Autism Awareness Month: Resources available in Augusta for people on the autism spectrum

“The diagnosis doesn’t make the kid,” said Marketha Bennett, Clinical Director at BlueSprig. “It’s simply a way of saying we need to do something different and finding the ways to help that child and what works for them. So, ABA is one of those things where we gear it to the child and how we can better assist them and their families.”

Blue Sprig and Total Care both offer Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. Their versions are one-on-one, individualized programs for people on the autism spectrum. BlueSprig treats children ages 2 to 6, and Total Care’s patients range in age from when they’re diagnosed to 22.

“Most of our children are in classrooms of a lot of kids and not enough support and ABA Therapy is special in that way,” said Kailynn Cooper, Operations Manager at Total Care ABA Therapy.

Both Total Care and BlueSprig work to make a plan to help patients get the skills that they and their families can use to make them successful.

“We provide circle time, and we do center activities with our peers and go outside and play together as a group. We try to keep things as normal as possible for them, so they don’t feel like they’re excluded just because they are on the spectrum,” said Cooper.

Both currently have waitlists, but say to start the intake process in case something becomes available. You can begin the process on BlueSprig’s and Total Care ABA Therapy’s websites.

“We work on social skills, language and communication skills, and community integration skills. So, something as simple as working in a small group of other kids, playing next to a peer,” said Bennett.

To be able to be in ABA therapy, your child has to be diagnosed, and Bennett motivates parents to advocate for their child.

“Don’t just take like the Doctors word for it. Advocate, continue to push that doctor so that they do give you the referral that you can use to get your child the help they need,” said Bennett.

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source: WJBF