WORCESTER, MA…
Having a child with autism can present many challenges. One of them is finding programs that can teach your child developmental and social skills. The second is finding programs that your health insurance covers. Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently launched a Saturday morning social skills program that’s covered by all the insurance carriers who work with the Worcester-based firm.
“We’re delighted to have a program like our Saturday morning social skills program that provides the children with the training needed, but in an environment where they can interact with peers and develop those skills,” said Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, BCI founder and director. “That our insurance carriers see the value in the program and want to make it available to their customers is just icing on the cake.”
BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna, Fallon and coverage from other major health care providers for the social skills program.
The social skills program is a three-hour session on Saturday mornings, from 9:30 to 12:30. In addition to instruction from BCI clinicians, the sessions include interaction with other children who serve as role models for BCI students involved in the social skills program.
“The role model students provide a critical element to the social skills program. They give our students a chance to see appropriate behaviors—waiting your turn, raising your hand—in an activity-based setting,” said Robinson. “The other critical part is that we have a very high instructor to student ratio, typically three students per instructor. That gives instructors the chance to utilize the peer models for appropriate skills and reinforce the good behaviors.”
There is no age limit for the social skills program. BCI accepts all major insurance companies or private pay at a rate of $35-$50 per hour depending on the student/staff ratio your child needs. Parents or guardians interested in this program for their students can call (508) 363-0200. For complete information on BCI, visit http://bciaba.org.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.
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