CENTRAL VALLEY AUTISM PROJECT, INC.
A Published Lovaas Research & Clinical Replication Site
Established in 1990
A Published Lovaas Research & Clinical Replication Site
Established in 1990
ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis
ARC: Alta Regional Center
ASD: Autistic Spectrum Disorder
EIBT: Early Intensive Behavioral
Treatment
ESAIP: Early Start Autism
Intervention Program
FAPE: Free and Appropriate Public
Education
FEAT: Families for Effective Autism
Treatment
FRN: Family Resource Network
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act
IEP: Individual Education Program
IFSP: Individual Family Service
Program for children ages 0-3
IT: Infant and Toddler Program
NPA/NPS: Non-Public Agency/School
P.E.A.C.E.: Parents, Educators, and
Administrators Collaborating
Effectively
SELPA: Special Education Local
Planning Area
TOM: Theory of Mind
VMRC: Valley Mountain Regional
Center
ARC: Alta Regional Center
ASD: Autistic Spectrum Disorder
EIBT: Early Intensive Behavioral
Treatment
ESAIP: Early Start Autism
Intervention Program
FAPE: Free and Appropriate Public
Education
FEAT: Families for Effective Autism
Treatment
FRN: Family Resource Network
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act
IEP: Individual Education Program
IFSP: Individual Family Service
Program for children ages 0-3
IT: Infant and Toddler Program
NPA/NPS: Non-Public Agency/School
P.E.A.C.E.: Parents, Educators, and
Administrators Collaborating
Effectively
SELPA: Special Education Local
Planning Area
TOM: Theory of Mind
VMRC: Valley Mountain Regional
Center
Frequently Asked Questions
| Frequently Used Acronyms |
Copyright Central Valley Autism Project, Inc. 2005-2011
For parents, family members, and any individuals who have been touched by
autism; we hope that the information below will serve as a starting point in
answering your questions. Questions specifically regarding autism will direct
you to The National Autism Society website.
1. What is autism? Click here
2. What are the most common characteristics of autism? Click here
3. What is the difference between autism and PDD? Click here
4. Why is early intervention so important? Click here
5. I think my child has autism- what do I do next?
6. How do I obtain services for my child if they have been diagnosed
with Autism?
After a child is diagnosed with ASD, parents/caregivers will receive a packet
of information that includes additional references and links to
support/advocacy groups. Caregivers are encouraged to look into all
appropriate and available educational programs for their child in conjunction
with their IFSP/IEP team meetings. For children younger than 36 months
old, an Early Start Autism Intervention Program or other Infant-Toddler
Programs are available.
7. Do I have to pay anything?
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) is a federal
law that guarantees a free and appropriate public education for every child
with a disability. This means that your child’s education should be at no cost
to you and should be appropriate for his/her age, ability and developmental
level.
8. How can CVAP serve your child? Click here.
9. Does CVAP provide parent training?
Parents are required to attend an initial training workshop prior to/during
the initial phases of their child’s intervention. This training includes lecture
on CVAP, Inc. history; Dr. Ivar Lovaas’ and CVAP, Inc.’s research results
(Lovaas, 1983, 1993; Cohen, Amerine-Dickens, and Smith, 2006);
information on, and application of principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and
the UCLA/Lovaas Model of treatment; demonstration; and role-play. In
addition, ongoing training is provided at the weekly Staff Meetings in the
child’s home/Center room and at other opportunities throughout the week.
It is CVAP intention to provide adequate information to the parents/care
providers so they can become sophisticated reporters of behavioral change,
are equipped to successfully generalize newly learned skills and behaviors to
the natural environment, and to become well-versed in their child’s
intervention.
10. I have questions regarding research? Click here.
11. How does CVAP Intake new clients/receive clients?
Referral basis from school district/SELP or VMRC.
12. What do I do if I suspect my child has autism?
Visit your pediatrician or the state developmental center in your area. Here
is a link that shows all developmental centers and contact information and
counties served for California:
www.dds.ca.gov/RC/RCList.cfm
autism; we hope that the information below will serve as a starting point in
answering your questions. Questions specifically regarding autism will direct
you to The National Autism Society website.
1. What is autism? Click here
2. What are the most common characteristics of autism? Click here
3. What is the difference between autism and PDD? Click here
4. Why is early intervention so important? Click here
5. I think my child has autism- what do I do next?
- If your child is under the age of three, contact your local state
regional center. - If your child is over the age of three, contact your local school district.
6. How do I obtain services for my child if they have been diagnosed
with Autism?
After a child is diagnosed with ASD, parents/caregivers will receive a packet
of information that includes additional references and links to
support/advocacy groups. Caregivers are encouraged to look into all
appropriate and available educational programs for their child in conjunction
with their IFSP/IEP team meetings. For children younger than 36 months
old, an Early Start Autism Intervention Program or other Infant-Toddler
Programs are available.
7. Do I have to pay anything?
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) is a federal
law that guarantees a free and appropriate public education for every child
with a disability. This means that your child’s education should be at no cost
to you and should be appropriate for his/her age, ability and developmental
level.
8. How can CVAP serve your child? Click here.
9. Does CVAP provide parent training?
Parents are required to attend an initial training workshop prior to/during
the initial phases of their child’s intervention. This training includes lecture
on CVAP, Inc. history; Dr. Ivar Lovaas’ and CVAP, Inc.’s research results
(Lovaas, 1983, 1993; Cohen, Amerine-Dickens, and Smith, 2006);
information on, and application of principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and
the UCLA/Lovaas Model of treatment; demonstration; and role-play. In
addition, ongoing training is provided at the weekly Staff Meetings in the
child’s home/Center room and at other opportunities throughout the week.
It is CVAP intention to provide adequate information to the parents/care
providers so they can become sophisticated reporters of behavioral change,
are equipped to successfully generalize newly learned skills and behaviors to
the natural environment, and to become well-versed in their child’s
intervention.
10. I have questions regarding research? Click here.
11. How does CVAP Intake new clients/receive clients?
Referral basis from school district/SELP or VMRC.
12. What do I do if I suspect my child has autism?
Visit your pediatrician or the state developmental center in your area. Here
is a link that shows all developmental centers and contact information and
counties served for California:
www.dds.ca.gov/RC/RCList.cfm
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