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What to Look for in an ABA Provider | ABA Therapy Orlando

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:29:47 GMT

Autism Services in Florida: What to Look For in a Quality ABA Provider

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming. There is a wealth of information out there about the next steps, including looking into Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA therapy for autism. You likely have tons of questions, like,

“What is ABA therapy?”

“Is ABA therapy safe for my child?”

“Where do I find quality ABA therapy in Orlando?”

“What do I look for in an autism services provider?”

“What does this mean for my child’s future?”

These questions are all perfectly reasonable. But before we go any further, first, here at Yount Psychological Services, we want to remind you that your child is not broken.

They don’t need to be “fixed.”

Your child with autism is just like any other child – wonderfully unique and special in their own way. An autism diagnosis simply means they may require a little extra patience, understanding, and compassion to help them tap into their full potential.

And with Yount Psychological Services by your side, our high-quality ABA therapy in Orlando can help your child do just that.

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What Is ABA Therapy for Autism?

As one of the most researched approaches to helping children with ASD learn and grow, ABA for autism is considered the “gold standard.”

Recommended by reputable agencies like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Surgeon General (among others), ABA therapy is proven to help your child improve their communication, social, and self-care skills. ABA therapy for autism is also proven to help reduce unwanted interfering behaviors that could harm themselves or others.

ABA Therapy in Orlando: 6 Things to Look for in a Quality Provider

Choosing a provider of autism therapy in Orlando shouldn’t be an added stress for you and your family. And while there are plenty of autism services in Florida to choose from, here at Yount Psychological Services, we meet all of the below criteria for a quality provider.

Those criteria include the following:

1) An Individualized Approach

ABA therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach to helping children with autism. Not all children are the same. As stated earlier, your child is wonderfully unique. Their ABA treatment plan should be, too.

At Yount Psychological Services, we focus on your child individually. We take the time to get to know them (and you!) so we can curate the ideal treatment plan to meet their current and future needs.

We offer two unique programs that are individualized to your child called “Ignite” and “ Elevate .” Based on your child’s age and needs, these two programs build upon one another, allowing them to transition from one to the other at their own pace.

2) A Collaborative Effort for Success

While our Board Certified Behavior Analyst(s) has the education, experience, and background to provide quality ABA therapy in Orlando, we aren’t the only ones who can help your child succeed.

At Yount Psychological Services, we collaborate with specialists and others in your area to support your child’s progress. By collaborating with specialists like speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and your child’s school services, we can create a more ideal program and help you make the best decisions for your child.

3) A Commitment to Family and Caregiver Inclusion

Another vital role in your child’s development is you . Choosing autism services in Florida for your child is only the beginning. You must be involved for your child to get the most out of their ABA therapy in Orlando.

At Yount Psychological Services, we’re big proponents of making sure you and other caregivers are included in your child’s treatment plan. We’ll provide you with ongoing updates on your child’s progress and the knowledge you need to implement helpful ABA strategies outside of their sessions with us.

This will not only help you help them during their ABA therapy journey, but it’ll allow you to make well-informed decisions once they’ve completed the program.

4) A Guarantee of Full Transparency

Trust is one of the pillars of a quality ABA provider. And in ABA therapy, transparency is a significant part of that trust. When choosing autism services in Orlando, make sure your provider promises full transparency about their program and your child’s treatment.

We believe in open and honest communication at Yount Psychological Services in Orlando. We’ll provide realistic professional opinions and thoughts on when your child should begin treatment and any barriers throughout. You’ll never have to wonder about how your child is doing when you partner with us. There will always be a clear path to success, and we promise to provide you with any information you need along the way.

5) A Focus on Using Evidence-Based Tools

While it’s true ABA therapy for autism is an evidence-based treatment option in and of itself, your trusted ABA therapy provider must utilize evidence-based tools within your child’s treatment program.

We use evidence-based ABA therapy tools to assess and better understand your child initially so that we can curate the ideal treatment program. After that, we use evidence-based tools to monitor progress for both skill acquisition and behavior reduction goals.

We'll continue to use these tools to reassess your child's progress every three to six months to provide you with an accurate progress report and per most insurance companies' requirements.

6) No BCBA Burnout

One of the most significant issues in the autism therapy field happens when a provider overworks their employees. When Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are given too many clients to supervise, they understandably get burnt out. And when a BCBA is burnt out, the quality of care declines.

That’s not good for BCBAs or for children with autism and their families.

At Yount Psychological Services, we do things differently. Larger ABA companies tend to focus on maximizing profits, giving too many clients to their BCBAs. Typically, they give them 12-16 children to supervise at minimal hours every week.

Here at Yount Psychological Services, we believe six to eight children to supervise more robustly per week is a more practical maximum. Compared to the 10% supervision rate of larger companies, we supervise at 20% as a standard, which is the recommendation of the Council of Autism Service Providers. This results in a higher quality of clinical services and better outcomes for your child.

Choose Yount Psychological Services for Evidence-Based ABA Therapy in Orlando

At Yount Psychological Services, we offer the highest quality, individualized ABA therapy in Central Florida. Our unique collaborative model, paired with unparalleled expertise, family inclusion, transparency, and evidence-based tools, makes our services the best around.

We understand the challenges of facing an autism diagnosis. But we also know how valuable, unique, talented, and wonderful your child is. They have the potential inside them to reach for and achieve their dreams. And we can help.

Contact us for more information on our high-quality in-home or clinic-based autism therapy in Orlando. We’re ready to partner with you to provide the highest quality autism services to help improve your and your child’s quality of life.

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Getting an Accurate Autism Diagnosis in Orlando

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:29:45 GMT

Getting an Accurate Autism Diagnosis in Orlando

If you suspect your child, loved one, or even yourself may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. Understanding autism and how it may affect you or your child can help you proactively get the support you need to set you up for a lifetime of success and fulfillment.

It’s also important to understand that autism is not something that must be “fixed.” You or your loved one is not “broken.” You’re simply wired a little differently. Fully understanding your level of autism and how to effectively live with it through accurate testing and diagnosis means you’re just getting to know yourself or your loved one a little better.

And that’s a positive!

Knowing where to go to get an accurate autism evaluation in Orlando can be a bit overwhelming. You may find yourself asking questions like, ‘

“Where do I start?”

“What kind of tests should my child or myself get?”

“How long do I have to wait to get an appointment for an evaluation and testing?”

“How do I know if I can trust the results?”

“Once I get the results, then what?”

Those questions are entirely understandable. To help you out, we’ve put together this brief guide to help you better understand how we can help get you an accurate autism diagnosis in Orlando at Yount Psychological Services.

Our Services

Don’t Wait to Schedule Autism Testing in Orlando. Early Intervention is Key.

There is significant evidence pointing to the importance of early intervention with autism. Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes and the overall quality of life.

With that said, one of the barriers to receiving early intervention is long wait times for autism diagnostic testing. Based on a recent 2022 survey of 111 autism evaluation centers, you could wait as long as one year before getting into a specialist to receive testing. Many of our clients often tell us they have to wait eight to twelve months here in the Central Florida area.

At Yount Psychological Services, we do our best to get you or your child in for a comprehensive autism evaluation as soon as possible.

Your first step to getting an appointment is to contact us directly or seek a referral from your doctor or pediatrician

Determining if Your Child Needs an Autism Evaluation in Orlando

Keeping tabs on your child’s development milestones from infancy to toddlerhood is essential. Recognizing the early signs of autism is critical to ensuring they receive intervention as soon as possible.

Here are some of the early developmental signs of autism:

If you go through your child’s pediatrician, they will likely use screening tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R). This screening tool consists of 20 questions about your child’s behavior and is intended for toddlers between 16 and 30 months old. If their findings indicate your child could benefit from autism testing in Orlando, they can refer you to our services.

What Sets Our Autism Evaluations in Orlando Apart

We understand the value of ensuring you or your child receives the autism assessments and testing services they need. That’s why we don’t just dive right into testing. We do our best to get the whole picture of your situation to determine what is happening. It could be autism, but it could also be autism exacerbated by something else. And believe it or not, sometimes your child’s issues aren’t even autism! This is something we will help determine during the initial clinical evaluation.

Our autism evaluation process consists of three appointments:

Clinical Evaluation
Testing
Debriefing of results

Appointment #1 - Clinical Interview

Before we begin autism evaluations, your first appointment is with Dr. Melissa Yount , a Licensed Psychologist in Orlando. Dr. Yount will explore your child’s background and discuss your concerns with you to see if other things are going on. She will determine if perhaps there are caregiver concerns like signs of anxiety, ADHD, a learning disability, inattention, hyperactivity, and more. This clinical interview will determine what tests are needed.

It is important to note that there are comorbidities between Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, learning disabilities, intellectual impairment, anxiety, depression, and other emotional functioning elements. Differentiating between symptoms requires the skillsets of a well-trained mental health professional like Dr. Yount.

Appointment #2: Testing

Your second appointment with us will be for testing. At Yount Psychological Services, we typically administer more than one assessment for autism, any additional assessments needed, and an adaptive assessment.

Depending on the testing required to address your concerns, this appointment could end up being two or more hours. The doctor will consult with you during your initial intake appointment as to the necessary testing that should be conducted for your or your child’s specific concerns.

Appointment #3: Debriefing of Results
The third and final appointment for autism evaluations with us is when we talk about what we found in our testing. You will meet with Dr. Melissa Yount, sometimes accompanied by other staff, to comprehensively review her entire report and break down any findings. We will happily answer any of your questions, help you understand the diagnosis, or perhaps even explain why the result is a non-specified diagnosis.

If the diagnosis includes autism, we may also discuss the option of enrolling in our ABA therapy services with our resident Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Caleb Yount, to help your child learn, grow, and thrive.

A Deeper Explanation of Some of Our Autism Tests

There are several different autism tests used to help determine if a child or adult has autism and to what degree. At Yount Psychological Services, we use only the most reliable, evidence-based tests to ensure your child receives an accurate autism diagnosis in Orlando.

It’s important to understand that our psychometric tests are backed by research. These tests are incredibly accurate, so you can trust their results.

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2nd Edition (ADOS-2)

The ADOS-2 is considered the “gold standard” in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that focuses on observing behaviors directly relevant to ASD at different developmental levels and chronological ages. This activity-based assessment allows us to evaluate communication skills, social interaction, and imaginative play.

The ADOS-2 evaluation typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes and is completed in a room while simultaneously being recorded for future review. Your child’s ADOS-2 assessment will resemble one of four different modules:

Toddler Module: 12 to 30 months; preverbal or single words
Module 1: for children older than 30 months with little to few words
Module 2: typically for younger children with phrase speech
Module 3: typically for children with fluent speech
Module 4: for adolescents and adults with fluent speech

Childhood Autism Rating Scale - 2nd Edition (CARS-2)

The CARS-2 assessment is based on direct observation and can effectively discriminate between severe cognitive deficits and autism. This second edition is more responsive than the original and can address individuals who are both standard (ST) and high-functioning (HF).

During this assessment, your child will be observed and scored in the following areas during a CARS-2 test:

relating to people
imitation (ST)
socioemotional understanding (HF)
emotional response (ST)
emotional expression and regulation of emotion (HF)
body use
object use (ST)
object use in play (HF)
adaptation to change (ST)
adaptation to change/restricted interests (HF)

visual response
listening response
fear or nervousness (ST)
fear or anxiety (HF)
verbal communication
nonverbal communication
activity level (ST)
thinking/cognitive integration skills (HF)
level and consistency of intellectual response
general impressions

Adaptive Assessments

It’s essential to assess and measure your child’s adaptive behavior if they are suspected to have ASD or another disorder. This assessment allows us to determine your child’s functioning level when completing daily tasks, engaging in leisure activities, etc.

There are various assessments for adaptive skills, such as the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System - 3rd Edition (ABAS-3) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales - 3rd Edition (Vineland-3). These norm-referenced assessments look at your child’s functioning level across the lifespan in many areas. Areas tested may include leisure activities, communication, community use, and school and home living.

Intelligence Assessments

When a client's functioning level allows, we should assess intelligence to help determine if a diagnosis of ASD or another disorder is accompanied by intellectual impairment.

Several different intelligence assessments are used to evaluate children and adolescents with autism. One of the most reliable for children is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - 5th Edition (WISC-V). It is typically used to assess the general thinking and reasoning skills of children ages six to 16.

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is the most reliable intelligence assessment for adults. This test consists of several subtests addressing cognitive abilities like verbal comprehension, working memory, perceptual reasoning, and processing speed.

Partner With Yount Psychological Services for Autism Services in Orlando

Our team here at Yount Psychological Services has over fifteen years of experience in autism testing and working with children and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. If you are looking for reliable, caring autism services in Orlando, including autism testing and ABA therapy, you can count on us.

Contact us for more information about how we can help you and your child through autism services, testing, evaluations, and counseling.

How to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

Thu, 12 May 2022 22:56:39 GMT

Mental illness affects millions of Americans each day. To raise awareness, fight the stigma, and support those with mental health conditions, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month every May. Believe it or not, Mental Health Awareness Month dates back to 1949 in the wake of the Great Depression, when people first began to promote mental health.

Today, it is recognized in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries around the world. So what can you do to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and make a positive difference in your life and the lives of others? Keep reading to find out.

Start a Conversation

It might feel awkward to reach out to someone who may be facing a mental health condition. But the truth is some of your friends and family might not feel comfortable asking for help. By saying things like “can I help you in seeking treatment,” or “what can I do to be there for you,” you will show them your support. Remember, you do not have to offer advice or act as their therapist. Simply making it known that you care can go a long way.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

There is no better time to focus on your mental health than Mental Health Awareness Month. If you are struggling, do not hesitate to seek professional help. You can also make some lifestyle changes that will improve your mental health.

Donate or Volunteer Your Time

Fortunately, there is no shortage of organizations that promote the importance of mental health. If your financial situation allows, consider donating to them. You can also participate in fundraisers and other events, such as those held by The National Alliance on Mental Illness. Another option is to volunteer your resources or time to local organizations, such as domestic violence shelters or mental health clinics.

Share Information

Knowledge is power. That is why it is a good idea to share information and spread awareness about mental health. You may do so by handing out fliers at schools or fundraisers. Another option is to post on social media and use the hashtags for Mental Health Awareness Month, which include #NotAlone,#MentalHealthMonth, and #MHM.

Contact Yount Psychological Services Today

If you’re ready to take control of your mental health and improve your quality of life, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment at Yount Psychological Services. We offer top quality therapy services in Central Florida and look forward to hearing from you!

yount-psychological-services

What to Look for in an ABA Provider | ABA Therapy Orlando

Autism Services in Florida: What to Look For in a Quality ABA Provider

What Is ABA Therapy for Autism?

ABA Therapy in Orlando: 6 Things to Look for in a Quality Provider

Choose Yount Psychological Services for Evidence-Based ABA Therapy in Orlando

Getting an Accurate Autism Diagnosis in Orlando

Getting an Accurate Autism Diagnosis in Orlando

Don’t Wait to Schedule Autism Testing in Orlando. Early Intervention is Key. ﻿

Determining if Your Child Needs an Autism Evaluation in Orlando

What Sets Our Autism Evaluations in Orlando Apart

A Deeper Explanation of Some of Our Autism Tests

Partner With Yount Psychological Services for Autism Services in Orlando

How to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

Start a Conversation

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Donate or Volunteer Your Time

Share Information

Contact Yount Psychological Services Today

Don’t Wait to Schedule Autism Testing in Orlando. Early Intervention is Key.