If you notice signs of autism spectrum disorder in your child, it is crucial to seek guidance from your pediatrician promptly. Early diagnosis is key in enabling children to access the necessary support for optimal intervention and support. At Virtus, we offer assistance by connecting families with local diagnosticians to facilitate timely evaluations for a potential diagnosis. Even in the absence of a formal diagnosis, we encourage reaching out to us for support and guidance.

We presently accept all major commercial insurances, Tricare, and Indiana Medicaid. Moreover, we participate in the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students program. Private pay arrangements are accessible on an individual basis. Our team can securely verify your insurance coverage to ascertain the inclusion of ABA therapy and assess any potential out-of-pocket costs.

At Virtus, we take pride in our efficient timelines and our commitment to ensuring minimal delays in initiating therapy for your child. The process, from the initial inquiry following an autism diagnosis to the commencement of services, can be expedited in as little as 5 weeks, with an average timeframe of 10 weeks. It's important to note that the prompt submission of required documents by caregivers and the processing times of insurance providers can influence these timelines.

Upon confirming that your child aligns well with our services, we will arrange a visit to the center. This tour offers an opportunity for you to experience firsthand the therapeutic environment and meet the local team. It also serves as a platform for caregivers to address any inquiries they may have that have not already been answered by our exceptional intake team. Ensuring caregivers' comfort and confidence with our facilities and staff is a top priority.

In matters concerning your child's well-being, the ultimate decision rests with the parents. Consulting with your child's team of professionals can provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making process. Particularly, in cases where autism is suspected or diagnosed, it is essential to consider Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as it is widely recognized as an effective intervention for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism. Should you have any inquiries or require information to support your decision, we are readily available to assist.

We aim to simplify the enrollment process at Virtus for your child. After determining eligibility, we guide you through the online enrollment, request necessary documentation for insurance, and schedule a center tour. Following insurance authorization, a BCBA conducts an assessment to create a personalized treatment plan. The plan is submitted for insurance approval before beginning services.

At Virtus, our services are structured around block schedules. The schedule for each child is tailored based on the recommended and authorized weekly hours. Our centers operate between 8-9 am for opening and close between 4-5 pm. Parents can anticipate their child attending therapy sessions 5 days a week, with each session lasting between 3-8 hours per day, adjusted according to the child's specific goals.

The recommended duration of ABA therapy varies significantly depending on the individual needs of each child. Typically, the weekly therapy sessions within the framework of our services vary between 15 to 40 hours. It is essential to emphasize that while this may seem like an extensive time commitment, research indicates that the intensity of therapy plays a pivotal role in determining the overall progress and outcomes achieved.

Caregiver training at Virtus is crucial for optimal service outcomes. Caregivers attend training sessions 2-4 times monthly focusing on applied behavior analysis principles to support children's educational and behavioral needs. Topics include positive reinforcement, structured learning, and behavior management. The program aims to minimize challenges, promote independence, and improve social skills by involving families in tailored strategies for generalizing desired behaviors in children.

ABA sessions are personalized to match each child's abilities and interests. Whether in a group or individual session, all therapy time involves one-on-one therapy with a Registered Behavior Technician. Therapists may employ a structured, therapist-led method in a controlled setting, such as sitting at a table, to teach particular skills. On the other hand, teaching can be seamlessly incorporated into a child's natural environment and directed by the child, for instance, while engaging in play with their favorite toys. ABA therapy aims at various skill development areas, emphasizing the importance of learning in diverse settings. During a session, therapy activities may include sitting at a table, playing on the floor, using a sensory room, socializing with peers at a lunch table, playing games with peers, or participating in circle time.

Throughout sessions, the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) gathers real-time data based on the child's responses. Subsequently, the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) meticulously examines the session data to evaluate the efficacy of interventions and the overall progress achieved. Through this analysis of data and observations of the child, the BCBA pinpoints any obstacles hindering progress rates and modifies interventions accordingly based on individualized data, ensuring the child advances effectively through therapy.

At Virtus, our primary commitment lies in prioritizing the well-being of our clients and their families. We are dedicated to delivering ethical, personalized services that have a profound and enduring positive impact. Our proficient team of clinicians adheres to evidence-based methods and best practices, always emphasizing the happiness, dignity, and safety of the children under our care. Central to our approach is the strategic use of reinforcement to enhance skills, thereby enriching the quality of life and creating a lasting effect on each child we support. We encourage all families to engage with us, ask questions, and seek guidance. Our aim is to assist you in navigating and making informed decisions for the well-being of your child, both today and in the future.