Affirming Support Collaborative

Comprehensive developmental therapy (ABA/BHT alternative)

Up to age 21

Play-based, child-led developmental therapy for autistic and other neurodivergent children, built on the DIR/Floortime model and informed by naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (JASPER, Early Start Denver Model, Natural Environment Teaching). It is positioned as a developmental alternative to traditional ABA that can still be covered as Behavioral Health Treatment. Comprehensive care is usually 15-30 hours a week of 1:1 support in home, school and community settings, while focused therapy targets one or two areas; a team assessment guides the recommendation. It supports communication, self-help skills, coping, regulation, social-emotional wellness and friendships, and coaches families. The team includes BCBAs, DIR specialists, an AMFT and an SLP, and a Spanish-speaking therapist. Medi-Cal is accepted for ABA/BHT with or without an autism diagnosis; Anthem/Blue Cross is in network; superbills and private or sliding-scale fees are available.

• Developmental therapy, DIR/Floortime, Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT), Parent coaching and Speech and AAC support
• Cailey Rodgers, AMFT, BCBA and Kirstie Ruhland, SLP, BCBA
• Insurance: Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal; Out of network: a superbill for reimbursement; Sliding-scale fees
• Where care happens: In the family’s home; At the child’s school or daycare; Out in the community: parks, stores, playdates

• Financial aid or scholarships available