How Can Families Find Quality Autism Therapy Close to Home?

Autism therapy services can be hard to find. Searching for services can be challenging for families without a sense of what quality services look like. And then there is the issue of proximity. Parents would travel far and wide to find the best possible services for their children, but are limited by how long and how far they are willing to drive under normal circumstances. For families with children with autism, adding an hour or more to an already busy and chaotic day can be disastrous.

Here at CASA we’re pleased to say that there are quality autism therapy services available throughout most regions of the country, but it can be hard to find them. One reason for this is that many centres provide dull descriptions of their services, leading to confusion. Additionally, the names of different programmes can be similar, creating further confusion.

Start With Specific Credentials, Not General Promises

Most, if not all, of the therapy centers in our area advertise that they use “evidence-based techniques” and provide “individualized care” for each child. But what does that really mean, without seeing it in action? How can you be sure the quality and uniqueness of service your child receives, despite the standard sales pitch?

One often overlooked factor in selecting quality services and supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the quality of the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) providing interventions, as well as the amount of experience that he or she brings to the table. Many people mistakenly believe that having a BCBA is enough. While it is true that BCBAs are the typically the primary providers of interventions and supports for individuals with autism Spectrum disorder, not all BCBAs are created equal. A provider with a BCBA who has worked with adults with autism for two years will have a vastly different approach, methodologies, and credentials than one who has been working with children with autism for 10 years and has spent years developing and implementing best practices.

Look at the retention rate of the therapists. If there is a high turnover rate it may be a sign of problems with management, compensation, or work environment. Ongoing education and training requirements are also important. The field of autism is evolving rapidly with new scientific research appearing every year. Without adequate training, well-meaning caregivers can do more harm than good.

Watch out for “comprehensive” and “holistic” in the marketing materials, and be skeptical. Find out about their evaluation process, their methods of treatment, and what types of progress they look for. A quality provider will be proud of the methods they use and happy to discuss them with you.

Location Affects Everything

Families can often look for a location in which to receive support. Most families find it best to have sessions held on a frequent basis, in the same long-term location. For our family, it’s a 45 minute drive each way, meaning what could be a one hour session turns into a three hour commitment.

You also need to consider the real cost of traveling to other parts of town when searching for autism therapy near me. How much will it cost you in gas and car wear-and-tear, in lost hours at work, and in stress as you scramble to get to appointments on time. Is there really that much value on the other side of town?

Importance of Families in a Program

While we worked hard during the treatment sessions, lasting change occurs between the frames. It is in those moments when family members use the strategies and principles they learned during treatment that the most powerful change occurs. Most effective programs teach parent strategies and then coach parents on the use of those strategies. Unlike traditional individual parent therapy, PCIT is a family system intervention in which the parent is an active participant in the child’s behavior change and learns to manage behaviors with their child. You and your family will learn, practice, and apply new skills to face many Autism related difficulties.

Look for the number of minutes spent on topics that relate to your family’s daily routines, challenges and goals. Most learning about Autism Spectrum Disorders occurs when strategies are discussed in relation to daily life. Quality providers can direct you to resources that support the strategies discussed with you, but be wary of providers who only give you a handout to read. Look for more than that. Also look into how the provider would support you to implement strategies in your home routine.

We look for autism therapy centers near our clients that incorporate family into the treatment process. Parent training should NOT be an add on. Ask the center how often the therapists will be in contact with you. Do you want daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly emails or updates in session? Do you want quarterly written progress reports mailed to you? The best programs are constantly communicating with the family, via phone, email, and in session. We like to work with families to establish goals and objectives for treatment. Choose a center that will work with YOU to develop a treatment plan. Choose a center that does not have all the answers but will work with you to find the answers.

Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

One of the first signs of trouble with a program is the pressure put on families to make a quick decision. Given the busy schedules of families with children on the autism spectrum, they already have a program(s) in their sights that they are considering enrolling their child(ren) into. High quality programs don’t need to pressure families into making a hasty decision – indeed, if a program is trying to push you into enrolling your child within a matter of weeks (or even days!), then this is a clear sign that you should look elsewhere. Furthermore, be wary of so-called “quality” programs that take a one size fits all approach to the treatment and support of children with autism. Remember, every child with autism is different, with different personalities, abilities and challenges, and as such each child requires a unique approach to support and treatment. Therefore, look at the quality of a program’s approach to treating the needs of each child by reviewing and asking questions about their individualized treatment planning starting with your first visit to their center.

Is there room for your child to show you their growth, to share their experiences with you, and to invite you into their world? Rare spots for center, classroom, or learning environment observations. Most quality programs have very few true spots open for parent and family involvement through observations, but there are some places that welcome observations and involvement throughout the day and provide a window for you into your child’s world.

Trust Your Instincts

By this point, you have done your research on possible programs and taken some visits to each one. Now it is time to follow your heart and sign up your child for the program that makes him or her feel most at ease and comfortable enough to grow and learn from the experience. You need to feel confident that the therapists assigned to your child are adequate and will be able to provide the individualized quality time your child requires. Most programs offer a trial period of time (typically 6-8 weeks) to give you and your child a chance to become comfortable with the program. Remember, most programs with a research-based method are so confident in what they can provide for your child that they are willing to give you a trial period. The best program for your child is one in which you sense that the child’s therapists are not only qualified, motivated, and experienced, but also will be able to make your child feel comfortable enough to grow and be challenged.

Finding a good quality provision of autism therapy near you can take time and some effort but it is worthwhile doing some research to get the best outcomes for your family. Don’t be afraid to ask the hardest questions of any provider, and if possible visit the setting or session where your child will be. Find out more about each approach and read with a critical eye about the quality of the evidence about their effectiveness.