Autism is a neurological developmental disorder which is characterized by delay in social, behavioral, and motor functioning. The onset of autism typically occurs during a child’s first three years of life. Parents may notice symptoms such as impairment in behavioral and cognitive functioning during the first two to three years. Individuals with autism may have repetitive behaviors, limited interests and deficits in social interactions and communication. Autism is the most common of the five Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), which are characterized by challenges in several areas of development. No definite cure has yet been found; however, different behavioral treatments have been tailored in order to improve specific needs of each individual.
For more information on Autism, you may refer to the Autism Society of America.
Services
RAFT is able to serve families who are dealing with the effects of Autism in several ways:
- Provide unique measurements of the parent’s current knowledge about their child’s symptoms by means of pre-tests and post-tests
- Home-based training and facilitation with each family
- Provide sixteen sessions of two hours of training per week with a total of about 32 hours, depending on the family’s needs
- In-depth information about different behavioral approaches and other services (e.g., Discrete Trial Training, Applied Behavior Analysis, Floor time, Pivotal Response Training, etc.)
- Provide help in accessing services through private insurance (e.g., occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy), schools, Tri-Counties Regional Center, and other generic resources
- Aid families in ways to make structural changes at home to improve the quality of treatment for the child
If you would like to access these services, you may contact Tri-Counties Regional Center, or you may contact us directly.
Great things about RAFT: We are family-centered, home-based, creative, flexible, a positive influence, open to change, and child driven.
Important to RAFT: We are able to help parents in accepting their situation. We help them to be more knowledgeable and skilled in raising their child with a positive attitude.
Important for RAFT: Early intervention, to receive a completed referral packet via email (go green!), and work in a collaborative manner with family and other agencies.
Hope for RAFT: To be able to create a positive attitude, knowledge and acceptance among those who undertake this program.
Additional Information:
How do we help Parents?
With information about Autism:
- The condition
- Available services-paid and generic
- Different behavior approach
- How to access insurance
How do we help Tri-Counties Regional Center?
- Helping families in having an in-depth knowledge about their child’s diagnosis
- Being conscientious about what works for their child
- Being time and dollar sensitive.
If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.