| What is Autism? Autism is a broad diagnostic category, which is why it is referred to as a "spectrum disorder." Persons within the Autism Spectrum are diagnosed as having one of the following:
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Symptoms Some of the noticeable symptoms in children may include:
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Specialized Care Family Behavioral Resources is proud to be a leading Specialized Autism Service Provider. FBR offers a comprehensive level of service and support to families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition to the BSC, MT, and TSS roles, FBR has developed a specialized Autism Team to meet the individual needs of the consumers we serve. The Autism Team consists of Regional Directors of Autism Services, Autism Coordinators, and a Family Support Coordinator, who is an experienced parent of a young man previously diagnosed with autism. The team is led by Christine L. Sheffey, MSW, Corporate Director of Autism Services. Rick J. Murray, LSW, BCBA, and also proud uncle of a child with autism, is the Chief Operating Officer with oversight of all lines of care within the agency. The team supports all counties that FBR serves. A Director and/or Coordinator is identified for each office of FBR. They provide weekly Clinical Consultation and Collaboration Sessions (CC&Cs) to Behavior Specialist Consultants (BSC) who serve as lead clinicians for the children we serve. The Autism Team is also available to provide support to any child's program at any point in treatment and often participate in the initial program development for new consumers. The Autism Team has had extensive experience in the field of clinical programming for persons with autism. The team includes persons with substantial education and training in Applied Behavior Analysis (and treatment modalities offered within that framework such as Discrete Trial, Applied Verbal Behavior), Occupational Therapy (Sensory Integration), Special Education, Precision Teaching/Fluency Based Instruction, Relationship Therapy, and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS; a specific system for visual supports and communication), and much more. The Autism Team also receives consultative support from a Speech and Language Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist who supports the team in developing programming to address the complex needs of persons with autism. The Autism Team works diligently to increase the supports and programs for children and families in the autism community. In accordance with guildelines for best practice service provision for children with an ASD diagnosis per the Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), each consumer is afforded the opportunity to consent to the completion of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) at the onset of treatment. Information gathered during the FBA process is utilized in order to develop a comprehensive and individualized treatment and behavioral intervention plan. An FBA is also available at any time throughout the course of treatment if indicated by a change in consumer behavioral presentation We are proud to announce that we are now about to services persons on the spectrum throughout the lifespan. Family Behavioral Resources has been chosen to be a provider of the PA Adult Autism Waiver. Our Adult Autism Services are delivered by clinicians who have participated in trainings through the Bureau of Autism Services. Services include Behavior Specialist Services, Community Inclusion, Family Counseling, Family Training, Individual Counseling, Temporary Crisis, Job Placement and Job Assessment. To learn more about Adult Autism Services at FBR, please download a brochure from the Download Brochures section of our website. We have no "waiting list" to delay the treatment of your loved one's needs. Several FBR sites also have an adjacent outpatient facility with an available psychiatrist for children who present such a need. If you suspect that your loved one has a form of autism or other similar diagnosis, we encourage you to seek treatment as soon as possible. We invite you to contact any of our offices during regular business hours to start the intake process. We also suggest that you call our Family Support Coordinator for personal guidance as you search for answers. It may help to speak to a parent who understands what you are going through during this difficult and often confusing time. Click here for more information on Support Groups in your area. Back To Top
Support Groups We take pride in our commitment to meeting the individual needs of the Autism community. In addition to specialized clinical services, we offer:
Summer Therapeutic Activities Programs Summer Therapeutic Activities Programs In the Summer 2004, FBR provided its first Summer Therapeutic Activities Program - "Healthy Choices for the Mind and Body" in Fayette and Westmoreland Counties. The program had served children ages 8-12 who presented with needs related to social functioning. Is there a need in your region for one of our STAPs?
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Commitment to Community We have a strong commitment to serving the community. Visit the community section to learn more about our efforts to increase the awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders. ›› Click here for additional resources concerning autism or any other of our areas of specialty. Click here for more information on Support Groups in your area. Back To Top |
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