Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Autism Support

    Posted 09-24-2020 07:17 AM
    Hello!

    I am interested in developing and opening a center for children with autism. Can anyone share any resources they may have for this? Does anyone know if there are grants or scholarships available for funding for this? 
    Thank you in advance!


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    Vanessa Tollefson
    Advanced Behavioral Therapy Technician
    WI Early Autism Project
    Sheboygan WI
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  • 2.  RE: Autism Support

    Posted 09-25-2020 06:02 AM
    Thank you Jennifer for the wealth of resources! This will help further my education in obtaining my degeee in Education. Does anyone have any information about funding for any kind of autism support?

    Thanks again!

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    Vanessa Tollefson
    Advanced Behavioral Therapy Technician
    WI Early Autism Project
    Sheboygan WI
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  • 3.  RE: Autism Support

    Posted 09-25-2020 08:13 AM
    Vanessa I'm assuming you've been in touch with your local state agencies? Every state has different funding for autism support. At least here in Ohio you would work through the department of developmental disabilities and the department of education. is there a specific direction that you would like your school to take in terms of educational philosophy for children with autism?

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    Joanie Calem
    Music and Inclusion Specialist
    Sing Along
    Columbus, OH
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  • 4.  RE: Autism Support

    Posted 09-28-2020 02:08 PM
    Vanessa,
         I love this idea, and think it is commendable of you that you are doing something like this in your area.  Have you thought of reaching out to anyone who provides ABA therapy or something similar in your area?  They may be able to help, or give advice on the right path to take.  In our area, we only have a few certified ABA Agencies that can work within the school system, and can go into child care centers (I've worked with one specifically and it has done wonders for the child we care for).  They are a fabulous resource.

    I hope this helps.

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    Colleen Regan-O'Hara
    Director
    Happy Acres Ranch
    Jacksonville FL
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  • 5.  RE: Autism Support

    Posted 09-29-2020 09:21 AM
    Hi Colleen.

    I actually work for an ABA company right now part time and that is what helped me grow my interest in this project. Because of that, Im not able to inquire within. However, I have pondered the idea of calling as a parent or caregiver to ABA programs and ask questions that way to get my information. Thank you for the idea & your support of it!

    Vanessa Tollefson



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    Vanessa Tollefson
    Advanced Behavioral Therapy Technician
    WI Early Autism Project
    Sheboygan WI
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  • 6.  RE: Autism Support

    Posted 09-29-2020 10:55 AM
    We have run our program for special needs in NYC for 20 years. We have run center groups since 2013. The short of it is that I believe most if not all states fund Early Intervention (EI) and Preschool Special Ed (CPSE) programs (funding mechanisms and amounts reimbursed vary by state and local). If you wish a government funded program then you can apply for a contract to your state and/or local governing body for EI and CPSE. They're great to do for the kids and like a lot in early childhood it is challenging to pay all the expenses. Another option is private insurance reimbursed ABA programs. Happy to share anything that might help you or others with details offline. losninos.com

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    Scott Mesh, CEO
    Los Niños Training, NYC
    www.youngchildexpo.com
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