Q: Grants & Financial Assistance

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation: https://www.uhccf.org/ Autism Care Today: https://www.act-today.org/ National Autism Association of North Texas: https://www.naa-nt.org/support/scholarships-and-grants/ CARE Autism Foundation: https://careautismfoundation.com/family-funds/ Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas: https://www.masonichometx.org/ Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES): https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/parent-directed-special-education-services-pdses

Q: Local Organizations

Any Baby Can San Antonio: https://www.anybabycansa.org/ Alamo Area Council of Governments: https://www.aacog.com/ Autism Lifeline Links: https://autismlifelinelinks.org/ Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center: https://morgansmac.org/ Autism Society of Texas Houston: https://www.texasautismsociety.org/tag/houston/ Autism Moms of Houston:https://www.autismmomsofhouston.org/ We Rock the Spectrum: https://www.werockthespectrumkidsgym.com/locations/ Pediatric Constellations: https://www.pediatricconstellations.com/

Q: Regulating Organizations

Council for Autism Service Providers: https://www.casproviders.org/ Behavior Analyst Certification Board for BCBAs and RBTs: https://www.bacb.com/ American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/ Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council: https://progressivebehavioranalyst.org/ Texas Association for Behavior Analysis TxABA: https://www.txaba.org/ The Autism Commission on Quality: https://autismcommission.org/

Q: Funding and Insurance Options

Blossom is currently in-network and accepting clients through the following funding sources and insurance plans:AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldUnited HealthcareCommunity First (UHS Employees plans/commercial plans)TricareBeaconMedicaid: Community First Health Plans STAR and STAR Kids PlanPrivate Pay

Q: Process

Upon starting enrollment with our intake team, clients are supported and guided through the funding process by our Billing Specialist. For any questions ahead or throughout the enrollment process or general funding/insurance questions, please contact our Billing Department at (210)-587-6909.

Q: Medicaid

Our BLANCO location in San Antonio is in-network with Medicaid: Community First Health Plans STAR and STAR Kids PlanWe hope to expand this throughout our other locations! You can stay up to date with us on our socials!Community First Medicaid Plans (Information)Texas ABA Policy & Public Resources: https://www.txaba.org/resources/public/

Question 1

San Antonio

Accepted Answer

AIM Educate – https://www.aimeducate.com/

CHRISTUS Downtown – https://www.christushealth.org/find-a-doctor/andrew-martinez-jr-72829

Dr. Fierro – https://providers.uthscsa.edu/providers/mario-a-fierro-1033172374/

Dr. Harkins – https://www.castleconnolly.com/top-doctors/patricia-m-harkins-developmental-behavioral-pediatrics-101cc000603

Dr. Phalen – https://www.universityhealth.com/providers/p/james-phalen-1568491272

Dr. Villarreal CHRISTUS Sonterra – https://www.christushealth.org/find-a-doctor/veronica-villarreal-95861

InMindOut Wellness Center – Maria Perez, PhD, https://inmindout.com/about/about-us-new-braunfels/

Mission Psychology – https://www.sa-mh.com/

Monarch Behavioral Health – https://monarchbehavioral.net/

The MAC at Morgan’s Wonderland – https://morgansmac.org/

THINK Neurology for Kids, Dr. Deforest – https://www.thinkkids.com/

Stonebridge Behavioral Health – https://www.stonebridgealliance.com/

Question 2

Houston

Accepted Answer

The Whole Child Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics – Dr. Renee Rodriguez-D’Souza, https://thewholechilddbp.com/providers/

The Developmental Journey – Dr. Noel Mensah-Bonsu, https://www.thedevelopmentaljourney.com/

Pediatrix – https://www.pediatrix.com/find-care/practices/devmedhouston

Dan Duncan Children’s Neurodevelopmental Clinic – https://www.utphysicians.com/clinic/dan-l-duncan-childrens-neurodevelopmental-clinic-at-the-childrens-learning-institute/

Houston Specialty Clinic – https://www.houstonspecialtyclinic.com/services/autism

THINK Neurology for Kids – https://www.thinkkids.com/

Question 3

Books

Accepted Answer

Bruinsma, Y.E., Minjarez, M. B., Schreibman, L., & Stahmer, A. C. (2020). Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company.

Koegel, L. K. E., Koegel, R. L., & Dunlap, G. E. (1996). Positive Behavioral Support: Including People with Difficult Behavior in the Community. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company.

Koegel, R. L., & Koegel, L. K. (2012). The PRT Pocket Guide: Pivotal Response Treatment for Children with Autism. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company.

Pepper, J., & Weitzman, E. (2004). It Takes Two to Talk: A Practical Guide For Parents of Children with Language Delays. The Hanen Centre.

Rogers, S. J., Dawson, G., & Vismara, L. A. (2012). An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and Learn. Guilford Press.

Sussman, F. (2012). More Than Words: A Parents Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties.

Question 4

Websites

Accepted Answer

Autism Speaks Toolkits: https://www.autismspeaks.org/parent

Association for Science in Autism Treatment:https://asatonline.org/

Autism Society: https://autismsociety.org/

Autism Research Institute: https://autism.org/

Disability Scoop: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/<

National Autism Association: https://nationalautismassociation.org/

Question 5

Grants & Financial Assistance

Accepted Answer

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation: https://www.uhccf.org/

Autism Care Today: https://www.act-today.org/

National Autism Association of North Texas: https://www.naa-nt.org/support/scholarships-and-grants/

CARE Autism Foundation: https://careautismfoundation.com/family-funds/

Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas: https://www.masonichometx.org/

Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES): https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/parent-directed-special-education-services-pdses

Question 6

Local Organizations

Accepted Answer

Any Baby Can San Antonio: https://www.anybabycansa.org/

Alamo Area Council of Governments: https://www.aacog.com/

Autism Lifeline Links: https://autismlifelinelinks.org/

Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center: https://morgansmac.org/

Autism Society of Texas Houston: https://www.texasautismsociety.org/tag/houston/

Autism Moms of Houston:https://www.autismmomsofhouston.org/

We Rock the Spectrum: https://www.werockthespectrumkidsgym.com/locations/

Pediatric Constellations: https://www.pediatricconstellations.com/

Question 7

Regulating Organizations

Accepted Answer

Council for Autism Service Providers: https://www.casproviders.org/

Behavior Analyst Certification Board for BCBAs and RBTs: https://www.bacb.com/

American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/

Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Council: https://progressivebehavioranalyst.org/

Texas Association for Behavior Analysis TxABA: https://www.txaba.org/

The Autism Commission on Quality: https://autismcommission.org/

Question 8

Funding and Insurance Options

Accepted Answer

Blossom is currently in-network and accepting clients through the following funding sources and insurance plans:AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldUnited HealthcareCommunity First (UHS Employees plans/commercial plans)TricareBeaconMedicaid: Community First Health Plans STAR and STAR Kids PlanPrivate Pay

Question 9

Process

Accepted Answer

Upon starting enrollment with our intake team, clients are supported and guided through the funding process by our Billing Specialist.
For any questions ahead or throughout the enrollment process or general funding/insurance questions, please contact our Billing Department at (210)-587-6909.

Question 10

Medicaid

Accepted Answer

Our BLANCO location in San Antonio is in-network with Medicaid: Community First Health Plans STAR and STAR Kids PlanWe hope to expand this throughout our other locations! You can stay up to date with us on our socials!Community First Medicaid Plans (Information)Texas ABA Policy & Public Resources: https://www.txaba.org/resources/public/

Question 11

What are the symptoms of ASD?

Accepted Answer

The spectrum of challenges and symptoms of ASD range from mild to severe. Common signs of ASD are:
Avoidance of eye contact
Delayed language development
Restricted interests
Resistance to minor changes in routines
Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
Persistent preference for solitude
For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism.

Question 12

What is a typical day like at Blossom?

Accepted Answer

As a treatment approach, our foundation is in play. While the general structure of days is relatively consistent (pick-up/drop-off time, therapist switches, lunch, etc.), what activities make up a day change all the time because we follow each child’s current motivation to achieve accelerated results!
For example, one day we may have a client who is really motivated to do an obstacle course while in another moment that same client wants to play an imaginary monster game.
Motivation changes minute to minute so our days tend to look different every single day. What can be expected in a day at Blossom is FUN, lots of FUN!!!

Question 13

What does a day of ABA therapy look like at Blossom?

Accepted Answer

Each day at Blossom for our kiddos looks different than the one before. While arrival, therapist switches, lunch and pick-up times are consistent, the activities that occur within each day depend on the kiddo and their preferences. At Blossom, we rely on the motivation, desires and individualized skill needs to guide their day.

Question 14

What should I expect on my child's first day at Blossom?

Accepted Answer

The first day at Blossom is approached with the understanding that it’s a transition and a new place! On the first day, you will meet your therapist team and see your child’s assigned therapy room. We will ensure that all the necessary items are available (change of clothes, lunch, snacks, etc.) for your child during the day. Programming will start the first day of treatment but our clinicians prepare for this accordingly so that the environment remains reinforcing and motivating. You will get a full report of the day and data will be available via your Rethink parent portal.

Question 15

What is an RBT?

Accepted Answer

The Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in delivering behavior analysis services and practice under the direction and close supervision of an RBT Supervisor and/or an RBT Requirements Coordinator, who are responsible for all work RBTs perform (Bacb.com). At Blossom, our RBTs complete an additional training that is performance-based (not time-based) so that when they complete training, they are qualified to deliver services.

Question 16

What is a BCBA?

Accepted Answer

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services (Bacb.com)

Question 17

How common is Autism?

Accepted Answer

About 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability, as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009–2017 (https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html)

Question 18

What are sings of Autism?

Accepted Answer

Check out our Autism Checklist here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGYWUX46yA/KrTWiICvZKkZRr4BI51WXg/view

Question 19

When is the best time to start ABA for my child?

Accepted Answer

While ABA is effective at any point, the optimal time to enter a comprehensive ABA program is as soon as possible. We recommend entry between 0-6 years old!

Question 20

How long will I have to put my child in ABA?

Accepted Answer

The duration in ABA services in highly individualized to each child’s unique needs. At Blossom, we constantly track and analyze our kiddos progress so parents know that they are consistently making progress and if not, problem solving occurs immediately. By tracking outcomes, our kiddos can meet their goals quickly and more efficiently!

Question 21

Will I receive parent support?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Parents and caregivers are a huge priority to our approach. It’s important that the treatment team (BCBAs, RBTs, parents and other caregivers) has ongoing communication so that we can problem solve and implement teaching that is meaningful to your kiddo. Our BCBAs are available to problem solve anything happening at home, in the community and any other setting parents need assistance with! In addition to ongoing communication, parents are also included in at least (could be more) 2 hours of parent/caregiver sessions monthly. These may be in session or out of session, it just depends on what the current needs/priorities are! Lastly, we have an open-door policy- parents are welcome to shadow sessions anytime and we conduct parent support groups once a month!

Question 22

What is the difference between play-based ABA & play therapy?

Accepted Answer

While there are definitely some cross-overs and similarities between play-based ABA and play therapy, it’s important to provide clarity to the differences! Within a play-based ABA model, clear, objective and individualized treatment goals are established and worked towards. Data and ongoing progress monitoring is a core component to a play-based ABA model.
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/faq/what-is-play-therapy/
https://www.verywellmind.com/play-therapy-definition-types-techniques-5194915

Question 23

What is ADOS & how is it conducted?

Accepted Answer

The ADOS-2 is a semi-structured, standardized assessment instrument that includes many play-based activities designed to obtain information in the areas of communication, reciprocal social interactions, and restricted and repetitive behaviors associated with a diagnosis of ASD.

Question 24

What skills does ABA target?

Accepted Answer

ABA targets any deficit related to an autism diagnosis. Some examples of skills areas that Blossom targets are increasing language, increasing nonverbal behaviors (gestures/imitation skills), increasing joint attention skills, increasing executive functioning skills, increasing abilities related to developing and maintaining relationships.

Question 25

What type of toys/activities are best for my child?

Accepted Answer

In session, we like to utilize toys that that have multiple pieces and parts and toys/activities that encourage continuous back and forth engagement. Examples of this are: blocks, marble maze, bubbles, puzzles, etc.

Question 26

What is a Developmental Pediatrician?

Accepted Answer

A developmental pediatrician specializes in childhood development. Typically, a pediatrician will refer to a developmental pediatrician if there are any concerns or issues that arise in terms of delays. A developmental pediatrician will then conduct screenings/tests (if needed) and then make referrals/recommendations as they are needed and appropriate.

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