Parents of Children with Autism

For Parents

Having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will change everything about your life. The demands of raising a child with a developmental disorder are can be tremendous and stressful. If you think your child needs behavioral services provided by an Autism therapist, we strongly urge you to get help immediately. Research shows that services early in a child’s life can make a profound difference in their future. The earlier a child receives services, the better the results will be over the long term.

Leading Autism Treatment

Wellspring Autism Network was created in response to the growing need for effective autism therapists and treatments for children with ASDs, behavior disorders and developmental disabilities. Our role is to ensure treatments are paid for by your insurance company or health plan wherever you live throughout the United States.

Our Network of independent providers uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to treat toddlers and children with autism. The Provider located close to you conducts a complete Functional Behavior Assessment and makes recommendations based on your child’s need. Providers in this Network are committed to creating an individualized program that benefits both the child and the family. The treatment program is based on strategies that best complement how your child learns and tailored to the family’s daily schedule.

What Sets Wellspring Apart?

Wellspring understands that it takes more than just exemplary autism therapists to provide the best service to our clients. From the simple courtesies of returning a parent’s phone call promptly, to scheduling sessions with the appropriate number of staff… we understand doing all the little things excellently matter enormously. All of our clients have a case manager available to them during business hours to answer questions. This case management team interfaces with insurance companies to ensure consistent and continuous treatment, and enables our clinicians to focus on what’s really important...your child’s progress. It’s the difference between working with an adequate Provider group and a superior one.

What’s our method? Applied Behavior Analysis

All of the Wellspring Providers use a scientifically proven, data driven method called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a systematic approach which reinforces healthy conduct in children and replaces inappropriate behaviors with positive behaviors. It is a face-to-face program where an autistic therapist sits with a child and reinforces positive behavior with what that child enjoys(i.e. attention, time with a favorite toy, tickling, etc.). The therapist for autism measures and records each step of improvement while applying the techniques of ABA. Hundreds of published research studies have documented the effectiveness of ABA as among the most reliable treatments applied to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders.

Applied Behavior Analysis is endorsed for autism treatment by:

  • U.S. Surgeon General
  • Association for Science in Autism Treatment
  • New York State Department of Health

In the Journal Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, an article offering guidelines on scientifically supported treatments for childhood psychiatric disorders concluded: "The most efficacious psychosocial treatment for autism is applied behavior analysis…" (Lilienfeld, 2005). This approach has been proven to generate behavior change that lasts.

How do I get started?

If you believe your child shows symptoms of ASD or other behavioral disorders or you already have a diagnosis, call Wellspring at 1-888-51-NETWORK.

We will guide you through your insurance company’s authorization procedures and the recommended treatment process.

Generally, the process follows these guidelines:

  1. The first step is to get a medical evaluation by your Pediatrician to determine if your child should be referred for an Assessment to a Wellspring BCBA (Board Certified Behavioral Analyst).
  2. Wellspring will work with your insurance company to determine their process for your child to be given an Assessment.
  3. We will then evaluate your child and give the Assessment with our recommendations to the insurance company.
  4. Our case managers will be in contact with your insurance case managers to initiate an authorized effective treatment plan with an autism therapist and begin your child’s treatment.
  5. We will work with you and your insurance company to ensure authorized, continuous, uninterrupted treatment.

Changing Behavior, Enhancing Lives

Sources:

United States Surgeon General (1999). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. Washington, DC: Author.

Applied Behavior Analysis. retrieved from Association for Science in Autism Treatment Web site: http://www.asatonline.org/resources/treatments/applied.htm

New York State Department of Health, Early Intervention Program. (1999). Clinical practice guideline: The guideline technical report. Autism/ pervasive developmental disorders, assessment and intervention for young children (Age 0-2 Years). Albany, NY: Author.