My 2 year old son was diagnosed with autism on Wednesday. How do I hire a full time ABA specialist?

Question

My husband and I are still in shock but we need to everything possible to help him. How do I hire a full time ABA specialist? What do I look for? Do you know about a pay scale? Any information will be greatly appreciated. If you have not delt with autism in your life and you do not work with autistic children please do not reply. We are upset enough.

Thank you :)

Answer 1

Early diagnosis is directly related to good outcomes. Take heart. There are lots of us out here (parents of children on the Spectrum)

Slow down a little before you think of putting out up to $100 an hour for an ABA. You can access a lot of help for free. Firstly, go to your public school district and get the ball rolling for 0-5 preK services, which will include behaviorists for your child. Take the diagnosis with you and get an IEP written ASAP. Check out the O.A.S.I.S. website. Check out CARD in florida by the websites (google "Center for Autism and Related Disabilities" under advanced search. Consider going to the ASA Autism Society of America conference in Orlando in July.

we've come a long way. NOt all the news is bad. Also, check with your local University Special Ed. Departments, sometimes students are an inexpensive, helpful resources. ABA's are great (I am one) but there are things you can learn from consulting with one which you can do yourself to help your child.

God bless all three of you!!!!

Answer 2

ABA Specialist can cost from $50.00 to $175.00 per hour.  Your best bet is to call them and interview via telephone.  Many families I have worked with in the past have utilzed high school students and volunteers from the church to get the progam going for the child.  Therapists who work directly with the child make on average $10 -25 per hour based on experience.  COSAC is an organization in NJ who has a list of providers, some are nationwide.  You can look on austim speaks or ABA.  You want someone with experience in ABA, inclusion training, parent training and are able to work directly with the child and train others who work with your child.  

  Good luck.  You may email me privately if you like.

Answer 3

I would also look into preschools for students with special needs.  I don't want to overwhelm you but not all parents choose to go the ABA route.  There are others.  Look up the Autism society or other group like that available in your area.  Reach out for help from other parents.  

The best advice I could give you is relax for a week or two and continue what you are doing.  Take time to grieve.  Don't try to develop a plan so soon.  Parents that are healthy and a TEAM deal with the news much better than parents who are obsessed with fixing the problem.

I don't have to tell you that many parents of special needs kids do not stay together.  Focus on your grief and building a COMMON strain between the two of you and your son will be much better off in the future.    Don't forget Valentine's Day is coming up and that sort of stuff.  :)

Answer 4

Well you are very fortunate to get such an early diagnosis for your son, although I know you are devestated!  Early intervention is often the key to seeing great outcomes with individual affected by this disability.

This site is one I hear a lot of my parents talk about:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

You can speak with other parents, find resources in your community and even find advocates for your child when they enter into the schooling system.

Having a child diagnosised with Autism can be a very stressful and sad time, but I'm sure you will find that as time goes you wouldn't want your life to be any different than it is.  Although dealing with individuals with this diagnosis can be trying at times, they have many unique and very loveable characteristics that make them shine!  I wish you and your family the best of luck and wishes.  Take care of your self, that is the only way you can take care of him properly.