Questions parents ask us

Start by learning the common signs and talking with your child's pediatrician. We can also recommend professionals who provide testing and diagnosis.

Common signs include little or no verbal communication or a regression, extreme tantrums, self-injurious behaviors, PICA (eating things that aren't edible), limited social interaction, little eye contact and picky eating. If you think your child should see a neurologist, contact us and we'll refer neurologists we trust.

A diagnosis should be completed by a licensed neurologist or psychologist. At times, pediatricians and child psychiatrists can also diagnose. Your child's pediatrician can tell you more.

We serve families in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

Programs are built around each child, so we work with a wide range of ages, from first diagnosis (a little over a year old) to adolescence.

An intensive in-home ABA program is a big change for your child and your family's routine. It takes time to get used to, but after a few months you'll be inviting us to stay for dinner (which we ethically can't do!). Therapy slowly becomes part of your day.

There is currently no cure for autism. Research has found that intensive ABA programs can greatly reduce the behaviors that get in the way and improve quality of life. Every child is different, and we're committed to helping each child reach their highest potential.

In your home, at our center, at schools that allow us in, and around the community with you present. It can be your home or another caretaker's home, as long as it's consistent for your child and the therapist.

Early intervention programs usually range from 20 to 40 hours of therapy per week. Your Breakthrough Leader recommends the right number for your child, case by case.

Research shows intensive programs with more hours lead to better, faster progress. Our goal is to improve your child's quality of life and reduce the amount of care they'll need in the future.

It depends on the case. Many children need some maintenance as they grow, like school shadowing, weekly sessions or social skills groups.

Yes. We match your preferred times with our Breakthrough Team's availability, including nights and weekends. Flexibility helps on both sides.

Our team members can't drive your child anywhere, but they can meet you at a location close to home. With your consent, they can also go for walks or to nearby parks to work on specific skills.

Your Breakthrough Leader may speak with you in Spanish for your comfort. Therapy sessions are in English, the primary language used in schools.

Our Breakthrough Leaders (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) hold Master's degrees, completed 2,500 hours of supervised practice with another BCBA, took additional coursework and passed the Board exam. Our one-on-one therapists hold at least a Bachelor's degree and the Registered Behavior Technician credential, with constant supervision. We only employ our own staff, so everyone stays on the same page.

Your child will have one or two Breakthrough Team members and two Breakthrough Leaders. Team members run ongoing therapy; Breakthrough Leaders oversee the program, update the behavior plan, perform assessments and are available whenever you need them. If your regular team member is sick, an on-call team member can fill in with your approval.

Yes. All Breakthrough Team members know our emergency plans, and many are PCM (Professional Crisis Management) trained.

Personal checks, credit cards, group insurance and private insurance. We are not a Medicaid provider (including plans like Florida KidCare and Simply Health). See accepted plans.

Let us know as soon as possible so we can request a new authorization. If the authorization is pending, we'll continue therapy with your consent until it's approved.

We only share client information within the company for supervision and progress reviews. Outside the company, information is shared only with insurance companies (if applicable) and, with your permission, the Trustee Group®. Read our Privacy Practices, or for our complete privacy policy email Info@FreshStartsNow.com.

You don't have to be in the same room, but an approved adult caretaker must be in the house during therapy.

We provide most materials (and may have great birthday present ideas!). If your child needs something unique, we may ask you to buy it. Please keep therapy materials in a specific container, used only during therapy.

At the first consultation we'll agree on the areas used for therapy and stay out of any areas you prefer. We'll only enter them with your consent.

You'll receive reports explaining behavior techniques, please read them! Depending on your insurance, you may also have parent training sessions.