Parenting an autistic child can be very challenging. Combined with the day-to-day stresses of ordinary life, raising an autistic child may at times be overwhelming. But that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Here are four useful tips for parenting an autistic child.

Tips for Parenting an Autistic Child 

Parenting an autistic child can be very challenging. There are many different things your autistic child will struggle with, which can lead to emotional, financial, and medical issues that may affect your whole family. The good news is that with all the new information and research available on autism, help for parents has become more easily accessible, as have resources for autistic children. 

Here are four tips on autism and parenting that may help you and your autistic child. 

1. Accepting your child’s autism diagnosis

Hearing for the first time that you have an autistic child is difficult for most parents. After all, it’s normal for a parent to imagine the kind of life their child may have, and you may have pictured them growing older with the friends they would make, the job they would have, or the person they would fall in love with. And then, in a matter of moments, the allistic future you dreamt of for your child no longer exists. 

That said, you may well not have been so surprised by the news. You or those around you may have noticed that there was something different about your child. Maybe they took a bit longer to start speaking, struggled with eye contact, or were upset when you changed their routine. Perhaps there were other subtle signs that clued you in that maybe your child had different needs compared to others. 

Whichever camp you fall into, it’s important to know that you may feel negative emotions when you first hear that you have an autistic child. 

This is normal.  

You may feel grief and regret at the loss of the allistic life your child will never have, or you may feel angry at yourself and guilty, wondering what you did or didn’t do that caused or contributed to your child’s diagnosis. But you can learn to accept your child’s diagnosis. 

Firstly, you should know that you’re not alone. Many other parents of autistic children have experienced the same feelings. 

Secondly, you should take the time you need to process any emotions you have, seeking out professional help if you need it. Having a child with autism isn’t just about getting them the support they need, but it’s also about building a circle of support for yourself.  

Finally, it’s important to understand that your child’s life may be different, but their life (and yours) isn’t over. It’s important to accept the diagnosis, keep an open mind and have hope for your family’s future. 

There are a number of steps you can take to make things easier, such as educating yourself, setting realistic expectations, and seeking support for you and your child. Above all, showing your child that you love them, that you are a safe space for them, and that you want to understand their perspective, can go a long way in nurturing a healthy and happy future for your child and you. 

2. Work with a professional to understand and manage your child’s support needs

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, they are very likely to have issues that can result in specific kinds of behaviors and skill gaps, including: 

• Rocking back and forth (or other self-regulating movements, also known as “stimming”) 
• Not speaking and preferring to use nonverbal communication 
• Enjoying watching the movement of certain objects, such as a washing machine when its running 
• Covering their ears when they hear certain sounds that other people hardly notice  
• Meltdowns or “tantrums”. 

Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to input from the senses, whether it’s hearing, touch, sight, smell or even pain, as well as a range of other causes, can trigger specific behavioral responses. If your autistic child experiences these or other unusual behaviors it’s important to take the time to find a professional who can help you identify the root cause of their behavior as there are other causes that may also result in these actions. 

The right healthcare practitioner will be able to help you identify whether it’s a sensory issue or not, and will be able to advise you on what you can do to manage and even reduce these behaviors. 

For example, if your child rocks because they’re struggling to reduce stress, as long as they’re not hurting themselves, the prudent thing to do may well be to just let them be. If your child doesn’t speak or speaks very little, you can learn about nonverbal communication tools that you can use to enhance your child’s ability to communicate. And if they struggle with the sounds created by crowds, you may need to aim for prevention by avoiding large groups of people as much as possible. Where you can’t avoid a certain sensory stimulation that triggers particular behaviors, you may need sensory tools such as noise-canceling headphones, chew toys or fidget spinners to help you manage your child’s reaction. 

3. Get help so that you have time for self-care and to maintain other relationships

If your autistic child needs extra attention or has particularly challenging issues, this can put a strain on you as well as your relationships with your partner, family and friends. And that’s before you factor in the demands of work, maintaining your home and the other challenges of day-to-day life. This is why it’s important that you get the support you need so that you can find time for self-care and to maintain your other relationships. 

Here are some of the ways you can make time for yourself and to connect with the important people in your life. 

Share responsibility of your child’s needs with your spouse

Sometimes, caring for an autistic child may fall onto the shoulders of one parent, particularly if their partner is struggling to come to terms with their child’s diagnosis. However, it’s vital that both parents figure out together how to manage the needs of their autistic child and that one parent doesn’t end up doing all the work. This may mean playing to each other’s strengths with one parent handling certain tasks or taking turns addressing their autistic child’s needs. In short, it should always be about taking care of your child together. 
 

Ask family or friends if they can help share the load

Your family and friends can be a great source of support when you find yourself struggling. Whether it’s asking an aunt or uncle to babysit for an evening, or just asking an older relative to help keep an eye on your child during a family gathering, it’s important to ask for help so that you don’t have to take care of your child’s needs alone. Even in the best of circumstances “it takes a village to raise a child” — which becomes even more important when your child requires extra or particular care. 

 
Take advantage of Medicaid Waiver resources

Many states offer Medicaid Waivers to provide a variety of services for children with autism. This waiver reimburses families for the costs of caring for their autistic child, regardless of their age, whether they live at home, or need assistance to live independently. If a child is younger than 18, parents receive additional assistance in the waiving of parental income and asset requirements. Reach out to your state’s Developmental Disabilities Services to find out if your state offers support and if you qualify for assistance. 

Hire a professional caregiver

If you can afford it, it may make sense to hire a professional caregiver who understands how to work with autistic children. It will take time to find the right individual, but a caregiver offers many benefits beyond just freeing up time when you need it, such as having someone who understands your child’s needs, who can help with meal preparation, who has the professional skills to help the child acquire the necessary social skills, and who can assist with various other day-to-day tasks. A caregiver doesn’t need to be hired on a full-time basis and can be employed as needed. You can even seek out their services so you can have a relaxing evening out if you don’t have friends and family who are available. 
 

Find a local support group 

If you have an autistic child, a parents support group is an important place to learn how to better parent your autistic child and find other valuable information on autism and managing it. It’s also a vital space for you to share your experiences and seek support from others who know exactly what you’re going through. You may even be able to connect with people from these groups to arrange playdates or to share parenting responsibilities with. 

4. Look for autism resources online

While we’ve touched on some of the important issues that you’re likely to deal with, you can also look online for autism resources that can help you manage other issues associated with the condition as well as other advice to help you improve your autistic child’s outcomes. There’s a wide range of information online to help provide positive parenting to those with autism, whether it’s directly or indirectly related to your child’s autism. 

Whether you’re educating yourself on how to parent an autistic child, research how to help your child better navigate their environment when they’re extremely sensitive to sounds, or trying to figure out how to correctly reward your autistic child, there are many free autism resources for parents online. 

Help improve your autistic children’s outcomes with Lighthouse Autism Center

If you’re looking for professional help for your autistic child, Lighthouse Autism Center can assist. We are the leading ABA and speech therapy provider in the Midwest. Thanks to our unique clinical program, Lighthouse Fusion, which combines the best practices of ABA and speech therapy, we can help your autistic child improve their progress. 

Contact us to find out more about Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy and Lighthouse Autism Center. 

Autism is often associated with several common comorbidities, including seizure disorders and bipolar disorders. Understanding their diagnosis, treatment, and proper care can greatly improve the quality of life for autistic individuals. Learn more about these comorbidities and how to manage them effectively.

Autism and Comorbidities – Seizure Disorders & Other Common Disorders

Autism, a complex developmental condition, varies greatly among autistic individuals. It exists on a spectrum, encompassing a wide array of experiences, behaviors, and characteristics distinct to each person. From facing challenges in social communication and interactions to finding comfort in repetitive behaviors and special interests — autism’s diversity is as unique as the people it affects. 

Often, conditions like epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) co-occur with autism. These additional conditions are called comorbidities. 

Autism and comorbid conditions

Comorbidities can be physical, mental, and behavioral. These coexisting conditions can affect an individual’s ability to function, as well as their quality of life. With each comorbidity comes a unique set of challenges, potentially adding further complexity to the autistic experience.  

1. ADHD and autism comorbidity

ADHD is one of the most common comorbidities that occurs with autism. In fact, as many as 60% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show ADHD-related symptoms and behaviors. ADHD typically manifests through inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, behaviors can present differently in boys and girls, as well as individually. 

For example, autistic boys with ADHD may fidget more in class, have trouble sitting still, and blurt out answers without thinking. They may be clumsy and unaware of their bodies. Autistic girls with ADHD may be more forgetful and more likely to daydream. They may have trouble keeping their schoolwork organized. They may also be less attentive to what the other girls deem fashionable and trendy. But it’s also possible for autistic children with ADHD to experience a combination of all of these symptoms, depending on the individual. 

ADHD can pose challenges to retaining information, accomplishing assignments, and sustaining attention for autistic children in school. Beyond the academic sphere, the social impact of the co-presence of autism and ADHD can also lead to the child feeling excluded or isolated. 

2. Autism and anxiety comorbidity

Mood disorders like anxiety are common comorbidities experienced by autistic adults and children alike. Up to 40% of those with ASD experience high levels of stress and anxiety. This can look like excessive worry, obsessive thinking, or fixating on irrational fears, and can even result in panic attacks. 

Autistic individuals are also more likely to experience social anxiety due to their difficulty picking up on social cues. This can lead to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and a sense of not belonging. 

3. Epilepsy and autism comorbidity 

Around 20% to 30% of individuals on the spectrum experience epilepsy and seizure disorders. Seizures vary in type and severity. For example, some autistic individuals may experience only a few seizures per year, while others endure multiple seizures a day. The symptoms for this comorbidity can vary too. Mild symptoms can present as a brief loss of one’s awareness, whereas severe epilepsy can manifest as convulsions or a sudden loss of consciousness. 

Seizure disorders can be incredibly disruptive to daily life — making it difficult for people with epilepsy disorders to attend school or work. In severe cases, seizures can even be life-threatening. 

4. Autism and Down syndrome comorbidity

Down syndrome stems from a genetic condition caused by an additional copy of chromosome 21 (which is why Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21). Alongside intellectual disabilities, this condition often brings with it various other conditions, including autism. 

Individuals living with both autism and Down syndrome may experience certain social and developmental challenges. These challenges can include difficulty navigating social situations, trouble managing learning disabilities, as well as addressing certain intellectual limitations. 

5. Autism and Bipolar Disorder comorbidity

Borderline personality disorder (BPD)is a mental health condition commonly characterized by unstable emotional states, distorted self-perception, and impulsivity.  

When BPD and autism intersect, it can manifest through self-destructive behaviors, mood swings, unstable relationships, and intense fears of abandonment. Though the least common comorbidity on the list, BPD still affects approximately 1–10% of autistic individuals. 

Implications of Autism Comorbidities and the Importance of a Diagnosis

Autism comorbidities are often overlooked, but they can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Getting an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan means that autistic individuals receive the support they need. If left untreated, comorbidities like ADHD and epilepsy can exacerbate existing challenges of autism, getting in the way of social and personal development, and potentially negatively affecting that person’s quality of life. 

Treatment and Support

• Behavioral therapies: ABA therapy can be an effective treatment for addressing many of the challenges that come with autism and comorbidities. This modality focuses on developing essential skills and improving social interactions. 
• Pediatric therapies : Including speech and occupational therapy, these services can support people with autism in addition to behavioral therapies and/or school supports. 
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms of comorbidities, such as ADHD or anxiety.  
• Psychological interventions: Interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy can be valuable for managing anxiety and mood disorders, and help the autistic individual with emotional regulation. 
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): For individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, IEPs can provide tailored educational strategies to support learning and skill development. IEPs are common in the pubic school system. 
• Coordinated care: Coordinating care among the specialists you’re working with is crucial. This ensures that all aspects of an individual’s needs are being addressed holistically. Parents and caregivers should actively communicate and collaborate with healthcare providers, therapists, educators, and support groups to create a comprehensive plan. 

Collaborate with Lighthouse Autism Center

Autism and its comorbidities are a nuanced landscape that demands understanding and tailored care. At Lighthouse Autism Center, we provide comprehensive autism resources and services. Learn more about our Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy program to find the right approach for your child’s unique needs. 

We take a look at some of the signs of autism that parents can look out for in their babies and toddlers. We also cover the importance of early intervention. 

What Are Some of the Signs of Autism Caregivers Should Look For?

Autistic children usually display signs and symptoms from early infancy but aren’t diagnosed until they are much older. Early autism spectrum signs often go unnoticed purely because caregivers or parents don’t know what to look out for. 

Learning the early signs of autism is imperative for your child. Earlier diagnosis and autism intervention will give them the best possible start and equip them with the tools for an independent life. 

So, what are signs of autism in early childhood? Let’s take a look at some of the signs of autism that parents should keep an eye out for in their child. 

Characteristics of autism in young children

Social communication challenges and repetitive or restrictive behaviors are some of the key signs of autism in children. These can be more difficult to recognize in babies or young toddlers, but they are more noticeable in older autistic children. 

Developmental milestones offer essential insight into your child’s development. Although every child develops at their own rate, it’s important to keep them in mind, as missed milestones could indicate autism. Skills such as crawling, walking, smiling, waving, and saying their first word are just a few of the important milestones to watch out for. 

Signs of autism in babies

It’s particularly difficult to recognize signs of autism, and other tells in early infancy, as every baby develops at their own pace. However, it is possible to start noticing delays in specific skills and it’s essential to know what signs to be aware of in babies to get an early autism diagnosis. 

These are the most common signs of autism in babies under the age of 24 months: 

• Dislike being held or touched 
• Overly sensitive to loud noises 
• Not following moving objects with their eyes 
• Not responding to their name 
• Poor facial recognition 
• Very little to no babbling or baby noises 
• Limited facial expressions, such as smiling 
• Limited ability to grasp onto objects 
• Not making eye contact 
• Limited ability to crawl 
• May not point or gesture to objects or people 
• May not use gestures like waving or shaking their head to communicate what they want 

Signs of autism in toddlers

It becomes easier to recognize the signs of autism when babies become toddlers, as developmental milestones are more obvious as children learn to walk, talk and play with others. Nonverbal autism signs are vastly more recognizable in toddlers than in babies. 

Autistic children will usually display the following behaviors: 

• Not speak at all or use a limited vocabulary of words, gestures, and sounds 
• Repeated noises such as throat clearing, grunting, or squealing 
• Show an interest with or fixation on one particular subject or activity 
• Show repetitive movements (i.e., stimming), such as body-rocking, hand-flapping, or spinning 
• Prefer to play on their own or show little interest in engaging or playing with other children 
• Difficulty making friends with children their own age 
• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings and thoughts 
• Difficulty walking or walking only on their toes 
• Difficulty understanding group interactions and dynamics 
• Adhering to their own daily routines with extreme rigidity 

The importance of an early diagnosis

The importance of early diagnosis in autistic children cannot be understated. If you recognize the signs of autism in your baby or toddler, then it’s essential to make an appointment with a medical professional for a diagnosis. 

Early intervention treatments, such as the Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy, are key to helping autistic children develop critical skills and equipping them with the tools they will need to gain independence and improve the overall quality of their lives going forward. 

The sooner you are able to get your autistic child diagnosed, the sooner you are able to get the resources that will help unlock their true potential and to achieve more than you imagined was possible.  

Our brains develop rapidly and are most easily shaped in the first seven years of life. Early intervention means that we can have a positive impact on your child’s most fundamental skills, such as communication and speech development at key developmental milestones. This often means that there are fewer interventions needed later on in life, and autistic children are better prepared for life ahead. It has far-reaching positive implications for essential facets of their future, such as social and emotional skills, financial management, and maintaining relationships with friends and family. 

What is Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy?

Most autism centers use ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for treating autistic children, keeping speech therapy as a separate entity. At Lighthouse, we offer a unique approach to ABA therapy, which combines ABA therapy and speech therapy into a single innovative approach.  

Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy has better outcomes than traditional ABA therapy, and we note that children respond to the approach faster too. Our Fusion approach isn’t just more effective, our learners achieve all of this while having fun. 

Get the best start for your child with Lighthouse Autism Center

It’s important to remember that every autistic child is unique, and their needs will depend on their individual development. LAC’s innovative approach to early intervention offers tailored strategies for every child’s requirements. Our one-of-a-kind Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy, combined with our large archive of autism resources, put us in the perfect position to understand your child’s needs and to best equip them for a positive future. 

Explore co-treatment with ABA therapy with speech support for comprehensive care, improved communication, and effective outcomes in children.

What Is a Co-Treatment Session and How Does It Benefit Your Child?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy programs are designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and implemented by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to address behavior-related goals in autistic children. Traditional ABA therapy models are offered in a silo and are not often combined with other therapies, such as speech therapy.

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we have designed and created the Lighthouse Fusion® ABA Therapy model, which focuses on integrating speech support goals throughout the ABA therapy day. It is a co-treatment model that has seen exceptional results in our learners. Our approach combines the expertise of multiple professionals to establish goals, track progress and collaborate in session(s) to maximize therapeutic benefit and improve carryover across environments so they can use the skills they learn at home, at school, and in other everyday settings.

So, what is collaborative treatment, and how can the Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy model benefit your child? Let’s take a look. 

What Is Co-Treatment?

As mentioned, often various therapy modalities (such as speech therapy and ABA therapy) are implemented in separate appointments, with separate goals and skills practice, for children with autism. However, many children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can benefit from collaboration between therapy modalities, in order to increase speed to progress across a wide variety of developmental areas. 

Children with autism may experience developmental delays or barriers to speech. Instead of focusing on either ABA therapy or speech therapy in a single session, we use a one-of-a-kind treatment approach that involves ABA and speech therapy in collaboration and combination.

Every co-treatment session is attended by a BCBA, RBT, and an SLP (Speech Language Pathologist), who collaborate to develop a learning plan that will maximize goal attainment throughout the ABA therapy day. Co-treat sessions allow for collaboration on the Learner’s goals and challenges and ensure the RBT is prepared to reinforce the goals on a proactive basis throughout the implementation of the learning plan.

For example, a BCBA may address prompting strategies, while a speech therapist targets expressive language in the same activity. Following the co-treat session, the RBT understands both goals and how to continue to work with the child in those areas..

What Is the Whole Child Approach?

Traditionally, trained therapists worked on separate areas of development in different sessions; for instance, speech therapists focus only on speech. However, the whole child approach challenges this separation of therapy and instead focuses on investigating and addressing all the areas that impact children with autism as a whole.

This includes but isn’t limited to behavior, sensory and motor skills, communication, emotional regulation, and more. It’s a collaborative therapy approach that looks at  intervention in a “whole child” manner rather than focusing on a few separate issues. It allows therapy teams to share insights in real time, adapt strategies on the spot, and ensure that treatment goals support overall functioning instead of just isolated skills.

How Co-Treatment at LAC Can Benefit Your Child

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we have seen some incredible results through our Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy model. Here is how it can benefit your child. 

Addresses Multiple Needs Simultaneously

One of the main benefits of this multi-disciplinary approach is that it addresses a number of different needs and goals in single sessions. In traditional approaches, learners may only get 30 minutes of speech therapy a week, requiring them to leave an ABA program or classroom setting. With co-treatment, learners can work on their speech and communication skills while addressing other ABA-based outcomes. Speech prompts and cues are incorporated into sessions, which expose children to more speech therapy than they would normally get in a traditional therapy model. 

Keeps Children Stimulated Throughout a Session

Many children with autism struggle to sit through a dedicated speech or OT therapy session and are more likely to respond to sensory or motor activity sessions. They simply find these activities more stimulating.

Co-treatment allows children to get adequate exposure to speech therapy during their sessions by breaking up motor activity or sensory lessons with small speech and communication treatments within the session. Therapists can also adjust pacing and transitions collaboratively to match the child’s attention span and engagement needs.

Better Communication Between Therapists

As with any therapy, collaboration is key for the best outcome. Because the therapists working to support Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy are on staff and present during your child’s session, they can work together to identify where your child is thriving and where they might need to do more work in real time. Together, this collaboration tends to be more effective for your child’s progression. 

Therapists who are collaborating will be able to design and provide a more coordinated, comprehensive treatment plan to reach your child’s goals. They also gain a deeper understanding of each other’s methods and goals, which leads to more cohesive care across disciplines.

Creates a Generalized Learning Environment

Many children with autism can be averse to deviations from their own daily routines, which may translate for example into a child reserving communication skills practice for their speech therapy sessions while working on their other skills during ABA therapy. This can make it difficult to implement their skills in real-life situations. 

Co-treatment creates a generalized environment for your child where they are encouraged to use a variety of skills that they are learning in different contexts. This improves their ability to translate the use of new skills across a range of environments. 

They Learn While Having Fun

The best thing about the co-treatment model at Lighthouse Autism Center is that we see our learners making exceptional progress toward skill and goal attainment, all while playing and having fun in a natural learning environment. 

 
At LAC, our learners get to explore their interests naturally, have exciting sensory experiences, and practice language through learner-directed play. We know children learn best when they are having fun. 

Get the Best for Your Child with LAC

We have a strong belief that collaborative therapeutic work through Lighthouse Fusion ™ ABA Therapy delivers strong results for our learners. 

Neurodiversity appreciates variations in how our brains work, celebrating the unique experiences of individuals beyond supposed “neurotypical” norms. It rejects the idea of “fixing” conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, understanding them as different ways of being.

Neurodiversity

We’ve heard the term often enough, but what is neurodiversity exactly? A simple definition states that neurodiversity is about appreciating the natural variations in how our brains work and acknowledging the unique experiences of individuals who fall outside what is erroneously termed “neurotypical,” such as those who are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, and others. It’s a way of understanding that different neurotypes are just different ways of being rather than something that needs fixing.

Let’s look at where the concept began, explore different types of neurodiversity (also called “neurotypes”), discuss things to look out for, and provide practical tips on how to support and enable neurodivergent people to thrive in broader society.

The origins of neurodiversity

The term “neurodiversity” was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s. Singer proposed that neurological differences should be seen as a form of diversity, similar to other forms of human diversity such as ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. The concept gained wider recognition and popularity with the publication of “Neurodiversity: The Birth of an Idea” by journalist Harvey Blume in 1998. 

This study catalyzed a broader neurodiversity movement that took its roots from the autism self-advocacy movement, which was prevalent around the same time. Autistic self-advocates began challenging the pathologizing language and treatment approaches that characterized the prevailing understanding of autism. They asserted that autism is a valid identity and advocated for rights, inclusion, and support that respected their unique experiences and strengths.

The neurodiversity movement gained further momentum through the efforts of organizations like the Autism Network International (ANI), founded by Jim Sinclair, and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), founded by Ari Ne’eman. These organizations focused on promoting the rights and self-determination of autistic individuals, challenging stigmatizing narratives, and advocating for accommodations and support that respected autistic experiences.

The core principles of the neurodiversity movement include the following.

1. Acceptance and inclusion

Neurodiversity advocates argue for accepting neurodivergent individuals as valuable members of society and promoting their full inclusion in all aspects of life.

2. Shift from cure to support

Rather than seeking to cure or eliminate neurodivergent traits, the movement shifts the focus to providing the necessary support, accommodations, and resources to enable neurodivergent individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

3. Respect for autonomy and self-advocacy

The neurodiversity movement recognizes the autonomy and self-advocacy of neurodivergent individuals, valuing their perspectives and inclusion in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

4. Challenging stigma and discrimination

Neurodiversity advocates work to challenge and dismantle the stigma, discrimination, and ableism that neurodivergent individuals face in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and social interactions.

Understanding neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is an inclusive framework that encourages society to value and embrace neurological differences. It challenges the notion that there is a single “normal” or “typical” brain and acknowledges that every individual’s neurology is unique. Just as biodiversity is crucial for the health and resilience of ecosystems, neurodiversity is essential for the richness and vitality of human society.

Common types of neurodiversity

Neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of neurological differences and conditions. Neurodiversity acknowledges that while behaviors listed here are interpreted as disorders in neurotypical conditions, they do not reflect the true capacity of neurodivergent people who thrive in conducive and enabling environments. Here are some of the most commonly recognized types of neurodiversity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Many people ask, “Is autism a neurodiversity?” The simple answer is no, it is a form of neurodivergence.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. Autistic people may have varying strengths and challenges, and their experiences can range from mild to severe.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition broadly defined by difficulties with regulating focus, managing impulsivity, and perceived hyperactivity. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with meeting organizational requirements, experience time blindness, and sustained or hyper focus in mainstream environments and situations.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading, writing, and language processing. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulty with letter recognition, decoding words, and spelling, despite having normal intelligence.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder, involves challenges with motor coordination and planning. Individuals with dyspraxia may have difficulty with fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics. These tics can vary in frequency and severity, and individuals may also experience associated conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, and unease. It involves intense and sustained feelings of apprehension that can interfere with daily life and well-being..)

Less common types of neurodiversity

While some of these may be household terms popularized by memes, social media, and popular culture, they are not as pervasive as you might think.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia, also known as Developmental Dyscalculia (DD), is a specific learning disorder that involves difficulties in learning basic arithmetic facts, processing numbers, and performing accurate and fluent calculations.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects written expression. Individuals with dysgraphia often struggle with spelling, exhibit poor handwriting, and find it challenging to translate their thoughts onto paper. Dysgraphia can manifest as a language-based or non-language-based disorder.

Meares-Irlen Syndrome

Meares-Irlen Syndrome, also known as Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, or Visual Stress, is a perceptual processing disorder. Unlike an optical issue, it involves difficulties in the brain’s ability to process visual information accurately.

Hyperlexia

Hyperlexia is characterized by precocious and self-taught reading ability in children under the age of 5, along with a heightened fascination for letters, numbers, logos, maps, or visual patterns.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions and repetitive behaviors or rituals called compulsions.

Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon where stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway, like sounds or taste, triggers involuntary experiences in another, like color, resulting in the blending or mixing of senses. This can extend to the blending of letters and shapes into each other.

Indicators of neurodivergence

While each neurodivergent condition has its unique set of characteristics, there are some common indicators of neurodivergence that individuals may face. 

Sensory sensitivities

Many neurodivergent individuals have heightened or diminished sensory sensitivities. They may experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli such as sounds, lights, textures, or tastes, which can affect their daily lives and interactions.

Communication differences

Neurodivergent individuals may experience challenges in social communication and non-verbal cues. They may have difficulty understanding social norms, maintaining eye contact, interpreting facial expressions, or understanding others’ perspectives.

Executive functioning challenges

Executive functions encompass cognitive processes like planning, organization, time management, and impulse control. Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with one or more of these functions, affecting their ability to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and regulate their behavior.

Special interests and hyperfocus 

Many neurodivergent individuals develop intense interests or passions in specific subjects. These interests often involve in-depth knowledge and dedication, becoming a source of motivation and enjoyment for the individual.

Supporting neurodivergent people

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent people is crucial. Here are some practical tips on how to support and foster inclusion.

Education and awareness

Educate yourself and others about neurodiversity. Learn about the specific challenges and strengths associated with different neurodivergent conditions. Neurodiversity awareness and knowledge will help dispel misconceptions and foster understanding.

Person-centered approach

Recognize that every neurodivergent individual is unique. Focus on their strengths, talents, and interests rather than solely on their challenges. Adopt a person-centered approach that emphasizes individual needs, accommodations, and support.

Open communication

Foster open and honest communication with neurodivergent individuals. Listen to their perspectives and experiences, and provide a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Validate their experiences and work together to find solutions and support.

Sensory-friendly environments

Create sensory-friendly environments that accommodate the sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals. This can include providing quiet spaces, reducing visual clutter, using soft lighting, and allowing for flexibility in sensory experiences.

Accommodations and support

Offer accommodations and support that cater to individual needs. This may include visual aids, assistive technologies, flexible schedules, clear instructions, and additional time for tasks or transitions.

Inclusive education and employment

Advocate for inclusive education and employment practices that embrace neurodiversity. Promote environments that value diverse learning styles, provide appropriate support, and foster inclusive interactions.

Promote acceptance and empathy

Foster a culture of acceptance and empathy by promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect for neurodivergent individuals. Encourage neurotypical individuals to learn from and appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions of their neurodivergent peers.

Celebrate neurodiversity with Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC)

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we understand and support neurodiversity and strive to create an inclusive and compassionate society. Our vast archive of autism resources, combined with our innovative Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy, forms a formidable arsenal for autistic children to thrive in a society still learning to accept neurodiversity.

Lighthouse Autism Center has a team of dual-certified clinicians who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts and speech-language pathologists. These experts ensure every learner receives exceptional treatment. Explore benefits of dual certification, types available, and the qualifications required. 

How Does Dual Certification Benefit Learners at Lighthouse?

Dual certification in any healthcare field is an impressive accomplishment that showcases a clinician’s expertise in two, often separate, but related areas of treatment. In ABA, clinicians are required to obtain certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), which is a recognized standard in the industry. Dually-certified BCBAs, often have additional training, degrees, or licensure in other related fields.  

This combination of certifications allows professionals to integrate different therapies and derive a deeper understanding of their work while offering a more comprehensive approach to helping autistic people or those with other developmental disabilities. 

Let’s take a look at what it means to be dual certified, different types of dual certifications, what it takes to achieve, and why Lighthouse Autism Center’s team of dual-certified clinicians gives your child the best treatment opportunities.  

How does dual certification enhance ABA services?

Dual certification refers to the achievement of holding two distinct certifications. Within the field of ABA, clincians are considered dual-certified when they  have obtained certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) along with an additional certification in another related field. 

The purpose of dual certification is to broaden and deepen the knowledge and expertise of professionals working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. By combining expertise from multiple disciplines, practitioners can offer a more comprehensive and integrated approach to assessment and treatment. 

Different types of dual certification, often seen in ABA settings

There are several different types of dually certified clinicians you might find in the autism space. Some of the more common ones include: 

BCBA and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

This combination allows professionals to address both behavioral and communication challenges that autistic children may experience. They can provide comprehensive intervention plans that target both ABA-based goals and speech and language goals. 

BCBA and Occupational Therapist (OT)

Dual certification as a BCBA and an OT equips professionals with the skills to address both behavioral and sensory-motor challenges. This combination is particularly useful for autistic people who have sensory processing difficulties and require interventions to improve their motor skills. 

BCBA and Special Education Teacher

Dual certification as a BCBA and a special education teacher enables professionals to effectively support autistic learners within educational settings. This combination allows for a better understanding of the academic and behavioral needs of autistic people. 

BCBA and Clinical Psychologist

This combination provides expertise in both behavioral analysis and psychological assessment. Professionals with this dual certification can conduct comprehensive assessments, design behavior intervention plans, and address the emotional and psychological well-being of autistic people. 

What do you have to study to be dually certified?

To be dually certified, individuals typically need to complete the educational requirements and training for both certifications they seek. The specific requirements vary depending on the certifications pursued, but here is a general overview: 

BCBA certification

To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), individuals must have a minimum of a master’s degree in behavior analysis, education, or a related field. They need to complete approved coursework in behavior analysis, accumulate supervised fieldwork hours, and pass the BCBA examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). 

Additional certification 

The requirements for the additional certification vary depending on the chosen field. For example, to become a speech-language pathologist, individuals need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, complete clinical practicum hours, and pass a national examination for SLP licensure. Similarly, other professions will have their own specific educational and training requirements. 

Dual certification often involves completing the necessary coursework, practical experience, and examinations for both certifications. This typically requires a significant commitment of time, effort, and dedication to studying and gaining expertise in multiple areas. 

Benefits of dual certification in ABA therapy

Dual certification offers several significant benefits for professionals working with autistic individuals or people with other developmental disabilities. Here are some key advantages: 

Comprehensive assessment and treatment 

Professionals with dual certification possess a broader range of skills and knowledge across multiple disciplines. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of an individual’s needs and the development of targeted treatment plans. By combining expertise from different fields, practitioners can address a wider range of challenges and provide integrated interventions that consider both behavioral and other relevant domains. 

Holistic approach

Dual-certified professionals can take a holistic approach to intervention. They understand the interconnectedness between different areas of development, such as behavior, communication, sensory processing, or academic skills. This comprehensive perspective enables them to design interventions that address the underlying issues contributing to behavioral challenges and support overall development in a well-rounded manner. 

Enhanced collaboration

Having dual certification facilitates collaboration among professionals from various disciplines. Professionals with dual certification can effectively communicate and collaborate with their colleagues in different specialties, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, or special education teachers. This collaborative approach promotes a cohesive and coordinated effort, ensuring that interventions are aligned and reinforcing across different domains of development. 

Increased job opportunities

Professionals with dual certification often have an advantage in the job market. Their diverse skill set and ability to provide comprehensive services make them highly sought after by employers in various settings, such as autism centers, schools, clinics, or private practice. Dual certification can expand career opportunities and increase professional marketability, allowing individuals to pursue diverse roles and work with a broader range of clients. 

Improved outcomes for autistic people 

Ultimately, the primary goal of dual certification is to improve outcomes for autistic people. By drawing from multiple disciplines and employing a multidimensional approach, dual-certified professionals can develop more effective and individualized interventions. This comprehensive support can lead to improved behavior, communication, social skills, academic performance, and overall quality of life for autistic individuals. 

Dual certification at Lighthouse Autism Center 

Lighthouse Autism Center has a team of dual-certified clinicians, some of only a handful in the world, who are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts and speech-language pathologists. These clinicians are experts in the fields of ABA and speech therapy for autism, and every learner at Lighthouse has the opportunity to work with these world-class clinicians. 

These therapists specializing in autism are among the many autism resources available at LAC and are also expert practitioners of our innovative Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy.  

Understanding the stages of speech development, the impact of autism on speech development and providing appropriate support and interventions can empower autistic children to reach their full communication potential, enriching their lives and those of their families.

First Word Milestones and What They Mean to Some Families

First word milestones represent a breakthrough in overcoming communication and autism-related challenges, and signify that a child is finding their voice. They’re a testament to the hard work, dedication, and the incredible journey of growth that families and their autistic children have embarked upon.

This journey is unique and can present challenges along the way. Each milestone, especially the first words, holds deep meaning and significance for families. It represents progress and communication breakthroughs while strengthening the bond between parents and their child.

Understanding the stages of speech development, the impact of autism on speech development and providing appropriate support and interventions can empower autistic children to reach their full communication potential, enriching their lives and those of their families.

Let’s understand the different speech development stages in autistic children, why some children miss milestones, how autism affects speech and language, and what first word milestones mean to families with a autistic children.

Speech and Language Therapy for Autism

Speech and language development in autistic children can vary widely. While some may follow a similar progression to neurotypical children, others may experience delays or differences in reaching speech milestones. 

Understanding the different stages of speech development can provide insight into the developmental journey of autistic children and the relationship between autism and communication. Here are the typical developmental stages in speech and language development.

1. Preverbal communication

This stage involves the use of nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, gestures, and vocalizations, to express needs and engage with others.

2. Babbling

Children begin producing repetitive syllables and sounds, laying the foundation for later speech.

3. Single words

In this stage, children use individual words to communicate their needs, desires, and thoughts.

4. Phrase and sentence formation

As language skills evolve, children start combining words into phrases and sentences to convey more complex ideas.

Understanding why autistic children may miss first word milestones

Speech development in children can be understood in terms of the development of various capacities, including expressive language (the ability to express oneself through words or gestures) and receptive language (the ability to understand and comprehend spoken language).

It involves the acquisition of vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and the development of speech sounds and articulation.

Despite these generalities, speech and language development remains unique for every child. Additionally, the process through which autistic children in general reach first word milestones will often differ from their neurotypical peers. So just how does autism affect communication?

Here are some factors that can contribute to autistic children missing these early language milestones.

Communication challenges

Autistic children often face difficulties in expressing themselves verbally and understanding spoken language. They may struggle with the back-and-forth nature of conversation, have limited vocabulary, or find it challenging to use words to convey their needs and emotions. These communication challenges can impede their progress in reaching the first word milestone.

Sensory sensitivities

Many autistic children experience sensory sensitivities, where they may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sensory stimuli. In terms of speech and language development, these sensitivities can affect their ability to process and imitate sounds. Sensory sensitivities to noise, for example, may make it harder for an autistic child to focus on and understand spoken words, leading to delays in acquiring their first words.

Motor skills and oral-motor coordination

Developing speech involves intricate coordination of the oral muscles to produce specific sounds. Some autistic children may experience challenges with fine motor skills, including those required for precise tongue, lip, and jaw movements. Difficulties in oral-motor coordination can also impact their ability to articulate sounds, resulting in delays or difficulties in developing their first words.

Delayed social communication skills

Autistic children often experience delays in social communication skills, such as joint attention and understanding social cues. These delays can affect their language development, including the acquisition of first words. Communication is not just about words; it also involves engaging with others, taking turns, and understanding the social context of conversations. Without these foundational skills, autistic children may experience delays in reaching their first word milestones.

Individual differences and unique developmental trajectories

It’s essential to recognize that each autistic child is unique and has their own strengths, challenges, and developmental trajectory. While some may miss the typical timeline for first word milestones, they may excel in other areas of development. It’s crucial to focus on individual progress and provide support tailored to each child’s specific needs rather than comparing them to neurotypical or allistic benchmarks.

Autistic characteristics to look out for

There’s a direct relationship between autism and language, and understanding this as a marker to assess your child’s development can be very useful. If you suspect, or are uncertain, that your child may be autistic, these are some characteristics of autism to look out for. 

Delayed speech

Some autistic children may experience a delay in producing their first words or demonstrate trouble with their overall speech development.

Echolalia

Repetitive or echoed speech, where children repeat words or phrases without understanding their meaning, is common among some autistic individuals.

Difficulty with pragmatics 

Pragmatic language skills, such as taking turns in conversation, understanding social cues and using appropriate gestures, may be challenging for some autistic individuals.

Verbal apraxia

Some autistic children may struggle with planning and coordinating the precise movements required for speech, leading to difficulties in articulation.

What first word milestones mean to families

For families with an autistic child, the articulation of first words is a remarkable and heartwarming milestone. It signifies progress in communication skills, an important step towards self-expression and a deeper connection with their child. These first words can bring immense joy, hope and pride to families who have tirelessly supported their child’s speech and language development.

Early intervention with Lighthouse Autism Center

Early intervention plays a vital role in supporting autistic children in their speech and language development. Speech therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other evidence-based interventions can address communication challenges, promote language acquisition and enhance social communication skills. 

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) has a plethora of autism resources to complement their innovative Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy to help you with early detection and intervention.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses seem to be on the rise. Why is this? We investigate what current data reveals about autism rates, the disparities that exist, and why the statistics don’t necessarily tell the whole story. 

If There’s No Autism Epidemic, Why Are the Autism Statistics Climbing? 

Having just emerged from the throes of the COVID pandemic, it’s fair to say that we have become acutely aware of the many medical conditions that afflict us as a society. More recently, though, we are witness to another perceived crisis, the autism epidemic.  

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s communication, social interaction, and behavior. It’s called a “spectrum” disorder because it affects people in different ways and to varying degrees.  

Some people with ASD may have difficulty with social cues or communicating their wants and needs, while others may struggle with repetitive behaviors or intense interests in specific topics. ASD is typically diagnosed in childhood and can affect a person throughout their life. 

According to multiple reports from the CDC and other medical journals, autism spectrum disorder statistics show sharp increases in the last few years. Yet experts say there is no need to be alarmed and that there is no epidemic. Let’s look at the data and investigate why the numbers continue to rise, and why experts remain calm. 

What the data says

According to several studies reported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as medical journals like Pediatrics and Autism Research, autism facts and statistics show a marked rise in the number of ASD diagnoses in children between the ages of 4 and 8, both in the USA and the rest of the world. 

Autism in the USA

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the rate of autism among children in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas tripled between 2000 and 2016.  

In the CDC’s 2021 follow-up report on autism in the USA, statistics showed similar increases to what was observed in New York and New Jersey. In 2016, one in 54 children had been diagnosed with autism by age 8, compared to 1 in 150 in 2000. 

Another study announced by the CDC in 2023 showed that the number had jumped significantly to 1 in every 36 children. This was up from 1 in 44 in 2021. 

Autism across the world 

A recent study published in the journal Autism Research revealed that the global prevalence of ASD has increased to around 100 in 10,000 (or 1 in 100) children. This is a significant rise from the 2012 global prevalence report, which estimated that 62 in 10,000 children had ASD. 

What are the reasons for the rise in numbers? 

So what do these statistics on autism really mean? And why don’t the experts seem to be worried? The answer, it appears, is layered. There are a number of factors that contributed to autism seeing an increase in statistics, but most of them point to better reporting rather than an increase in the actual number of cases. 

Better diagnoses

According to the team who conducted the New York and New Jersey study, the increase in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis is mainly due to the advancements in diagnostic capabilities and a greater understanding and awareness of the disorder. This is especially prevalent in diagnoses of ASD in children without intellectual disabilities.  

The study showed the percentage of 8-year-olds diagnosed with autism in New York and New Jersey without intellectual disabilities had increased more rapidly than those with intellectual disabilities. From 2000 to 2016, the percentage of those without intellectual disabilities increased five times, while the percentage of those with intellectual disabilities increased only twice. 

This is primarily attributed to advancements in diagnostic techniques rather than an increase in cases. 

The increase in autism prevalence in other parts of the world is also attributed to improvements in public awareness and healthcare systems that respond to autism. 

Now, children are diagnosed at an earlier stage, and regions such as Africa and the Middle East, which were previously underrepresented, have made progress in measuring autism prevalence. 

Racial and gender disparities

The New York and New Jersey study also showed that although the gap has decreased, there are still racial disparities in autism diagnoses. In the past, Black and Hispanic children were diagnosed with autism less frequently than white children.  

The recent analysis revealed that Black children without intellectual disabilities were 30% less likely to be diagnosed with autism than white children. 

According to a neurodiversity scholar at the College of William & Mary, too many marginalized individuals who belong to racial or gender minority groups may not receive an autism diagnosis due to less effective screening tools.  

As diagnostic tools and expertise continue to improve, more individuals from these groups may receive a diagnosis, leading to an increase in autism diagnoses overall. 

Autism in women and girls

Studies have shown that autism is often underdiagnosed in girls and women, as well as in people with less visible symptoms. The latest CDC report shows a 4-to-1 ratio of male-to-female diagnoses, but some scholars are not completely convinced that this accurately reflects the reality on the ground. 

In other research, some academics found that there are often more autistic female students than male students in college groups. And as one social worker has shown, many women are diagnosed with autism later in life, often after they’ve become mothers or grandmothers. This suggests that there are still many girls and women who are going undiagnosed today. 

As these diagnoses increase, so will the overall number of cases. 

Genetics

According to one analysis, around 83% of the risk of developing autism comes from inherited genetic factors. The study pointed out that autism is likely influenced by 2,000 to 3,000 genes, but only about 100 of them are consistently linked to the disorder. 

It was also shown that older parents are more likely to have autistic children, and recent trends show that more people are waiting longer to have children. This is flagged as another possible contributor to the increase in ASD prevalence. 

Lighthouse Autism Center makes life better

Given the increased awareness of ASD prevalence in the USA, it is important to seek out support systems and resources to help families with autistic children. The vast repository of autism resources and LAC’s innovative and groundbreaking Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy provide autistic children with the ideal path to holistic well-being. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a necessary medical expense to help our autistic children thrive. But do our health insurance providers cover ABA therapy? Let’s find out how to check your coverage, how your coverage works, why you might not be covered, and how to get the best out of it.

How Do I Know if My Insurance Covers Aba Therapy?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a well-known and understood condition, yet we often don’t know whether our health insurance providers cover the treatments our autistic children need to thrive in the world. This is especially true of insurance coverage for ABA therapy. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a treatment that helps people with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities improve their behavior and communication skills using behavioral principles. 

ABA typically involves working with a licensed ABA therapist, who designs and implements a personalized treatment plan for your child. The frequency and duration of therapy sessions may vary depending on their specific needs. Obviously, these treatments and sessions cost money. 

So does your insurance actually cover ABA therapy? To avoid any nasty surprises when we submit claims against our health insurance policy for ABA therapy, it is important to know the answer to this question beforehand. You’ll need to know your coverage works, why you might not be covered, and how to get the best out of your coverage. 

How does ABA coverage work?

Health insurance coverage for autism, and more specifically, ABA therapy insurance, is dependent on a few things. Firstly, you need to understand the type of health insurance plan you have.

In the past, there were very few formal regulations governing ABA therapy for autism and insurance coverage. More recently, however, state and federal governments introduced laws to ensure more uniform coverage across plans and divided the plans into two specific types: self-funded plans and fully insured plans.

Self-funded

These plans are regulated by federal laws rather than state laws. Under this plan, your employer decides what is covered and what isn’t. These plans are not mandated to cover ABA therapy, but as a result of federal mental health parity law requirements, ABA coverage on self-funded plans is increasing.

Fully insured

These are the most common plans offered by employers and must comply with state laws regarding coverage of ABA benefits. Under this type of plan, the insurance company decides what is covered and what is not covered, subject to state regulations. All 50 states mandate that these plans cover ABA. 

The following list will give you an idea of how fully insured plan regulations differ from state to state.

Arkansas

ABA therapy is covered if provided by a supervised, Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

California

A plan covering physical treatments must also cover mental health services. ABA is considered a covered treatment.

Delaware

ABA therapy and necessary items or equipment needed for treatment are covered.

Florida

ABA therapy is covered under state-regulated plans. If you were diagnosed with a developmental disability at age eight or younger, you are eligible for coverage. If you’re over 18, you will still receive coverage as long as you’re still in high school. Coverage for autism in Florida is capped at $36,000 per annum, with a lifetime limit of $200,000.

Georgia

ABA is not explicitly covered in Georgia.

Indiana

In Indiana, ABA is not explicitly covered, but treatment for autism and related disorders can’t be subject to limits or deductibles.

Massachusetts

ABA therapy is covered under MassHealth Standard, CommonHealth, and Family Assistance. There are age limits, but private, fully funded options are available too.

Montana

ABA is not explicitly mentioned, but treatment for autism spectrum disorder can be capped at $50,000 per year for children under eight.

New Hampshire

Coverage for autism is covered under state-regulated plans. Coverage is capped at $36,000 per year for individuals aged 0 to 12 and $27,000 per year for those aged 12 to 21.

It is crucial, however, to check your plan properly. While all 50 states include ABA therapy and autism treatments in their base requirement, some may not enforce full coverage as part of the state regulation. 

How to find out if you’re covered

The first step is to establish which type of plan you’re on. Call your employer’s health insurance representative (usually the HR department) to find out exactly which plan you are on. Once you know if you’re on a self-funded or fully insured plan, you need to find out if you have ABA insurance coverage.

When talking to your health insurance representative about insurance for ABA therapy, you need to ask the following questions: 

1. Does my current plan cover the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder?
2. Does the plan cover ABA therapy?
3. Can I obtain a copy of the Summary Plan Description (SPD) to review coverage details and specific exclusions in writing? It’s crucial to document coverage in writing for future reference.

Choosing a new or different plan

If your current plan does not offer sufficient cover, consider changing your plan. Most employers offer multiple plans, while some even offer both self-funded and fully insured options.

If you have the option of a fully insured plan, you should inquire about the state that regulates the plan, which is typically the state where the company is headquartered rather than your place of residence. 

You should also ask whether it is a small group or large group plan. You can then check whether the state that regulates the fully insured plan mandates coverage in the type of plan offered by your company.

Child-only insurance

Young children with autism often require up to 40 hours of ABA therapy per week, making a child-only insurance plan a wise financial decision. This will allow your child to receive the recommended amount of therapy necessary to reach their full potential.

You can go through the Healthcare Marketplace to obtain a child-only insurance plan. The ABA benefit is included in the “Essential Health Benefits” package, which is mandatory for all Marketplace plans in Texas and Colorado.

It’s important to note that Healthcare Marketplace plans can only be purchased during designated Open Enrollment periods.

How to get the most out of your coverage

Once you have selected a plan that suits your needs and budget, you should spend time interrogating the details of ABA therapy for autism and the insurance coverage per benefit. Knowing how your plan works will empower you to extract as much value as possible without incurring additional costs. Here are some benefits and rules you should keep in mind when using your insurance. 

Deductibles

The deductible is the amount you need to pay before your insurance starts contributing. You’ll have to pay this every year.

Copayment or coinsurance

You’ll either have a copay or a coinsurance. A copay is a fixed amount you pay per visit, including for ABA therapy. Coinsurance is a percentage of the total charges you’re responsible for paying after you’ve paid the deductible.

Out-of-pocket maximum

This is the highest amount you’ll have to pay in a year. Once you reach it, you won’t have to pay any other out-of-pocket expenses for ABA therapy for the remainder of the year. Like your deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum resets each year.

Documentation requirements

Experts recommend that a good insurance plan requires ongoing documentation of your child’s progress. Your child’s Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) will need to submit documentation to show that the treatment is effective. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will review the progress reports. Although you are not responsible for creating these reports, they are a crucial component of ABA therapy.

In-network practitioners

Use therapists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who are in-network with your insurance provider.

Pre-authorizations

Make sure to submit all necessary paperwork before beginning ABA therapy sessions to be certain the costs have been authorized. Failing to do so could leave you responsible for paying the entire bill. A formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and a comprehensive behavior assessment are generally required for ABA therapy.

Lighthouse Autism Center covers your autism treatment needs

Lighthouse Autism Center meets the requirements of most health insurance plans. Through diligent use of your insurance, you can take full advantage of our Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy and the many other autism resources available from the Lighthouse Autism Center. 

IEPs are an important educational tool that can help autistic and other special-needs children develop the skills they need to navigate life. We explain what IEPs are, who is involved in their development, whether your child qualifies for an IEP and the benefits an IEP can provide.

Learn About Individualized Education Programs

Parents of  children with autism may have heard discussions of an IEP for their child, or may already be involved in the IEP process but are unsure of their role in it, or what qualifies a child for an IEP. In this blog, we’ll take a look at exactly what IEPs are, how they work, who’s involved in the IEP process, and how they can help your child. 

What is an IEP? 

IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. It is a specific type of education program that is aimed at helping special needs kids and is a part of the PreK-12 education system. This means an IEP aims to address the education needs of special-needs children from 3 to 21 years old, when in a public school system. 

The IEP must lay out achievable educational goals for a child for a school year, while also outlining what services will be necessary and available to achieve these goals.  

How does an IEP work?

The creation of an IEP consists of several phases.  

The process begins with an assessment and eligibility phase that aims to identify whether your child qualifies for special education services. This is usually initiated by a teacher (who must get consent from a parent or guardian) or a guardian who recognizes the child may be struggling with learning.All parents have the right to request their child be evalutated for an IEP. The evaluations and assessments are typically conducted by a multidisciplainary team within the school system.  

After the assessment is completed and it is determined by a group of qualified professionals that a child qualifies, the creation of the IEP itself will begin. The IEP will aim to create specific, detailed, and measurable short- and long-term goals, take into account any educational accommodations or modifications that are required, as well as ensuring that your child has all the support services they need. This may include supportssuch as occupational or speech therapy, assistive technology, additional time on tests, or transportation. 

As your child works through their IEP, progress will be recorded and feedback provided to you. An IEP is regularly reviewed to ensure that it adapts to your child’s needs as your child grows. These reviews are usually annual but could occur more frequently, depending on your child. Parents can also request to meet with their IEP team at anytime throughout the school year.  

Usually, from the age of 14, the IEP will also start to include post-school transition goals. The IEP will then look at what services are needed to help your child achieve these objectives and be ready for adult life. 

Who is involved in the creation of an IEP?

An IEP is a team effort that requires input from a child’s parents and education specialists. Other highly qualified health practitioners, such as behavioral specialists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, may also be required to assess your child’s needs.   

As a parent or guardian, you will have an opportunity to review the IEP and provide feedback. This way, you can flag any issues you have with the IEP with the people involved in putting it together and work on producing a program that best suits your child. 

It’s important to get as many of the original team involved in the IEP’s creation as possible for IEP reviews. 

How does a child qualify for an IEP?

There are 13 criteria that make a child eligible for an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These include: 

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 

• Developmental delays 
• Emotional disorders or disturbances 
• Intellectual disabilities 
• Physical disabilities 
• Sensory impairments, such as hearing or vision impairments. 

A child is also covered if they are affected by multiple disabilities that are listed under the IDEA. 

The benefits of an IEP

Now that you understand how an IEP works, you might be wondering if it’s worth all the effort. Here are the benefits that an IEP offers to children who need it. 

Can help a child with special needs achieve better educational outcomes by providing an opportunity for success

Without access to additional supports in a traditional learning environment, children with special needs may be constantly behind their peers, not because they lack the ability to learn, but because material isn’t being taught in a way that works for them. An IEP can provide the child with an education that suits their needs or style of learning. 

It is a planned and structured system for learning for a special needs child

For the child, parent, or guardian, it’s reassuring to know that you can go into each lesson knowing what to expect from an educational program and how it is going to be presented. You can also look ahead to see how the educational process will unfold for your special needs child, and you also have an idea of each person’s role and what is expected of them. 

Has advanced measurable objectives to track progress more accurately

While all educational programs have some metrics that allow you to monitor a student’s progress, many IEPs take things a step further with SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Time-bound. This means that very detailed goals will be created for the child to reach, as opposed to aiming for any improvement in general. For example, a non-SMART goal would be that a child’s reading speed will improve, versus a SMART goal that says a child’s reading speed will improve to 150 words per minute. This elevates IEP goals and objectives above the goals and objectives of a traditional educational program. This also means that progress can be tracked and available to the parent at their request. 

Ensures a quality education is provided

An IEP is more than an ordinary educational program. IEPs fall under the IDEA, meaning there are even stricter requirements that will ensure a special needs child receives a high-quality education. For example, an IEP must be planned and taught by professional educators and other highly qualified individuals.What is written into an IEP is considered law, and must be follwed by the team working with the child.  
 

It caters specifically to the needs of an individual child

Not only is an IEP created that caters to the specific strengths and weaknesses of an individual child in mind, but many IEPs ensure that a special needs child gets additional one-on-one time with a teacher to improve their educational outcomes. 

Help your autistic child gain the skills they need at Lighthouse Autism Center

Lighthouse Autism Center is the home of the unique Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy program, a special program that combines the best of ABA and speech therapy to help your autistic child achieve their goals. These, when combined with our in-depth autism resources, can provide your autistic child with a solid foundation to develop their skills so that they can successfully navigate through life. 

Medicaid helps millions of people across the United States to gain access to much-needed health services using special Medicaid waivers. These waivers allow states to provide services to those with specific needs, including low-income families that have an autistic family member. Learn more here.

Everything You Need to Know About Medicaid Waivers & Autism

If you’re in need of financial assistance for your autistic child, you may be able to get that help from Medicaid’s waiver program. Join us as we take a look at what Medicaid is, what they are, how a Medicaid waiver could help your autistic child and how you can apply for assistance.

What is Medicaid?

According to the official Medicaid website, “Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.”

In a nutshell, it’s a public health insurance program for those who can’t afford to pay for specific health-related services on their own. 

While certain federal government rules apply to all Medicaid programs, the programs are run by each state, meaning that specific rules may differ depending on which state you live in.

What is a Medicaid waiver?

A Medicaid waiver is any exception that’s made to existing Medicaid rules in order to cater for a certain individual’s or group’s specific needs. For example, if you’re disabled or have a chronic illness, instead of having to move into an institution to receive assistance, this waiver may make it possible for you to receive assistance in your own home. Each state decides how to implement waivers in order to meet the needs of its citizens. 

Different types of waiver programs

There are many different types of Medicaid waiver programs depending on where you live. That said, three types of waivers are most commonly used across the United States:

Section 1115 waivers

This type of waiver allows a state to experiment with different methods for operating their Medicaid programs, such as using new methods to provide care or additional funding. Basically, any program that can improve assistance to those who need Medicaid can be tested under this waiver.

Section 1915(b) waivers

This type of waiver allows a state to provide its own care delivery system which a Medicaid beneficiary is required to use. While this may sound restrictive compared to allowing a beneficiary to use any Medicaid provider of their choice, care delivery programs that are run under this waiver must demonstrate that it’s more cost-effective, efficient and represents the overall values of the Medicaid program.

Section 1915(c) waivers

This type of waiver allows a state to provide long-term care services to an individual in their own home or community instead of requiring them to seek care at an institution. 

How can a Medicaid waiver help autistic children?

Medicaid can provide financial assistance to families that need help meeting the needs of autistic children. In July 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) federal agency made it clear that states are required to provide services to help treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children who are eligible for Medicaid and are under the age of 21. This is done through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.

However, this does not mean that all autistic children will automatically qualify for Medicaid. While there is a Medicaid waiver for autism, the qualifying criteria may differ from state to state and you’ll need to apply for Medicaid to find out if you meet the requirements for assistance through the program. 

How do I apply for Medicaid?

Before you apply, it’s important to know who’s eligible for Medicaid assistance since there are specific requirements one has to meet in order to become a Medicaid beneficiary. Firstly, you must either be a citizen of the United States, a United States national, or have the relevant immigration status in order to qualify. Secondly, once you’ve met this baseline requirement, you need to find out if you qualify for Medicaid in your state. Other factors, such as household income, the size of your family, and age, will play a role in whether your application is successful or not. If you have any questions, you should reach out to your state Medicaid agency to learn more about Medicaid eligibility.

Since your application will be processed at state level, it may be useful to find out more about applying for Medicaid in your state on the Medicaid & CHIP How-To Information page on the Medicaid website. 

Lighthouse Autism Center is ready to help your family

At Lighthouse Autism Center we provide Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy, an approach which combines ABA and speech therapy techniques to create a unique program which helps to improve your autistic child’s outcomes. You can also make use of our helpful autism resources to improve your understanding of autism and how to approach life with an autistic child. Contact us to learn more about how the Midwest’s leading autism therapy institution can assist your family.

Positive reinforcement for autistic children is a strategy to manage behavior and promote growth. Find out what positive reinforcers are, how they differ from bribery, and how to find the right ones for your child.  

Positive Behavior Support

As a parent of an autistic child, it isn’t always easy to know how to help your child negotiate daily life in a positive and productive way. Whether it’s a simple task that needs to be accomplished or complex problems that distress your child, it is important to find positive behavior strategies that work for both of you.  

Encouraging positive behavior can help autistic children recognize their own emotions and needs, as well as teach them how to ask for help or self-regulate when they are overwhelmed.  

Let’s find out how positive reinforcement can help your child, what reinforcers are, how to use them, and which ones are right for your child. 

What is positive reinforcement in autism?

Positive reinforcement helps autistic children to articulate their emotions and needs in a positive way without acting out or resorting to destructive behaviors like elopement or violence.  

You can use positive reinforcement at home by selecting suitable reinforcers like praise, games, sporting events and even tokens like stickers that accumulate towards earning a privilege or desired item or activity. Reinforcers may vary from child to child and finding ones that suit your child can be a rewarding process requiring observation, analysis, as well as trial and error. 

Why use positive reinforcement?

Reinforcers for autism have proved to yield the best results and is largely recognized as the most ethical use of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA), the foundation for using learning to help increase or decrease certain behaviors in autistic children. 

What is negative reinforcement?

Negative reinforcement is when you remove something that creates discomfort or distress to your child to increase a desired behavior. 

For instance, if a child responds with extreme anger or aggression to loud music with physical outbursts, it should be communicated or demonstrated to the child that the music can be softened or removed if they request it in a calm manner.  

After teaching the child the appropriate response parents can provide opportunities for them to request the removal of the irritant calmly and achieve the desired goal.  

Punishment should not be used

Punishment is not an accepted practice. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, punishing a child may not just further distress them but cause them to backslide into unhealthy behaviors. 

What is the difference between reinforcement and bribery?

As a parent of an autistic child, knowing the difference between bribery and positive reinforcement is key to the successful use of reinforcers.  

Bribes are generally offered to children without explaining what is expected from them or simply to stop an undesired behavior in the heat of the moment. This form of reward often entrenches bad habits in the child and often perpetuates a pattern of extracting rewards rather than learning how to articulate needs.   

Reinforcers, on the other hand, are not chosen and implemented arbitrarily. They form part of a much broader strategy and employ analysis as well as tried and tested techniques that do not entrench a pattern of unsustainable habits.  

How to use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a technique that ABA therapists use in treatment but also needs parents to implement at home. Here’s how you can use it to help your child.  

The ABCs of ABA

ABA practitioners use the ABC model to assess problem behaviors in autistic children. ABC is an acronym for Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence. With the help of an ABA therapist, you can assess your own child’s behaviors using this model.  

• Antecedents refer to “what comes before” or triggers the behavior and can be anything from a situation or item to a time of day or even a topic of conversation.  

• Behavior is fairly self-explanatory and refers to the action that needs to be understood and changed.  

• Consequences refer to what happens immediately after the behavior is observed and, in the context of ABA, can result in reinforcing or punishing positive or negative behavior. 

Assessing the child’s needs

Every autistic child’s situation is unique. From environment to family dynamics and where on the spectrum they fall, as a parent, it is important to work with ABA therapists to observe and evaluate the exact needs of your child and what reinforcers to use. 

Without a proper understanding of these factors, positive reinforcement interventions may not work properly and may even have the opposite effect. Assessments will include but are not limited to: 

• Past motivations  
• Interviews with the child to understand their likes and dislikes 
• Assessing the child’s main triggers (i.e., what do they desire or find difficult to attain?)  

Finding the right reinforcers for the child

Once you and the therapist have done a full assessment, you will move on to selecting the right reinforcers for your child. These can range from simple things like praise to more involved reinforcers where praise, for instance, is combined with a toy and activity to effect a positive response. 

It is important that parents enlist the support of ABA therapists to do the assessments and identify the most effective reinforcers for their children. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all model, and using unsuitable reinforcers for your child could actively harm your child as well as negatively impact their behavior. 

How to use reinforcers effectively 

Once you and the team have identified the reinforcers, they need to be implemented in a controlled and structured manner. Otherwise, you run the risk of receding into bribery or unuseful habits. 

Here are a few guidelines on how you can optimize the use of reinforcers. 

• Reduce dependence on the reinforcer. At the beginning of the therapy, there will be intense use of the reinforcer to establish a pattern. However, it is important to phase it out as the new behavior becomes entrenched. 
• Always combine the reinforcer with praise and verbal encouragement until the verbal praise becomes the main reinforcer and not the item or activity. 
• Model the behavior you want to see in your child. Always practice what you preach! 

• Be clear and concise in your instructions. 
• Make sure your child understands as much as possible why they are doing something, rather than just doing it because they are told. 
• Try not to allow free access to the reinforcer as this may lead to the reinforcer losing its impact. Instead limit access to about 80% to keep the child engaged in the future.   
• Be aware of how you implement the reinforcer. Introducing it suddenly may actually reverse the effect, as many autistic children do not respond well to sudden changes. 
• Have a backup for when your child doesn’t succeed.

ABA at Lighthouse Autistic Center

If you want to see how positive reinforcement affects behavior look no further than the Lighthouse Autism Center. They are leaders in the implementation of positive reinforcement through their ground-breaking Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy program, which fuses the best practices of ABA and speech therapy into a one-of-a-kind clinical model that delivers better outcomes for children with autism. Combined with world-leading autism resources, LAC is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy institution.