January 18, 2023
Care Options for Kids
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today.
While individuals with ASD can share common symptoms, each individual is different and so are their strengths and difficulties. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
At four-years-old, Sebastian was diagnosed with ASD Level 3, which requires substantial support and is defined by severe challenges in social communication and extremely inflexible behavior. His mother began early intervention because he had stopped talking and interacting with other people. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
“I learned of the family caregiver program from another Care Options for Kids therapist who is on my son’s care team. I also had heard good things from a friend of mine who also receives care through Care Options for Kids,” added Cheyenna, Sebastian’s mother and caregiver.
Cheyenna has been a Family CNA with Care Options for Kids for three months. Through the Family CNA program at Care Options for Kids, Cheyenna is now able to care for her son more extensively and receive the necessary resources to deliver the highest quality care. In addition, the home care assistance programs in Colorado allow family members (caregivers) the opportunity to earn an income for the care they provide in the home.
“The Family CNA school was great. It’s very beneficial to not only Sebastian, but everyone in my household,” adds Cheyenna.
“Sebastian receives occupational therapy, and works on writing and correcting those destructive behaviors. He’s also in speech therapy and we’re using an AAC device for communication,” adds Cheyenna.
Today Sebastian is a healthy and thriving boy. He meets goal after goal in both therapies and is talking more. Behaviorally, he has significantly improved and has learned how to cope with being overwhelmed and overstimulated.
“The Family CNA program at Care Options for Kids changed my life. I love this company! I genuinely feel like my child and I are cared about and loved and appreciated.”
“You are a part of a family, and someone is always there to answer your questions or give you resources for even the smallest thing,” adds Cheyenna.
Interested in Becoming a Family CNA?
If your loved one has a long-term diagnosis requiring daily care, reach out to us to determine if you are eligible to participate in one of these impactful home health aide/home care assistance programs, receive weekly competitive compensation, and a multitude of benefits. We are here to guide and offer support through this process every step of the way!
- STEP 1: Call us at 303.432.8487, Ext. 6, or visit our website to complete a brief assessment form.
- STEP 2: Care Options for Kids will send a Registered Nurse to your home to determine qualification.
- STEP 3: If eligible, Care Options for Kids will enroll you in a CNA course, FREE of charge.
- STEP 4: Complete school, a brief orientation, and you are officially an employee of Care Options for Kids.
- STEP 5: Employees will be paid weekly for their care and receive a multitude of benefits.
Care Options for Kids is the leading provider of family caregiver, occupational, physical, speech and feeding therapy services. Since 2005, our clinicians have provided pediatric care to children from birth to 21 years of age. We offer comprehensive pediatric therapy services in Colorado and Arizona.
At Care Options for Kids, we’ve instilled a culture built on trust, communication, teamwork and accountability. Our mission is to provide pediatric clinical services to help children and families live their best lives.
Reference: Autism Speaks
