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What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

​Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that focuses on developing skills in a variety of areas such as social skills, cognition, language development, self-care, and more through behavior change. Applied Behavior Analysis techniques develop these skills by analyzing an individual's behavior and adjusting the environment and consequences as they relate to that behavior. ABA has a variety of subspecialties that utilize the basic principles of ABA.

What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?

​The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based intervention that fuses behavioral and developmental principles into an integrated play-based approach to treatment. ESDM can be implemented in a variety of natural settings such as the home or the daycare/preschool by trained therapists as well as parents within play and daily routines. ESDM is based on the methods of Applied Behavior Analysis.

​Does my child need to have a diagnosis in order to receive treatment?

​Yes. Your child will need to have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder to qualify for treatment services.

​How do I get a diagnosis?

​To receive an autism diagnosis, you and your child will need to meet a licensed professional for an evaluative assessment. Visit our diagnostic services page for more information. There are a variety of assessment tools that can be used. FamilyPath used the ADOS-2 Toddler Module for diagnostic assessments.

​How long does it take to get an evaluation?

Waitlists for an evaluation vary depending upon your child’s age, location, insurance coverage, and availability of the diagnosing provider. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait to inquire about an assessment.

​What steps do we take when we’re ready to start services?

​Once you have received a diagnosis, the next step is to schedule an intake with an area provider. At FamilyPath, our first step is gathering information about your child to determine when and where to schedule the intake. During Intake, our Clinical Director will review your child’s skills and family’s goals to tailor your child’s treatment plan to meet your child’s needs. 

​Does FamilyPath offer clinic-based services?

​No. FamilyPath’s program is exclusively home-based. When it is clinically appropriate for the child, we may support clients in some community settings for a limited number of sessions each week.

​How many hours a week is FamilyPath’s program?

FamilyPath offers a comprehensive or intensive treatment program which requires 27.5-30 scheduled hours each week.

Can I participate in the program with fewer hours?

​FamilyPath aims to deliver an intensive level of treatment services that require a commitment of 27.5-30 hours of scheduled treatment services each week. This level of intensity has been proven effective in research studies.

Do I need to do anything special to my home to receive services?

​Services are provided in the parts of your home where your child naturally plays and eats. This may include the family room, kitchen, playroom, backyard, and your child's bedroom. It is important to have space for sit-down activities as well as space to move around. We don't require families to set aside a single room in the house where therapy will always happen, but we do require a suitable treatment space that includes a clear 10'x10' space, materials for treatment and basic health and safety measures such as a clean, accessible bathroom. We review these requirements during the intake process. Visit our current clients page for information on recommended materials.

​How long is the program?

​While the program length varies for each child depending upon their individual needs, most clients participate in intensive therapy for an average of two years. We ask families to make a 12-month commitment to our program.

​What does therapy look like?

​Each therapy session is scheduled for 2.5 - 3 hours with one team member. During the session, your child participates in typical play activities while the technician targets skills embedded into each play routine. Throughout the session, your child is given short breaks from play while the technician completes documentation of the session. Meals, snacks, and daily routines are often incorporated into therapy sessions based on your child's needs.

​Can my other children participate in sessions?

​Caregivers need to keep siblings occupied during treatment sessions so that the team can focus on working with the child who is receiving treatment. Most session activities involve 1:1 activity between the child and team member. In some cases, siblings may join the session at pre-arranged times to work on relevant treatment goals. You may work with your Program Manager and Lead Therapist to determine when this is appropriate.

Do I need to participate in sessions?

The caregiver is welcome to participate and be actively involved in sessions, although it is not required. An adult caregiver (age 18+) must be present for the duration of every session and must be available on request to assist with activities or attend to the child’s physical needs (e.g., diaper changes/toileting, preparing meals and snacks, or emergency).
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We compel parents and caregivers to learn and practice strategies the Team uses with their child by participating in sessions, attending Team Meetings, participating in Lead Visits. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to practice and implement strategies outside of treatment sessions.

What holidays does FamilyPath observe and how does that time off work?

​FamilyPath observes six (6) holidays each year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. When an observed holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be the company-observed holiday. When an observed holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday shall be the company-observed holiday. FamilyPath does not provide services on the date a holiday is observed, and employees shall not perform work. Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and the Day after Thanksgiving are not considered holidays and therapy is typically scheduled.

​What type of training and background checks are given to the individuals coming into my home?

​Employees are subject to background and criminal history checks at the time of hire and every three (3) years thereafter. All employees undergo a rigorous training program upon hire and are provided with ongoing training and coaching for the duration of their employment. All paraprofessionals are overseen by licensed professionals.