Selecting a Quality ABA Center

There are many things to consider when selecting the center that is right for your loved one. As parents who have needed to navigate the system, we've highlighted important topics to inquire about for any clinic you consider. We've also provided brief answers for our center.

The Partners Difference

Services

Not all ABA is the same. Learn about the environment each center provides and other supports they offer.

types of ABA services

Is this in-home, in clinic, community outings, or a combination of all?

We offer in-clinic and in-home ABA therapy. We offer an ABA Transitional Classroom and our Supported Pathways Learning Center as two distinct ways for clients to access education in ways that are right for them. We also offer PAC services and Social Groups which can support ABA clients as they practice skills in the community.

In-clinic your child will receive full-time or part-time ABA therapy from one of our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in a personalized room. They will also enjoy regular opportunities for social interaction in our gross motor rooms, dining areas, living rooms, or visiting a friend's room. Clients will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, such as swinging, taking a bike ride, or going for a walk to visit their friends. View more of our facilities!

In-home therapy may be provided by our behavior therapists throughout most of Indiana when appropriate. When your child receives therapy at home, they will be receiving the same level of care that they would receive at one of our clinics, including an Individualized Treatment Plan designed by one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts with specific, functional, skill improvement goals.

Caregiver Training

Does the provider provide education to caregivers? How often and what does it look like?

Our Behavior Analysts meet directly with parents, guardians, or other caregivers at least once a month to discuss goals and progress. We want to make sure families always know what skills we are working on and how they are being taught so that transitions to using those skills at home can be smooth and meaningful to all parties.

Our Behavior Analysts listen to the experiences families are having at home and educate caregivers on the functions of behaviors. To assist with both positive behaviors that the family wants to teach or increase and maladaptive behaviors that the family wants to reduce, our Behavior Analysts provide training on what we are doing in the clinic:

Correctly identifying the function of a behavior.
Accurately determining the reinforcing factor that is maintaining an undesired behavior or has the potential to maintain a desired behavior.
Ethically and effectively addressing each reinforcing factor in order to change behavior.
Creating and utilizing opportunities to practice skills in the home and community environments (generalizing what is practiced in the clinic).

Sometimes family members (including extended family, close friends, and anyone who plays a role in the child's life) just need some guidance in how to communicate during recreational activities. Our Behavior Analysts can facilitate sibling play while the caregivers observe or give feedback while caregivers facilitate play. This provides an opportunity for the whole family to come together to strengthen their skills in communicating and interacting. Individuals and their siblings (or any peer within the extended family or social circles) benefit by learning how to effectively connect and have fun in ways that are meaningful to both children. This could involve something as simple as teaching each other games or finding activities that both children enjoy.

Age Range

Is graduation from ABA merely based on age?

ABA Therapy needs a long period of time to establish and maintain consistent results across diverse environments. Clients should not be discharged before they are ready only because they reached a certain age.

We ensure that graduation occurs only when appropriate. We also make sure that detailed transition plans are in place for whatever your loved one's next stage is.

Hours of Operation

How well can the provider meet you scheduling needs?

Our clinic is open 8-5 Monday-Friday. We will work with you to arrange drop-off and pick-up times that best meet your needs and work with your schedule. Other services we provide such as Behavior Consultation and PAC can easily be scheduled outside of our clinic hours.

caregivertrainging

Clinic Background

Always tour any clinic you’re considering. Get to know the center's beliefs and practices.

Name and History

What do the provider's name, logo, and origin communicate about their view of autism and the disability community?

We designed our name and logo to express the family-focused, compassionate culture of our company. To us, the puzzle piece communicates that every person is truly an individual. We want you and your loved ones to stay that way: unique. We do not believe unique individuals need reshaped to fit into a puzzle. Rather, we believe that society should accept and embrace them as they are.

Established in 2014 by a family impacted by autism and other diagnoses, we are applying all we have learned over the years to our company today. We know what true quality means and how that quality shows itself in the large and small details. This is at the forefront of our company culture, policies, and procedures. Our focus is first on client dignity, compassionate care, and cultural respect.

Longevity

How long has a specific location been open?

Many locations open and then close within two years. A newer location isn’t necessarily bad, but you want to understand the longevity of the services they can provide.

We opened in 2014 and have been faithfully local to Fort Wayne and surrounding regions. We have purchased new facilities twice in that time to better serve our clients and expand our service offerings.

Owners

Are they privately owned? Corporate owned? Private Equity owned? Each of these entities will view autism, clients, staff and how ABA Therapy is provided differently.

We are an entirely family-owned and operated company. This means that we provide services with the same level of respect and care that we would if you were our own family member. We are not a large corporation with a board making decisions.

We, as owners, are not profit-driven investors, physicians, BCBA's, etc.

We are parents with first-hand experience of how difficult it is to obtain quality services for our own family members. We will advocate for you and your loved ones by providing person-centered services with respect and dignity.

Locations

What areas do they serve? Why did they select those areas?

Centered in Fort Wayne, we are able to serve most of Indiana. This is our home, and we are deeply connected to our community.

Behavior Technicians

Behavior Technicians work directly with clients to work on targeted behaviors.

Training

How do the provider's behavior technicians receive a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential? What other training do they receive?

We provide training to Behavior Technicians (BTs) who are new to the field of ABA. This training begins with modules which they complete on-site over the course of 40 hours and then ABA orientation at which they receive a full manual with information specific to our ABA culture. They then take their RBT exam.

Each new BT is then paired with one of our Behavior Analysts to review their training and learn about client specific behavior. Before working solo with a new client, a BT must demonstrate hands-on proficiency in the skills needed for that specific client as determined by the supervising Behavior Analyst.

Ongoing observations, Safety-Care training, CPR renewal, and bi-monthly whole team trainings keep skills fresh.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our therapy and invest in the professional development of our staff by paying for their RBT training, testing fee, and annual renewal fee. This degree of investment is one of the things that makes us unique among area ABA centers.

Consistency

How many different Behavior Technicians work with each client per day? How many per week?

Each client works with two Behavior Technicians per day. Working with multiple technicians is helpful with transference and generalization of skills. Working with consistent technicians is essential for effective pairing, comfort, and trust. Our daily schedule balances both of these aspects.

These technicians remain with the client for several months or longer. Team changes occur when clients would benefit from generalizing skills with other staff.

Our Lead Behavior Technicians are trained on all of our clients programs and are able to provide consistent therapy when a client's regular behavior technician is absent.

Behavior Analysts (BCBA's)

Behavior Analysts conduct assessments and create Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs) for clients.

Direct Connection

Do the provider's Behavior Analysts provide oversight in-person?

Our Behavior Analysts directly observe clients to make real-time changes to their programs and provide guidance to our Behavior Technicians. They spend their whole day in client rooms, shared ABA spaces, or meeting with parents. They do not make decisions from a distant office.

Our Behavior Analysts meet with parents, guardians, or other caregivers at least once a month. During this meeting, they update parents on progress on targeted behaviors and discuss any concerns parents have about behaviors at home. Parents can contact their child's Behavior Analyst at any time with questions.

Case Load

What is the typical case load for a Behavior Analyst?

We average less than 10 clients for a Behavior Analyst. This number varies based on the goals the clients are pursuing, the experience of the Behavior Analyst, and the other responsibilities of the Behavior Analyst. Each case load is unique, and we always prioritize quality of care when adding to a case load.

Insurance

It is important to fully understand your insurance coverage and the costs that you will be expected to cover.

In Network

Which private insurance companies is the provider currently in network with (not just "applied for")?

We are in network with plans held by the following private insurance providers:

MHS (Managed Health Services)
Parkview Signature Care
PHP (Physicians Health Plan)
Anthem
Caresource
Optum/United Healthcare/United Behavioral Health
Carelon (previously Beacon)
Aetna

Medicaid

Which types of Medicaid does the provider accept?

We accept these types of Medicaid.

Traditional
Anthem
MDWise
Caresource
United Healthcare (UMR)
MHS (Managed Health Services)

Collaboration

Collaboration is a sign of commitment to the community. It puts the client's interests first.

Families

What is the attitude, frequency, and quality of collaboration with families?

The goals we pursue are based on the input of our clients and their families. We intentionally align our work to their priorities.

Put simply, your goals are our goals.

Communication occurs regularly for all services. Our Behavior Analysts, Behavior Consultants, Employment Specialists, and other staff gather input from, listen to the concerns of, and provide education to families. By collaborating with the individuals who are central in a client's life, we develop trusting relationships and strengthen the support our clients receive. This in turn amplifies our clients' confidence and sense of stability as they pursue their goals.

Other Service Providers

How does the provider work with other professionals and community members to maximize their quality of care?

Partners in Autism makes every effort to work with other service providers that are working with our clients. If a client is currently under the services of another provider such as physicians or therapists, we speak and work with them directly as part of their support team.

We are personally involved with local non-profits and work alongside them to advocate for fellow members of our autism and disabilities communities. We affirm local businesses and organizations that are dedicated to meeting the needs of members of our community in unique, receptive ways. We sponsor multiple community events where families can gather resources and information about services from a wide range of providers.

Schools

How does the provider help prepare young clients for success in academic environments?

We know how important collaboration, communication, and careful planning are for the success of our ABA clients entering school. Our Behavior Analysts prepare transition plans well in advance of any changes. As the transition begins, our Behavior Analysts collaborate with school staff to implement appropriate accommodations and advocate for each student's potential. They work with teachers to provide insight on how each student experiences autism and advise on instructional and interpersonal strategies that may be most beneficial. They also continue to meet with the school staff as needed to monitor the success of the accommodations and track student progress.