Re: Question about ABA, etc.

[Guest guest]

I would suggest going to a professional for a true diagnosis and get on the

CLASS list ASAP. You could see a dev ped (Dr. Harkins in San ),

a neurologist, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist.

We were lucky to live in NJ when my son was diagnosed (with PDD at the time and

later autism) and he received ABA therapy in the public school system. I do not

believe there are public schools in TX trained to provide ABA therapy, but I

could be wrong. However, your child will benefit from a highly structured

language rich preschool program where they also provide speech and OT.

You can get professional recommendations for therapies that your child needs

(speech, OT, ABA) and take them to your new school district. It is often

recommended that young children receive intensive therapies (speech and OT twice

a week and ABA therapy for 40 hrs a week).

I don't know of insurance companies paying for ABA therapy, but perhaps someone

else on the list has figured out how to get these services covered.

You could also investigate private schools in San Angelo that might offer these

services. Cost is an issue for all of us and you can request that the school

pay for his tuition. Schools usually don't pay for private schools unless a

student has severe issues or a parent walks in with a lawyer to help make their

case.

I would strongly recommend attending ABA seminars so you become familiar with

the techniques and can build some into your daily routine. Our special kiddos

crave routine and usually respond well to visual schedules. At the age of 4 I

drew simple line art of daily activities (ie go potty, wash hands, brush teeth,

get dressed, learning activities, puzzles, games, put on shoes, go food

shopping) and taped them up in the kitchen to get thru the day without struggles

transitioning.

You can also recommend that your child would benefit from a visual schedule at

school.

Good luck

Maggie

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has PDD-NOS

(he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not address). I

have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San Angelo area due to

my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my mom). So, basically, the

school that conducted the psychological evaluation does not have to carry out

what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for it?

And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does my son

even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going into debt

for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my son, but I am

ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for CLASS and all they

government programs that you have to wait 10 years for, right? Does PDD-NOS

count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

Do not plan on your school providing ABA here in TX or much of anything else

you find is the best for your child. I would begin an ABA program

immediately. It is a home program and you will have to pay for it but as

long as you live in TX there is no other option. Ideally the Lovaas studies

showed that the kids received ABA 40 hours a week. THose were the studies

that showed the success. It is expensive and most likely you will need to

take out a loan, unless you are fairly wealthy. Y

ou could also move to another state that may provide the in home ABA you

need. I know CA does so. If you want specifically the ABA that was

studied by Lovaas, contact the Autism Parternship in CA. They can refer

you to a consultant. Be wary that there are individulas who say they know

ABA but it may not be the " true " ABA. I would be sure they are certified

as well.

As far as CLASS> You do need to have a diagnosis and one of them is

Autism. Not PDD> I am sure you can get that if you now have PDD.

Best of luck

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has

PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not

address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San

Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my

mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological evaluation

does not have to carry out what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for

it? And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does

my son even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going

into debt for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my

son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for

CLASS and all they government programs that you have to wait 10 years for,

right? Does PDD-NOS count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

Your IEP will transfer to the new school until they have time to call an

ARD meeting and write their own. Whether they offer the same services

or not is another matter.

Tonya

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has

PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not

address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the

San Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close

to my mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological

evaluation does not have to carry out what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My

first question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for

it out of pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance

ever pay for it? And is it offered through the public school system

here in Texas? Does my son even need it? I'm just curious because I

read so much of people going into debt for their children and I am all

for doing whatever I need for my son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You

have to have a diagnosis to qualify for CLASS and all they government

programs that you have to wait 10 years for, right? Does PDD-NOS count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

Best of luck? I'm thinking right now that living in Texas sucks. I can't

afford a 40 hour a week program. We are moving to Eldorado over the weekend and

I am going back to work on Monday due to financial reasons. Basically, what you

are telliing me is that parents without financial means in Texas are not able to

give their children the intervention they need. It's just so frustrating!

Michele

Levine wrote:

Do not plan on your school providing ABA here in TX or much of

anything else

you find is the best for your child. I would begin an ABA program

immediately. It is a home program and you will have to pay for it but as

long as you live in TX there is no other option. Ideally the Lovaas studies

showed that the kids received ABA 40 hours a week. THose were the studies

that showed the success. It is expensive and most likely you will need to

take out a loan, unless you are fairly wealthy. Y

ou could also move to another state that may provide the in home ABA you

need. I know CA does so. If you want specifically the ABA that was

studied by Lovaas, contact the Autism Parternship in CA. They can refer

you to a consultant. Be wary that there are individulas who say they know

ABA but it may not be the " true " ABA. I would be sure they are certified

as well.

As far as CLASS> You do need to have a diagnosis and one of them is

Autism. Not PDD> I am sure you can get that if you now have PDD.

Best of luck

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has

PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not

address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San

Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my

mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological evaluation

does not have to carry out what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for

it? And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does

my son even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going

into debt for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my

son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for

CLASS and all they government programs that you have to wait 10 years for,

right? Does PDD-NOS count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

thanks, Maggie, for your help! Can you tell me what CLASS does?

Maggie Everts wrote: I would suggest going to a

professional for a true diagnosis and get on the CLASS list ASAP. You could see

a dev ped (Dr. Harkins in San ), a neurologist, a psychologist,

or a psychiatrist.

We were lucky to live in NJ when my son was diagnosed (with PDD at the time and

later autism) and he received ABA therapy in the public school system. I do not

believe there are public schools in TX trained to provide ABA therapy, but I

could be wrong. However, your child will benefit from a highly structured

language rich preschool program where they also provide speech and OT.

You can get professional recommendations for therapies that your child needs

(speech, OT, ABA) and take them to your new school district. It is often

recommended that young children receive intensive therapies (speech and OT twice

a week and ABA therapy for 40 hrs a week).

I don't know of insurance companies paying for ABA therapy, but perhaps someone

else on the list has figured out how to get these services covered.

You could also investigate private schools in San Angelo that might offer these

services. Cost is an issue for all of us and you can request that the school pay

for his tuition. Schools usually don't pay for private schools unless a student

has severe issues or a parent walks in with a lawyer to help make their case.

I would strongly recommend attending ABA seminars so you become familiar with

the techniques and can build some into your daily routine. Our special kiddos

crave routine and usually respond well to visual schedules. At the age of 4 I

drew simple line art of daily activities (ie go potty, wash hands, brush teeth,

get dressed, learning activities, puzzles, games, put on shoes, go food

shopping) and taped them up in the kitchen to get thru the day without struggles

transitioning.

You can also recommend that your child would benefit from a visual schedule at

school.

Good luck

Maggie

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has PDD-NOS

(he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not address). I

have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San Angelo area due to

my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my mom). So, basically, the

school that conducted the psychological evaluation does not have to carry out

what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for it?

And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does my son

even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going into debt

for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my son, but I am

ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for CLASS and all they

government programs that you have to wait 10 years for, right? Does PDD-NOS

count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

thanks, Maggie, for your help! Can you tell me what CLASS does?

Maggie Everts wrote: I would suggest going to a

professional for a true diagnosis and get on the CLASS list ASAP. You could see

a dev ped (Dr. Harkins in San ), a neurologist, a psychologist,

or a psychiatrist.

We were lucky to live in NJ when my son was diagnosed (with PDD at the time and

later autism) and he received ABA therapy in the public school system. I do not

believe there are public schools in TX trained to provide ABA therapy, but I

could be wrong. However, your child will benefit from a highly structured

language rich preschool program where they also provide speech and OT.

You can get professional recommendations for therapies that your child needs

(speech, OT, ABA) and take them to your new school district. It is often

recommended that young children receive intensive therapies (speech and OT twice

a week and ABA therapy for 40 hrs a week).

I don't know of insurance companies paying for ABA therapy, but perhaps someone

else on the list has figured out how to get these services covered.

You could also investigate private schools in San Angelo that might offer these

services. Cost is an issue for all of us and you can request that the school pay

for his tuition. Schools usually don't pay for private schools unless a student

has severe issues or a parent walks in with a lawyer to help make their case.

I would strongly recommend attending ABA seminars so you become familiar with

the techniques and can build some into your daily routine. Our special kiddos

crave routine and usually respond well to visual schedules. At the age of 4 I

drew simple line art of daily activities (ie go potty, wash hands, brush teeth,

get dressed, learning activities, puzzles, games, put on shoes, go food

shopping) and taped them up in the kitchen to get thru the day without struggles

transitioning.

You can also recommend that your child would benefit from a visual schedule at

school.

Good luck

Maggie

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has PDD-NOS

(he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not address). I

have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San Angelo area due to

my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my mom). So, basically, the

school that conducted the psychological evaluation does not have to carry out

what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for it?

And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does my son

even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going into debt

for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my son, but I am

ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for CLASS and all they

government programs that you have to wait 10 years for, right? Does PDD-NOS

count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

,

Your words make me laugh ...... " living in Texas sucks " ........a

hoot. Just a great line that I relate to, because the fact that our

ASD loved ones have a neurological difference seems like it means

nothing, except you get the opportunity at some point in your life

to:

1. Fight and advocate for your ASD with your ISD free of charge.

2. Pay for most Autism programs and services out of your pocket.

3. Sign up for State benefits and then wait for a long time.

4. Learn more about Autism and its effects on your loved one, but

then be misunderstood or considered " a poor parent " , " whiner " or

worse.

5. Join as many support groups as you want, but find out that those

with power may think that you don't matter when it comes to their

agenda........can we say CAA?

6. Receive some disability benefits, but then find out that those

benefits may require more work, more researching and more effort on

your part in order to attain a certain level of service.......geez

Ha ha.......four more to go and I can send it to Letterman for

his " Top Ten " .

Mark

> Do not plan on your school providing ABA here in TX or

much of anything else

> you find is the best for your child. I would begin an ABA program

> immediately. It is a home program and you will have to pay for it

but as

> long as you live in TX there is no other option. Ideally the

Lovaas studies

> showed that the kids received ABA 40 hours a week. THose were the

studies

> that showed the success. It is expensive and most likely you will

need to

> take out a loan, unless you are fairly wealthy. Y

> ou could also move to another state that may provide the in home

ABA you

> need. I know CA does so. If you want specifically the ABA that was

> studied by Lovaas, contact the Autism Parternship in CA. They can

refer

> you to a consultant. Be wary that there are individulas who say

they know

> ABA but it may not be the " true " ABA. I would be sure they are

certified

> as well.

> As far as CLASS> You do need to have a diagnosis and one of them is

> Autism. Not PDD> I am sure you can get that if you now have PDD.

> Best of luck

>

>

> Question about ABA, etc.

>

> The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son

has

> PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school

did not

> address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to

the San

> Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close

to my

> mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological

evaluation

> does not have to carry out what they recommend.

>

> I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?)

My first

> question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for

it out of

> pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever

pay for

> it? And is it offered through the public school system here in

Texas? Does

> my son even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of

people going

> into debt for their children and I am all for doing whatever I

need for my

> son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to

qualify for

> CLASS and all they government programs that you have to wait 10

years for,

> right? Does PDD-NOS count?

>

> Thanks for your help!

>

> Michele

>

>

[Guest guest]

you're funny! I hate that I said that about Texas, but I'm just frustrated.

Just found out yesterday about the PDD-NOS. They say we all have to have some

time to grieve when we first get the diagnosis, which I guess I'm doing, on top

of moving due to the death of my dad and then starting a new job/going back to

work after almost 4 years and also trying to figure out what to do about my son.

What is that test that assigns different numbers based on what stressors you are

going through? I'm way up there lately!

I don't want to be a whiner, I want to be proactive! Let's go get Joe Barton!

lol

Michele

mark colditz wrote:

,

Your words make me laugh ...... " living in Texas sucks " ........a

hoot. Just a great line that I relate to, because the fact that our

ASD loved ones have a neurological difference seems like it means

nothing, except you get the opportunity at some point in your life

to:

1. Fight and advocate for your ASD with your ISD free of charge.

2. Pay for most Autism programs and services out of your pocket.

3. Sign up for State benefits and then wait for a long time.

4. Learn more about Autism and its effects on your loved one, but

then be misunderstood or considered " a poor parent " , " whiner " or

worse.

5. Join as many support groups as you want, but find out that those

with power may think that you don't matter when it comes to their

agenda........can we say CAA?

6. Receive some disability benefits, but then find out that those

benefits may require more work, more researching and more effort on

your part in order to attain a certain level of service.......geez

Ha ha.......four more to go and I can send it to Letterman for

his " Top Ten " .

Mark

> Do not plan on your school providing ABA here in TX or

much of anything else

> you find is the best for your child. I would begin an ABA program

> immediately. It is a home program and you will have to pay for it

but as

> long as you live in TX there is no other option. Ideally the

Lovaas studies

> showed that the kids received ABA 40 hours a week. THose were the

studies

> that showed the success. It is expensive and most likely you will

need to

> take out a loan, unless you are fairly wealthy. Y

> ou could also move to another state that may provide the in home

ABA you

> need. I know CA does so. If you want specifically the ABA that was

> studied by Lovaas, contact the Autism Parternship in CA. They can

refer

> you to a consultant. Be wary that there are individulas who say

they know

> ABA but it may not be the " true " ABA. I would be sure they are

certified

> as well.

> As far as CLASS> You do need to have a diagnosis and one of them is

> Autism. Not PDD> I am sure you can get that if you now have PDD.

> Best of luck

>

>

> Question about ABA, etc.

>

> The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son

has

> PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school

did not

> address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to

the San

> Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close

to my

> mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological

evaluation

> does not have to carry out what they recommend.

>

> I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?)

My first

> question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for

it out of

> pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever

pay for

> it? And is it offered through the public school system here in

Texas? Does

> my son even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of

people going

> into debt for their children and I am all for doing whatever I

need for my

> son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to

qualify for

> CLASS and all they government programs that you have to wait 10

years for,

> right? Does PDD-NOS count?

>

> Thanks for your help!

>

> Michele

>

>

[Guest guest]

That is basically the way it is. Texas does suck and if you can go

elsewhere while your child is young, GO

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has

PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not

address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San

Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my

mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological evaluation

does not have to carry out what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for

it? And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does

my son even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going

into debt for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my

son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for

CLASS and all they government programs that you have to wait 10 years for,

right? Does PDD-NOS count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

I have to respectfully disagree with . It is possible to access some ABA

for your child through the public school system. It really might not be what

you would get at a private day-treatment program, but in San Angelo or small or

mid-size communities, there probably won't be any private ABA programs at all.

Setting up an in-home program in a rural area is going to be tough -- finding

and training therapists and hiring a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to

travel there will be difficult and costly.

There are a lot of school districts that are starting to develop ABA programs,

there are lots of teachers attending ABA workshops, and there are even a few

cases where school districts are paying for placement in private ABA programs or

working in partnership with private programs. The new methodology requirement

in IDEA 2004 is one reason school districts are starting to adopt

scientifically-validated, peer-reviewed educational methodologies. I haven't

heard of any school districts that can hold a candle to what any of the private

day-treatment programs are doing, but at least some school districts are

starting down this path. You can go to slaw to learn more about utilizing

IDEA 2004 to your advantage in advocating for ABA services for your child.

There are a variety of ways you can access ABA through your public school. The

first is to write your IEP and BIP objectives very carefully and make sure the

school district doesn't ignore instructional methodology. You need to know what

kinds of specific methodologies will work for your child (for example,

" errorless learning " or " DRA " ) and include those in the IEP. You need to find

out how your child's IEP will be implemented. I would definitely suggest making

sure your district has a behavior analyst supervising the program. A BCBA will

oversee your child's program, coach the teacher, set up a data collection

system, etc. If your district doesn't have a BCBA on staff, request that one be

contracted.

There are some families who have had success getting their ABA programs paid for

through their insurance. The families I know work for large, self-insured

employers. Shell and Microsoft are two examples I know of.

Geraldine

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has

PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not

address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San

Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my

mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological evaluation

does not have to carry out what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for

it? And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does

my son even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going

into debt for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my

son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for

CLASS and all they government programs that you have to wait 10 years for,

right? Does PDD-NOS count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

,

You are right, ABA therapy is expensive. I work full time with no

husband, three kids and I don't qualify for anything. I have great

insurance. A $250 deductible and then it pays 100% BUT not for

anything having to do with a child that has autism. I have no extra

money to pay for anything, I don't qualify for any benefits and I

sure can't afford to take out a loan. I wish I could just stay at

home with my son and I would do it myself but I can't so I bought a

book about ABA therapy and have tried to apply it to my son's

everyday life. It is not 40 hours because he goes to public school

full time (no ABA there). I know he would do better with more ABA but

I just do the best I can and I pray a lot. Most teachers wish they

could provide some ABA but with funding always cut for special

education their hands are tied. I wish Texas did care like some other

states. Get a second opinion and then read up on different treatments

and decide which one is best for your child and then go from there.

If it doesn't work you move on to something else. Everyone has an

opinion of what you should do and how to do it. Just do your research

and do your best and your child will be just fine with all of your

love.

Kari

>

> ,

>

> Your words make me laugh ...... " living in Texas sucks " ........a

> hoot. Just a great line that I relate to, because the fact that

our

> ASD loved ones have a neurological difference seems like it means

> nothing, except you get the opportunity at some point in your life

> to:

>

> 1. Fight and advocate for your ASD with your ISD free of charge.

> 2. Pay for most Autism programs and services out of your pocket.

> 3. Sign up for State benefits and then wait for a long time.

> 4. Learn more about Autism and its effects on your loved one, but

> then be misunderstood or considered " a poor parent " , " whiner " or

> worse.

> 5. Join as many support groups as you want, but find out that

those

> with power may think that you don't matter when it comes to their

> agenda........can we say CAA?

> 6. Receive some disability benefits, but then find out that those

> benefits may require more work, more researching and more effort on

> your part in order to attain a certain level of service.......geez

>

> Ha ha.......four more to go and I can send it to Letterman for

> his " Top Ten " .

>

> Mark

>

[Guest guest]

thank you, Geraldine, for your advice!

Geraldine Bliss wrote: I have to respectfully

disagree with . It is possible to access some ABA for your child through

the public school system. It really might not be what you would get at a private

day-treatment program, but in San Angelo or small or mid-size communities, there

probably won't be any private ABA programs at all. Setting up an in-home program

in a rural area is going to be tough -- finding and training therapists and

hiring a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to travel there will be

difficult and costly.

There are a lot of school districts that are starting to develop ABA programs,

there are lots of teachers attending ABA workshops, and there are even a few

cases where school districts are paying for placement in private ABA programs or

working in partnership with private programs. The new methodology requirement in

IDEA 2004 is one reason school districts are starting to adopt

scientifically-validated, peer-reviewed educational methodologies. I haven't

heard of any school districts that can hold a candle to what any of the private

day-treatment programs are doing, but at least some school districts are

starting down this path. You can go to slaw to learn more about utilizing

IDEA 2004 to your advantage in advocating for ABA services for your child.

There are a variety of ways you can access ABA through your public school. The

first is to write your IEP and BIP objectives very carefully and make sure the

school district doesn't ignore instructional methodology. You need to know what

kinds of specific methodologies will work for your child (for example,

" errorless learning " or " DRA " ) and include those in the IEP. You need to find

out how your child's IEP will be implemented. I would definitely suggest making

sure your district has a behavior analyst supervising the program. A BCBA will

oversee your child's program, coach the teacher, set up a data collection

system, etc. If your district doesn't have a BCBA on staff, request that one be

contracted.

There are some families who have had success getting their ABA programs paid for

through their insurance. The families I know work for large, self-insured

employers. Shell and Microsoft are two examples I know of.

Geraldine

Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has

PDD-NOS (he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not

address). I have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San

Angelo area due to my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my

mom). So, basically, the school that conducted the psychological evaluation

does not have to carry out what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for

it? And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does

my son even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going

into debt for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my

son, but I am ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for

CLASS and all they government programs that you have to wait 10 years for,

right? Does PDD-NOS count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele

[Guest guest]

thanks, Kari, you are right! All we can do is the best we can...

Michele

karirkb wrote:

,

You are right, ABA therapy is expensive. I work full time with no

husband, three kids and I don't qualify for anything. I have great

insurance. A $250 deductible and then it pays 100% BUT not for

anything having to do with a child that has autism. I have no extra

money to pay for anything, I don't qualify for any benefits and I

sure can't afford to take out a loan. I wish I could just stay at

home with my son and I would do it myself but I can't so I bought a

book about ABA therapy and have tried to apply it to my son's

everyday life. It is not 40 hours because he goes to public school

full time (no ABA there). I know he would do better with more ABA but

I just do the best I can and I pray a lot. Most teachers wish they

could provide some ABA but with funding always cut for special

education their hands are tied. I wish Texas did care like some other

states. Get a second opinion and then read up on different treatments

and decide which one is best for your child and then go from there.

If it doesn't work you move on to something else. Everyone has an

opinion of what you should do and how to do it. Just do your research

and do your best and your child will be just fine with all of your

love.

Kari

>

> ,

>

> Your words make me laugh ...... " living in Texas sucks " ........a

> hoot. Just a great line that I relate to, because the fact that

our

> ASD loved ones have a neurological difference seems like it means

> nothing, except you get the opportunity at some point in your life

> to:

>

> 1. Fight and advocate for your ASD with your ISD free of charge.

> 2. Pay for most Autism programs and services out of your pocket.

> 3. Sign up for State benefits and then wait for a long time.

> 4. Learn more about Autism and its effects on your loved one, but

> then be misunderstood or considered " a poor parent " , " whiner " or

> worse.

> 5. Join as many support groups as you want, but find out that

those

> with power may think that you don't matter when it comes to their

> agenda........can we say CAA?

> 6. Receive some disability benefits, but then find out that those

> benefits may require more work, more researching and more effort on

> your part in order to attain a certain level of service.......geez

>

> Ha ha.......four more to go and I can send it to Letterman for

> his " Top Ten " .

>

> Mark

>

[Guest guest]

CLASS is the list (with a 7 year wait) for services provided by the state of TX

(DADS is the name of the health division). You can go to the DADS website for

more info

http://www.dads.state.tx.us/autism/

Maggie

[Texas-Autism- Advocacy] Question about ABA, etc.

The school pyschologist told me yesterday that my 3.9 year old son has PDD-NOS

(he also has some serious sensory issues that the school did not address). I

have my ARD tomorrow and after that, we are moving to the San Angelo area due to

my dad's death this summer (we want to be close to my mom). So, basically, the

school that conducted the psychological evaluation does not have to carry out

what they recommend.

I guess my question leads into another (but happens a lot, right?) My first

question is how does one access ABA therapy other than paying for it out of

pocket, either in home or at a special school? Does insurance ever pay for it?

And is it offered through the public school system here in Texas? Does my son

even need it? I'm just curious because I read so much of people going into debt

for their children and I am all for doing whatever I need for my son, but I am

ALREADY in debt. You have to have a diagnosis to qualify for CLASS and all they

government programs that you have to wait 10 years for, right? Does PDD-NOS

count?

Thanks for your help!

Michele