Mission
Illuminations Therapy uses a neurodiversity-affirming lens to promote meaningful connections, encourage self-advocacy, and foster self-expression.
About Us
Early start
Preschool-inspired
Early start
We focus our comprehensive ABA therapy service model on building social-emotional, cognitive, and language skills using techniques most appropriate for children ages 1-5 years with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Play-based
Preschool-inspired
Early start
Learning should be fun! We design our teaching sessions to foster joy and build connections. Using Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions, we take the "work" out of ABA therapy.
Preschool-inspired
Preschool-inspired
Preschool-inspired
Our preschool-inspired classrooms help children engage with peers, learn routines, and participate in group activities, supporting a confident step into their next classroom environment.
What are Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs)?
NDBIs are research-based interventions that involve the integration of behavioral and developmental sciences, combining the science of learning with an understanding of child development. Teaching usually occurs in familiar daily routines and fun play activities that are emotionally and socially meaningful to the child.
At Illuminations Therapy, we specialize in an NDBI called the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). This model "fuses a developmental, play-based, relationship-based approach with applied behavior analysis (ABA)." You can find out more about the ESDM here: https://www.esdm.co/.
What are some ways in which our services are neurodiversity-affirming?
Our services aim to increase autonomy and improve quality of life. We rejoice in each child's uniqueness, work from a strengths-based approach, and are committed to listening to autistic voices. We do not encourage masking, reduce non-harmful self-stimulatory behavior, target skills based on neurotypical appearance, or teach compliance. Instead, we respect sensory needs, practice co-regulation, honor the child's communication, teach what is meaningful to the child, and build genuine relationships that incorporate the child's special interests and respond to their emotional state. You can find further information in the following article, co-authored by one of the creators of the Early Start Denver Model: https://autismcenter.duke.edu/sites/default/files/2022-07/jamapediatrics_dawson_2022_vp_220009_1656691885.96975.pdf
Are services covered by insurance?
Our ABA services are often covered by insurance. We are currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Absolute Total Care, Select Health, BlueChoice, TRICARE East, Molina, and Medicaid. If we are not in-network with your insurance provider, we may be able to reach an out-of-network agreement for service coverage. Additionally, you can contact us for private pay rates.