CARD provides behavior-based treatment to children and older individuals diagnosed with Autism and related disorders such as PDD, PDD-NOS, and Asperger’s Syndrome. CARD can potentially serve individuals with other diagnoses depending on the diagnosis and their specific needs. Other common references to this type of treatment include Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA, behavior intervention, and skills training. Although available to work in a variety of settings, we work primarily in the home and school settings, and focus on both skill acquisition in different areas of development while managing behaviors considered to be excessive or inappropriate. Generalization of skills are also a target of focus, where skills learned in structured settings are expanded to other environments and people, and also across time.

CARD has a reputation for being one of the world’s largest and most experienced agencies treating individuals with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and PDD-NOS. Our CARD I and CARD II Programs are comprehensive and considered on the cutting-edge of behavior-based intervention, encompassing 8 developmental areas: social skills, motor skills, language, adaptive behavior, play, executive functioning, cognition, and academic skills.

Few companies also have the benefit of having highly knowledgeable staff specifically dedicated to training, research, and clinical development, whose collective goal is to maintain the highest standards with regards to quality treatment. Our training structure is well known amongst providers as being intensive and demanding. Our research team is well published and well recognized in the field of ABA, and our development team works endlessly to ensure that the individuals we serve are always on the road towards the most positive outcomes.

Finally, many families appreciate knowing that we, ourselves, are a network of resources, and that we fully believe in working together to gain the best outcomes. It’s not unusual for one of our supervisors in Australia for example, to send a mass internal email asking about a new research study or wanting some assistance with a particularly challenging client, and the supervisor receives a number of responses back with feedback or suggestions, etc.

Dr. Granpeesheh is not available to provide on-going supervision services due to limitations in her schedule. However, all potential CARD clients have the option of seeing Dr. Granpeesheh for an initial intake evaluation at CARD Headquarters. Once a CARD client, many families opt to seek her consultation services annually, in conjunction with supervision already provided by CARD. Families can also request Dr. Granpeesheh to conduct their exit clinic, or the last clinic meeting which marks completion of the CARD program. Consultations are typically scheduled at CARD Headquarters. However, if visiting a CARD site, Dr.Granpeesheh is often available to see a few clients during that time as well. In the event Dr. Granpeesheh is not available for a consultation, families are highly encouraged to consult with our clinical director or regional directors.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by definition is the application of principles of behavior to issues that are socially important in an effort to produce practical change. ABA as it applies to individuals with Autism involves treatment via the application of behavior-based principles to bring about very specific changes in behavior that give rise to increased quality of life. It is the systematic approach to the assessment and evaluation of behavior and the application of interventions to alter behavior.

BCBAs/BCABAs are individuals who have had further training and education in the field of Behavior Analysis. BCBAs have Masters’ Degrees and BCABAs have Bachelors’ Degrees. It is important to note that not all BCBAs/BCABAs have experience in Autism Treatment, as that is only one area under the umbrella of Behavior Analysis. In order to become a BCBA/BCABA,applicants must meet degree requirements and successfully pass an extensive written exam. In order to maintain certification,BCBAs/BCABAs must meet continuing education requirements. Insurance companies and school districts tend to seek out these individuals and approve them as service providers over individuals who simply meet the degree requirements of the field.

CARD has a reputation for being one of the world’s largest and most experienced agencies treating individuals with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and PDD-NOS. Our CARD I and CARD II Programs are comprehensive and considered on the cutting-edge of behavior-based intervention, encompassing 8 developmental areas: social skills, motor skills, language, adaptive behavior, play, executive functioning, cognition, and academic skills.

Few companies also have the benefit of having highly knowledgeable staff specifically dedicated to training, research, and clinical development, whose collective goal is to maintain the highest standards with regards to quality treatment. Our training structure is well known amongst providers as being intensive and demanding. Our research team is well published and well recognized in the field of ABA, and our development team works endlessly to ensure that the individuals we serve are always on the road towards the most positive outcomes.

Finally, many families appreciate knowing that we, ourselves, are a network of resources, and that we fully believe in working together to gain the best outcomes. It’s not unusual for one of our supervisors in Australia for example, to send a mass internal email asking about a new research study or wanting some assistance with a particularly challenging client, and the supervisor receives a number of responses back with feedback or suggestions, etc.

Possibly… Parents need to ask their HR contact and inquire if any of the health plan choices they have include ABA benefits. Parents can also contact their insurance carrier directly. There is much headway with insurance companies supporting ABA services. With the exception of CIGNA and United Health, we do not hold contracts with insurance companies at a national level at this time. However, every plan is different and carriers do not necessarily cover ABA therapy across the board. This may be dependent on the type of plan you chose (HMO vs PPO), the state you live in, and the laws that govern that state.

Of course. Funding organizations have their own processes and may actually increase the wait time for individuals to get services. If a family is willing and able to pay for services out-of- pocket, that will automatically eliminate any time waiting for funding paperwork to get approved. Families should be cautioned however, in the event that they expect to be reimbursed for any services paid out-of- pocket. CARD cannot guarantee that a funding agency will reimburse for any expenses prior to approval.

Yes if seeking CARD’s local therapy/supervision or workshop services. However, a diagnosis is not required in order to use SKILLS or E-Learning, or if seeking SOS services.

Dr. Granpeesheh is available to conduct diagnostic evaluations at CARD Headquarters. The CARD Assessment Department is also available to conduct assessments and formally diagnose individuals. Outside of CARD, it is important for families to look for is a licensed clinician that has experience with and knowledge of autism spectrum disorders.

Assessment- Assessments are a standardized means of determining the levels of functioning in given developmental areas. In addition to intelligence and achievement, standardized assessments can also give insight into the areas of school performance, social relationships, and adaptive behavior when compared to same age typical peers. Intake evaluation- Intake Evaluations are typically conducted prior to the start of on-going CARD services. They consist of a behavior observation and parent interview, and do not include standardized assessment. In addition to being a requirement to receive on-going therapy services, intake evaluations provide families the opportunity to learn if behavior-based services are appropriate, and if, to what extent.

In addition to a diagnostic evaluation, CARD requires assessments in the areas of cognition, speech and language, and adaptive behavior if seeking local therapy/supervision or workshop services within a year of starting services, but no later than 3 months after the start. Thereafter, CARD requires assessments annually in the areas of cognition, speech and language, and adaptive behavior. Standardized assessments are not required if purchasing a SKILLS subscription or E-Learning.

CARD requires assessments simply because we feel they have value in ensuring the best services. Assessments not only provide us with a baseline of skills, but they also serve as an on-going record of a client’s progress in treatment. We are also able to monitor the child’s progress between assessments and ensure that the child’s treatment program is in line with the assessment conclusions.

The first step towards receiving CARD services would be to schedule an initial intake evaluation, which is a behavioral observation and interview. The goal of this evaluation is to determine the appropriateness of ABA services, and if so, the extent to which such services are appropriate.

Within one year of starting CARD services, but no later than three months after the start of services, standardized assessments in the areas of cognition, adaptive behavior, and speech and language would be required. In addition, a diagnostic evaluation would be required.

The family should also have an understanding of funding options, and have a direction of which to pursue. Every family has the option to pay for services privately or out of pocket. Families may also seek 3rd party funding from a school district, insurance company, regional center or other related agency associated with the state’s department or developmental disabilities. Depending on the funding source, families may seek funds for the initial intake evaluation, the standardized assessments, the on-going therapy and supervision services, or a combination of the different services.

Not necessarily. All families have the option to pay for services out of pocket, or privately. However if seeking 3rd party funding for the initial intake evaluation and/or on-going services, it’s important for families to take into consideration CARD’s wait time for services, and the processes involved in obtaining funding from the funding source before deciding on scheduling the initial intake evaluation.