We at The Uncommon Thread are excited and optimistic about “getting back to normal” and continuing our mission to deliver life changing ABA services to as many children as we possibly can. As more and more families come back to TUT for services, we have instituted a plan for a safe and phased approach to re-opening our center doors. Here are some of your most frequently asked questions about TUT and our services during this challenging time.
Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:
Q: Is The Uncommon Thread providing ABA services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Yes, As an essential provider of medically prescribed treatment, TUT has been delivering ABA services to our patient clients and their families. TUT recognizes that every day one of our clients goes without services is a day they will never recoup and a day closer to regression. This is why ABA therapy is considered essential and why TUT is working diligently to provide services even during a pandemic. As of June, TUT centers are open on a partial services bases. Please see below for more information on our three-phased approach to reopening our centers.
Currently TUT is providing:
- In-center ABA therapy to a limited number of children – adhering to the strictest CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of clients and staff
- In-home ABA therapy nd ABA training to our patient parents/caregivers – adhering to the strictest CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of clients and staff
- ABA instruction via Telehealth services
- Schedule family interviews and meetings (via virtual conferencing) for potential and pending services
- Extended School Year (ESY) services will commence in late June
- Field inquiries for in-center, in-home and in-school ABA services
Q: Is ABA therapy via Telehealth working well and producing positive outcomes?
A: Yes! ABA via Telehealth is the next most evidence-based delivery system after in-person delivery and we are seeing good progress in our patient children. All of TUT’s BCBAs have been trained in Telehealth and we are seeing good progress in our patient children. Current circumstances are challenging for everyone; filled with uncertainty and a departure from the routine of our normal lives. For a child with ASD, this challenge is magnified tremendously. Access to ABA services via Telehealth brings a welcomed sense of predictability and structure to the children and families we serve.
Q: Is ABA therapy via Telehealth readily covered by insurance?
A: Yes, On 3/22/20, NJ Governor Murphy announced departmental actions to expand access to Telehealth in response to COVID-19. This has ensured that all major insurance carriers cover ABA therapy via Telehealth during the pandemic. While each insurance carrier has some differences in their coverage (some have waived co-pays and co-sharing making it more affordable for Telehealth) all are onboard and providing coverage.
Q: What is TUT’s three-phased approach to re-opening their centers?
A: As a medically necessary outpatient facility, TUT has begun a three phased approach to reopening. This of course is contingent on the continued decline/spread of Covid-19 and the latest guidelines from the CDC and our state and local government. The first phase will start in June with a limited number of children and therapists in each building, adhering to social distancing guidelines and all recommendations of the CDC. When the first phase is deemed successful, TUT will move into the second phase allowing additional children and staff back into the centers. TUT centers hope to be fully operational by August 2020.
Q: What procedures has TUT put in place to mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19 and best ensure the safety of clients and staff?
A: TUT has been diligent about educating staff and clients on CDC best practices and have required that all follow the CDC guidelines. To that end, TUT has created an addendum to our admissions policy as well as our employment agreement. All staff and families are required to execute this agreement that outlines the best practices for protecting oneself and others from COVID-19. These guidelines include: daily temperature readings of staff and clients, disinfectant products readily accessible at all times; rigorous hand washing by staff and children; a vigorous disinfecting schedule and a “clean as you go” policy. TUT has also been busy reconfiguring the layout of all therapy rooms, open spaces and bathrooms so that each child and therapist will have their own designated space – spread at least 6 feet apart from the others.
Q: Is TUT currently scheduling ABA staff and services for the 2020-2021 school year?
A: Yes. Although there are uncertainties regarding the start of the new school year, TUT has already secured long term and short term staff (BCBAs, RBTs, Behaviorists, ABA Paraprofessionals, etc.) for most of our school district partners. TUT has also been busy planning other ABA services to start in September such as Staff Training, Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Support Plans. Please contact us to schedule a quick conference call to discuss your specific needs and how we might be of service. Contact: Christine Hegan at chegan@theuncommonthread.org or phone 908-604-4500
