Autism Center of North Mississippi
About Us
The Mission of the ACNM is to provide hope, support, and empowerment to persons at all levels of the Autism Spectrum and their families through the science of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Our Mission
Who we are
Autism Center of North Mississippi (ACNM) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that has served children with the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays in North Mississippi for the last decade. The organization relies on fundraising in addition to fees in order to provide well-trained providers in the area and to serve families who might not otherwise be able to afford or access services.
How we get there
ACNM offers structured Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which teaches functional communication, social skills, play skills, transition tolerance, and addresses behavioral issues. Each week the average number of hours dedicated to each client is 12 to 25 hours. This intervention is intensive and one-on-one with therapist and client. ACNM also provides mental health services to help children deal with issues like depression and anxiety, both of which are common in autistic children.
Meet the Team
About the organization
The Autism Center of North Mississippi is governed by its Board of Directors, which consists of volunteer members with various skills who provide legal governance and financial management policies and ensure ACNM has adequate resources to advance its mission.
Our ABA treatment team consists of 2 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and 14 Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT). The BCBAs create treatment plans to develop specific skills for each child to meet their particular deficits. The RBTs carry out the implementation of the treatment plan addressing communication, behavior, feeding, and social skills.
Another essential element of our treatment team is our Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and our Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offer mental health support.
Rounding out our treatment team is our Care Coordinator, who helps families find needed resources and services. They provide emotional support, monitor the family’s overall well-being, and aid parents in advocating for their child’s needs.
About us
Our Story
The Mission of the ACNM is to provide hope, support, and empowerment to persons at all levels of the Autism Spectrum and their families through the science of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Autism Center of North Mississippi (ACNM) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that has served children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays in North Mississippi since 2009. The organization relies on fundraising and fees to provide well-trained providers in north Mississippi and serve families who might not otherwise afford or access services.
List of Services
Teaching kids necessary social skills for making friends, holding conversations, and acting in appropriate ways
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of autism?
- No babbling or pointing by 12 months
- No single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
- No response to name
- Loss of language or social skills
- Minimal eye contact
- No smiling
- Impaired ability to make friends
- Absence or impairment of imaginative or social play
- Repetitive or unusual use of language
Behaviors suggesting your child may struggle with autism most often occur between 2 and 6. None of the behaviors listed above represents an immediate indication of autism. But if you’ve observed any of them, you should consider a comprehensive evaluation from a clinical psychologist.
What is the autism mandate?
Mississippi requires meaningful coverage for autism, including under state-regulated plans. Mississippi’s autism insurance bill, HB 885, was enacted in 2015. The law became effective on July 15, 2015.
What services are covered by the law?
- Screening and diagnosis
- Applied behavior analysis
- Pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care
- Speech, occupational and physical therapy
How do I find out if my insurance covers ABA?
It’s as simple as calling the center and giving us your insurance information. We will make the necessary inquiries with your carrier to determine the type of policy, determine your deductible, and other out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays or co-insurance so you will have a complete understanding of your policy benefits.
Are there any out-of-pocket costs?
Your insurance coverage will largely determine this. Since your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, you are responsible for any annual deductible, co-pays, or co-insurance that your policy dictates. ACNM will work with you to determine those costs and develop a payment plan that works for you and your family.
Can we observe therapy?
Although ACNM wants parents to be entirely comfortable with our treatment model for their children, we must balance that with our need to conduct treatment in a structured, productive manner. While we respect and embrace parents and caregivers, onsite observation of therapy within view of children can present a challenge to our therapists’ methods and, in some cases, impede progress. Because of ACNM’s closed-circuit camera system, all daily activities of our treatment program are recorded and can be viewed by parents upon request.
Do you offer training for parents?
Absolutely! Because parents and caregivers play an essential role in carrying ACNM’s treatment plan through to the family home and daily life, they need to be engaged in our process. ACNM provides direction and training in behavior-therapy functions and correct methods to develop routines and reinforcements outside of our daily program.
Do you work on potty training?
Absolutely! This is an important milestone for any child, and our children are no exception. We have a very successful method for achieving success in this area.
How are we told about progress?
You will receive weekly updates from your child’s therapy team. You can also schedule an in-person meeting with your BCBA as often as needed.
What does your Care Coordinator do?
Our Care Coordinator is a resource for you – to guide you through your journey and answer any questions you may have.
What are your center hours?
We are open for ABA therapy, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 – 5:00. Mental health appointments are scheduled at the convenience of the provider and the patient.
Are you open year-round?
We are except for the following holidays:
- Martin Luther King’s birthday (1 day)
- Good Friday (1 day)
- Memorial Day (1 day)
- Independence Day (1 day)
- Labor Day (1 day)
- Thanksgiving (3 days)
- Christmas through New Year’s Day (7 days)
Do I need to provide anything for my child?
ACNM provides all therapy materials, and the Center stocks a wide variety of toys, puzzles, and games. If you would like to send snacks and drinks for your child, please feel free to. If your child is not potty trained, please bring a supply of diapers or pull-ups. All children, regardless of age, should have a change of seasonally appropriate clothes.
How do you determine what my child will work on?
Our clinical staff evaluates each child to determine program choices implemented in your child’s therapy sessions.
How do you handle challenging behavior?
Our therapists are trained to deal with challenging behavior and work with the BCBAs to determine the function of the behavior. Based on that, a behavior plan is developed and implemented. Additionally, all clinical staff is trained in de-escalation techniques.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. It is based on the premise that appropriate behavior – including speech, academics, and life skills – can be taught using scientific principles. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) uses these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change.
