Home-based ABA services allow teaching to occur in the child’s natural environment and incorporates learning within the child’s natural routine
Research indicates that early, high intensity intervention, often birth to five years old may have the best outcomes for improving your child’s development.
Achievement in the domain of social interaction greatly improves the quality of life for a learner and we place a premium on screening, assessment, and individually tailored interventions.
It has been proven that parents who are actively involved in their child’s therapy often see more progress in their children. Our clinical team is trained to build success for the entire family unit.
Telehealth is a tool that allows us to deliver Applied Behavior Analysis services directly to families using electronic telecommunication technology.
Our processes to improve cognition, adaptive, social, and emotional domains range from structured lessons to more naturalistic programming that can look like play, chore completion, or conversation.
Focused ABA services are for individuals who (a) need treatment only for a limited number of key functional skills, or (b) have such an acute problem behavior that its treatment needs to be prioritized.
3070 Presidential Drive
Suite 240
Atlanta GA 30340
Autism Learning Partners is proud to partner with Georgia Medicaid to serve families in Georgia. We are contracted to work with all four Care Management Organizations. Whether your family is assigned to Amerigroup Community Care, CareSource, Peach State Health Plan, or WellCare we’re here to help! Our Intake team can walk you through the requirements to access ABA per your specific health plan assignment, but all will require an autism diagnosis made by an MD or Psychologist. An autism diagnosis will typically include a standardized assessment, such as ADOS (Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule), ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised), CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), or GARS (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale). You may check your child’s autism diagnosis for the inclusion of one of these assessments but, if you’re unsure, please feel free to contact our experienced Intake team, who will advise.
Autism Learning Partners (formerly Pacific Child & Family Associates) began offering services to children with autism and other development disabilities, and their families, in 1988. The company was an early proponent of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and quickly adopted this clinical methodology as the cornerstone of its services to children and families. Autism Learning Partners now offers treatment services in many states across the US, collaborating with doctors, therapist, families, schools, and specialists for complete, effective care.
The mission of Autism Learning Partners is to provide the highest level of clinical expertise to facilitate significant and sustainable improvement for the individuals and families we serve.
Autism Learning Partners strives to give hope, support and paths of progress for children and their families living with Autism and related disorders. We believe that a tailored, comprehensive care plan managed by our exceptional clinical talent, partnered with love and commitment from the family, allows each child to achieve his or her maximum potential.
Sara Beth is originally from Babson Park, FL. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, where she was first exposed to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and fell in love. She completed her Masters of Arts in Human Services Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While in graduate school she worked at the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s (KKI) Neurobehavioral Inpatient and Outpatient Programs. At KKI, Sara Beth worked with children with developmental disabilities and conducted assessments, developed and implemented treatments to reduce severe problem behavior. Sara Beth and her husband then moved to the Atlanta area and she began working at the Marcus Autism Center in the Severe Behavior Day Treatment Program. She continued similar clinical work and also focused on initiatives to improve efficiency, including focus on employee relations, retention and satisfaction. She is excited to serve the East Atlanta area with Autism Learning Partners and bring quality services to more children and families in the Atlanta area. She is also passionate about providing mentorship opportunities to those interested in working in the field of ABA. Her personal interests include reading, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and traveling with her husband and two dogs.
We have curated a list of parent organizations and resources within the Augusta area that may be helpful supplements to ABA therapy. Please note that this information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be misconducted as legal, medical, or any type of professional advice. Please independently research professionals and service providers carefully before making any decisions concerning your child.
AUTISM SPECIFIC PARENT SUPPORT
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
https://www.autismspeaks.org
900 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 445
Atlanta, GA 30339
770-451-0570
The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
TACA has local Chapters across the United States providing families affected by autism with education, resources and support. Chapters hold educational family events, meetings, seminars and/or Coffee Talks.
https://tacanow.org/
2222 Martin Street, Suite 140
Irvine, CA 92612
855-726-7810
SNAP4KIDS
Offering assistance for families and children with special education needs, helping them to navigate the waiver process, health insurance issues and more.
http://snap4kids.org/georgia.html
Georgia Advocacy Office
Federally mandated, non-profit advocacy services for children and adults with disabilities. GAO provides: Information and referral, Technical assistance, advice, and support in self advocacy, Assistance in advocacy, negotiation, or mediation on behalf of individuals, Investigation of allegations of abuse, neglect, or violations of rights, Public information and education regarding the needs and rights of people with disabilities, Multicultural outreach to unserved or underserved groups of persons with disabilities, Identification of problems in the system of service delivery and advocacy for systemic change, Legislative monitoring and technical assistance, Technical assistance to attorneys on disability law.
http://thegao.org/what-we-do/
info@thegao.org
404-885-1234
Parent to Parent of Georgia
Parent to Parent of Georgia offers a variety of services to Georgia families impacted by disabilities or special healthcare needs.
http://p2pga.org/
3070 Presidential Parkway, Suite 130
Atlanta, GA 30340-3720
770-451-5484
Autism Foundation of Georgia
Providing Support, Education, and Hope, The Autism Foundation of Georgia was founded in 1985 by a group of Atlanta area parents and community leaders who were concerned about the lack of services for individuals in Georgia with autism.
https://autismfoundationofga.org/
1551 Shoup Court
Decatur, Georgia 30033
info@autismfoundationofga.org
Autism Society of Ga
An affiliate of the Autism Society of America, the oldest community based grass roots organization in the United States, the Autism of Georgia is a non-profit Georgia corporation that has supported the Georgia autism community for nearly 40 years. Our goal is to increase the capacity to serve the more than 157,000 children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder throughout all 158 counties in Georgia.
https://www.autismsocietyga.org/
8343 Roswell Rd, #339
Atlanta, GA 30350
404-994-3866
STATE RESOURCES
Georgia Department of Education
The Georgia Department of Education (Division for Special Education Services and Supports) provides necessary infrastructure and supports for leaders, teachers, and families to meet the whole child needs of each student improving student outcomes and school climate resulting in an increased quality of life and workforce ready future. We must commit to effective collaboration across agencies and school-home partnerships to support local school districts in their efforts to provide special education and related services for students with disabilities.
http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services/Pages/Autism.aspx
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-2800
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provides treatment and support services to people with mental health challenges and substance use disorders, and assists individuals who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their vision is: “Easy access to high-quality care that leads to a life of recovery and independence for the people we serve.”
https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/
Main Office:
Two Peachtree Street, N.W., 24th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-657-2252
*Note: there are also 6 regional field offices. Please see website to determine your regional office contact information.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
For immediate access to routine or crisis services, please call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL). GCAL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to help you or someone you care for in a crisis. GCAL professionals will: provide telephonic crisis intervention services, dispatch mobile crisis teams, assist individuals in finding an open crisis or detox bed across the State, and link individuals with urgent appointment services. In addition, GCAL will help you to access a State Funded provider in your area in a non-emergency as well.
https://www.georgiacollaborative.com/providers/georgia-crisis-and-access-line-gcal/
1-800-715-4225
WHERE TO GO ON THE WEB FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AUTISM AND APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA)
American Academy of Pediatrics / AUTISM
General Information, Articles.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/default.aspx
Autism Research Institute
Online educational events for parents and caretakers. Monthly e-newsletter with the latest updates, and online discussion forums for parents of children with ASD.
https://www.autism.com/
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
833-281-7165
Autism Navigator
Autism Navigator is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses developed to bridge the gap between science and community practice. We have integrated the most current research into a highly interactive web platform with extensive video footage to illustrate effective evidence-based practice. The video clips come from the unparalleled library of video footage from federally funded research projects at the Autism Institute at Florida State University.
Early diagnosis and intervention has lifetime consequences for children with ASD and their families. By interfacing professional courses for primary care physicians and early intervention providers with information and support for families and communities using technology-supported learning, Autism Navigator can create an integrated, effective, cost-efficient, community-viable system of service delivery for children with ASD and their families.
www.autismnavigator.com
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Since 2007, the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPDC) has worked to develop free professional resources for teachers, therapists, and technical assistance providers who work with individuals with ASD. Resources include detailed information on how to plan, implement, and monitor specific evidence-based practices.
https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/
Boys Town – For Parents
Boys Town offers a vast library of parenting information and articles developed over many decades by our child behavior experts. Explore the Boys Town’s Parenting Principles, based on 100 years of real-world experience with tens of thousands of families. And, whether you are a parent, grandparent or guardian of a toddler, teen or someone in-between, we’ve got Parenting Guides, articles, videos, tools and quick tips on a variety of subjects, all developed by Boys Town’s experts.
www.boystown.org/parenting
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
ASAT’s mission: We promote safe, effective, science-based treatments for people with autism by disseminating accurate, timely, and scientifically sound information, advocating for the use of scientific methods to guide treatment, and combating unsubstantiated, inaccurate and false information about autism and its treatment.
Since autism was first identified, there has been a long history of failed treatments and fads, levied on vulnerable individuals as well as on their families. From the scandal of the “refrigerator mother” theory, to the ongoing parade of “miracle cures” and “magical breakthroughs,” history has been dominated by improbable theories about causation and treatments.
Many of these treatments have been too quickly adopted by professionals, too readily sensationalized by the media, and too hastily embraced by hopeful consumers – well before supporting evidence or reasonable probability existed for their effectiveness or safety.
Since ASAT was established in 1998, it has been our goal to work toward adopting higher standards of accountability for the care, education and treatment of all individuals with autism.
www.asatonline.org
Parenting with ABA
Parenting is hard. Parenting advice is everywhere & overwhelming. Let us help you cut through the noise and find behavior management tools and strategies that are scientifically backed. Let the science of behavior save YOUR sanity as a parent!
www.parentingwithaba.org
Autism Internet Modules (AIM)
AIM is designed to provide high-quality information and professional development for anyone who supports, instructs, works with, or lives with someone with autism. Each module guides you through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, a glossary, and much more. AIM modules are available at no cost. If you would like to receive credit for your time on AIM, certificate and credit options are available for a fee.
www.autisminternetmodules.org
National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice
The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP) is conducting a systematic review of the current intervention literature targeting individuals on the autism spectrum. NCAEP is a continuation of the evidence review that was completed by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) which included research published through 2011. We will review research studies published in the last five years (2012-2017) which examine the impact of behavioral, educational, clinical and developmental practices and service models used with individuals on the autism spectrum from birth through age 21. The literature is expanding rapidly so we plan to establish an active yearly review that will provide families, practitioners, and researchers with more timely updates. In the future, NCAEP hopes to expand this important work to identify EBPs for adults on the autism spectrum and to include pharmaceutical interventions.
https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/
BOOKS ABOUT ABA
The Verbal Behavior Approach
Dr. Mary Barbera, BCBA and mother of a child on the Spectrum
An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and Learn
Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara
101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism, Asperger’s, and Sensory Processing Disorders
Tara Delaney
1001 Great Ideas for Teaching & Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s
Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk
LOW OR NO COST TOYS AND SUPPLIES
Goodwill of Middle Georgia
The Goodwill of Middle Georgia has many retail stores in the Augusta Area where you can find quality used goods for bargain prices.
https://www.goodwillworks.org/
The Salvation Army Family Stores
Salvation Army Family Stores are another good option in the Augusta Area to purchase used good at low prices.
https://salvationarmyaugusta.org/
Little Free Library
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
https://littlefreelibrary.org/
Other Ideas
– Local thrift stores or consignment shops
– There are many grants available for general financial assistance or for specific items (e.g., assistive technology)
– Be on the lookout for local yard sales or estate sales in your neighborhood
– Toy drives are plentiful around the holiday season
– Local churches or places of worship are also often a good resource for toys or supplies
Therapy sessions might take place in your home or community, depending on what the ALP Clinical team recommends. Each session, a Behavior Technician will work one-on-one with your child, targeting individualized goals embedded into fun and functional activities. Sessions can last 2-4 hours depending on your child’s needs. Parent training is always a part of the treatment plan, as we want you to have that support.
Therapy sessions could take place in your home or community environment, depending on what the ALP Clinical team recommends, and if the school and insurance provides approval.
We currently do not conduct diagnostic evaluations at this location, but can provide families with a list of diagnosticians in the Augusta area.
We use evidence based behavior analytic techniques. The specific techniques implemented by the ALP Clinical team are entirely dependent on your child and the goals identified during the assessment. Your Clinical Supervisor will discuss the techniques more during the assessment. It’s important to our clinical teams that the right techniques are selected for your child. There are no one size fits all.
