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QUESTIONS FOR IN-HOME AUTISM TREATMENT PROVIDERS
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Families with Autism Counseling and Resource Center
Colleen Mortell, Ph.D., Lead therapist
6333 University Ave. Suite 202
Middleton, WI 53562
A. Therapy:
1. How would you characterize your therapeutic approach? Our program is an intensive, behavioral approach based on Lovaas' research. We also include elements of other approaches including interactive play, sensory integration and PECS. Our priority is individualized, high quality care. New client intake is limited to ensure that each child spends a significantly greater amount of time with his/her psychologist and senior therapist.
2. How do you work with children who are nonverbal? Our goal with non-verbal children is to work toward speech. We use PECS or sing language to facilitate communication, and to teach language concepts as the child develops.
3. How do you accommodate the child's sensory defensiveness? The home team consults with each child's occupational therapist and his/her recommendations are included in the program.
4. How do you deal with a child's aggressive behavior? We typically use extinction and redirection. Secondarily, we use time-out to manage aggression.
5. What services are offered in addition to the in-home therapy (i.e., social skills groups, speech therapy, etc.)? Are these services also covered by Medicaid? Individual, couple and family therapy are available, as well as sibling art groups. Services can be billed to medicaid, insurance or personal (unreadable word).
B. Entering and Exiting the program:
1. Do you accept all children under the current Medicaid age limit who apply? If not, what are your entrance requirements, such as age or IQ? We accept all children who meet the medicaid requirements. Our catchment area is limited to South Central Wisconsin.
2. What testing do you require initially? Testing is not required. Testing is offered for parents who want a baseline assessment.
3. Under what circumstances will you accept testing by other agencies, such as schools or private therapists? Other testing is always acceptable.
4. What are the current out-of pocket expenses that a parent must pay for the entrance testing? Depending on the complexity of the assessment, cost ranges from $500 - $1,000. Insurance may cover it.
5. Can parents arrange to have these expenses spread out over a longer time period? A monthly payment plan can be arranged..
6. How is the number of therapy hours determined? Including school shadowing, our children receive 15 - 35 hours of therapy per week. Parents decide the exact number of hours based on the child's needs and other theraupetic activities..
7. Do you require that the child may not be in any other educational program when he begins therapy? If so, for how long? No.
8. How is a child's progress evaluated, and how often is this done? The child's progress on each program is reviewed weekly by the senior therapist. His/her overall progress is reviewed monthly by the psychologist. The parents and team review and alter the goals on a weekly basis. Every six months, a new treatment plan is developed based on the child's progress.
9. What are your criteria for a child exiting the program? Children exit at their parents' discretion when they feel it is no longer necessary.
10. Under what circumstances can a child be dismissed from your program? If the parents or treatment team believed that it was in the best interests, the child would be transitioned to other services.
Therapists:
1. What are the minimum educational requirements for line therapists? Therapists must have 1 year of college and 30 hrs of training in ABA. Therapists are screened through an interview background check and reference check, then matched with a family.
2. What kind of training are the line therapists given? Who provides the training and what are their qualifications? Therapists are trained by a senior therapist (B.A. or M.A.) through a one-day workshop or by overlapping with therapists already working with the child. On-going training occurs through team meetings and over-lap.
3. What should parents do if they have a complaint about a line or senior therapist? Contact the psychologist: Dr. Colleen Mortell.
Parents:
1. What kind of training is given to parents and other family members? How much training is provided? Parents are invited to attend the workshop and all team meetings, and they are encouraged to observe therapy at will. Parents can also meet weekly with their senior and/or psychologist.
2. Must one parent be in the home during therapy sessions? What alternate arrangements are acceptable? Therapy can occur at home or daycare. We prefer that a parent or babysitter be present. Parents can leave during therapy, but they remain responsible for the child's safety.
3. What, if any, support services, such as respite or counseling, are offered to families by your organization? How are these services paid for? Family and/or sibling counseling is available, usually covered by MA or insurance.
4. Do you provide prospective families a list of families who have used your services and have agreed to be contacted? Yes, upon request.
Other Agencies
1. How do you coordinate with area school districts that the children you are supporting attend? We maintain a cooperative relationship with each school district and IEP team, through consulting and school shadowing.
2. How do you coordinate with private therapists that the family employs who are not a part of your organization? Outside therapists are a welcome part of the treatment team. They are invited to attend team meetings and make recommendations.