## Our Approach

### Supporting your child’s growth _with you_

Our care model extends beyond providing therapy for children. It empowers you with the knowledge and skills to implement therapeutic practices at home, thereby strengthening your relationship with your child.

Integrated, family-focused care is proven to provide lasting results

- **6-8 hours of therapy per week** versus traditional providers typically requiring 30+ hours per week
- Children are more receptive to explore and learn when care is delivered at home

## Our Outcomes

### Many children experience significant growth in at least one area within six months

### Emotional Regulation
Finding the calm to process complex emotions

### Communication
Initiating and maintaining meaningful interactions

### Social Engagement
Building real relationships based on shared interest & connection

### Daily Living
Developing functional capacities for independence

*Findings from the preliminary internal program evaluation for children with moderate complexity of support needs over a 10 to 16-month period of continuous care using data collected from 2021 to 2023. A comprehensive care plan is individualized to meet the unique profile and needs of each child with no guarantee of any specific outcome.*

## Our model works - hear directly from parents

**Leslie - Parent**  
”They understand that [people with autism] don’t need to change because they have a different neurotype. There just needs to be support and accommodations wherever they need them to continue their progress in their development."

**Peter - Parent**  
"I feel like they gave our child back to us. We don’t have to worry that he’ll be in intensive hours of learning with providers without us. He gets to be home and he gets to be playing with us. It makes us really happy to know that this is his life. These are going to be his memories of his childhood."

**Pascale - Parent**  
"I didn't know that I was looking for tools for myself. I learned how to be the kind of mom he needs. I learned to be his safe space. And I wasn't expecting that. And maybe I should have been looking for that and I didn't even know to look for it, but it was so necessary and I'm so grateful for it."

## Frequently asked questions

**Is an ASD diagnosis required before an evaluation?**  
Many insurance companies require an autism diagnosis prior to receiving an evaluation with Positive Development. Your intake coordinator can help to determine insurance requirements.

Positive Development does offer virtual diagnostics (18 months to 9 years old). Learn more [here](/content/diagnosis/index.html)

**What are common symptoms of autism?**  
Signs and symptoms of ASD can vary per child and age. [According to the CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html), common signs include:
- Avoids eye contact
- Repeats words or phrases
- Gets upset by small changes or changes in routine
- Has obsessive play tendencies (repetition)
- Flaps hands or spins body in circles
- Is highly sensitive to sounds/textures/smells
- Shows delayed language or cognitive skills
- Has obsessive interests.

You can learn more about the top signs of autism here: [Top 12 Signs and Symptoms of Autism](/content/blog/top-signs-and-symptoms-of-autism/index.html)

**How much does treatment cost?**  
Our intake coordinators and Revenue Cycle Team can assist in determining if therapy sessions are covered by your insurance and/or the out-of-pocket cost.

**How long is treatment?**  
Treatment length varies based on diagnosis; however, your child may show significant growth in as little as six months when engaged with 6-8 hours of weekly therapy.

**How is developmental therapy different from ABA?**  
Traditional Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) focuses on specific behaviors, while Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI) focuses on the whole child. DRBI looks beyond specific behaviors to understand and address the neurodevelopmental challenges beneath the surface.