Monterroso Early Intervention Academy (MEIA)
An early diagnosis can be scary for many families, but early intervention is scientifically proven to provide your little one with the most success. Our clinic based early intervention program recreates a preschool-like setting and utilizes the evidence-based practice of ABA therapy that is designed with our families in mind. Replicating a natural environment, our trained professionals work with your family as we build a variety of useful skills for your little ones.
The MEIA Program
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Center-Based Therapy
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Children from ages 2-6 y/o
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Full-Time Program
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Individualized Plans
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1-1 Client-to-Client Ratio
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School Preparedness
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Building Social Skills
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May be covered fully by Insurance
What is MEIA?
The Monterroso Early Intervention Academy (MEIA) is a uniquely designed program for children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, which utilizes ABA Therapy as the evidence-based therapy and cornerstone to improve and increase their skills. The MEIA provides center-based therapy uniquely designed to replicate the natural setting, allowing your child to thrive in their homes, schools, and community.
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The focus in The MEIA is to provide intensive early intervention therapy in the most pivotal time in a child's life, from the ages of 2-6 years old. Our center-based approach focuses on school-readiness by replicating a preschool setting with activities such as circle time, naturalistic play, task completion, implemented routine, transitions, daily living skills, and social skills opportunities.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA Therapy utilizes the methods and strategies based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which has studied the science of learning and behavior to better support the development language, improve social skills, increase communication skills, incorporate play and daily living skills, and provide behavior management, and much more.
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The science of ABA has been proven to be most effective for younger children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, when early intervention is incorporated in their treatment plan. This safe and effective treament method works with Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to tailor an indiviudalized plan for your child. Each goal is chosen to best suit your child and their needs and they continue to develop their skills.
How can our MEIA Program Help Your Little One?
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Increase Language
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Increase Social Communication
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Increase Social Skills
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Fin/Gross Motor Skills
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Increase Adaptive Skills
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Toilet/Potty Training
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Increase Daily Living Skills
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Improve Emotional Regulation
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What is the MEIA approach?
Here at MIS, we understand that a child is not the only one effected by a diagnosis. We believe in supporting the whole family, the same as we believe in treating a whole person (not just a diagnosis). At MIS, we provide a variety of additional services to support family which include Individual therapy, family therapy, couples counseling, psychiatry, psychological evaluations, and parent training/coaching.
The MEIA approach believes in developing the skills of our clients, highlighting their strengths and resources. One of our core values at MIS is to "Live Your Best Life." Though we work to improve the skills to best support your little in this world, we do not believe in quieting the beauty of their personality. The MEIA approach believes in enhancing qualities and skills that allow for a child to live their best lives.
In our MEIA program you will work with
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Main supervisor, completes assessment, program creator, behavior plan creator & parent trainer.
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Registered Behavior Technician (RBT): Provides direct services based on the programs and behavior plans created by their supervisor, the BCBA.
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At times, with a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA): Under the supervision of the BCBA, can assist with creating programs, completing assessments, supervising, creating behavior plans & providing parent training.
How do I get started?
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ASSESSMENT. To begin, our licensed Behavior Analysts (BCBA or BCaBA) will complete a thorough behavioral assessment created to determine the function of the clients behavior and the appropriate behaviors we would like to teach and encourage that would assist the clients in their lives. Understanding that all behaviors have a purpose, we assess the clients environment and interactions to determine what the client may receive from engage in unwanted behavior and create a plan to modify these behaviors to more appropriate behaviors.
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INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLAN. Based on the assessment completed, an individualized behavioral treatment plan is created to meet the unique needs of the individual and family. Utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a plan is developed to reduce undesirable behaviors and increase appropriate alternative behaviors that will increase the clients quality of life.
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TRAINING PARENTS AND OTHER CAREGIVERS. As an integrative team, we believe that families and caregivers are the cornerstone to treatment as they are often with the client longer than we are as professionals. We provide unique support and training to parents and other caregivers in order to provide them with the confidence needed to implement treatment programs created. As the therapist continues to learn the child (adolescent), we provide training to caregivers on what to do in specific and general situations. We value the team approach and working directly with parents in order to ensure that the client learns how to respond with multiple caregivers in different settings, not just in the presence of the therapist.
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MONITORING PROGRESS. As behavior therapists, we are constantly taking information, which we call data. This can be in regards to specific skill development or behavioral concerns. By recording instances and progress, the supervisor is able to systematically monitor the clients progress and modify programs as we move forwards towards treatment goals. At MIS we believe that time is precious. When a supervisor notices a program or approach is ineffective as moving towards progress, they will often change the technique, approach or program.
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FADING OUT. For all of our clients, our goal is to provide families and clients with the tools necessary to maintain the progress that has developed. Once we have consistency and behaviors are modifying in the desired direction, we will gradually and systemically fade out, while maintaining support for the families and caregivers.
