Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, but the hardest thing in the world to do.
-Matt Walsh
-Matt Walsh
Commonly Asked Questions.
What kind of therapy or treatment options are available for autism?
There are several types of therapy and treatment options that may be helpful for children with autism. Some approaches that may be used include:
It is important to work with professionals, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or behavior analyst, to determine the most appropriate interventions for your child. It may also be helpful to seek out support from other parents and the broader autism community.
How can I support my child's education and learning?
There are several strategies that parents can use to support their child's education and learning if they have autism. Here are a few examples:
It is important to seek out support from professionals, such as a special education teacher or educational therapist, as well as other parents and the broader autism community. Working together with your child's educators and other professionals can help to ensure that your child receives the support and resources they need to succeed.
How can I help my child with autism to communicate and interact with others?
There are many strategies and interventions that can help children with autism to improve their communication and social skills. Some approaches that may be helpful include:
It is important to work with professionals to determine the most appropriate interventions for your child. It may also be helpful to seek out support from other parents and the broader autism community.
How can I manage my child's challenging behaviors?
Managing challenging behaviors in children with autism can be difficult, but there are strategies that parents can use to support their child and promote positive behaviors. Here are a few examples:
It is important to remember that every child is unique and what works for one child may not work for another. It may be helpful to try a variety of strategies and to be patient and flexible as you work to address your child's challenging behaviors.
How can I find support and resources for myself and my family?
There are many resources available to support parents of children with autism and their families. Here are a few examples of where you may be able to find support and resources:
It is important to remember that every family's needs are different, and it may take some time to find the resources and support that work best for you. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it.
How can I help my child to transition to adulthood?
Helping a child with autism to transition to adulthood can be challenging, but there are steps that parents can take to support their child and prepare them for the future. Here are a few suggestions:
It is important to remember that every child is unique and the transition to adulthood will look different for each individual. It may be helpful to work with professionals to develop a customized plan for your child's transition to adulthood.
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Is my child a good fit for PSL's ABA Therapy program?
PSL's ABA program is designed to support children who are transitioning out of a comprehensive model, reducing therapeutic hours, and need support in specific areas. At present, we are unable to support those individuals who present with significant needs and severe challenging behavior (i.e., severe harm to self or others), feeding/swallowing disorders, or sleep disorders; however, we are happy to assist families in finding appropriate supports.
What is the PEAK curriculum? AIM curriculum?
PEAK (Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge) is an assessment and intervention program that teaches language and cognitive skills to individuals with autism or related disabilities. It is considered a top choice for ABA services due to its research-based foundation, modern approach to ABA, and easy-to-use evaluation and treatment protocols. The program is divided into four modules, each containing an assessment that evaluates the presence or absence of 184 skills.
The AIM curriculum helps children with social discomfort, challenging behaviors, and daily struggles improve their lives. It combines mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis to provide a comprehensive approach for children with or without disabilities who struggle with social and emotional challenges. This approach aims to set the standard for best practices in helping children navigate and overcome these challenges.
Where can I expect to receive services?
PSL provides home-, school-, and community- based services.
What methods of payment are accepted?
Pinpoint+ Skills Lab is currently contracted with BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We also accept ESA and private pay.
What is the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program?
The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program in Arizona is a school choice program that provides public funds to eligible students in the form of a debit card. These funds can be used to pay for a variety of educational expenses, including private school tuition, textbooks, and educational therapies. The program was created in 2011 and is open to every K-12 student in Arizona regardless of family income, where the student lives within the state, or the student's past academic performance.
There are several types of therapy and treatment options that may be helpful for children with autism. Some approaches that may be used include:
- Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy, also known as applied behavior analysis (ABA), is a treatment approach that focuses on teaching specific skills and behaviors, and reinforcing positive behaviors. ABA may be used to help children with autism to improve their social skills, communication skills, and independence.
- Speech and language therapy: Speech and language therapy can help children with autism to improve their communication skills, including their ability to understand and use language. This may involve working on verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as helping the child to develop social communication skills.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help children with autism to improve their fine motor skills and ability to participate in everyday activities, such as dressing and eating. Occupational therapy may also involve sensory processing strategies to help children with autism to better process and respond to sensory information.
- Medications: Some children with autism may benefit from medications to help manage specific symptoms, such as anxiety, attention deficits, or repetitive behaviors. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine if medication is appropriate for your child and to carefully monitor any potential side effects.
It is important to work with professionals, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or behavior analyst, to determine the most appropriate interventions for your child. It may also be helpful to seek out support from other parents and the broader autism community.
How can I support my child's education and learning?
There are several strategies that parents can use to support their child's education and learning if they have autism. Here are a few examples:
- Advocate for your child's needs: It is important to work with your child's school and educators to ensure that your child is receiving the support and accommodations they need to succeed. This may involve advocating for an individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 plan, which outlines specific goals and strategies for your child's education.
- Use visual supports: Visual supports, such as schedules, social stories, and visual prompts, can help children with autism to understand and follow routines and expectations in the classroom.
- Encourage independence: Help your child to develop the skills they need to be as independent as possible in their education and daily life. This may involve teaching self-care skills, such as dressing and eating, as well as skills related to learning, such as staying focused and organized.
- Encourage your child's interests: Encourage your child to explore their interests and passions, and provide opportunities for them to learn and grow in these areas. This can help to motivate and engage your child in their education.
- Partner with educators: Work with your child's educators to understand your child's strengths and challenges, and to develop strategies to support their learning. It is important to maintain open communication with your child's school and to stay involved in their education.
It is important to seek out support from professionals, such as a special education teacher or educational therapist, as well as other parents and the broader autism community. Working together with your child's educators and other professionals can help to ensure that your child receives the support and resources they need to succeed.
How can I help my child with autism to communicate and interact with others?
There are many strategies and interventions that can help children with autism to improve their communication and social skills. Some approaches that may be helpful include:
- Early intervention: Early intervention services can help children with autism to develop the skills they need to communicate and interact with others. These services may include ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of developmental therapy.
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): AAC is a set of strategies and tools that can help children with autism to communicate when they have difficulty using spoken language. Examples of AAC include picture and symbol systems, sign language, and electronic communication devices.
- Social skills training: Social skills training can help children with autism to learn how to initiate and maintain social interactions, follow social rules and norms, and understand the perspectives of others. Social skills training can be provided in individual or group settings.
- Modeling and role-playing: Modeling and role-playing can help children with autism to practice and improve their communication and social skills. This can involve demonstrating appropriate behavior and language, and then providing opportunities for the child to practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment.
- Visual supports: Visual supports, such as schedules, social stories, and visual prompts, can help children with autism to understand and follow social rules and routines.
It is important to work with professionals to determine the most appropriate interventions for your child. It may also be helpful to seek out support from other parents and the broader autism community.
How can I manage my child's challenging behaviors?
Managing challenging behaviors in children with autism can be difficult, but there are strategies that parents can use to support their child and promote positive behaviors. Here are a few examples:
- Identify the function of the behavior: Understanding the reason behind a challenging behavior can be helpful in determining how to address it. For example, a child may engage in a challenging behavior to get attention, to escape a demand or situation, or to access a preferred activity or item.
- Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement involves reinforcing desired behaviors by providing rewards or other positive consequences. This can help to increase the likelihood that the desired behavior will be repeated in the future.
- Use visual supports: Visual supports, such as schedules, social stories, and visual prompts, can help children with autism to understand and follow routines and expectations, and can reduce the need for challenging behaviors.
- Use problem-solving strategies: Problem-solving strategies can help to identify and address the underlying causes of challenging behaviors. This may involve brainstorming and testing out different solutions to see what works best.
- Seek support: It can be helpful to seek support from professionals, such as a psychologist or behavior therapist, as well as other parents and the broader autism community. Working with a professional can help you to develop a customized plan to address your child's specific challenges and needs.
It is important to remember that every child is unique and what works for one child may not work for another. It may be helpful to try a variety of strategies and to be patient and flexible as you work to address your child's challenging behaviors.
How can I find support and resources for myself and my family?
There are many resources available to support parents of children with autism and their families. Here are a few examples of where you may be able to find support and resources:
- Professional organizations: Professional organizations, such as the Autism Society of America and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, can provide information, resources, and support for parents and families.
- Local autism support groups: Many communities have local support groups for parents and families of children with autism. These groups can provide a sense of community, as well as information and support.
- Online resources: There are many online resources available for parents and families of children with autism, including blogs, forums, and social media groups. These resources can provide a wealth of information and support from other parents and professionals.
- Government resources: Your state or local government may have resources and services available to support families of children with autism. These may include financial assistance, early intervention services, and educational support.
- Educational resources: Schools and educational organizations may have resources and support available for families of children with autism. This may include special education services, educational therapy, and other support programs.
It is important to remember that every family's needs are different, and it may take some time to find the resources and support that work best for you. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it.
How can I help my child to transition to adulthood?
Helping a child with autism to transition to adulthood can be challenging, but there are steps that parents can take to support their child and prepare them for the future. Here are a few suggestions:
- Start planning early: It is never too early to start planning for your child's future. Begin by identifying your child's strengths, interests, and goals, and think about how these may translate into adult life.
- Encourage independence: Help your child to develop the skills they need to be as independent as possible in their daily life. This may involve teaching self-care skills, such as dressing and eating, as well as skills related to learning, such as staying focused and organized.
- Explore post-secondary options: Look into post-secondary options, such as vocational training programs, community college, or university, that may be a good fit for your child.
- Plan for housing and support: Consider your child's housing and support needs as they transition to adulthood. This may involve finding a suitable living arrangement, such as an independent living situation or a group home, and determining what level of support and assistance your child may need.
- Seek out resources and support: There are many resources and support systems available to help families navigate the transition to adulthood. These may include government programs, professional organizations, and local support groups.
It is important to remember that every child is unique and the transition to adulthood will look different for each individual. It may be helpful to work with professionals to develop a customized plan for your child's transition to adulthood.
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Is my child a good fit for PSL's ABA Therapy program?
PSL's ABA program is designed to support children who are transitioning out of a comprehensive model, reducing therapeutic hours, and need support in specific areas. At present, we are unable to support those individuals who present with significant needs and severe challenging behavior (i.e., severe harm to self or others), feeding/swallowing disorders, or sleep disorders; however, we are happy to assist families in finding appropriate supports.
What is the PEAK curriculum? AIM curriculum?
PEAK (Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge) is an assessment and intervention program that teaches language and cognitive skills to individuals with autism or related disabilities. It is considered a top choice for ABA services due to its research-based foundation, modern approach to ABA, and easy-to-use evaluation and treatment protocols. The program is divided into four modules, each containing an assessment that evaluates the presence or absence of 184 skills.
The AIM curriculum helps children with social discomfort, challenging behaviors, and daily struggles improve their lives. It combines mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis to provide a comprehensive approach for children with or without disabilities who struggle with social and emotional challenges. This approach aims to set the standard for best practices in helping children navigate and overcome these challenges.
Where can I expect to receive services?
PSL provides home-, school-, and community- based services.
What methods of payment are accepted?
Pinpoint+ Skills Lab is currently contracted with BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We also accept ESA and private pay.
What is the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program?
The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program in Arizona is a school choice program that provides public funds to eligible students in the form of a debit card. These funds can be used to pay for a variety of educational expenses, including private school tuition, textbooks, and educational therapies. The program was created in 2011 and is open to every K-12 student in Arizona regardless of family income, where the student lives within the state, or the student's past academic performance.
Have a question not answered above? Feel free to contact us at any time, we're happy to help!