NAAvigators

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Medical and Biomedical Interventions are of critical importance for children on the autism spectrum. Our children often have a wide variety of medical needs - some of which go unrecognized -- including gastrointestinal disorders, nutrient imbalances, food allergies and sensitivities, inflammation, and mitochondrial and metabolic disorders. We can put you in touch with NAAvigators familiar with numerous types of interventions to address these conditions. Some areas in which are NAAvigators are knowledgeable include: Defeat Autism Now! protocols, homeopathy protocols, nutritionists, allergists, gastroenterologists, neuropsychologists, mitochondrial specialists. NAAvigators can also offer tips on determining if a practitioner is a good fit for you and your family.

Nutritional Information can be difficult to decipher and changes can be hard to implement, especially if you have a finicky eater. NAAvigators are available to discuss many dietary interventions that families find helpful, such as: Gluten-Free/Casein-Free diet (GFCF), Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), Body Ecology Diet (BED), Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet (GAPS), Low Oxalate Diet (LOD), and others. NAAvigators can also discuss nutrition facts and myths and why whole food diets are healthier for all of us - typical or not, child or adult.

Early Intervention Services for children 0-3 allow children to get the help, support, and therapy they need from a very young age. NAAvigators can discuss the importance of early intervention for any child who shows signs of developmental delays and why it is important to seek help sooner rather than later. The program will try to put you in touch with a NAAvigator familiar with the early intervention system in your area to help you get started quickly and give you advice so that you can effectively advocate for your child to get services he or she may need such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, play therapy, and physical therapy.

Obtaining appropriate Educational and Related Services either in or outside of the school setting for your preschooler or school-aged child can be frustrating and time-consuming, even when all parties involved are trying to do the right thing. NAAvigators can offer tips on negotiating the complex maze of the educational system and how to get an appropriate IEP and school placement for your child.

With so many Educational/Behavioral Interventions available, it can be difficult to determine which is the most appropriate model for your child and how to obtain those services. NAAvigators are familiar with many different educational and behavioral intervention approaches, including: Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), DIR/Floortime (the Greenspan method), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Son-Rise, Verbal Behavior, and TEACCH. Each of these methods has proven powerful for many children but one method is not right for all children. For parents, it is important to learn about the many approaches available so that you can assess school placement or home program options and effectively advocate for your child.

Many children with ASD need and benefit from intensive Therapy, including: Speech Therapy and Oral-Motor Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy, and Physical Therapy. NAAvigators can discuss with you what each of these therapies is, how the various therapies may help children with ASD, and resources for obtaining therapy from early intervention or a school district, as well as obtaining services privately.

In addition to traditional therapy modalities, there are many Other Therapies that parents have found beneficial for their children with. Some of these therapies include: Vision Therapy, Listening Therapies, Cranio-sacral Therapy, Chiropractic Neurology, Music and Art Therapies, Neuro-feedback, Social Skills, HANDLE, and others. Many NAAvigators have tried a variety of additional therapies and would be happy to discuss with you what these modalities are and the goals of these therapies, and to share with you their own experiences.

Insurance is a difficult issue for many families with children with ASD. Coverage may be limited, or, even when coverage appears to be there, claims may be denied. NAAvigators can share their own tips for working with insurance companies to ensure to the fullest extent possible that your child receives the coverage to which he or she is entitled.

Real Estate is a challenging issue in the Tri-State area no matter what. But if you have a child with ASD, the issues are magnified. Is your new home in a good school district? What private services are available locally? Are there good private school options? If you are considering apartments: is the building child-friendly and what are the neighbors like? What if your child escapes your apartment, will the doormen be amenable to looking out for him/her? How do you assess buildings and neighborhoods? NAAvigators with realty experience can help you.

"Greening" your home to reduce environmental toxins is an important step, especially if you have a child with special needs. The modern world is a toxic place and many children with ASD are unable to detoxify their bodies as efficiently as most of us. For that reason, it is imperative that we as parents take whatever steps we can to reduce the toxic burden for our children. Moreover, in any home, it is better to have fewer chemicals around that are a danger to any child. There are easy changes we can make around our homes to help the entire family live "greener" lives and NAAvigators who are taking these steps in their own homes are here to help you.

Protecting a child's safety is important for any parent but imperative for a parent of a child with ASD. It is a harsh reality that children with ASD are more "at risk" than other children, both in and outside of our homes. Some children may lack awareness of basic safety "rules," others may be "bolters" who run off unpredictably. Our children are more at risk for drowning; and more at risk for getting lost -- and many are unable to communicate basic identifying information. NAAvigators can offer their experiences and tips on safety for your child both in your home and outside the home.