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To the families and caregivers we serve,
We at ABS are dedicated to the safety and health of the children we treat, their families, and our staff. Included below you’ll find the updated precautions that we are taking to provide ABA Therapy as safely possible. This is an unprecedented event and we will continue to keep you updated as we monitor recommendations from the CDC and other credible news sources. Concerned you’ve missed an update? All updates from ABS will be posted to abskids.com.
Guidelines From The CDC and How They Impact Your Child’s Life:
1. Be vigilant about hygiene.
- For children with autism, this is an opportunity to emphasize skills in handwashing and cleanliness in activities of daily living, and habits such as coughing into your elbow. Members of the behavior intervention team may focus on and reinforce these skills as a part of the ABA Therapy program.
- In your home, create a sanitary environment for treatment by cleaning surface areas, frequently touched areas, and toys with antibacterial soap or cleaners.
2. Practice social distancing of six feet or more.
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In treatment, social distancing is a challenge and an emphasis should be placed on reducing physical contact.
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Allow for less people in the room for treatment; reduce exposure between the additional family and the staff.
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Behavior Analysts have been approved to use telehealth to encourage social distancing. Learn more about telehealth HERE
3. Avoid any gatherings with 10 or more people.
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For parents who take their child to one of our ABA Therapy Centers: We are taking steps in reducing access to different parts of the center to avoid any gatherings of 10 or more- this means that we are separating all clinic spaces to allow for children and staff to not congregate in groups.
Note that guidance may change and it’s very important to stay up to date, as news and guidance may change by the hour. At this time, we recommend that direct care sessions continue as planned as long as precautions and guidelines from the CDC are met.
What Additional Precautions Should Families Take:
1- Maintain contact with health care and treatment providers; adjust to recommendations and be flexible. Your child’s behaviors may change due to disruptions in routine. Read our recent article HERE to learn more about schedule changes and ASD. Call your Behavior Analyst if you have any questions.
2- Families should develop an emergency preparedness plan to support school closure or other steps that might be taken to ensure social distancing. Identifying treatment options and creating appropriate workspaces would be a component of this planning.
3- Evaluate the individuals and providers coming to your home and make certain that they are healthy. Members of the ABS behavior intervention team have been instructed to stay home if sick.
4- Ask a series of questions before entering any treatment environment of all participants. If any of the questions have been confirmed we will not be providing services and will need to speak with the Behavior Analyst to develop a plan of action.
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Q1- Have you or anyone in the home experienced a combination of symptoms: fever, dry cough, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion
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Q2- Has there been travel to areas of high contagion
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Q3- Has anyone in the environment had contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19
5- Consider if there are elderly people in your household, who are more at risk, and take steps to protect them.
Info From The CDC About COVID-19 Virus and Children.
Children appear to be at lower risk for both contracting Covid-19. The course of the disease in children is likely to be less severe. Mild or asymptomatic children can transmit the virus. Currently, the CDC is advising helping children practice good hygiene and staying home if they are symptomatic. Caregivers may want to take more precautions with ASD children that have immunodeficiencies or other underlying conditions as they may be at higher risk and are encouraged to consult with their doctor.
For more information about Covid-19 and how it impacts children, CLICK HERE. Please visit abskids.com for guidance and information for Autism treatment recommendations as we will be updating resources regularly.
Adam Singer, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Alternative Behavior Strategies
