Frequently Asked Questions?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting how people communicate, interact, learn, and behave. Since autism is a spectrum disorder, it can manifest in various ways. Each person with autism has different challenges, strengths, and individual needs.

Children with autism are all different, but there are some common signs of ASD that you may notice, including:

• Social interaction and communication challenges: Your child may have difficulty making eye contact, using facial expressions, or understanding social cues. They may also struggle with age-appropriate language.

• Restricted or repetitive behaviors: Your child may become fixated on certain objects or activities and repeat them over and over again. They may also have difficulty adapting to change or have strong reactions to certain sensory stimuli.

• Learning and daily living challenges: Your child may have difficulty learning new skills or completing tasks that are typically easy for other children in their age group. They may also have difficulty with self-care tasks, such as dressing or eating.

It is important to remember that every child is unique. We tailor our programs to fit your child’s specific needs and goals to maximize their potential.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a systematic and scientific approach that uses reinforcement strategies and can be adapted to meet the unique needs of every person. ABA therapy can assist with: 

• Increasing language and communication skills
• Improving social interactions with others
• Enhancing focus on academics
• Decreasing maladaptive or self-injurious behaviors
• Developing daily living skills such as toileting, feeding, and appropriate play

HANDS Center for Autism is an in-network with most major insurance.

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Cigna

• United Healthcare

• North Carolina Medicaid

• Alliance
• Healthy Blue
• WellCare
• United Healthcare Community Plan
• Trillium
• Carolina Complete
• AmeriHealth Caritas
• Cardinal
• Partners
• Vaya

We provide services for children aged 2 to 10.

At HANDS, we recognize the importance of working closely with the professionals involved in your child’s care to provide the most comprehensive services. This may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, and other related services. Our team will also work closely with teachers, medical providers, and other specialists to ensure consistency across environments and treatment approaches. HANDS understands the importance of collaboration to better support your child’s success.

At the end of each session, your child’s technician will provide feedback about their day and what was worked on. All of our clinics have closed-circuit cameras for clinical observations.

Parent training is an integral part of your child’s HANDS On ABA Therapy program. Parent and caregiver training can help your child with practicing and reinforcing skills at home. Parents will meet with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to ask questions, receive support, and learn how to best support their child outside of the clinic.