We offer independent, interdisciplinary assessments to identify appropriate assistive technology, seating/ mobility and access methods for patients with physical and/or communication impairments to support their communication and learning.

 

We recognize the benefits of a partnership approach when completing assessments. Few people manage effectively in isolation; we encourage individuals, families, and professionals to work together as a team from the very first step of identifying a need, through the ongoing review and provision of support needed for each individual to achieve their long-term goals.

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Length of Assessment

 

The length of time required for the assessment will vary but typically is about 2.5 hours. Timing will be agreed upon with the referrer initially but subject to modification as necessary depending on individual needs. 

 

 

The Assessment Process

 

You will be greeted by the OT, PT,  SLP and DME representative upon entering the assessment room. 

 

 

Part 1: 

The session will typically commence with a general discussion with everyone concerned providing an opportunity to share any relevant information and identify aims and expectations.

 

 

Part 2: 

During the assessment, the individual will have an opportunity to demonstrate any resources they are currently using and they will be supported in trying out alternative resources and strategies that might be suitable. It may be necessary to work for short periods, with breaks to set up different equipment and work within the individual’s levels of attention motivation, and stamina.

 

 

Part 3: 

 

At the end of the assessment, it is useful if the group meets together again to discuss the assessment and consider potential recommendations and reach shared conclusions and appropriate solutions.

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Part 4: 

A trial speech generating device and various access methods will be ordered by the end of your session. These will be sent directly to your home. 

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Completion of Assessment 

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Following the assessment, the team will discuss follow-up therapy sessions and when they believe they should commence. The family can then decide whether to receive clinically-based or home-based therapy. 

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Following this process, a comprehensive report will be compiled and sent to all involved. The report will summarize the assessment, outline conclusions reached, and provide recommendations. 

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Our Autism Diagnostic team is lead by a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) who is a: 

• Certified Autism Specialist 

• Board Certified Specialist 

• Augmentative and Alternative Specialist 

All therapist who conduct diagnostics are trained and certified to administer the Autism Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). 

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A thorough battery of assessments are used in order to fully assess your child. The appointment is scheduled for 2 hours

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Part 1: 

The therapist will conduct a battery of assessments (ADOS-2, CELF-5, PLS-5, GARS-3, Vineland-3, Sensory Profile 2, Bayley-4, etc.). 

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Part 2: 

The therapist will score a few of the tests on the same day and give you general feedback about the observations made during the formal assessment. 

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Part 3: 

The therapist will refer your child to the local neuropsychologist and or further medical team depending on the medical needs of your child. 

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Completion of Assessment 

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Following the assessment, the team will discuss follow-up therapy sessions and when they believe they should commence. The family can then decide whether to receive clinically-based or home-based therapy. 

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Following this process, a comprehensive report will be compiled and sent to all involved. The report will summarize the assessment, outline conclusions reached, and provide recommendations.

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We are DIFFERENT and UNIQUE! 

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Speech Therapy at ABI is drastically different than any other practice in the valley or even nationwide. 

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Why you may ask? 

• We ONLY treat the most severe and profound children. ​​

• All the therapist on the team are trained in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and feeding and swallowing disorders. 

• We focus our therapy on two very important aspects: 

  • Family Centered Care ​

  • Parent Empowerment 

• We believe in treating the whole child with a more holistic approach. ​

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Our therapy sessions are 45 minutes long with 15 minutes dedicated to feedback with our families as to assure continuity of care and carry-over.  

Access Methods 

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Our team of Occupational Therapist work very closely with our Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and often the sessions will be co-treatments.

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At ABI we believe in teamwork and that clear and concise communication between ALL team members is vital to get your Complex Communication Needs (CCN) child to communicate. 

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The Occupational Therapist at ABI is specifically trained to support and guide the other teams members in all aspects of:

• Access Methods

• Fine Motor

• Visual Processing Skills.

• Orthotics 

• Sensory Integration 

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Our therapy sessions are 1h30  minutes long with 15 minutes dedicated to feedback with our families as to assure continuity of care and carry-over.  

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Seating & Mobility 

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At ABI we pride ourselves in making sure that if your child is in need of equipment, they are both comfortable and functional. 

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Our team of dedicated therapists is lead by a Pediatric Specialist with 22 years experience working with the most vulnerable children. 

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Your child will receive weekly physical therapy session as part of their ongoing treatment to make sure that they continue to develop in the best possible way. 

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During these sessions your child may work on the following (not exhaustive): 

• Power Mobility 

• Pediatric Myofascial Release 

• Gait Training 

• Stander 

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Our therapy sessions are 1h30 minutes long with 15 minutes dedicated to feedback with our families as to assure continuity of care and carry-over.  

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Behavioral Strategies For Successful Communication

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At ABI our Behavior Management Program is unique to our clinic. We are supportive of what every family believes is the best option for them and their child. 

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We focus on having both Behavior Analyst and the SLP work in collaboration with each other directly and indirectly to assure the best outcome for your child.

 

The SLP will always be at least one session per week. This will enable the Behavior Analyst and the SLP to go over how your child is communicating and to support the behavior so that we are able to better target how to help your family and your child manage. 

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These type of sessions and collaboration are at the core of breaking down opportunity barriers for our complex needs children. 

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Our therapy sessions are 2h00 long up to 4x/week with 15 minutes dedicated to feedback with our families as to assure continuity of care and carry-over.  

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