Ceremonial Autism Bill Signing

May 23, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Our autism insurance legislation will be publicly, formally recognized by Governor Northam and his office. We are inviting the autism community to join us in celebration of the passing of this landmark legislation over a decade in the making! The Virginia Autism Project, Autism Speaks, and the Virginia Autism Foundation are hosts!

SwimRVA Camps: Why We’re Different

May 11, 2019 By SwimRVA

What makes SwimRVA camps different?

SwimRVA has unique camps that will give your child countless memories, a great workout, and a healthy dose of self-confidence.

From log rolling to water polo to strokes-and-turns, our camps offer a wide variety of ways for your child to have a safe, well-rounded, energetic and fun experience they’ll remember. Our camps are led by the Richmond region’s top aquatics professionals.

End of the School Year Survival Tips

May 10, 2019 By Brain Balance

You and your child have almost made it to the end of the school year, and that’s a victory for both of you. But because your kid’s behavioral, academic and/or social challenges don’t take a vacation, the last few weeks of school can be a real struggle for the whole family. Help your child through this chaotic transition period using these simple strategies.

The Different Services Offered At The Faison Center

May 10, 2019 By Faison Center

About The Faison Center

Welcome to The Faison Center

The Faison Center gives children and adults with autism and related challenges the best opportunity to live rich and fulfilling lives. Autism affects more children than childhood cancers, cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis combined. The Faison Center’s unique lifespan model provides Central Virginia with its primary source of world-class services for those with autism and their families. From early intervention to adult care, we are committed to improving the lives of the individuals we serve.

Therapy At Next Steps Behavioral Centers

May 9, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Next Steps is proud to be one of the exclusive providers offering the benefit of both in-home and center-based therapy to the clients and families of the Richmond region. But, despite the location of service, Next Steps is dedicated to providing person-centered, empirically validated, and quality assessment, treatment, and teaching for the child/teenager/young adult and their family.

SOAR 365’s Children & Youth Program keeps children learning. And parents working.

May 7, 2019 By Richmond ARC

If you have a school-aged child (5 to 21) who has special needs and can’t be left unsupervised, we have the perfect solution: SOAR365’s Children & Youth Program. When school’s closed, we’re open—and ready to inspire, challenge, encourage, support, educate and care for your loved one.

Changes To The CCCPlus waiver Effective May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Last year, on 9/1/2018, Medicaid CCC Plus Waiver Personal Care for people under the age of 21 was changed. The change required new forms (the DREADED DMAS-7 & DMAS-7A) and a new process for authorizing Personal Care using standards for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). It required the child’s doctor to fill out the DMAS-7 form and left no room for error. The changes were confusing and resulted in some young people experiencing a lapse in Personal Care services while waiting on the form and/or receiving fewer hours of Personal Care than they had in the past.

VPFW Blog: First Visit to the Gynecologist

April 28, 2019 By VPFW

So it’s time for your first visit to the gynecologist! How do you know when it’s time to go? What can you expect? What questions do you need to ask? How can you make it an easier experience? For all women, their first visit to the gynecologist can be intimidating but I’m here to tell you it should not be scary or painful.

10 Great Ideas For Self Care Gifts For Mom On Mother’s Day

April 28, 2019 By Carissa Garabedian

Mother’s Day is always a day that I would look forward to yet I use to struggle with being disappointed. I did it to myself and realized it was because I wasn’t always letting my family know what I needed. I wanted the element of surprise, then wondered why they got it all wrong. So, it got me thinking about the things that would make me happy and things I would love to receive. For me, it is not about jewelry, flowers or fancy restaurants. It is about being together and making memories. On the receiving end, the gifts that make me happy are the ones I can do by myself and/ or help me take care of myself.

How to Overcome Test Anxiety

April 27, 2019 By Brain Balance

Like acne and growth spurts, test anxiety is a pretty normal part of being a kid. Being nervous about taking tests isn’t reserved for students with learning disabilities, although these children are often especially prone to test anxiety. As a parent, you might feel powerless as you watch your child struggle with fear about an upcoming quiz or exam. You can’t take the test for them, but there are some strategies you can use to help your student relax and prepare.