For those of you who have not sent your children in the past to our summer social skills groups, it's a blast! The curriculum is not as hardcore, because after all it is summer right!?! So activities are play based, often tailored to the individual student's preference. Each day is a new theme and activities are built around the theme. We have a music therapist that includes a music curriculum, we have great sensory filled art projects, group learning and individualized social skills.
For every child with a diagnosis they are paired with a peer model for each day. Initially they remain with the same peer until they show some mastery of their individualized social goals, they we begin on generalization and rotate peers on a daily basis. Fun is had by all... staff included! We hope we can spend this summer with your child, playing, learning and socializing!
Rates can be found on our website at www.abcservicesllc.net. You can register and pay via paypal directly on the website. There are two sessions beginning when Metro gets out is session 1 with session 2 beginning the week after 4th of July. THIS WEEK ONLY, REGISTER BY FRIDAY AND RECEIVE 10% OFF!!!!
For more information you can also call us at 615-331-1141.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
April Is Autism Awareness Month
April is National Autism Awareness Month! ABC Services is offering all sorts of services and classes to help the Autism community of Middle Tennessee. We have a free STEP training on parents rights within the education system being offered Thursday evening from 530-830. It will also be offered in Spanish!
We also are offering our 3rd annual CPR and First Aide classes through the American Red Cross. It is for our staff first and then open spots are available for parents after that. It's first come first serve for the free spots, after that we may have some paid spots available. Please call for cost.
Our LIFE group will be going on their 3rd field trip this year to the Dragon Park and then Centennial Park to feed the ducks, work on social play skills and have lunch this Friday.
We will be OPEN on Good Friday, if you would like additional services please contact Sandra immediately, our schedule is filling up. For staff to celebrate the Easter holiday we will be closed the following Monday, April 25.
ABC Services is looking for several things...
First we are looking to move to a new location. We are looking for approximately 2200 square feet off of I-65 near our current location. We are available to move between now and August. If you know of any rental space available meeting those needs please contact Jane at 615-331-1141.
Also, we are in need of your thoughts. We are looking to expand and offer additional services including, family and marital counseling, and case management. If this is something you'd be interested in please contact us. We will be sending out a survey soon.
One last reminder about The Ewing School, we are making progress but it is slow. If you have time, or resources to offer please let us know! For it to be a success it will take a community. We're looking for volunteers and resources, as well as location at this point. Please contact Jane or Tamar if you are able to participate at jane@abcservicesllc.net or tamar@abcservicesllc.net.
Happy Spring! Enjoy that weather!
We also are offering our 3rd annual CPR and First Aide classes through the American Red Cross. It is for our staff first and then open spots are available for parents after that. It's first come first serve for the free spots, after that we may have some paid spots available. Please call for cost.
Our LIFE group will be going on their 3rd field trip this year to the Dragon Park and then Centennial Park to feed the ducks, work on social play skills and have lunch this Friday.
We will be OPEN on Good Friday, if you would like additional services please contact Sandra immediately, our schedule is filling up. For staff to celebrate the Easter holiday we will be closed the following Monday, April 25.
ABC Services is looking for several things...
First we are looking to move to a new location. We are looking for approximately 2200 square feet off of I-65 near our current location. We are available to move between now and August. If you know of any rental space available meeting those needs please contact Jane at 615-331-1141.
Also, we are in need of your thoughts. We are looking to expand and offer additional services including, family and marital counseling, and case management. If this is something you'd be interested in please contact us. We will be sending out a survey soon.
One last reminder about The Ewing School, we are making progress but it is slow. If you have time, or resources to offer please let us know! For it to be a success it will take a community. We're looking for volunteers and resources, as well as location at this point. Please contact Jane or Tamar if you are able to participate at jane@abcservicesllc.net or tamar@abcservicesllc.net.
Happy Spring! Enjoy that weather!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Winter 2011
Hello All,
Sorry it's been a while since I've updated this. HAPPY NEW YEAR! We've been busy busy this season. I am in the process of trying to figure out how to report to local news stations about closings and modified hours. Yesterday we closed for 3" of snow, today we work a modified schedule 10 am - 4 pm. We'll plan for tomorrow according to what mother nature does today.
We are currently working with TennCare Select, TriCare, United Behavioral Health, Humana and are happy to add Aetna to the list effective this week. We are working diligently at trying to add other branches of TennCare including AmeriGroup and AmeriChoice. We will notify those affected as soon as possible.
We look forward to a busy year!
Sorry it's been a while since I've updated this. HAPPY NEW YEAR! We've been busy busy this season. I am in the process of trying to figure out how to report to local news stations about closings and modified hours. Yesterday we closed for 3" of snow, today we work a modified schedule 10 am - 4 pm. We'll plan for tomorrow according to what mother nature does today.
We are currently working with TennCare Select, TriCare, United Behavioral Health, Humana and are happy to add Aetna to the list effective this week. We are working diligently at trying to add other branches of TennCare including AmeriGroup and AmeriChoice. We will notify those affected as soon as possible.
We look forward to a busy year!
Friday, August 27, 2010
News
Wow! It's been a while since I wrote. It seems like so much has happened. Tori Counts left us and went to work for Tullahoma City Schools as their first in house behavior provider! I know she was very excited about the position and it's the area she grew up in, so she was excited about being back home. Katie Welter, left us and moved to Minnesota. She will also be greatly missed, but I totally understand why she wanted to be closer to family.
On Wednesday we have two new staff members starting, both BCBAs who graduated from Auburn, Alyson Cruze and Micah Friddle. I'm excited about what they'll bring to the company, through their experience and education from Dr. Carr, such a leader in our field. It'll be nice to have some new personalities on staff as well.
Today we began our partnership with the Catholic Schools which is huge for both ABC Services, but also the potential for The Ewing School. A child we work with will be attending a catholic school and we will partner with them to provide an aide and educational support. I'm very excited about the potential and freaking out a little about how perfectly I want it to go. I hired Mary Campbell, who was my daughter's teacher this past year and who nannied for us this summer to act as this aide. I think she'll be perfect, because she's got such great energy and is so motivated to do well.
Finally we will add Brandon Freeman, MS, BCBA to our staff later this month. He will work as a clinical director and assist in opening an office in Birmingham, Alabama. I'm very excited about being able to offer services to families in Alabama.
One bummer, we were set up to provide diagnostic services starting in September. We of course finally started getting referrals and the lady that was going to be doing the assessing called to tell me due to contract restrictions she would not be able to. I am really disappointed because with limited diagnostic services throughout middle Tennessee, there are long waitlists and kids need intervention now! I know that it just wasn't the time and that the time will come. Until then I'll pray about it and know that at some point we will be able to diagnose kids so that we can help those kids who are waiting for assistance to get help sooner!
I'll try to do a better job of keeping updates posted. Check back frequently.
On Wednesday we have two new staff members starting, both BCBAs who graduated from Auburn, Alyson Cruze and Micah Friddle. I'm excited about what they'll bring to the company, through their experience and education from Dr. Carr, such a leader in our field. It'll be nice to have some new personalities on staff as well.
Today we began our partnership with the Catholic Schools which is huge for both ABC Services, but also the potential for The Ewing School. A child we work with will be attending a catholic school and we will partner with them to provide an aide and educational support. I'm very excited about the potential and freaking out a little about how perfectly I want it to go. I hired Mary Campbell, who was my daughter's teacher this past year and who nannied for us this summer to act as this aide. I think she'll be perfect, because she's got such great energy and is so motivated to do well.
Finally we will add Brandon Freeman, MS, BCBA to our staff later this month. He will work as a clinical director and assist in opening an office in Birmingham, Alabama. I'm very excited about being able to offer services to families in Alabama.
One bummer, we were set up to provide diagnostic services starting in September. We of course finally started getting referrals and the lady that was going to be doing the assessing called to tell me due to contract restrictions she would not be able to. I am really disappointed because with limited diagnostic services throughout middle Tennessee, there are long waitlists and kids need intervention now! I know that it just wasn't the time and that the time will come. Until then I'll pray about it and know that at some point we will be able to diagnose kids so that we can help those kids who are waiting for assistance to get help sooner!
I'll try to do a better job of keeping updates posted. Check back frequently.
Monday, March 15, 2010
April Events
Our April Events have changed a bit and we're offering even more!
April 2 we're working on a group to attend Temple Grandin and Carol Gray's conference in Brentwood. It's $105 for family members and $130 for professionals with the discounted rates. If you're interested please let me know.
April 3 is our Isotonix presentation. This is going to be great and something, I am personally very interested and excited about. It will be from 10-1130am. I hope everyone can make it out.
April 10 will be a CPR course. This is free for the first few that sign up and space is limited. It will be from 10am - 1 pm. Certification will be through the American Red Cross.
April 12 and 16 will be our fundraiser with Thirty-one. Donna has offered us 20% of sales towards the opening of The Ewing School. She'll be set up from 4-5 on the 12th and 330-4 on the 16th.
April 17 will be our garage sale in Watertown. We'll have a booth there with Autism Awareness Ribbons, information on our Isotonix and lots of gently used goods. 100% of these sales will go towards scholarships at ABC Services.
April 24 has proved to be a big day! From 9-11 we'll be having a Train the Trainer presentation with two parent advocated. We'll break from 11-1130 and then return to hear Laura Poteet, MT talk about Music Therapy and it's benefits. Finally we'll end with a session from 12-1 on financial planning, specifically tailored to meet the needs of kids with disabilities.
I hope everyone can make it!
April 2 we're working on a group to attend Temple Grandin and Carol Gray's conference in Brentwood. It's $105 for family members and $130 for professionals with the discounted rates. If you're interested please let me know.
April 3 is our Isotonix presentation. This is going to be great and something, I am personally very interested and excited about. It will be from 10-1130am. I hope everyone can make it out.
April 10 will be a CPR course. This is free for the first few that sign up and space is limited. It will be from 10am - 1 pm. Certification will be through the American Red Cross.
April 12 and 16 will be our fundraiser with Thirty-one. Donna has offered us 20% of sales towards the opening of The Ewing School. She'll be set up from 4-5 on the 12th and 330-4 on the 16th.
April 17 will be our garage sale in Watertown. We'll have a booth there with Autism Awareness Ribbons, information on our Isotonix and lots of gently used goods. 100% of these sales will go towards scholarships at ABC Services.
April 24 has proved to be a big day! From 9-11 we'll be having a Train the Trainer presentation with two parent advocated. We'll break from 11-1130 and then return to hear Laura Poteet, MT talk about Music Therapy and it's benefits. Finally we'll end with a session from 12-1 on financial planning, specifically tailored to meet the needs of kids with disabilities.
I hope everyone can make it!
Friday, March 12, 2010
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!
Lots of exciting stuff coming in April to ABC Services!
We're currently registering for Summer Social Skills Camp. Sessions are listed on our web site and rates are as follows:
Session #1 $900
Session #2 $950
Both $1800
We're trying to get a group rate to see Temple Grandin and Carol Gray, so if you're interested in attending with us please let me know. They'll be doing a presentation in Brentwood April 1, 2010.
We're taking donations for the Mile Long Garage Sale in Watertown, TN on April 17, 2010. Items are due no later than April 14, 2010. Children's toys and clothing are hot ticket items. All proceeds will go towards a scholarship fund for kids.
In April, Isotonix will being coming to ABC Services. These wonderful all natural supplements, recommends by so many DAN doctors have a line specifically designed for kids on the Spectrum. You will now be able to purchase these through ABC Services. Ordering information will be listed on our website as well as in our lobby. We'll be doing a free informational presentation April 3, 2010 at our clinic.
We'll be having CPR training Saturday, April 10, 2010. This four hour training will provide certication in CPR. There are limited free spaces available. Once those are full spaces will cost $48/ person. Contact us immediately.
We are currently working on securing a Train the Trainer - Parent Advocacy training for the end of the month. More information will follow.
I hope you'll be able to participate in so many of our opportunities in April. Look forward to seeing you there!
We're currently registering for Summer Social Skills Camp. Sessions are listed on our web site and rates are as follows:
Session #1 $900
Session #2 $950
Both $1800
We're trying to get a group rate to see Temple Grandin and Carol Gray, so if you're interested in attending with us please let me know. They'll be doing a presentation in Brentwood April 1, 2010.
We're taking donations for the Mile Long Garage Sale in Watertown, TN on April 17, 2010. Items are due no later than April 14, 2010. Children's toys and clothing are hot ticket items. All proceeds will go towards a scholarship fund for kids.
In April, Isotonix will being coming to ABC Services. These wonderful all natural supplements, recommends by so many DAN doctors have a line specifically designed for kids on the Spectrum. You will now be able to purchase these through ABC Services. Ordering information will be listed on our website as well as in our lobby. We'll be doing a free informational presentation April 3, 2010 at our clinic.
We'll be having CPR training Saturday, April 10, 2010. This four hour training will provide certication in CPR. There are limited free spaces available. Once those are full spaces will cost $48/ person. Contact us immediately.
We are currently working on securing a Train the Trainer - Parent Advocacy training for the end of the month. More information will follow.
I hope you'll be able to participate in so many of our opportunities in April. Look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Disability Day on the Hill
Today was Disability Days on the Hill for the Middle Tennessee area.
Tamar and I dressed in our nice clothes (heels included) headed to the Capital. We circled downtown several times, with me thinking, "thank goodness our office isn't downtown and we don't have to do this everyday." We finally found parking three blocks from the Capital and started the hike up the Hill to Legislative Plaza.
I've been sort of down with the winter we've had. It's been overcast and we've had multiple snows this year. It's been very draining, but I couldn't be more thankful for the freezing temperatures this morning, as Tamar and I laughed that everything from the waste down was numb and we couldn't feel our heels digging into our feet. I was trying to balance 2 dozen donuts and Tamar was lugging poster boards and boxes of brochures. I had spent hours the night before typing in colorful fonts various statistics on Autism (see below) and cutting and pasting, then typing up these statistics to hand to legislators for their support.
We finally made it there only to find out that all the tables we taken. I was able to snatch a table at the other end of the building from the Dental Hygentist's Association (not quite sure why they were there) and sneak down to our end of the building. We were able to secure a spot only half way covering up the elevator. After we got the table set up I had to leave Tamar to attend two other meetings before returning. I'm sure Tamar has quite a few stories about what happened while I was gone. When I returned a few hours later she was in a new spot, had gathered some hershey's kisses to offer in addition to our donuts and had made friends with several people in legislative plaza.
All in all, it was a good day. I'm not sure how many people we got to, but our issues are listed below. Please read them and contact your legislator about what can be done.
1 in 91 children are diagnosed with Autism
1 in 205 students, ages 3-22 are in our state school system (note that does not account for students not registered in the school system)
Research recommends early intervention prior to age 4 that is intensive 25-40 hours per week. Current research shows that this level of intervention for three years shows significant increases in cognitive, communication and adaptive testing. Some children, after only two years were able to mainstream into a classroom with peers, with minimal to no support.
This level of intervention on average costs approximately $54,000/ annually. Life long care for someone with Autism currently costs between $3.5 million and $7 million.
So, just to be blatent, in case it's difficult to understand, but even if every child doesn't mainstream, those that do would save tax payers, families, everyone a considerable amount of money, if you're comparing ~$150,000 to $7 million (or even $3.5 million).
Our biggest issue we wanted to target with legislators is the current TennCare situation. If you have worked with us for long, then you are aware of the recent problems we've had with TennCare. It has been difficult, at times wondering if our doors would stay open, and on several occassions having to discharge families, due to their lack of or slowness in payment. What we have found through all of this is that TennCare guidelines allow programming to be developed and monitored by a BCBA only, but it does allow for BCaBAs or those equivalent to implement it. So then why won't the MCOs (Managed Care Organizations) allow it? There is a breakdown somewhere. Tenncare does allow programs to be run as intended and as our field normally practices, it is the MCOs that prevent it by refusing to contract with agencies that can provide care like this and individuals that meet the requirements of a BCaBA or equivalent.
Hopefully we made some headway and put this bug in the right person's ear....
Tamar and I dressed in our nice clothes (heels included) headed to the Capital. We circled downtown several times, with me thinking, "thank goodness our office isn't downtown and we don't have to do this everyday." We finally found parking three blocks from the Capital and started the hike up the Hill to Legislative Plaza.
I've been sort of down with the winter we've had. It's been overcast and we've had multiple snows this year. It's been very draining, but I couldn't be more thankful for the freezing temperatures this morning, as Tamar and I laughed that everything from the waste down was numb and we couldn't feel our heels digging into our feet. I was trying to balance 2 dozen donuts and Tamar was lugging poster boards and boxes of brochures. I had spent hours the night before typing in colorful fonts various statistics on Autism (see below) and cutting and pasting, then typing up these statistics to hand to legislators for their support.
We finally made it there only to find out that all the tables we taken. I was able to snatch a table at the other end of the building from the Dental Hygentist's Association (not quite sure why they were there) and sneak down to our end of the building. We were able to secure a spot only half way covering up the elevator. After we got the table set up I had to leave Tamar to attend two other meetings before returning. I'm sure Tamar has quite a few stories about what happened while I was gone. When I returned a few hours later she was in a new spot, had gathered some hershey's kisses to offer in addition to our donuts and had made friends with several people in legislative plaza.
All in all, it was a good day. I'm not sure how many people we got to, but our issues are listed below. Please read them and contact your legislator about what can be done.
1 in 91 children are diagnosed with Autism
1 in 205 students, ages 3-22 are in our state school system (note that does not account for students not registered in the school system)
Research recommends early intervention prior to age 4 that is intensive 25-40 hours per week. Current research shows that this level of intervention for three years shows significant increases in cognitive, communication and adaptive testing. Some children, after only two years were able to mainstream into a classroom with peers, with minimal to no support.
This level of intervention on average costs approximately $54,000/ annually. Life long care for someone with Autism currently costs between $3.5 million and $7 million.
So, just to be blatent, in case it's difficult to understand, but even if every child doesn't mainstream, those that do would save tax payers, families, everyone a considerable amount of money, if you're comparing ~$150,000 to $7 million (or even $3.5 million).
Our biggest issue we wanted to target with legislators is the current TennCare situation. If you have worked with us for long, then you are aware of the recent problems we've had with TennCare. It has been difficult, at times wondering if our doors would stay open, and on several occassions having to discharge families, due to their lack of or slowness in payment. What we have found through all of this is that TennCare guidelines allow programming to be developed and monitored by a BCBA only, but it does allow for BCaBAs or those equivalent to implement it. So then why won't the MCOs (Managed Care Organizations) allow it? There is a breakdown somewhere. Tenncare does allow programs to be run as intended and as our field normally practices, it is the MCOs that prevent it by refusing to contract with agencies that can provide care like this and individuals that meet the requirements of a BCaBA or equivalent.
Hopefully we made some headway and put this bug in the right person's ear....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
