Pool Time Summer Safety Tips

In Florida, a giant alligator is generally a frightening occurrence – unless it’s a giant pool float and can be used for splashing, riding, and laughing!

kids playing in big floaties in a pool

 

As Tallahassee days reach their humid summer peak, aquatic activities are a family favorite. This summer as you venture out to keep things cool, keep in mind some important tips for pool safety.

two kids with sunglasses playing in the pool with floaties

 

  1. Take swimming lessons as a family! The Red Cross offers water orientation and swim lessons for all ages. Bond with your child as you show them the importance of safety and independence.Consider first aid and CPR/AED classes.
  2. Before heading out to the pool, have a talk with your family. Encourage awareness and caution. Discuss with children how to recognize signs of danger and that if they are at all unsure, a trusted adult or a lifeguard should be made aware immediately.
  3. Encourage the buddy system. Place an emphasis on the importance of not swimming alone.
  4. Establish clear rules such as asking for permission before approaching the water. Discourage dangerous games such as breath holding contests.
  5. Believe it or not, lifeguards aren’t only around to blow that whistle when someone is running. They keep a close watch over your loved ones and can mean the difference between a fun day and a traumatizing experience. Find an area with lifeguards who can help keep watch.
  6. Equip young children and inexperienced swimmers with life vests. Discuss with them appropriate and inappropriate swimming areas depending on depth.
  7. The large bodies of water are not the only ones to be concerned about. Keep yourself and your family hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine.
  8. Prepare yourself for a possible emergency. If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or injury.

 

The city of Tallahassee offers some fantastic facilities for you and your family to take advantage of. With proper preparation and communication, pool time can be a wonderful addition to your summer.

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Navigating Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Navigating insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

gavel pounding

 

Florida enacted autism insurance reform on May 2, 2008, under the Steven Geller Autism Coverage Act. As a result, large group health insurance plans and HMO large group health plans provide coverage for diagnostic screening, intervention and treatment of ASD. However, coverage for ASD is not required by state law for small employer (50 or less employees) group plans or self-insured plans.

HOW DO I VERIFY WHETHER I HAVE ASD COVERAGE?

To verify whether your policy covers treatment for Autism, check your policy booklet under the terms “Applied Behavior Therapy,” “ABA Therapy” or “Autism Therapy.” If access to your policy booklet is not readily available, contact your insurance plan directly using the telephone number listed on the front (or back) of your insurance card. If you verify by telephone, make sure you  keep a record of the reference number for the call, and the name of the representative you spoke with.

 

INSURANCE & CBG

Calculator, receipt, and pen on a desk for insurance

After you have completed the new client paperwork, our billing department will take care of the insurance process. CBG will contact your child’s insurance company to verify benefits for ABA therapy. The billing department will compose an explanation of benefits and parameters of payment document detailing the cost for ABA therapy services.

Benefits will vary depending on the employer group plan. HMO plans generally have a copayment per day with a designated out-of-pocket maximum amount. Most PPO plans utilize a deductible which must be satisfied; afterwards, the plan will cover 80 percent of the allowed charges while you cover the other 20 percent. As with the HMO plans, the PPO policies have a maximum out-of-pocket amount that must be satisfied. With both policy types, once the out-of-pocket maximum has been satisfied, the insurance company will cover 100 percent of the allowed charges.

 

Cayer Behavioral Group’s billing procedure is as follows:

  • services are provided by your child’s therapist(s);

  • the following week, the services are submitted to the billing department for submission to the insurance company;

  • the claims are submitted electronically through the individual insurance carriers clearinghouse (or website);

  • your insurance plan generally remits payment within 10 business days; and,

  • CBG will send you an invoice for the copayment or deductible amount due on the 10th and 25th of each month.

Contact Cayer Behavioral Group today to let us help you find your new normal!

happy family laughing in the car

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Helping People with ASD: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

What is ABA?

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is the most effective therapeutic intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is successful with both children and adults. The focus of ABA intervention is to improve a person’s quality of life by teaching skills necessary for day-to-day functioning, and to decrease behaviors that may inhibit success. Typically, ABA interventions rely on the use of strategically applied reinforcers that motivate the individual to learn a skill, or refrain from engaging in an unwanted behavior.

ABA is a form of therapy based on B. F. Skinner’s theory of behaviorism, which focuses on observable behaviors. ABA therapy is applied in a variety of ways, but each therapeutic intervention is customized to be meaningful to the individual.

ASD kid looking at a globe - ABA blog

Why is ABA so popular?

ABA is proven to be effective! Studies show that 30-50% of children with ASD who begin receiving quality, intensive ABA therapy from a young age go on to succeed in regular education classrooms. Moreover, their success continues to improve well into the future. ABA interventions also help improve family relationships by increasing positive behavior within the home, and enhance social skills, such as appropriate eye contact, reciprocal conversation, making and accepting bids, as well as many others.

Specific, child centered  interventions are designed to teach functional skills that are important to the child. Examples may include: washing hands, tying a shoe, or a job-specific skill. The specific needs of the individual drive the design of his or her interventions. As a result, ABA-based interventions open up endless possibilities for learning and success, and encourage positive change in the lives of individuals and their families.

Kids playing in the classroom ABA approach

The Growing Field of ABA

As ABA grows in popularity, the number of services provided grows. Every day, more and more ABA-based services are provided in schools and in the community. A growing number of teachers and staff are embracing ABA and welcoming it into schools and classrooms. There has also been an increasing number of opportunities for older individuals with ASD. This makes it easier for adults with ASD to contribute their unique skills throughout the community.

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