Family Behavioral Resources - Services

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:

Autistic Disorder
Asperger's Syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Disorder, NOS
Rett's Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Although persons with autism are truly unique, there are common needs often seen across the spectrum. Common needs include developing age-appropriate social skills, improving communication, and addressing the engagement in self-stimulatory/repetitive behaviors.

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Symptoms

Some of the noticeable symptoms in children may include:

Difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication
Not playing with other children, or not in an appropriate manner
Inappropriate play with toys of lack of interest in age-appropriate toys
Behavioral abnormalities such as staring at hands, walking on tiptoes, rocking, tantrums, or hyperactivity.
Resistance to change in areas of playing, surroundings, routines, or topics of interest.
May be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to their environment

If you believe that your child has some or all of these symptoms to some degree, Family Behavioral Resources is ready to assist you in the details of screening and diagnosis. We will continue to be your comfort and support through this important time for you family.

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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 now provide services to 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.

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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:

Family Support Groups
Sibling Support Groups
Social Skill Groups/Play Groups

These groups are often held in collaboration with the Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders (ABOARD). Visit our Support Groups section to learn more.

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.

We now offer STAPs specific to the Autism Spectrum Disorders population. We have two primary models, one of which is more inclusive with typical peers (Camp Crossroads - Indiana, running in partnership with the YMCA), while the other model is designed specifically for those who carry a diagnosis of Autism or a related disorder (Camp Journey). Both Camp Journey and Camp Crossroads have been an incredible success since their incepition. Serving ages 5-15 and 4-18, these camps are designed to enhance a child's social skills through facilitated interactions with peers, increase communication, encourage socially appropriate replacements for self-stimulatory behaviors, and promote independence. The camps offer different age-appropriate themes each week, and often host field trips throughout the course of the summer session. Oftentimes, transportation can be provided by the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP). Your county case manager can assist you with that information.

Is there a need in your region for one of our STAPs?

We welcome your feedback and appreciate your input. Please contact the Autism Services office to provide your thoughts.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in one of our programs, please call and speak to a program director. They can inform you about the intake process. Part of this process is obtaining a prescription in your child's psychological evaluation for a STAP program.

Camp Journey - Beaver: 724-775-1362
Camp Journey - Fayette: 724-438-4960

Camp Journey - Somerset:1-814-444-0620
Camp Journey - Westmoreland: 724-861-9200
Camp Crossroads - Indiana: 724-463-3600

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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.

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Family Behavioral Resources is proud to promote the following video to Pennsylvania families and visitors. Representative Dennis' O'Brien recently spoke to the House Floor about autism awareness. Rep. O'Brien is a champion for this cause and has make a significant impact on our consumers and our surrounding community.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkPkGYBa9b0
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