Frequently Asked Questions

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 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. It is known as a “spectrum” due to the variation in type and severity of symptoms that clients can have.  

 Although it is a spectrum and can vary greatly between individuals there are some common signs and symptoms for ASD.  These are: having difficulty with communication and interaction with other people, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and symptoms that affect their ability to function in different areas of life.  

 Applied Behavior Analysis is a behavioral treatment for people with autism spectrum disorder. ABA is an intervention that reinforces desired behaviors to improve the skills of communication, language, and social skills. Here at Expressions, we are one-to-one with our clients, so they have the best learning experience!  

• Develop new skills such as using functional communication and potty training
• Decrease maladptive behaviors such as aggression, non-compliance, and elopement
• Teach ways to cope and self- regulate emotions when one loses at a game or misses a test question
• Using everyday social skills effectively and appropriately to engage with peers and adults

 Yes, a diagnosis is required before starting ABA therapy. It is important to talk to your health care provider about ASD screening or evaluation. If they do not have an ASD diagnosis, your health insurance will not pay for services.   

There are several centers that you can go to if you need an evaluation for your child.

• Your Primary Care Physician for a referral to a Child/Family Psychologist or Psychiatrist
• MU-Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Phone number: 573-882-6081 or 1-888-720-0015
• Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics Developmental and Behavioral Sciences
  • Phone: 816-234-3674
• Dr. Deb’s Family and Child Development
  • Phone: 913-219-5696
• Dr. Lisa Walsh at Autism Behavior and Psychological Services
  • Phone: 913-206-8154
• Dr. Jama Bogart @ NRMC
  • Phone: 417-448-3600
• KU- Kansas Center for Autism Training and Research 
  • Phone: 913-897-8471

 At Expressions, we accept MO Healthnet (Missouri Medicaid), United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna.  

1. Contact Expressions, either by phone 816-730-8525 or email admin@expressionsbhc.com 

2. Complete our onboarding packet 

3. Email admin@expressionsbhc.com or fax 816-265-1828 the completed packet, insurance card and your child's autism diagnosis back to Expressions. 

4. Your child will be put on our waitlist and as soon as an opening becomes available, Expressions staff will give you a call. 

5. Expressions will obtain pre-authorization from your health insurance provider.

6. After authorization is received, Expressions staff will call and schedule an assessment appointment with one of our Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). 

7. An assessment is conducted. During the assessment, our BCBA will discuss a treatment plan that fits your child’s needs. 

8. BCBA will send your insurance your child's treatment plan for approval to begin services. 

9. Once approved by insurance, services will begin!

 All of our direct care staff are required to get their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification in order to provide services for your child. There are multiple steps to obtaining their RBT. They must first be interviewed for the job, once hired they must complete 40 hours of training, complete a competency assessment by their Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), complete and pass a board exam, and have extensive on-the- job training before working with clients. All RBTs are directly supervised and obtain ongoing training by a BCBA.  

There are many benefits of center-based therapy, which include, but are not limited to: 

• An efficient environment for practicing routine and structure
• Improves educational skills in preparation for school environment 
• Gives clients opportunity for interacting with peers and obtaining social skills.  Once skills are learned, they can be practiced in other environments. 
• Easily able to adjust environment for the best success 
• Helps clients focus on learning skills without distractions 
• Easily setup for one-to-one teaching and necessary for modeling appropriate behavior in a safe environment