For our families with BCBS, please read this: http://fabaworld.org/public_affairs.php
We will be contacting BCBS again on Friday to try to remedy this!

Hi, all. So, for several days I’ve been stringing you along about providing info for newly diagnosed families. Tonight, I finally deliver.

When you receive a diagnosis of autism, your head spins. There are so many questions and not enough clear answers. Often, physicians tell you ‘ he has autism’ but not where to go or what to do about it.

Here is a guide for families with a new diagnosis. Please pass this information on to those who may need it.

Tonight is just Part 1, or rather step 1, in a long process. Over the next several days, I’ll outline WHO can help you, how they can help, what to (try to) do with your insurance, potential funding sources, documentation you will need, and whatever else I can think of that might be useful. Keep reading.

Step 1: Seek out a behavior analyst – do your homework. Intensive early intervention via applied behavior analysis is your child’s best shot at recovery / maximizing his or her potential. The younger the child starts therapy, the better the outcomes tend to be. Do your homework by finding a quality provider – one that is certified in behavior analysis (you can find certified professional at the Behavior Analysis Certification Board’s website at www.bacb.com) and by checking out the program thoroughly. Not all providers are created alike. You want a program that knows a lot about verbal behavior training. You want a program where several professionals collaborate about your child, their progress, and how to best meet program goals. You want a program that has documented mainstream success stories.

Here’s a link to our ‘So What’s Next?’ Guide to help out until the next post . . . http://www.floridaautismcenter.net/EI-Site/default.htm

So, I’m reading other blogs tonight because I plan to constantly look for ways to make this blog better. I just found the most amazing blog and I want you all to take a look at it. The topic today is whether ABA is medical or educational. There’s also an interesting little tidbit about IRS publication 502, which apparently states  that ABA therapy for autism is a tax deduction. (I never knew this, I’m going to look up the publication tonight.) Anyways, check out this really great blog, which is tonight my hero.

http://autism.about.com/b/2009/07/07/applied-behavior-analysis-educational-or-medical.htm

Before I’m done for the night, I want to say THANK YOU to my wonderful husband. He’s working away on our data system every day and I know it’s going to be amazing.