Announcement
December 7th, 2009There will not be Kid’s Night Out for the month of December. Our next Kid’s Night Out will be January 14th. For more information call 970-870-4263 or email kristinpiro@gmail.com. Enjoy the Holidays!
From the Executive Director:
November 28th, 2009Holidays are stressful for most of us. But dealing with special needs is “24/7 and sometime the holiday season adds extra pressure. Hope you will read this article what we already knew anyway but is well written. Read More (Requires Adobe Reader)
Kids Night Out
November 12th, 2009The second Thursday of every month, Kid’s Night Out will have an activity that will invite groups from around the community to the Little House. November’s Kid’s Night Out will have Heeling Friends join us for some fun with their four legged friends! To sign up or find out more information, contact Kristin at 870-4263 or email at kristinpiro@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you!
August 19th, 2009
Thanks to all of our corporate sponsors, donors and attendees for making our second annual Masquerade Ball a success.
We hope to make this an annual event which will help sustain our programs and services.
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New Legislation Will Make A Difference
Quick Facts: SB 09-244
Law is effective July 1 ,2010 - Directs health benefit plans to provide coverage for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder and defines what type of coverage is required for the treatment of ASD, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
On or after July 1, 2010, annual maximum benefit for applied behavior analysis includes:
- “Autism Spectrum Disorders” includes the following neurobiological disorders: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and atypical autism as a diagnosis within pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, as defined in the most recent edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, at the time of the diagnosis.
- “Applied Behavior Analysis” means the use of behavior analytic methods and research findings to change socially important behaviors in meaningful ways.
- “Treatment Plan” means a plan developed for an individual by an autism services provider and prescribed by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist, and developed in accordance with the patient-centered medical home.
- Defines who is a qualified provider, including, but is not limited to, speech, occupational, physical and specific qualifications for applied behavior analytic therapies.
- Specifies that treatments are not considered experimental or investigational and are considered appropriate, effective, or efficient for the treatment of autism.Services include:
- evaluation and assessment services
- behavior training and behavior management and applied behavior analysis
- habilitative or rehabilitative care, including, but not limited to, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy
- pharmacy care and medication
- psychiatric care
- psychological care, including family counseling
- therapeutic care
- Specifies that early intervention services are to be provided as specified in the IFSP, and such services shall not duplicate or replace treatment for autism spectrum disorders covered by private health insurance plans.
- Covered ASD services shall be considered the primary service to an eligible child, and early intervention services shall supplement, but not replace, covered ASD services.
- The benefits in subsection (1.4) shall be in addition to any benefits provided for in subsection(1.3) (i.e., early intervention services) and (1.7) (i.e., twenty visits OT, PT, ST).
- The coverage required is not subject to dollar limits, deductibles, or coinsurance provisions that are less favorable to an insured than the dollar limits, deductibles, or coinsurance provisions that apply to physical illness generally under the health benefit plan.
- The maximum benefits for the treatment of a health condition not diagnosed as an autism spectrum disorder, shall not be applied toward any maximum benefit amount established autism spectrum disorder.
- A carrier may not deny or refuse to provide otherwise covered services, refuse to issue, renew, or reissue, or otherwise restrict or terminate coverage under a health benefit plan because of a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or due utilization of services for which benefits are mandated.
- Does not apply to Individual Policies.
- Nothing in this section shall prohibit or prevent a person with an autism spectrum disorder from receiving mental health benefits in his or her health benefit plan.
- Legislative declaration specifies that due to the budgetary issues facing the state of Colorado during fiscal years 2008-09 and 2009-10, the general assembly cannot at this time fund an expansion of the children’s basic health plan to include comparable provisions.
Pictures
February 20th, 2009
Resource Library
August 7th, 2008A collection of useful books, videos, and journal articles are available for checkout at the “Little House”. Please call us at 870-4263 or visit our location at 1920 Pine Grove Road in Steamboat.
Autism A.L.A.R.M
August 7th, 2008Autism A.L.A.R.M- Information for providers and parents
Autism is prevalent
-1 out of 6 children are dignosed with a developmental disorder and/or behavioral problem
-Approximately 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
-Developmental disorders have subtle signs and may be easily missed
Listen to parents
-Early signs of autism are often present before 18 months
-Parents usually do have concerns that somthing is wrong
-Parents generally do give accurate and quality information
-When parents do not spontaneously raise concerns, ask if they have any
Act early
-Make screening and surveillance of important part of your practice
-Know the subtle difference between typical and atypical development
-Learn to recognize red flags
-Use validated screening tools and identify problems early
-Improve the quality of life for children and their families through early and appropriate intervention
Refer
-To Early Intervention of a local school program
-To and autism specialist., or team of specialists, immediatly for a definitive diagnosis
-To audiology and rule out a hearing impariment
-To local community resources for help and family support
Monitor
-Schedulel a follow-up appointment to discuss concerns more throughly
-Look for other condition know to be associated with autism
-Continue surveillance and watch for additional or late signs of autism and/or other developmental disorders
-Continue to provide a medical home
Community Cultivation
August 7th, 2008A horticulture program that addresses the vocational, social and life development needs of individuals with disabilities and/or at risk populations. Through the natural environment and context of the program, our goal is to increase individual’s independence, work ready skills, self esteem, social cognition, peer relationships, stress and relaxation management, along with community integration nad awareness. Individuals will learn to grow and harvest fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, maintain an plot in the Steamboat Springs Botanical Gardens, and sell the products back to the community.
Please Contact Dana Colgan 819-1216 for more information.
Scholarships for Therapy Services
August 7th, 2008Link to Pediatric Therapy Services at Yampa Valley Medical Center
Pediatric Therapy Services of Yampa Valley Medical Center provides Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapy at the “Little House”. Individual services and small group programs are available.
Specialized therapy group Programs are scheduled throughout the year. Children may be grouped according to age, abilities, and therapeutic goals. The groups are facilitated by Occupational, Speech, and Physical Therapists and are designed to provide individualized therapy services through creative, outdoor, and community activities with the supports the children need to have successful learning experiences.
Participants in our group therapy programs demonstrate improved abilities to get along with others, make friends, handle and express frustrations, improved self-confidence and self-concept, and learn cooperation with peers and adults in a goal-directed but fun setting.
New Programs are being designed regularly to meet the changing needs of children and families dealing with autism and related disabilities in our community. New ideas and input are always welcome!
Scholarships are available for services to supplement health insurance coverage.
Please call 871-2398 for a current schedule of group programs or to schedule an evaluation with one of the therapists.
Kids Night Out
August 7th, 2008A community respite program sponsored by Yampa Valley Autism Program, Northwest BOCES, VNA, Pediatric Therapy Services of Yampa Valley Medical Center, Horizons, and generously funded by the Craig Scheckman Foundation.
When: 2nd Thursday of every month 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: “Little House” 1920 Pine Grove Road, Steamboat Springs
Who: Children with special needs and their siblings are invited to spend the evening with qualified care providers
R.S.V.P: Space is limited- please call 870-4263 to sign up 1 week in advance
