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Autism Spectrum Support, Education & Training
YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES OF VIRGINIA, INC.
ASSET PROGRAM
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has seen an alarming escalation rate, with experts now calculating that 1 in 52 children are falling on the spectrum. The Autism Society of America estimates that one and a half million Americans meet criteria for the diagnosis; the US Department of education states that autism is growing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent per year, and predicts that numbers in the US could reach four million in the next decade. Families across the country and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia are challenged with finding treatment that can provide them with competent programs offering researched-based interventions, parent training and education, and advocacy in the educational and medical arenas. The ASSET Program is designed to provide these essential supports to assist each child and family achieve maximum functioning and well-being. It is our goal to positively affect the quality of life for children with ASD and their families through the implementation of highest quality treatment, support, education and training.
The ASSET Program is designed to offer holistic, innovative, research-based treatment to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. ASD is a pervasive disorder that affects almost every aspect of behavior; primary symptoms include lack of or delay in speech, poor nonverbal communication, repetitive movement, diminished social interests, restricted play skills and poor generalization of skills. The ASSET Program is designed to improve the functional behaviors of the individual by using and coordinating multi-disciplinary clinical services to increase the adaptive functioning, behavioral skills, social skills and communication skills. Additionally, family members receive the education, support and training needed to reinforce the treatment of their child and to maintain the changes made while in treatment.
Services and Program Description
ASSET BRILLIANT MINDS EARLY INTERVENTION CENTER
Youth & Family Services of Virginia announces the grand opening of The Brilliant Minds Early Intervention Program – the newest and most innovative Early Intervention Program in the metro Richmond area! The Brilliant Minds Program is a powerful therapeutic hybrid program that combines an intensive preschool learning environment with the added proven benefits of in-home therapy. Each child will gain rich experience with a specific tailored treatment plan that meets their individual needs.
The Brilliant Minds Early Intervention Center is accepting children 18 months to 5 years old. Transportation options are currently available.
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS & AUTISM SUPPORT
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective treatment for children diagnosed with Autism. Over the past 50 years, thousands of published studies have documented the effectiveness of ABA for increasing a wide variety of skills and decreasing challenging behaviors. The goal of ABA is to facilitate enduring behavioral changes resulting in enhanced quality of life. It has demonstrated lasting and positve behavior change.
Each child’s individual treatment plan and programming is developed through multiple assessments, both formal and informal, including the VB-MAPP and Functional Behavioral Analyses. This plan remains fluid and is evaluated continuously through data collection and analysis. Basic learning-to-learn concepts, communication skills, socialization skills, self-help skills, play skills, community living and safety awareness is incorporated into each plan. Priority is given to address any disruptive or aggressive behaviors including self-injurious behaviors and/or aggression to others. Possible areas of treatment planning include toileting issues, eating issues, sleep issues and other daily functioning issues. Each treatment plan includes specific ABA strategies, such as discrete trial learning, errorless learning, and positive reinforcement strategies; incidental learning and generalization of skills across settings also are included. Strategies employed are designed to create pivotal responses as changes occur in both targeted and non-targeted behaviors. Behavioral treatment is provided in settings that are natural or normal for the child such at home or specific community settings as defined in the child’s treatment plan. The goal of each program is to positively affect the quality of life for the child by assisting her/him to achieve maximum functioning and well-being.
ASSET EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION SERVICES
The ASSET Program proudly announces the addition of comprehensive Educational Consultation Services provided by a highly trained professionals. The mission for our Educational Consultant is to assist and support families to design and implement effective solutions that will empower them to successfully navigate special education environments, create harmony in the home and plan towards a productive adulthood for their child.
AUTISM EDUCATION & PARENT TRAINING
The ASSET Program provides each child and family a full array of Case Management services to fully impact the growth and change desired. Case Management services include linking the child and family to necessary collateral services as well as maintaining collaborative communication with all services providers currently in place.
Parent Training is an essential component of Case Management; the family is trained to successfully manage clinically designed behavioral strategies in the home setting. Families are provided Advocacy Support in educational, medical, legal or vocational settings in order to obtain the maximum level of services appropriate for each child. The preferences, desires and needs of the child and family form the foundation of Case Management and Advocacy Supports.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE & CRISIS INTERVENTION
All children and families enrolled in the ASSET Program have access to immediate response from the team during times of psychiatric or behavioral emergency. The Engagement Manager serves as first responder and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The Clinical Director is available to the Engagement Manager and family for consultation at any time a child experiences a psychiatric or behavioral crisis. All effort will be made to support the family including utilizing community emergency resources.
ASSESSMENT
Upon inquiry, each family particiaptes in a brief screening assessment to determine if these services are relevant to the needs of their child and family. If appropriate for services, the family particiaptes in a comprehensive clinical interview to asses the specific needs they are experiencing. This interview includes a full bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessment and time is spent with both parents and child. Specific medical information is explored including ASD related concerns of GI issues, sensory integration issues, nutritional concerns, sleep problems, toileting issues, etc. The child’s targeted behaviors are assessed for frequency, duration and intensity and must be determined to exceed the capabilities for traditional, outpatient therapies.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SERVICES
The ASSET Program is designed to offer holistic, innovative, research-based treatment to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. ASD is a pervasive disorder that affects almost every aspect of behavior; primary symptoms include lack of or delay in speech, poor nonverbal communication, repetitive movement, diminished social interests, restricted play skills and poor generalization of skills. The ASSET Program is designed to improve the functional behaviors of the individual by using and coordinating multi-disciplinary clinical services to increase the adaptive functioning, behavioral skills, social skills and communication skills. Additionally, family members receive the education, support and training needed to reinforce the treatment of their child and to maintain the changes made while in treatment.
CONSULTATIVE LEVEL SERVICES
Many children and families who meet the goals and objectives established in an intensive behavioral program have difficulty obtaining appropriate step-done services. The ASSET Program offers a Consultative Level of services that are tailored to provide a graduated reduction of treatment during which parents and children strengthen their independent functioning. During this time, services include parent consultative sessions and regular but diminishing sessions of direct treatment for the child. Emphasis is placed on long-term incorporation of behavioral strategies and generalization of skills across all settings.