"Lookinig for ABA Therapist for Autistic Son"

Some PT is covered on insurance some is not it varies by insurance company. I would contact your insurance first to see what you qualify for - it may be that you would need a referral before they cover it. Once you know what you can/can't get thru insurance I would check your local school district (call the special education administration office) for what services they can provide - depending on how old your child is, he may qualify for services thru the school - even if he is private school or homeschool. Even if he is too young to qualify for school services, they should be able to provide you with resources to find PT. If you strike out with the school, let me know & I will help you find some resources.

H. ____@____.com
I'm a Mom to a special needs kiddo too

Hi K.,

There are many ABA programs out there. May I suggest that you decide what your objectives are for incorporating ABA therapy into your son's schedule.

There is a web site called FEAT-NT. This is a free web site to join. It has a list of ABA trainers in the area. Be sure to interview VERY carefully, in an effort to determine if that person has the experience necessary to meet your son's needs, and the objectives to which you have decided to help your son achieve.

I do not know how old your son is -- but if you are interested in a parent-child program that would allow you to work on communication objectives in the small group setting, you might want to visit my web site, www.startherapyprograms.com. Please let me know if you should have any questions.

I wish you much luck in finding the resources you are seeking for your son. Your son is fortunate to have a parent who is such a concerned advocate for him.

Best Regards,

S. Ambers

If your son is under 3 years you can contact ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) They can help you with alot of that. If he is over 3, I would contact them anyway to get some advice on where to go. My son goes to Easter Seals. They have also been extremely helpful.

As far as insurance, I'm not sure what you are dealing with, and I've not had to go there yet, but a friend with an autistic child said that it is Texas state law that once your insurance pays for any part of OT ST etc they cannot limit your visits or deny you coverage.

Good Luck

I am a private practice speech-language pathologist in Allen. I worked as an ABA assistant while in graduate school for $10/hour. It was great for the families and great experience for me as well. I recommend you contact UTD Callier Center, where they have a graduate program for speech pathologists. They have two campuses, one in Dallas and one in Richardson. There is also a program in Denton at UNT. These programs may be able to help you find a student that lives near you that would come do ABA with your child in your home. Most graduate students love this experience. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Good luck!!

Greetings!

The Behavior Exchange in Plano is an ABA place. Most ABA therapists cost about 75/hr and they recommend your child receive tutoring 40hrs/week. That's really expensive, so what usually happens is the ABA therapist acts as a consultant and they find an ABA tutor (usually a student) that you pay $15/hr. www.behaviorexchange.com is their website. You should also see if the Collin County Autism website has any suggestions.

(I'm an OT student and mother of two children, a four-year old son with Down syndrome and an 11 month old daughter.)

Hi K.,

I encourage you to ask your occupational therapist, if you have one, to guide you. I can also tell you that Plano ISD has a PHENOMENAL autism preschool and school program - probably the best around. If you call the PISD preschool program (number is likely listed on the PISD web site) you will be best directed.

FYI please please please trust your instincts on the best learning/behavioral methods for your child. I have heard positive and negative on ABA (more positve, though) and also have been encouraged to use PECS - another great method.

We thought our son was autistic (Aspergers) and have now learned that he is not. That said I have done a TON of research so please feel free to call me at ###-###-#### or e-mail me ANYTIME to bounce your thoughts, be encouraged, get more information (I will share anything I have with you), or just make a friend.

Blessings to you!
C. Morris