1. What is ABA the Hybridge way?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that looks at how people behave, and uses a scientific process to analyze methods to modify these behaviors. We look at behaviors that are socially significant (meaningful) to your child. The behaviors and skills we want your child to acquire are broken down into their smallest parts and we work with our learners to acquire these skills first, in order to gain the larger skill sets. We teach the love of learning through scientific methods.
But science to us is all about having fun! So we will play with cars and dolls and build with blocks. Or we will use older materials such as big Lego builds or journaling or crafting. Perhaps sports is what your child loves so we will play! We will facilitate play dates, help learners manage chores, and take trips to the mall, if needed. From our youngest learners to our oldest learners, we will use the principles of ABA to break complex skills into their smallest parts and teach beyond our learners’ levels. We say we teach beyond levels and not “to levels” because we are always trying to increase the skill set our learners possess. Learning is a lifelong process, for anyone and everyone. At HLG, we are proud to help facilitate this process for the learners with whom we work.
The misconception is that you can’t have fun while providing ABA services. We staunchly disagree. We use what kids love to do and with what they love to play to teach new skills and maintain gains. We keep a learner’s motivation high so, at times, they don’t even realize they are in “session.”
2. Do you serve learners of all ages and skill level?
Yes! We work with clients as young as 1-year-old all the way through adulthood and beyond.
We pride ourselves on having a diverse team of staff members uniquely skilled in working with learners who present with a variety of skills and needs. The learner’s age and skill-set are two things we look at when selecting best-fit qualified staff to join. Additionally, each learner’s program goals are individualized in order to produce the most meaningful outcome for each learner and family.
3. What do I need to get started?
Getting started with HLG can be a simple process. Initially, you will speak with our Family Services Coordinator to get a better understanding of how HLG can help you and your family see progress through ABA intervention. Once everyone agrees we are a good fit, you will work with the Family Services Coordinator to ensure we receive all the proper documentation needed that we are required to submit to your insurance carrier or other third-party funders. While not all funders require the following, here is a list of documents we may need from you:
- Official diagnostic evaluation from a qualified health professional
- Prescription for ABA services
- Completed HLG new student forms
- Copy of the front and back of your insurance card(s)
We do often remind families that the quicker we can receive the documents needed, the quicker we can begin!
4. Is there a waitlist?
There may be a wait time for starting services with HLG depending on where your family is located and when your child is available to receive services.
We always encourage families to take steps to secure a spot on our waitlist. Our waitlist is not binding in any way, and our Family Services Coordinator is happy to keep lines of communication open with your family to let you know where your child falls on our waitlist as well as when we think we can begin. When wait times are lengthy, we understand families may begin services with other providers, and we’re happy to facilitate your child’s transition to receive services through HLG when your wait time is up.
5. What does the intake process look like?
For insurance-funded services, the initial intake evaluation is typically a 4 to 5-week process from the day HLG requests authorization from your insurer to begin the intake (conducted in 1-2 visits by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst) to the day your insurer approves ongoing ABA Therapy services with HLG. As soon as approval for ongoing services is received, we’ll identify 1 or more best-fit behavior technicians to join your child’s team and begin delivering ongoing services.
6. What does the team look like?
Your team starts with you! As a parent, you are your child’s expert. Therefore, we will always want your input regarding your child’s behaviors, goals, and objectives. From our side, your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will conduct your formal intake and create a Treatment Plan based on your interview, learner observation, and learner assessment. On a regular basis, your child will receive direct ABA intervention from a trained and skilled behavior technician. When appropriate, you may have more than one behavior technician working with your child at different times. And on a regular basis, your BCBA will conduct supervision sessions with your child and the behavior technician(s) to ensure protocols are being met, teaching standards are occurring and progress is being made. Further, if at any time you would like to escalate a question or concern regarding your child’s services, you are assigned a Family Services Coordinator and Clinical Director whom each would be happy to assist in any way possible.
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Behavior Technician(s)
- Family Services Coordinator
- Clinical Director
7. How are the members of my child’s team assigned?
Just as each learner’s program is designed to meet individual needs and goals, a number of factors are considered when placing staff on programs:
- Does the staff member have prior experience with learners of similar age, background, and skill set?
- Does the staff member have the specific ABA intervention training needed to ensure the learner is set up for ongoing success?
- Will the staff member provide the best possible support in the given treatment setting (home, center, and/or school)?
- Will the staff member build a positive working relationship with the learner, family, and any other parties involved in treatment?
8. Can my child receive ABA Therapy services without an autism diagnosis?
The short answer is: Yes!
However, insurance companies do not typically cover ABA Therapy services unless the child has received an autism diagnosis from a qualified health professional. There may be exceptions to this in the state of Virginia, and you can learn more about whether your child qualifies for insurance-funded services by contacting our Family Services Coordinator.
If insurance-funded services are not an option, HLG can initiate a private pay agreement for services funded by your family or a third party.