EARLY INTERVENTION
Birth to Three and Autism Specific Services
To learn more about Abilis' therapeutic services and Birth to Three program, visit The Therapy Center at Abilis page.
The Abilis Early Intervention Program helps children ages birth through 3 acquire the skills they need to reach developmental milestones and prepare them for success in pre-school and other educational and community-based programs.
Abilis has been a Birth to Three service provider for the State of Connecticut for over 30 years, since the program was first created, and is one of 11 providers who are state-designated to diagnose and provide intensive treatment for children with autism.
Multidisciplinary Team
For children with a developmental disability or delay, early intervention is critical to help them master age-appropriate skills as soon as possible and achieve their potential. Abilis has a multidisciplinary team of professional teachers and therapists who work in partnership with families to address diverse developmental and health-related concerns.
The Abilis team listens to and learns from families, evaluates skills, and creates an individualized family plan for each child. Parent and caregiver training is an integral part of the process, so that skills can be practiced and reinforced at home and in community settings.
Specific for YOU
Each family and individual situation is unique. While the majority of the Birth to Three services are delivered at home, Abilis' therapists go to day care centers and other community settings to make sure that services are provided in places that are the most beneficial, natural, and convenient for children and their families. The Birth to Three team is diverse, just like the families it serves, and offers bilingual educational and speech therapy services in French, Italian, and Spanish.
Referral
Call the State of Connecticut Child Development Hotline at 800-505-7000 to discuss concerns you may have regarding your child’s development. If you tell them that you’d like to receive services from Abilis, you will be referred to Abilis team.
Schedule Visit
Once Abilis receives the referral, an Abilis team member will call to arrange a convenient time for an evaluation for you and your child. This is usually done in person. The process will be explained to you so that you will be comfortable before our team arrives.
Meet
During the evaluation visit, Abilis professional staff will discuss your concerns and meet with you and your child to gather information in all areas of development.
If Your Child Qualifies For The Birth to Three Program
Individualized Family Service Plans
Each family will have a primary service provider who will work with you to develop a plan to address your child's motor, social emotional, cognitive, communication, and self-help skills. As a team, you will decide what services are appropriate and when/where those services should take place.
-
Early Intervention Based on Your Child's Needs
Based on the plan and your schedule, Abilis will select the appropriate early intervention teachers and therapists and decide when and where to deliver services, either in-person or remotely at home and in community settings that are important to you.
-
What Happens When my Child Turns 3?
As your child nears his/her 3rd birthday, our staff will work with you to help make the transition out of Birth to Three services as smooth one.
-
State of the Art Assessment Tools for Early Diagnosis
In some cases, the Abilis Early Intervention team may recommend an autism assessment or parents may request one based on their concerns or those of their pediatrician. Abilis is able to diagnosis children 18 months or older using a play-based, state of the art assessment tool called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). The ADOS-2 assesses the three primary indicators of autism: communication skills, social interactions, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Qualified and trained staff will conduct the evaluation. It includes parent input both informally and through a detailed questionnaire. If a child meets the criteria, the Abilis team works with the family and caregivers to provide comprehensive services based on the needs of the child.
-
Options For Children Not Qualified for State Funding
If you child does not qualify for state-funded Birth to Three services, our Abilis team will provide you with strategies and recommendations to support your child's needs and address your concerns.
In-Network Providers
Aetna
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy
Anthem BCBS
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy
Cigna
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
United Health Care
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy
Please be advised that our coverage does not guarantee that your claims will be approved. All claims are subject to authorization by your health insurance provider.