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To All ABS Families,

With the 4th of July weekend quickly approaching, we should all be reminded to follow the local and state guidelines regarding Covid-19 as well as the safety precautions provided by the CDC.

The safety of our staff, the children we treat, and their families is at the forefront of our minds. Please continue to follow the general guidelines provided by the CDC below:

• Practice social distancing of 6 ft. or more
• Avoid groups larger than 10 people
• Wear a mask if you’re outside of your house or around others
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your face if you need to cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick or have a sick family member at home

Below you’ll find a reminder of the precautions that we are taking to provide ABA Therapy as safely possible. This is an unprecedented event and we will continue to keep you updated as we monitor recommendations from the CDC and other credible news sources. Think you’ve missed an update from ABS? All updates can be accessed by visiting abskids.com.

As a reminder, here are the Guidelines From The CDC and How They Impact an ABA Therapy Program. New/updated information has been highlighted in red.

1. A focus on hygiene.

• For children with autism, this is an opportunity to emphasize skills in handwashing and cleanliness in activities of daily living, and habits such as coughing into your elbow. Members of the behavior intervention team should focus on and reinforce these skills as a part of the ABA Therapy program.
• Parents are advised to create a sanitary environment for treatment by cleaning surface areas, frequently touched areas, and toys with antibacterial soap or cleaners.
• All ABS ABA therapy centers and ABS offices have increased sanitation of all ABA Therapy tools, toys, and frequently touched surfaces.
• ABS has provided all members of the ABA therapy team with the necessary personal protective equipment.

2. Practice social distancing of six feet or more.

• In treatment, social distancing is a challenge and an emphasis should be placed on reducing physical contact.
• The number of behavior intervention team members for each child has been reduced to limit contact points while maintaining the ABA therapy program.
• Allow for fewer people in the room for treatment; reduce exposure between the additional family and the staff.
• Behavior Analysts have been approved to use telehealth to encourage social distancing. Please use where appropriate.

3. Avoid any gatherings with 10 or more people.

• For parents who take their child to one of our ABA Therapy Centers: We are taking steps in reducing access to different parts of the center to avoid any gatherings of 10 or more- this means that we are separating all clinic spaces to allow for children and staff to not congregate in groups.

4. Face mask use

• Face Masks or face shields are required to be worn at all times in all ABA therapy centers.
• Face Masks should also be worn in community settings when required by local or state guidelines.
• Face masks are strongly encouraged to be worn in all in-home ABA therapy sessions.

5. Ask screening questions

• Ask a series of questions of all participants (including members of the behavior intervention team as well as the patient and their family) before entering any treatment environment. If any of the questions have been confirmed we will not be providing services and will need to speak with the Behavior Analyst to develop a plan of action.
  • Have you or someone in your household traveled outside of the country in the last 14 days?
  • Do you or anyone in your household have symptoms of a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, or fever over 100.4?
  • Does anyone in your household have symptoms of difficulty breathing?
  • To the best of your knowledge, in the last 14 days have you or anyone in your household been in prolonged (longer than 15min) close proximity (within 6ft) to any individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is COVID-19 symptomatic.

Team ABS is here to help. For questions regarding our procedural guidelines and recommendations, please contact your child’s behavior analyst.

Have a fun & safe weekend.

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