Autism Home Support Services

Discover how autism home support services empower potential, from tailored therapies to comprehensive programs.

steven zauderer
Steven Zauderer
November 9, 2024
8 min read
min read

Understanding Autism Home Support

Autism Home Support Services (AHSS) offers a lifeline for families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The services provided are tailored to meet the specific needs and objectives of each client, focusing on delivering progress toward their individual hopes and dreams.

Tailored Therapeutic Interventions

The core service of AHSS is home-based therapy using the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach. This scientific discipline involves applying behavioral principles to everyday situations in order to increase or decrease targeted behaviors. ABA therapy aids in improving social skills, reading, academics, and communication, as well as learned skills like grooming, hygiene, job competence, and more.

AHSS has been growing rapidly since 2010 and expanded into Southeast Michigan in 2014 and Denver, Colorado, in 2016. They opened a center in Arlington Heights, IL, to provide ABA therapy in a controlled clinical environment and planned to add a second center in Northbrook in May 2016 [1].

Individualized Home-Based Services

The primary mission of AHSS is to provide quality, evidence-based therapy and counseling to children with ASD and their families in the home. Their services are individualized, offering a customized, fully-integrated solution that combines high-quality in-home care with proprietary software, telemedicine support, and a comprehensive insurance and billing infrastructure [1].

The company serves clients throughout the Chicago area and has locations in Northbrook, IL, and Ann Arbor, MI [1]. As part of their rebranding to Invo Behavior and Therapy Services, they aim to create a more cohesive experience for families and team members, providing increased support in areas such as compliance, intake and family support, and recruiting [1].

By aligning therapeutic interventions with individualized home-based services, AHSS, now known as Invo Behavior and Therapy Services, empowers families and children dealing with ASD to achieve their desired goals and dreams. Leveraging the power of ABA therapy and a strong support network, they continue to contribute positively to the field of autism home support services.

Impact of ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy plays a significant role in autism home support services. It offers tailored therapeutic interventions that lead to measurable progress in various areas, such as language and motor skills, and executive functioning.

Progress in Language and Motor Skills

ABA therapy, coupled with Verbal Behavior training, is highly effective for children with autism who have limited speech. According to Breakthrough Autism, children receiving this type of therapy can learn to speak in full sentences.

In addition to language skills, ABA therapy also enhances motor skills. Both fine and gross motor skills, which are crucial for everyday activities, show improvement. This is largely due to the customized programs offered by occupational therapists, which are designed to teach or improve everyday skills [2].

Area of Improvement Therapy Type
Language Skills ABA with Verbal Behaviour Training
Fine and Gross Motor Skills Occupational Therapy

Enhancing Executive Functioning

Executive functioning skills are critical for managing daily tasks and responsibilities. They include skills such as time management, problem-solving, and focus. With ABA therapy and parent coaching from Breakthrough Autism, children with autism show notable improvement in these areas.

Moreover, early intervention with ABA therapy has enabled children with autism to catch up with their peers, display normal speech patterns, and behave like children their own age. This significant progress underscores the transformative power of autism home support services.

Speech-language therapy also plays a pivotal role in enhancing the verbal and non-verbal communication skills of individuals on the autism spectrum. Personalized programs and education for family members and caregivers further support these improvements [2].

In conclusion, ABA therapy is a powerful tool within autism home support services. Its impact on language and motor skills, as well as executive functioning, significantly enhances the quality of life for children with autism.

Benefits of Home Support Services

Autism home support services offer a myriad of benefits that aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These benefits extend from promoting independence and fostering social participation, to leveraging the comfort and familiarity of the individual's home environment.

Promoting Independence and Quality of Life

One of the primary objectives of autism home support services is to promote independence among individuals with ASD. These services are specifically designed to develop, maintain, and compensate for disabilities, thereby fostering autonomy and enhancing social participation [3].

Home support services include a variety of interventions and therapies that are personalized to meet the unique needs and capabilities of each individual. These interventions aim to facilitate the carrying out of life habits safely and effectively in various environments, such as the home, school, or workplace.

Moreover, these services are not only beneficial for the individuals with ASD but also extend support to their families and loved ones. By offering guidance, support, and resources, they help families better understand ASD and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to support their loved one effectively.

Comfort of Familiar Home Environment

The home environment plays a crucial role in the success of autism home support services. Many individuals with autism thrive in structured routines and are more responsive to interventions when they are in a familiar and comforting environment. By receiving support services within their home environment, individuals with autism can benefit from the consistency, stability, and security it offers.

Providing services in the home also allows for the application of learned skills in a real-life context. This can enhance the effectiveness of the intervention and promote the generalization of skills across different settings and situations.

In conclusion, autism home support services are a valuable resource for individuals with ASD and their families. By promoting independence and leveraging the comfort of the home environment, these services can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Transition to Adulthood

When it comes to autism home support services, the transition to adulthood presents unique challenges and considerations. These may include financial planning concerns and the provision of specialized housing and support options.

Financial Planning Concerns

With the transition to adulthood, parents of adults with autism often experience heightened concerns about financial planning. This is due to the unique needs of their children and the specialized care they require. The first Special Needs Conference, held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, drew over 300 attendees from five different states. The conference focused on special needs financial planning and the transition to adulthood, in partnership with the SunTrust Foundation Autism Speaks.

Conference Topic Attendees
Special Needs Financial Planning 300+

The financial planning aspect of autism home support services is crucial to ensure the long-term well-being of individuals with autism. It requires careful consideration of factors such as income, savings, insurance, and government benefits.

Specialized Housing and Support Options

Approximately 19% of people with disabilities require special consideration for housing and residential support options Autism Speaks. It's essential for these individuals and their families to have access to a variety of housing options that cater to their unique needs.

The Housing and Community Living section on Autism Speaks provides tools and resources to guide individuals on the autism spectrum and their families in finding and securing housing. This aims to simplify the complex process through informative materials Autism Speaks.

In addition to Autism Speaks, there are various organizations and studies that offer additional housing resources. These include the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), Creative Housing Solutions LLC, and the study "A National Review of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders" published by the University of Minnesota Autism Speaks.

Additionally, services like Easterseals support adults with autism as they transition out of the school system. They offer assistance in finding a job, living independently, managing finances, transportation solutions, and participating in community and recreational activities Easterseals.

As part of autism home support services, providing a range of specialized housing and support options can greatly enhance the quality of life for adults with autism. This ensures they receive the necessary support to live independently and participate actively in their communities.

Comprehensive Support Programs

Part of the wider Autism Home Support Services (AHSS) mission is to provide comprehensive support programs that address the unique needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These programs encompass a range of interventions, from community-based skills assessment to in-home therapy and counseling.

Community-Based Skills Assessment

Community-Based Skills Assessment (CSA) is a critical component of the comprehensive support services offered by AHSS. This assessment helps evaluate the current skill levels and abilities of students with autism starting at the age of 12. The information gathered from the CSA aids in the development of a unique and comprehensive plan that includes home living skills, tailored to each individual's needs and strengths. By understanding the individual's capabilities, AHSS is able to provide targeted and effective support that encourages progress and development [5].

In-Home Therapy and Counseling

In addition to CSA, AHSS provides in-home, one-on-one services to children with ASD. These services focus on delivering progress towards the hopes and dreams of their clients. Adopting a fully-integrated solution, AHSS combines high-quality in-home care with proprietary software and telemedicine support. This integrated approach is further bolstered by a comprehensive insurance and billing infrastructure, ensuring that families can access these vital services without unnecessary stress or hardship [1].

In-home therapy typically utilizes the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach, a proven and effective method for supporting individuals with ASD. By bringing these services into the home environment, AHSS can ensure that therapy is conducted in a familiar and comfortable setting, thus potentially enhancing the effectiveness of the interventions.

AHSS has been growing rapidly since 2010, expanding into new markets and opening therapy centers to provide ABA therapy in controlled clinical environments. These expansions have allowed AHSS to reach more individuals with ASD and provide them with the comprehensive and tailored support they need to thrive.

These comprehensive support programs, encompassing both community-based skills assessment and in-home therapy and counseling, form a key part of the autism home support services offered by AHSS. By providing these targeted and integrated services, AHSS is helping to empower individuals with ASD and their families, promoting independence, quality of life, and the achievement of their hopes and dreams.

Building Support Networks

Creating robust support networks is crucial to the delivery and effectiveness of autism home support services. These networks often span several organizations and geographical locations, enabling a wider reach and access to diverse resources.

Affiliations and Expansion

Autism Home Support Services, now known as Invo Behavior and Therapy Services, has established affiliations with various organizations in the field of autism support. Notable among these is the Autism Therapy Group in Lombard, Illinois. Moreover, the company has similar pages such as Invo Healthcare in Tampa, Florida, Autism Learning Partners in Monrovia, California, and other organizations like Autism Speaks, Autism Society of America, among others.

These affiliations play a vital role in enhancing the scope and quality of the services offered, enabling the organization to tap into a wide variety of resources and expertise.

Additionally, the company has expanded its geographic footprint to serve clients throughout the Chicago area and has established locations in Northbrook, IL, and Ann Arbor, MI. This expansion allows the organization to cater to the needs of a larger number of individuals with autism, providing them with tailored therapeutic interventions and home-based services.

Rebranding for Enhanced Support

In its commitment to provide superior autism home support services, Invo Behavior and Therapy Services, formerly Autism Home Support Services, underwent a rebranding process. The aim of this rebranding was to create a more cohesive experience for families and team members while providing increased support in areas such as compliance, intake and family support, and recruiting.

The rebranding process signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing the quality of services provided. It also indicates the organization's efforts to streamline its operations and create a unified identity that resonates with its mission and values.

Through these strategic affiliations, expansion efforts, and rebranding, Invo Behavior and Therapy Services continues to strengthen its support networks, enhancing its ability to deliver comprehensive and personalized autism home support services. These initiatives underline the organization's commitment to unleashing the potential of individuals with autism, promoting their independence, and enhancing their quality of life.

References

[1]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autism-home-support-services-inc

[2]: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/support-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html

[3]: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/assistive-devices-disabilities-and-handicaps/services-for-persons-with-a-disability

[4]: https://www.myteamaba.com/resources/home-support-services-for-autism/

[5]: https://www.autismspeaks.org/housing-and-community-living

[6]: https://www.playto.com/blog/types-of-daycare-center-based-vs-home-based

steven zauderer

CEO of CrossRiverTherapy - a national ABA therapy company based in the USA.

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