Autism

Intervention Specialists

Welcome to Autism Intervention Specialists and Applied Behavior Analysis. By now, you have probably heard and read all about ABA. With ABA, you WILL see results. Some make more progress than others, but nonetheless, positive results are inevitable when you find the appropriate ABA service provider and practitioner.

It’s not by chance the Applied Behavior Analysis methodology has found its way into the wording of each state’s autism insurance reform law around the U.S. The fact you find researchers, experts, practitioners, and parents alike hailing this methodology is not because it works for some children with autism, it works for all children with autism. This sounds like a bold statement which some would love nothing more than to argue. However, this doesn't change the fact that ABA is the ONLY scientifically proven method effective at addressing the needs of children with autism. If you have attempted ABA services in the past and are unhappy or dissatisfied with the results, it's without a doubt because your services were not delivered correctly. If it is applied appropriately by a professional with years of experience and education in ABA, you WILL see progress. That’s what you will find at Autism Intervention Specialists.

At AIS, we document progress displayed through strict data collection in our hard to find comprehensive system. Your child will make progress on multiple goals established during your initial assessment.  

ABA uses tested and proven strategies to change the behaviors, and is useful for increasing desired skills such as communication, social interactions, play, self-help and academics using proven teaching strategies and systematic reinforcement. ABA is also highly effective at determining the function of unwanted behaviors, such as tantrums, aggression, and escape, to decrease these behaviors and/or provide replacement behaviors that meet the same need for the child in more appropriate ways. A strong emphasis on individualizing programs based on the specific strengths and needs of your child helps differentiate ABA from many other methodologies. No two children are exactly alike, so "one size fits all" programming is often ineffective at meeting all the needs of an individual child.

Over the last three decades, the application of ABA techniques has continued to evolve. It has been and continues to be the only scientifically proven method effective at addressing the needs of children with autism.  

(Autism Intervention Specialists is a private organization... a 100% private organization that is not affiliated with any schools, day cares, or hospitals. As a privately held company, AIS doesn't answer to stockholders or a board of directors – instead we answer to YOU and only YOU. Our commitment to our patients permeates every level of the organization, from parent training to assessments, ABA services, and supervision. Visit us to learn the benefits of a private organization or call us for more information).

Autism Intervention Specialists utilizes comprehensive ABA services backed by over 45 years of research from UCLA.

AIS utilizes the best in Board Certified Behavior Analysts when developing an individualized program for your child. Nassim Aoude, Founder and CEO of Autism Intervention Specialists, has over 10 years experience and success developing and managing behavior modification programs for children, teenagers, and adults with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disabilities. He is proficient in Early Intervention and ABA services including early childhood, school, community and residential services, consultation services, behavior assessments, and staff training with funding through school districts, regional centers, and insurance providers.

We will meet with you to determine your child or loved one's individual needs, develop a tailor made program with specific ABA goals to increase adaptive skills and decrease problem behaviors, and find the best suitably matched ABA professional to implement the 1:1 intervention.

You will find that AIS utilizes only the most current and up to date empirically supported behavior interventions and strategies. Our strengths include Applied Behavior Analysis, Language Development, Socialization and Play Skills, Home/Group/Community based instructions, Adaptive Daily Living Skills, and Parent Training to help sustain your child or loved one's imminent progress and development.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied behavior analysis is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991).

Click the book below for more information about Applied Behavior Analysis:

Please read the following information brought to you by the Autism Society.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In December 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to the Autism Society or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

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Community 5K Run for Autism Awareness in Worcester MA on May 1st, 2011

This year, Autism Intervention Specialists celebrated Autism Month by raising more money for the Community 5k Run for Autism Awareness in Worcester Massacusetts on May 1st, 2011 than any other individual. One of many things AIS is attempting to do is continue raising money for the Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts. This fine organization helps those in need right here in our own community. Donating is one of the biggest ways to help reach out to those who need us. Please visit our donation page for the Community 5K Run and learn how Autism Intervention Specialists raised money for this years Autism Walk in Worcester. Click here for all the details.