, and other types of rewards, will increase the likelihood of the target behavior occurring again in the future. 

Example

• The therapist gives the instruction “clap hands.” 
• The therapist immediately provides a prompt by guiding the child’s hands to make a clapping motion. 
• The therapist rewards the child with verbal praise such as “good job clapping your hands” and offers a reinforcer.

Time Delay Prompting

Time delay prompting is a strategy that consists of gradually increasing the amount of time between the instruction and the prompt. This delay gives the child the opportunity to provide a correct response. When the child starts responding independently before receiving a prompt, the delay can be gradually increased until there is no longer need for prompting. 

Example

Two-second delay

 

• The therapist gives the instruction “clap hands.”
• The therapist waits 2 seconds and then guides the child’s hands to make a clapping motion. 
• The therapist rewards the child with verbal praise such as “good job clapping your hands” and offers a reinforcer.

 

Three-second delay

 

• The therapist gives the instruction “clap hands.”
• The therapist waits 3 seconds for the child to respond independently. 
• If the child doesn’t respond, the therapist guides the child’s hands to make a clapping motion. 
• The therapist rewards the child with verbal praise such as “good job clapping your hands” and offers a reinforcer.

Most-to-Least Prompting

Most-to-least prompting refers to teaching a new skill by starting with the most intrusive prompt to show the child the correct response and reduce the chance of errors. The intrusiveness of the prompt is then progressively reduced. ABA therapists must always attempt to use the least amount of prompting necessary to get the child to complete the task.

Example

Partial physical prompt (more intrusive)

 

• The therapist gives the instruction “clap hands.”
• The therapist immediately provides a full or partial physical prompt such as lightly touching or guiding the child’s hand to indicate making a clapping motion. 
• The therapist rewards the child with verbal praise such as “good job clapping your hands” and offers a reinforcer.

 

Gestural prompt (less intrusive)

 

• The therapist gives the instruction “clap hands.”
• The therapist immediately offers a gestural prompt by raising hands slightly to indicate clapping without touching the child. 
• The child begins to clap hands. 
• The therapist rewards the child with verbal praise such as “good job clapping your hands” and offers a reinforcer.

Errors

The way in which the therapist deals with errors has a direct impact on the efficacy of learning. If the child performs a task incorrectly, the therapist should either present a new instruction or repeat the same instruction followed by a more intrusive prompt. The child should never be punished, reinforced, or rewarded for making an error.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

 

Preference assessment is a crucial tool commonly utilized in ABA therapy. It aids in identifying the items that children find most engaging, which are subsequently used as reinforcers to enhance motivation for learning. In this article, we explore various types of preference assessments employed by ABA therapists, particularly focusing on their relevance in ABA therapy in home. This approach ensures that the child’s environment supports effective learning and development.

What Are Preference Assessments?

Preference assessment is a procedure that allows ABA therapists to determine the hierarchy of a child’s preferred items, from low preferred to highly preferred ones. This method can be used to determine hierarchies of everything from toys and foods to social interactions, people, and locations.

 

Highly preferred items are potential reinforcers that can be used as motivators during therapy sessions. If a child is given the possibility to choose a preferred reinforcer, a target behavior is more likely to occur. 

 

However, while preference assessments may indicate what items or actions the child prefers, it is not always possible to know whether they will become effective reinforcers, until they bring about an improvement in the target behavior.

 

How often are preference assessments conducted? 

ABA therapists may choose to assess potential reinforcers very frequently, for example, during every therapy session, or less often, for instance, once per month. The frequency of preference assessments will depend on the individual needs and functioning level of each child. 

 

Assessments may need to be done more often if a child’s preferences change frequently or when a child’s behavior indicates that a current reinforcer is no longer preferred.

 

If a child communicates verbally, the therapist can check in about his or her preferences as frequently as needed. However, when it comes to children with autism who have impaired language skills, the therapist has to work with parents and teachers to establish any changes to the child’s preferences.

Why Use a Stimulus Preference Assessment?

Since positive reinforcement is one of the most important elements of ABA therapy, it is crucial to conduct preference assessments that will determine the most effective reinforcers. This systematic, data-based approach to evaluating a child’s potential interests can significantly improve the learning of new skills. 

 

In the following section, we explain the different preference assessment procedures used in ABA therapy.

The Three Types of Stimulus Preference Assessments

ABA therapists use the following methods to identify potential reinforcers:

• Ask
• Free operant observation
• Trial-based method

Ask

The asking method consists of the therapist asking either the child or caregivers, parents, teachers, and friends about the child’s preferences. This can be done by: 

 

• Asking open-ended questions
• Asking comparison questions
• Offering a pre-task choice, such as asking the child what they would like to earn for completing the task
• Showing visuals with pictures of items or activities
• Asking for a rank-ordering of items.

 

Because some children with autism may have difficulty communicating their preferences directly, ABA therapists must consider alternative methods of obtaining the information, for example, interviewing individuals in the child’s environment. Interviews are a straightforward technique that can be used to quickly gather information about the child’s preferences. The resulting information is compiled into a list and the therapist can then test out the identified items as possible reinforcers.

 

Using formal surveys, such as the Reinforcement Assessment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities (RAISD), is another way to gather information about potential reinforcers across a variety of domains, including: 

 

• Activities (running, dancing, swinging)
• Objects (mirrors, shiny objects, spinning toys)
• Foods and snacks (ice cream, pizza, juice)
• Sounds (music, car sounds, whistles)
• Smells (flowers, perfume, pine trees)
• Forms of attention (a hug, a pat on the back, verbal praise).

 

Subsequently, the therapist ranks the choices in different categories in order of preference. Although simply asking about a child’s favorite items and activities is a fast and easy procedure, relying on this method alone may result in incomplete or inaccurate information. 

Free operant observation

Free operant observation consists of determining what items the child gravitates toward and interacts with spontaneously. The child is given free access to items or activities that he or she may like (presumed preferences) without any demands or restrictions. 

 

The therapist records the amount of time the child engages with these items and makes note of the child’s positive emotions, such as smiling or laughing. The longer the interaction, the higher preference value is given to the item.

 

Free operant observations can be: 

 

• Naturalistic, where the child engages with items freely in their natural environment, or 
• Contrived, where the child is offered specific items in a learning setting and the therapist observes which of these items the child chooses to engage with. 

Trial-based methods

Trial-based methods are different formal techniques used to determine potential reinforcers. They include the following: 

 

• Single stimulus method
• Paired stimuli method
• Multiple stimuli method.

Single stimulus method

Single stimulus or successive choice is the simplest trial-based method. The therapist presents an item (stimulus) to the child and records the child’s reaction. The single stimulus method is typically used for establishing the preferences of children with autism who have difficulties choosing between two or more items.

Paired stimuli method

Paired stimuli or forced choice consists of presenting two items at the same time and recording the child’s choice. Individual stimuli are randomly paired and presented to the child. The therapist then collects the data on the number of times the child chose each item. 

Multiple stimuli method

The multiple stimuli method refers to presenting the child with three or more items simultaneously. This method has two variations:

 

• Multiple Stimuli with Replacement (MSWR), where the chosen item remains in the array, while all the items that were not selected are replaced by other items, and 
• Multiple Stimuli without Replacement (MSWOR), where the chosen item is taken out of the array without being replaced by any other items.

How to Conduct Preference Assessments

Preference assessment is a two-step process. To begin with, the therapist gathers a number of stimuli that may serve as potential reinforcers. Assessment is then conducted by presenting the child with these stimuli and determining preferences through asking, direct observation, or a trial-based method.

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects approximately 1 in 44 families. There are many different treatment options available for children with ASD. Some of these treatments can be very costly. 

In this article, we will discuss some of the ABA therapy payment options available in Indiana for families who have a child with autism.

Insurance Coverage

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that helps children with autism learn new skills and improve behaviors. Many insurance companies cover ABA therapy, but coverage can vary depending on your state and type of insurance. 

Under the state of Indiana’s rules, ABA is considered a medically necessary service for diagnosing and treating ASD. This means that ABA is a covered service under many health insurance plans in the state. 

However, each insurance company is different, so it’s essential to check with your specific plan to see what coverage they offer for ABA services by calling the customer service number on your insurance card or looking up your plan’s benefits online.

Your child with autism may be covered if you have employer-based insurance, but it’s not guaranteed. You should check with your insurance carrier to ensure they cover ABA and other therapies for autism. 

Applied Behavioral Analysis is included in the “Essential Health Benefits” package under the Affordable Care Act, which means that all health insurance plans offered in Indiana must cover it. This includes both public and private health plans.

Parents of children with ASD can purchase this Affordable Care Act Plan from Indiana’s federal health insurance marketplace. 

Now that we’ve exhausted our look at ways to find funding through insurance policies let’s take a look at the support that Medicaid offers children with autism.

Medicaid

In Indiana, children with autism may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Medicaid is a government health insurance program that provides free or low-cost medical care for people with limited incomes. 

To be eligible for Medicaid in Indiana, a child must have a disability that meets the criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA). A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) automatically qualifies a child for Medicaid coverage.

There is no income limit to qualify for Medicaid coverage in Indiana, so all children with ASD are eligible regardless of their family’s income. All children with autism are eligible for ABA therapy through Medicaid, but there are requirements.

Children who receive ABA therapy through Medicaid must be enrolled in the Medicaid program and have a diagnosis of ASD from a qualified professional. 

ABA therapy is considered a covered benefit under Medicaid, so there is no need to purchase a separate insurance policy to receive this treatment.

A problem may arise for families of children with autism because, unfortunately, not all ABA providers accept Medicaid as payment. This situation is challenging for children with autism who rely on Medicaid for their health insurance coverage.

There are several options available for families in this situation:

• One option is to find an ABA provider who does accept Medicaid
• Next, parents of children with autism can seek out funding from other sources, such as grants or scholarships 
• Finally, families can also use a combination of private insurance and Medicaid to pay for ABA therapy services

Families need to remember that they have options for paying for autism services. With a bit of research, they should be able to find a solution that meets their needs.

Other Options

Aside from Medicaid and Insurance plans to cover the costs of ABA therapy for children with autism, other options are available to families. 

Waivers

Medicaid home and community-based services waivers are an option for some children with autism in Indiana. 

These waivers provide funding for specific services and supports to help children with autism live in their own homes or communities instead of institutions. 

To be eligible for a waiver, a child must be eligible for Medicaid and have a disability that meets the criteria for one of the waiver programs. Let’s look at two waivers in particular.

1. The Family Supports Waiver. The family support waiver is a Medicaid program that helps families with children with autism or other developmental disabilities. 

The waiver pays for services and supports that help the child live at home and participate in the community. To be eligible for the waiver, the child must be under 21.

The child must also have a diagnosis of autism or another developmental disability and be eligible for Medicaid. The waiver covers a wide range of services, including: 

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA) 
• Therapies 
• Respite care 
• In-home support 
• Equipment and supplies

All these services offered with the Family Supports Waiver can go a long way to alleviating some of the many challenges faced by families with children on the autism spectrum.

1. Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver. This waiver is available for children with autism who are five years of age or younger and provides services and supports that enable the child to be integrated into the community.

To qualify for this waiver, a child must: 

• Have a diagnosis of autism
• Be five years of age or younger
• Meet the functional criteria for waiver services

Children who receive services under this waiver are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits.

Children’s Special Health Care Services

The Children’s Special Health Care Services program in Indiana helps children with autism and their families get the care and services they need. 

The program provides medical, dental, mental health, developmental, and case management services to eligible children from birth to age 21. 

To be eligible for the program, a child must have a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or longer.

The child’s condition requires more care than what is typically available through a family’s private health insurance. 

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

The function of the United Healthcare Children’s Foundation is to help pay for a child’s health care treatments, services, and equipment when commercial health insurance does not cover all of the expenses.

To be eligible for a grant from the United Healthcare Children’s Foundation, children must be 16 years old or younger and have a medical condition diagnosed by a licensed physician. 

The Foundation also requires that families have private health insurance, and there are some income requirements as well.  Applications for a grant can be completed online, and families will be notified of a decision within four to six weeks.

Grants

There are other payment options for ABA therapy in Indiana, such as: 

• Autism Speaks Family Services Grants. The Family Services Grant is a one-time award of $2,500 to help with ABA therapy costs.
• Autism Society of Indiana. This organization provides grants for ABA services to eligible families. The amount of the gift and the number of recipients varies each year.
•  ComForCare Home Care.  Providing in-home ABA services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, ComForCare Home Care offers a sliding scale fee based on income and accepts various insurance plans. 

If you’re struggling with the challenges surrounding ASD, reach out to some of these resources and websites. You aren’t alone; help is out there.

You Don’t Have to Do it Alone

Parenting a child with autism can be challenging, but it can also be gratifying. If you’re struggling to find help affording ABA therapy for your child with autism, know that you don’t have to fight alone.

We hope this article helped you find some payment options to help you afford the treatment your child needs. Don’t wait; get support today!

 

If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.