Services

provided

by

Affirming Support Collab

• Services provided by Affirming Support Collab •

Comprehensive Developmental Therapy

Affirming Support Collaborative provides comprehensive, play-based, child- and family- centered therapy. If your child’s pediatrician has recommended ABA, our model is an alternative to what is currently available that may still be covered by your insurance plan, if you have Behavoral health benefits. Our model is rooted in DIR/Floortime, is highly individualized, and includes other evidence-based, evidence-informed, and lived experience informed practices.

ABA is a philosophy and systematic approach to understanding and changing behavior. Conventional ABA is often associated with “Discrete Trial Training”, a highly structured method of teaching rote skills, often at a table with various flashcards and objects, rewarding children for completing each drill. Conventional ABA is also controversial due to harsh behavior management techniques, rigidity, limited warmth and connection and a focus on normailzation.

In recent years, a sub-discipline was developed called “Naturalistic and Developmental Behavioral Interventions”. This is an umbrella term for therapy models that include both behavioral and developmental components. Some models include: The Early Start Denver Model, Natural Environment Teaching, JASPER, and Pivotal Response Teaching. NDBIs involve both child led and therapist led activities, focus on connection/shared engagement, and naturalistic play.

Additionally, Developmental and Relationship Based Interventions (DRBIs) is another umbrella term for models that focus more on the importance of the child’s individual differences (e.g. neurodiverstiy), unique developmental trajectory, and the power of the thereapeutic relationship. They are often described as child-led and play-based, with a focus on the therapist modulating their affect and co-regulating to meet the child where they are. Examples of these include: DIR/Floortime and RDI.

In 2020, the American Psychological Association’s Psychological Bulletin recognized developmental-relationship based intervention (DRBI) and naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI) in its highest tier of efficacy and supported research among autism treatments.

In 2023, California Senate Bill 805 approved changes toward Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT) regulations. According to this bill, BHT coverage is no longer limited to Applied Behavior Analysis, but includes all evidence based comprehensive models including NDBIs and DRBIs. DIR/Floortime is now covered by insurance. Additionally, Qualified Autism Service Providers (QASP), those who are approved providers of insurance-funded BHT as defined by each state, was expanded to include BCBAs, Occupational and Speech Therapists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, and others.

Our model is highly individualized and informed by NDBI and DRBI, as well as our own lived experience and current research in cutting-edge understandings of neuroscience. How is this different?

Instead of viewing your child as a set of deficits to be fixed, we embrace the uniqueness worth of every person and harness their strengths.
We believe that behavior is the result of complex processes, including individual differences, emotional, and sensory-based “causes”.
We believe that authentic connection is the most transformative aspect of the therepeutic relationship, and always comes before compliance.
We believe in self expression and the right to effective communication. Stimming is regulation and AAC is communication.
We empower families to understand and adapt to their children’s individual differences so the whole family can thrive!
Our therapists are creative and think outside of the box! With a deep understanding from lived experience, we strive to see things from your child’s perspective to inform our next steps.
We prioritize co-regulation and relational safety. We establish ourselves as a a secure base for your child to grow and explore.
We partner with you to advocate for your child’s best case scenario- at home, in school, in the community and beyond.

Child-Led and Play-Based

We connect with your child through fun and play- however that looks for them. There are no “wrong” ways to play! We follow their lead and show you how to do the same.
Neurodiversity-Affirming

We believe that neurodiversity is normal! We apply a neurodiversity-affirming lens to everything we do. By incorporating our own lived experience and deep knowledge of neurological diversity, we celebrate every child and do not seek to normalize or suppress unique ways of being.
Naturalistic and Developmental

We meet your child where they are developmentally and find “teachable moments” and create situations to explore and develop new capacities in their own time and on their own trajectory.
Relationship-Based

We place the importance of connection over everything else. From a place of authentic connection, secure relationship, and understanding, true learning and growth can emerge.

Did you know? The Maori word for Autism is Takiwatanga, meaning: In his/her own time and space.

FAQs

What we consider comprehensive levels of therapy usually involve 15-30 hours of 1:1 support in home, school, and other community environments. This level of care is designed to support development across multiple domains.
“Focused” therapy involves fewer prescribed hours to support development across 1 or 2 domains.
Your therapy team will complete an initial assessment and work with your family to make an informed clinical recommendation.
We can support your child with communication, adaptive living/self help, coping strategies and social/emotional wellness, self advocacy and friendship, and improving quality of life/regulation to reduce any behaviors of concern. We can help you and other caregivers try new strategies to support your child.
Call your insurance company to verify coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis and/or Behavioral Health Treatment. We are currently in network with Anthem/Blue Cross. If you have another insurance provider, we can provide a superbill upon request.
Yes. Our team has experience supporting children with neurodevelomental differences and clinical diagnoses of all kinds. For most private insurance companies, ABA/BHT is only covered if the member has a diagnosis of Autism. We can discuss alternative options if you are interested in services but would not qualify for benefits under your insurance.
We can provide all kinds of support for families and children. If you are seeking a unique service, such as: private tutoring, executive functioning coaching, parent coaching, school consultation, etc., please reach out. We may be able to accommodate you.