Frequently-Asked Questions
Early intervention (EI) means identifying and providing early support services to children with developmental disabilities and delays. Intensive early intervention results in improvements in IQ, receptive/expressive language and areas of adaptive functioning (Warren et al, 2011 & Dawson, et al, 2009). Furthermore, research has shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcomes for children (Wetherby & Woods, 2006). EI teams may include professionals in behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services depending on the needs of the child and family. At Sprouted Sage, our team consists of a psychologist, social workers, educational specialists, board certified behavior analysts and occupational and speech therapists.
Our center uses a team-based approach to treatment and therefore there are several professionals and individuals who may work with your child at Sprouted Sage. Professionals on our intervention team may include a board certified behavior analyst, speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, licensed social worker and licensed psychologist. Additionally, your child may work with a registered behavior technician and an educational specialist, who provide one-on-one (1:1) support in our therapeutic day program.
Services can be provided at Sprouted Sage as well as in the community. Each child receives an individualized treatment plan, which can be altered to fit a variety of settings.
At Sprouted Sage, parents and caregivers are an important and necessary part of our team. Caregiver’s input helps to guide the assessment and treatment process. Caregivers are encouraged to observe and participate in their child’s treatment. Our team strives to meet with caregivers on a weekly basis for at least one hour. This can be done in-person or via telehealth. If parents need additional support or treatment, our Sunfield Center clinical team is also available to provide psychoeducation and evidence based interventions.
Sprouted Sage offers an intensive early intervention program named First Roots for children ages 6 years and younger. This program is held five days per week and children receive applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy (ST) as well as occupational therapy (OT). Enrollment is 5 days per week from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Sprouted Sage and Sunfield Center, our affiliated mental health center, are currently credentialed with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBS) and Blue Care Network (BCN). This includes the University of Michigan Premier Care. Prior to your appointment, we will reach out to your insurance company to learn more about your benefits and coverage of services. We encourage that you do the same.
ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in improving receptive and expressive language, communication and cognitive skills through the use of behavioral principles to teach and reinforce children’s learning.
An SLP evaluates, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. They are considered experts in increasing communication.
An OT provides rehabilitative services to individuals with a variety of mental, physical, or developmental impairments.
A BCBA is an individual with an expertise in the field of behavior analysis who studies behavior of children and adults and creates plans to help individuals learn how to better communicate, gain receptive and expressive language skills, improve cognitive abilities and decrease problematic behavior.
The job of a behavioral technician is to offer 1:1 support to children who need intensive behavioral intervention as well as to adolescents and adults who struggle with behavior-related challenges. Behavior technicians enforce learning programs like self-help, communication, and play skills. At Sprouted Sage, a behavior technician receives support from our Educational Specialist and is supervised by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who is always present on site. Supervision includes case conceptualization, problem-solving, observation, treatment planning, and modeling of intervention implementation.
An RBT is a behavior technician who has an RBT credential, which is a nationally recognized certification that requires the completion of a 40 hour applied behavior analysis training, a competency assessment completed by a board certified behavior analyst and to have passed an exam. At Sprouted Sage, a registered behavior technician receives support from our Educational Specialist and is supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who is always present on site. Supervision includes case conceptualization, problem-solving, observation, treatment planning, and modeling of intervention implementation.