Onboarding Process

This is your first look at Autism, what it is, what it isn’t, how it affects the individuals who have it and their families. It is important to know that Autism is on a spectrum, in fact, it is actually termed Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. This means that it affects every individual differently. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions and concerns surrounding ASD.

What does it look like?

Signs of Autism Grid

Social Impairments

Avoids eye contact
Wants to be alone
Avoids or resists physical contact
Does not respond to their name

Cognitive Impairments

Difficulty understanding emotions, whether their own or others
Does not or can not engage in “pretend” games
Gives unrelated answers to questions
Demonstrates little to no safety or danger awareness

Communication difficulties

Has no speech or delayed speech
Unusual reactions (over or under-sensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
Gets upset by minor changes

Repetitive Behaviors

Has obsessive interests
Flaps their hands, rocks their body, or spins in circles
Repeats words or phrases over and over again

learn more

Obtaining a Diagnosis

If you suspect your child may warrant an Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) diagnosis, there are resources available to you. At Reach High Consulting, we are happy to provide you with recommendations for diagnostic appointments so that your child can be evaluated for ASD as RHC does not provide diagnostic services. Once your child has been evaluated, you will then be able to determine next steps.

After a Diagnosis, Now What?

Once your child obtains an ASD diagnosis, Reach High can continue to assist with onboarding for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.

onboarding process

We will first need to obtain your child’s demographic information and verify their insurance benefits. Once we have received all required information, our team will then be able to send you an overview of your benefits to ensure understanding. Once you confirm you would like to pursue services with Reach High Consulting, we will request approval from your insurance provider to evaluate your child.

Once we receive approval from your insurance company, you will receive communications from our team to schedule your child’s initial evaluation for ABA therapy.

Prior to your scheduled initial evaluation, you will receive a request to complete intake paperwork for us via Central Reach. It is important this documentation is complete prior to your arrival so that during your child’s initial evaluation, your BCBA can be fully engaged with you and your child.

The final step in the onboarding process will be to complete your on-site initial evaluation. This appointment can take up to 2-hours and will encompass multiple assessments, interviews and observation of your child.

Once the evaluation is complete, the BCBA will then determine if RHC is the best fit for your child. If RHC is most conducive to your child’s success, your child will be recommended for a comprehensive or focused ABA package. Your child’s BCBA will complete a treatment plan and submit it to your insurance provider for approval. If deemed that RHC is not the best fit for your family, we will provide you with additional resources so that your child can receive the services they need.

Once approved, we will work together to schedule a start date for your child’s therapy. It is then that you will be able to work closely with your BCBA to support your child as they learn and grow through ABA therapy.

What can we do about it?

Learn and grow! We are learning more and more about ASD every day, every week, every month. At Reach High we believe growth takes place as we learn. You stand at the beginning of a challenging yet wonderful journey toward understanding your child’s world as they know it. Research shows that the best approach is ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, to teach your child the skills they need to cope with the world around them as well as equip you as a parent to be the superhero they need.

learn more