Smile Pediatric Therapy & Diagnostics

ABA therapy

Ages 2+

ABA for children and teens ages 2 to 18 who have autism or show markers of autism. The program blends Discrete Trial Training with Naturalistic Environment Training in a semi-structured to structured approach, with learning through play built in and parent training as a focal point. Goals cover functional communication, socialization, self-help, pre-academic skills, motor development, regulation and executive function. Therapy runs 10 to 40 hours a week, with exceptions for scheduling. It can be provided at the Beverly Blvd center, in the home or in the community. Funded through private insurance (in-network with Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross commercial and Medi-Cal plans, and Easter Seals of Southern California) or private pay. The program is being evaluated for Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center funding.

• Applied behavior analysis, Discrete Trial Training, Naturalistic Environment Training and Parent training
• Eilise Bradshaw, BCBA
• Insurance: Regional center funded: vendored with a California regional center
• Where care happens: At the clinic or office; In the family’s home; Out in the community: parks, stores, playdates

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

Ages 1–5

The Early Start Denver Model, a play-based, child-led approach for children 12 to 60 months old who have autism or show markers of autism. It focuses on social interaction, receptive and expressive language, motor development, imitation, play and independence, with parent involvement and training central. Therapy runs 15 to 30 hours a week and can take place at the center, in the home, community, preschool or daycare. Funded by Frank D. Lanterman, Eastern Los Angeles and Westside Regional Centers for eligible children from 12 months to 4 years 11 months. It is not offered through private insurance, but private clients are accepted.

• Early Start Denver Model, Parent training and Social communication
• Insurance: Regional center funded: vendored with a California regional center; Self-pay or cash only, no insurance billing
• Where care happens: At the clinic or office; In the family’s home; Out in the community: parks, stores, playdates; At the child’s school or daycare

Speech, occupational, physical and feeding therapy

Up to age 21

Pediatric speech-language therapy (receptive and expressive language, speech production, motor speech, fluency and voice, pragmatics, AAC), occupational therapy with sensory integration, physical therapy for gross motor development, and feeding therapy from birth to school age with a team of OTs, speech-language pathologists and dietitians. Caregivers are taught strategies for everyday life. Assessments and consultations from birth to adolescence include play-based observation, standardized testing, parent interview and records review. Smile is contracted with regional centers for evaluations and treatment for children from birth to 3, and provides Developmental Intake Assessments for Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center clients of all ages. In-network with Kaiser Permanente and Easter Seals of Southern California for these therapies.

• Speech-language therapy, Occupational therapy, Sensory integration, Physical therapy, Feeding therapy and Developmental assessments
• Danielle Daze, CF-SLP
• Insurance: Regional center funded: vendored with a California regional center; HMO plans

• Activities: Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Feeding therapy, Testing & evaluation and Early intervention

Making Children Social Stars social skills program

Ages 2–14

Making Children Social Stars is Smile's own social skills training program for children from age 2 through 8th grade who have social-emotional learning differences or autism or show markers of it. It uses a naturalistic approach built on reciprocal peer interaction, with child-oriented lessons and tools for caregivers. Groups are by age: preschool (2 to 4 years 11 months), elementary (kindergarten to 2nd grade and 3rd to 5th grade) and middle school (6th to 8th grade). Sessions meet at the center at consistent times, with teletherapy parent training available as needed. Funded by Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center for eligible children; private funding is also available.

• Social skills groups and Parent training
• Insurance: Regional center funded: vendored with a California regional center
• Where care happens: At the clinic or office
• Telehealth or video visits: yes