FAQ

IS MY CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR YOUR ABA PROGRAM?

Our early intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program is currently open to children aged 18 mos, until eligible for kindergarten, primarily with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After-school and summer ABA therapy is open to age 10 for the same diagnosis. In most cases the program is covered by insurance. ***If your child does not have an official diagnoses of ASD, ABA therapy may be beneficial, though many insurances only cover services for specific diagnoses. We can often help a variety of children without an ASD diagnoses, but we may need to discuss alternative sources of funding for the program (this may include private pay, the PLSA, AAA, or other scholarships).



DO YOU ACCEPT THE GARDINER (PLSA) SCHOLARSHIP?

Yes, we do accept the Gardiner (PLSA/Step-up) scholarship. Please note, if you are new to the Gardiner scholarship program we can guide you on how to sign up for it.



WHAT IS APPLIED BEHAVORIAL ANALYSIS THERAPY?

Applied Behavioral Analysis is a scientific discipline in which the principles of learning and behavior are used to develop techniques which improve socially and functionally significant behaviors to a meaningful degree. This includes the acquisition of new behaviors in communication, social skills, academics, and living skills, as well as the reduction of problem behaviors. ABA interventions are used to positively reinforce behaviors, reduce interfering behaviors (such as aggression, opposition, self-injury or stereotypical behaviors), teach new skills, modify the environment to enhance learning, and help transfer skills learned from one environment to another. ABA therapy relies upon direct observation and measurement of behaviors. The principles of verbal behavior focus on using communication and language in a functional way. In doing so, the message that the child receives is that communication results in positive reinforcements. A focus on verbal behavior allows the therapist to build language and communication skills with developmental, social, life, and academic skills, based on the child’s needs and abilities.



WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE IN YOUR EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM?

Our program is designed to be dynamic, natural, fun, rewarding, and individualized to your child’s needs. Through the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis, we will use assessments and programs tailored to your child’s abilities. We will also work on typical learning activities to help your child achieve integration into mainstream educational settings.

This means that we will work on the behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges that are common with Autism (using ABA therapy), while also providing your child with experiences similar to typical preschool settings.

We work on communication, social, developmental, and life skills on a daily basis, and offer potty-training when your child is ready.



WILL YOU TEACH ME HOW TO HELP MY CHILD?

Absolutely. We feel it is important for all caregivers to be on the same page, so to speak. Without this, skills learned in our center may not be maintained or generalized into other settings. Parent training sessions are an important and required part of the program, to help you incorporate the skills learned in our programs into your home and the community.



WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?

Our center's hours are 8:30am-5:30pm Monday through Friday. A typical schedule for ABA therapy in the Hope Early Learning Program is between 8:30am to 4:00pm, while children in grades K-5 usually recieve services after school, 2:30 or 3:00pm to 5:00 or 5:30pm. The schedule will be individualized based on your child's needs.



DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?

We currently are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Sheild, Cigna, United Health Care, Aetna, Tricare, and Medicaid. We are working on also becoming an in-network provider with Humana (expected October 2020).



WHAT IS THE PROJECT HOPE SCHOLARSHIP?

Project Hope Foundation of Florida is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2017. Through donations to this organization we are able to provide partial scholarships for children in need, for up to $5000 towards ABA services in the Hope Early Learning Program. As our Foundation grows, so will our ability to help those who are otherwise unable to afford the ABA therapy that they need to help reach their full potential.



MY CHILD GOES TO SCHOOL. CAN HE/SHE RECEIVE ABA SERVICES AFTER SCHOOL?

After-school ABA therapy is available to children in grades K-5. Schedules are individualized based on your child's needs. Typically 2:30 to 5:30pm. Contact us at 561-242-1725, or info@projecthopefl.com.