ABA and stuff in the States - anyone know anything?

[StartingAfresh]

It looks like DH might get a sabatical in the states (lots of states to choose from apparently).

I have literally just found out that by law, DS will not have to start Reception until Jan, so looking into the possibility of going out there as a family.

What, if any, is there out there that we could enrol ds on that will give him a boost for Reception?

In particular, Social skills and commincation-wise? Does anyone know?

He will be 4-5yrs.

Many tia.

I have heard that America is light years ahead of us in understanding the need for early intervention on autism/SEN, particuarly via ABA. I have some pals there who have been v impressed, but you definitely need private health insurance (would DH get that with his work?) and you need to check what they will cover if it's a pre-existing condition. That said, I think your son will get a lot more enlightened help over there than our (woeful) provision over here. Of course it all depends where - New York or California would be good. Why not google some SEN chat rooms and ask mums for advice, other SEN mums will often help, just like we do on mumsnet!

My ABA consultant once told me that Toronto, Canada is best place of all - could he go there?

Oooh how exciting!
On my trips to ABA conferences to the States I've been blown away by the sheer range and calibre of what is on offer.
A good place to start would be to contact the ultra professional and efficient ABAI as yes, some states have ABA as treatment of choice.

You could come to the HUGE conference every year. Denver this year. I'll be there along with about 20 UK coleagues and am already thinking about my presentation. It's one of the most amazing events going.

You learn in a week what you would get through in a year back home.

ABAI

It's just at 'talking about' stage I'm afraid and there are many factors to consider, but it is possible.

Thanks for the help. I expect we would have to pay privately for a short-term placement or intervention and I am worried that due to the medical insurance thing that prices will be inflated.

But I think the whole idea is worth investigating.

As a ABA consultant I swear by ABA - think it's great. We've seen excellent success stories.

The US are a step ahead regarding Early Intervention, but I'm sure you could find something similar in the UK.

Best Wishes

The use Of ABA in the states is miles ahead of the uk mind they do still have problems getting therapists
.As is the early interventionplans but once school age theres less help for children and there also keen on medication use to

But look at insurance very carefully and schooling as well as most children are Ms .Ss can be few and far between and children often expected to board in ss due to distance.

I had looked at relocating to the US but it was the insurance side that made me decide as slow and as much as grumble about the nhs it has its advantages

Had some correspondence with Fred Volkmar over Xmas about evidence based practice. He has recently co-edited book on this - link here.
Book is over £100 but partially available on google books here

Interesting section on Delaware Autism Program - an evidence based state wide programme that started 30 years ago - model based on ABA and PECS + other strategies

Star, take a look at Growing Minds.

They are based in Florida. I went to their conference at the end of last year, and they are great.

they run a mix of approaches - basically nothing is ruled out, but doen within an ABA framework.

It was impressive stuff, and we are likely to go over and see them at some point this year.

Thanks everyone. Lots to think about for sure.