Frequently asked questions about REACH and the services we provide.
What ages do you serve?
REACH Behavior and Development Center is able to provide services to children and adolescents aged 1 – 19 years old.
What is the best age to start ABA therapy?
At REACH Behavior and Development Center, we recommend that learners begin ABA therapy services as early as possible, preferably before the age of five. Learners can begin ABA therapy services as early as 18-30 months.
Research has shown that children who receive early intervention are more likely to make progress in their communication skills, social interactions, and behavior. By starting therapy as soon as possible, children can develop new skills and behaviors that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Do you accept insurance?
REACH Behavior and Development Center can provide a Pre-approval Letter to issue to your insurance provider to see if they will be able to cover services. Families will need to check their insurance policies and contact their insurance service provider to see if ABA/OT/Speech therapy services are covered under your specific policy.
Do you issue diagnoses/prescribe medications?
REACH Behavior and Development Center is able to provide behavioral assessments only. We are unable to diagnose or prescribe medication for any condition. If you require a diagnosis or medication prescription, please reach out to a trusted medical provider for autism and other developmental delays.
Do you require a diagnosis?
No, we do not require a diagnosis. REACH Behavior and Development Center is able to provide behavioral assessments using a variety of assessment tools. Using these tools, we are able to create an individualized program for your child.
Do you work with schools?
Yes, we are able to provide School Shadowing services, and our highly qualified Behavior Analysts are able to do in-school visits, working in collaboration with your child’s school teachers to develop behavioral plans to set your child up for success.
What does a Behavior Analyst (BCBA/IBA) do?
A Behavior Analyst is the supervisor of your child’s program and they are trained in the practice of behavior analysis principles and techniques. They assess an individual’s skills and needs, then design and implement treatment plans tailored to each individual. They continually monitor progress to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary modifications.
Behavior Analysts also collaborate with family members and other professionals who work with learners with developmental delays. They offer coaching to parents and caregivers, providing them with strategies to facilitate ongoing development and learning outside of structured treatment sessions.
What does a Behavior Therapist (RBT/IBT) do?
A Behavior Therapist is a paraprofessional who is part of a broader care team for individuals with autism. Behavior Therapists are certified to provide direct, one-on-one therapy to learners with autism or developmental delays using applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). They can also provide support in school to help a child successfully attend or support them where needed. Additionally, they can work with small groups to help improve social skills, group responding and participation.
When can I expect progress/how long will the program take?
The timeline for seeing improvements in ABA therapy can vary depending on the individual child and their specific needs. Some learners may show progress within a few weeks of starting therapy, while others may take several months or even longer to demonstrate significant improvements. It is important to remember that every child is unique and progresses at their own pace.
We recommend that learners enroll in no less than a 6 month program to see significant progress.
Upon enrollment, your child will undergo an initial assessment. After the initial assessment, families will receive a progress report on a quarterly basis and a reassessment report on a bi-annual basis. This ensures that your child’s program is on the right track and is meeting the set goals and targets.
Do the parents need to be there during the sessions?
Parent participation is highly encouraged, however is not mandatory during the direct one-to-one sessions. We provide parent training sessions on a monthly basis to teach parents how to implement the tactics utilized in a clinical setting in other environments, such as the home or the community.
What languages can you provide services in?
Currently, REACH Behavior and Development Center is able to provide services in English, Arabic, and a host of other languages with our multilingual and diverse team of professionals.
My child has a delay in speech, do they need ABA or Speech Therapy?
When considering ABA therapy versus speech therapy, it is important to note that they are both used to help individuals with various communication needs.
While speech therapy focuses primarily on the development of language and articulation skills, ABA therapy takes a broader approach by attempting to improve an individual’s overall functioning in many areas. This includes teaching individuals how to interact socially as well as how to develop and utilize their language skills.
Ultimately, whether ABA or speech therapy is chosen depends on the individual’s specific needs and goals. We recommend booking a free consultation with us so our team of professionals can assess your child and advise on which therapy would fit their needs best.
My child is already receiving help from providers such as a Speech Therapist and/or an Occupational Therapist. Isn't that sufficient?
While these providers offer valuable support, their therapy sessions typically don’t provide the level of intensity necessary to effectively address the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism. Most Speech or Occupational Therapy programs offer 1-2 hours of therapy per week, whereas an intensive ABA program typically involves 20+ hours of therapy per week.
Should I continue to collaborate with other providers such as Speech and Occupational Therapists?
Research indicates that while an eclectic approach, combining ABA with other therapeutic interventions, can be beneficial, it’s essential to prioritize evidence-based treatments. Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy are both evidence-based interventions with established efficacy in addressing various aspects of autism spectrum disorders. However, for significant progress, it’s crucial to ensure that the intensity and consistency of therapy align with the individual’s needs, which may often require an intensive ABA program. Communication and collaboration between multiple service providers are key to providing a comprehensive and effective treatment approach.
What is the minimum recommended amount of hours for therapy?
The amount ABA therapy needed for a child can vary depending on several factors, including:
1. The specific needs of the child.
2. The goals of the therapy.
3. The recommendations of the treating professionals.
Therefore, the intensity of ABA therapy is determined on an individual basis. ABA therapy can range anywhere from a few hours per week to more intensive programs involving 20-40 hours of therapy per week. The duration of therapy may also vary, depending on the child’s progress and ongoing assessment.
How can I start services with you?
Our procedure is, you have to complete an intake form on this link.
If you are experiencing issues with the online form, we can also send you the intake form as a document if you share with us your email address and name of the parents. You can do this by sending us a Whatsapp or giving us a call on +97339006065, or emailing us at [email protected]
Once the intake form has been completed and has been sent back to us, it will then be reviewed by our Clinical Team. Once reviewed, our Administration team will be in touch with you to book an appointment for the free consultation.
How can I book an appointment for a free consultation?
After completing the consultation process, please get in touch with our Administration Team who will guide you through the next steps in the registration process. We aim to provide you with the soonest available start date to begin your child’s learning journey with us.
Can you give me a rough price/estimate on how much your services cost?
Prices are individualized based on each child’s needs. We encourage you to first come for the consultation, which is free. We’ll conduct the play assessment with your child and then based on that, our clinical team will be able to tell you which service and how many hours would suit them best. They always send out a recommendation email a day after the consultation with our service packages attached and reference the service that is best suited for your child.