Autism Services
Working Together to Support Children with Autism
At Lighthouse Autism Center, we work with families and healthcare professionals to provide community resources for autism that educate our community about the importance of early intervention, the signs of autism, as well as insurance requirements for families to be able to access ABA therapy and other autism therapy services.
Autism Diagnostic Services
Resources for Healthcare Professionals
At Lighthouse Autism Center, the average age of diagnosis for learners is 5 years old. However, we can reliably diagnose as early as 18 months and sometimes even earlier. Oftentimes, children may have an observational diagnosis from a physician, or a diagnosis of autism provided by their school. However, this type of diagnosis is typically not sufficient for insurance, resulting in payors refusing to approve therapies such as ABA, Speech, or OT. Families are then forced to spend more time in the diagnostic process, which can take months and delay access to care.
Insurance can be challenging to navigate, but it is critical to accessing autism therapy and fusion therapy services. Lighthouse is committed to working with healthcare professionals, educators, and other members of autism communities to educate stakeholders on the importance of a medical autism diagnosis, and the steps we must take to support families in the autism community network.
Autism Evaluation
While there are several different assessment tools that can be used for the evaluation of autism, there are only a handful that are typically accepted by insurance payors. Insurance typically requires a standardized autism evaluation in the form of the ADOS-2, CARS 2, or M-CHAT-R.
An observational diagnosis from a physician or an autism diagnosis provided by a school is typically not accepted by insurance.
This is an activity-based assessment administered by trained clinicians to evaluate communication skills, social interaction, and imaginative use of materials in individuals who are suspected to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
This is a 15-item observation-based rating scale designed to accurately differentiate autistic children from those with developmental delays without features of autism.
This is a parent tool for report screening that can help assess the risk for ASD. In approximately 10 minutes, parents can complete the 20 questions and receive an autism risk assessment for their child.
What’s Next
ABA Therapy and Autism
If a child does receive an autism diagnosis, there are several different therapy options available. However, Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA) is considered the gold standard in autism therapy and works on developing new skills, refining previously learned skills, and decreasing socially significant problem behavior. ABA has a longstanding reputation for delivering incredible outcomes for autistic children, particularly when it is implemented at an early age.
The Lighthouse Fusion Difference
At Lighthouse Autism Center, we offer an innovative approach to speech therapy called Lighthouse Fusion.
Lighthouse Fusion® is an innovative and one-of-a-kind approach to speech therapy that provides children with greater opportunity for speech development. By Fusing speech therapy directly into a child’s daily programming, learners are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun.
Refer a Patient
Submit a referral by completing the form or download the referral form below and fax the form and any accompanying documents to 317-732-7512.
Bringing Autism Awareness and Education to Our Community
Autism 101 Training
Lighthouse Autism Center offers free training to any local community organization or healthcare provider looking to better understand how to support and advocate for those with autism. Sessions are led by our highly trained and experienced team of BCBAs, who share information on the signs and characteristics of autism, as well as appropriate interactions and de-escalation techniques. These trainings are tailored to specific organizations, including first responders, police departments, medical facilities, libraries, and more. Participants are invited to ask our clinical team about specific situations or questions, and we offer a free autism resource kit with each presentation. This kit includes materials that may allow individuals on the spectrum to meet their sensory needs and aid in simple communication.
Request an Autism Training
Are you interested in supporting autism acceptance and advocacy in your community? Complete the form below to request an Autism Training with a member of our clinical team.
Recent News
04/02/2025
The Importance of Early Intervention: Why Referring for ABA Therapy at a Young Age Matters
Early intervention is vital for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as it significantly improves long-term developmental outcomes. Research shows that early referral to evidence-based therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can enhance cognitive, language, and social skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months to ensure timely […]
03/13/2025
The Collaborative Role of ABA Therapists and Pediatricians in Treating Children with Developmental Delays
Children with developmental delays benefit most from a comprehensive care approach where healthcare professionals collaborate to provide individualized treatment plans. Among the most effective partnerships is the collaboration between Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists and pediatricians. This teamwork enhances early diagnosis, personalized intervention, and ongoing support, improving long-term outcomes for children with autism and other […]
02/21/2025
Recognizing Early Signs of Autism: How Pediatricians Can Help Facilitate a Referral for ABA Therapy
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is vital for effective intervention. Pediatricians are in a unique position to recognize the early signs of autism and facilitate referrals for ABA therapy, which can greatly improve the development of children with autism. This post explains how pediatricians can help detect autism early and guide families to […]
02/04/2025
Why Pediatricians Should Consider Referring Patients for ABA Therapy
Pediatricians play a crucial role in identifying early signs of autism and referring children for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is a proven, individualized treatment that improves communication, social skills, and behaviors in children with autism. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, and partnering with providers like Lighthouse Autism Center ensures seamless care. By […]
