You probably have many questions!

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social interactions, obsessive and repetitive behaviors, and nonverbal communication to name a few. The severity of symptoms can vary widely amongst individuals who are diagnosed. Children with Autism may show characteristics and receive a diagnosis as early at 18 months of age. Early recognition and intervention may help reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

Many parents have questions when their child receives a diagnosis of ASD. Psychologists, Psychiatrists and other Mental Health professionals will use guidelines to determine an ASD diagnosis from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). There are several criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder outlined in the DSM-5 including:

■ Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive, see text).

■ Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text).

■ Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities or may be masked by learned strategies in later life).

■ Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.

■ These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or global developmental delay. Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder frequently co-occur; to make co-morbid diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, social communication should be below that expected for general developmental level.

Once the Autism diagnosis is confirmed, recommendations for treatment will vary depending on the child’s age, level of diagnosis, and behaviors. Applied Behavior Analysis is one of the most popular therapy approaches recommended for individuals diagnosed with ASD.

The most notable behavioral intervention for individuals with Autism is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA uses the process of behavior change using reinforcement strategies to both increase and decrease targeted behavior while working to improve socialization, communication, learning skills and other developmental milestones. Luma Autism provides ABA therapy to children ages 2-12 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental and intellectual disabilities.

ABA is an individualized approach that is tailored toward each child’s specific needs. Clinicians, both BCBAs and RBTs, will use effective, researched-based strategies to make meaningful changes in each child’s life.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are responsible for overseeing the treatment and delivery of ABA services from the initial parent consultation to the eventual discharge of services. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) will be the primary providers delivering behavior-analytic services to your child under the direction and close supervision of a BCBA.

Depending on each child’s schedule and the frequency of therapy, a child may have anywhere between 1 and 3 therapists assigned to work with them on a regular basis. Technicians that join our team are required to have experience implementing ABA Therapy and working with children diagnosed with Autism.

The timeframe for needing ABA is different for every child. Some children may require ABA services for a period of months while others may need to attend ABA for years. Luma Autism's goal is to equip each child, and their parents, with the tools and skills needed to successfully transition out of therapy in a timely manner.

Each child’s schedule will be based on their recommended service needs determined in their initial assessment by the BCBA. Luma Autism offers schedules for children ranging from 10-40 hours per week solely based off of medical necessity and availability.

ABA helps correct deficits, teach skills, and push children to reach their full potential. Each child's ability to progress during ABA therapy has a lot of influencing factors including: severity of diagnosis, age the child began therapy, level of intensity of the therapy, the quality of the therapy staff, etc.

All programs are designed and overseen by an experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Your child will work one-on-one with a team of trained and supervised Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) each day.

A BCBA oversees your child’s entire treatment program. They will conduct assessments and use the results to create a custom Treatment Plan completely individualized to your child. They will monitor ongoing progress and modify Treatment Plans accordingly to help your child meet their goals. BCBAs study behavioral psychology and related fields and have a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. They also have spent 1500+ hours as a therapist under a qualified supervisor. All BCBAs at Luma Autism are provided with resources to ensure they are continually learning and supporting your child as effectively as possible. Some responsibilities of BCBAs include:

■ Conducting initial parent consultations

■ Conducting initial assessments utilizing the BLAF, VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, and/or AFLS assessment tools

■ Creating individualized skill acquisition programming and/or behavior reduction plans relying on evidence-based methodology

■ Providing quality supervision accordingly to each child on your caseload

■ Directly supervising and managing the performance of RBTs

■ Providing quality parent training to parents/caregivers

■ Collaborating with related professionals/teachers who work with the client

■ Overseeing the training and supervision of both Student Analysts and RBTs providing ABA services

A RBT works directly with your child during their therapy sessions as directed by the BCBA and as outlined in each child’s Treatment Plan. Each RBT has taken and passed a certification examination and receives ongoing support and training from the BCBAs. Some responsibilities of a RBT include:

■ Direct implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment one-on-one with a client

■ Direct implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) group therapy treatment with multiple clients

■ Implementation of client’s Behavior Intervention Plans

■ Accurate collection of skill acquisition and behavior data

■ Completion of progress notes at the end of each therapy session

■ Accepting and applying training and feedback given from supervisors

The intake process differs based on insurance. Luma Autism will do our best to move the process along as promptly and thoroughly as possible and communicate with parents every step of the way.

Currently, most insurance plans will cover ABA therapy for children diagnosed with ASD. Coverage may vary from state to state and plans, so please check with your insurance provider. The ABA Centers of America hotline may also verify your insurance coverage for you with no obligation.

Yes, each Luma Autism location has a translator on site for families who primarily speak Spanish.

No, we are unable to provide any type of childcare service. All professionals working within the field of ABA are responsible for abiding by an Ethical Code of Conduct outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Based on the current regulations found in the ethics handbook, BCBAs and RBTs are required to avoid entering into a multiple relationship with any client or family member.

It's important for parents/caregivers to be involved in the ABA therapy process so that the lessons and skills each child learns at ABA will generalize to other environments and people. Parent training sessions are required at Luma Autism to help both the child and family make the most progress as possible.