- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Delayed language skills
- Does not respond to name
- Does not look at what you look at or point to
- Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
- Repeats words or phrases over and over (i.e., echolalia)
- Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
For more early signs of autism, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html
Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. ABA therapy is based on the idea that reinforcing (encouraging and rewarding) certain behaviors will make them more likely to engage in those behaviors in the future. We use ABA to teach our students skills and behaviors to interact with the environment in a way that allows them to effectively have their wants and needs met.
ABA therapy can teach communication, social, daily living, and vocational skills through individualized programming, designed with each specific child’s abilities in mind. ABA is considered the “gold standard” of behavioral treatment for individuals with autism. At Prism, we do play-based ABA therapy. This way, children participate in fun, age-appropriate activities during therapy so that learning new skills is enjoyable for them.
Research indicates that early diagnosis and intervention for autism are more likely to have long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills. Early intervention is essential for young children with autism because it allows them to learn new skills while their brain is still developing. By participating in treatment right after receiving a diagnosis, children can maximize their potential for learning.
We recommend reaching out to the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) for assistance with the diagnosis process.
Prism is proud to provide the Miami autism community with a much-needed program that combines center-based ABA therapy and kindergarten preparation. This gives children the best of both worlds where they receive 1-on-1 therapy, preschool instruction, and the benefits of group learning and socialization at the same time. Our Clinical Director (BCBA) collaborates with our school readiness teacher to ensure that the skills that are being worked on in ABA therapy are reinforced in the classroom. Our goal is for every child at Prism to be able to seamlessly transition to kindergarten.
Drop-off is 7:30-8:00 AM and pick-up is 4:00-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Your child’s day will be broken up between individual time with a therapist and time in the classroom. Some children may also receive ABA therapy in the classroom setting. Therapy is play-based, and classroom activities are geared towards teaching fundamental skills that children need to successfully transition to kindergarten.
A typical day at Prism will involve multiple activities designed to work on your child’s individual skills as well as their social and communication skills with peers. Children will work on their individual treatment plan goals with a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). Most goals will be run through natural environment teaching, utilizing toys and games that the child is interested in with learning activities incorporated by the RBT. For children who are closer to transitioning into a school environment, additional table or sit-down skills may be added to the programming.
Dependent on your child’s needs, they will spend 2-4 hours per day in a classroom setting, working with a Florida Department of Education certified teacher on a preschool curriculum. Outside of the classroom setting, children will participate in the following group activities while receiving support from their RBT:
- Morning snack
- Lunch
- Children that require a nap will be provided a block of time to nap or engage in quiet time
- Arts and crafts
- Afternoon snack
- Gross motor play
We accept the following insurance carriers for ABA services: Aetna, AvMed, Cigna, United, Florida Blue, and Tricare.
We are happy to accept the Family Empowerment (formerly Gardiner) Scholarship at Prism. Funds can be applied to either ABA costs or the school readiness program.
We are unable to accept Medicaid or any insurances that are Medicaid-based due to a moratorium set by the state of Florida.
Since Prism operates full-time and year-round, your child can start at any time.
