Understanding the Autism Diagnostic Process: What to Expect During Your Child’s Evaluation
Navigating the autism diagnostic process can feel overwhelming for many parents, but understanding what to expect can
Welcome to Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education in Stamford! Navigating autism can be a challenging journey – but our dedicated team is here to support your family every step of the way. Serving Stamford and nearby areas like Norwalk and Greenwich, our in-home ABA therapy services are structured to fit smoothly into your child’s daily life.
Our caring therapists focus on building essential skills like communication, social interaction, and daily living tasks. And by collaborating closely with families, we are able to develop personalized treatment plans that not only help your child’s development but also help you as a caregiver. Together, we can help your child flourish and reach their full potential – in the familiar and nurturing environment of your home.
Heather Gagliardo is the Clinical Manager for Fairfield County. Heather holds a Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and has over 20 years of experience working with children with autism and other related disorders. During her career, Heather has incorporated the principles of applied behavior analysis, skill-based treatment, and B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior in her programming with a strong emphasis in natural environment teaching. Heather has worked in a variety of settings providing direct 1:1 services, supervision and training to staff and parents, and consulting to public school districts. In addition, she has previously assisted in workshops and has presented at professional conferences including the New York State Association of Behavior Analysis. When she is not working, she likes to spend time outdoors with her husband and 2 children.
In-home ABA therapy services target socially significant skills within the home environment. This approach targets communication, daily routines, and addresses specific challenges like communication, activities of daily living, and behavior management within a familiar home environment. Our team works closely with families to create personalized interventions, so we enhance engagement and foster independence within the home setting. Home–based service models include regular parent and caregiver training to maximize learning opportunities outside of structured ABA Therapy sessions.
Our In-school ABA therapy services provide vital support within both public and private school settings. In addition to providing direct services to your child, our team works closely with teachers and school staff to develop strategies that help with skill development and promote positive peer interactions. By integrating ABA principles into the school day, we enhance students’ learning experiences and support their success. When appropriate, in-school service delivery models include regular parent and caregiver training to maximize learning opportunities outside of structured ABA Therapy sessions.
If you’ve noticed differences in how your child communicates, interacts, or plays, getting clarity early can make all the difference. At Cultivate, we help families take those first important steps by offering trusted autism screenings, such as the M-CHAT-R (for toddlers) and the CAST (for older children).
These screenings can provide valuable insight and help determine whether pursuing a formal diagnostic evaluation is the next step. Our team can help directly connect you to our diagnostic partners to ensure families have clear pathways to the support they need.
They have a great team here. The way they work with parents and the customization and flexibility that is given it so helpful. I really feel like they prioritize the child and the family above an agenda or program. So thankful we found this place!
I wish I could give Cultivate INFINITE stars but they will only allow 5☺️ My son has been a client for a little over a year. Just beginning at the age of 3. I had never left him in anyone’s care before and as uneasy as it was in the beginning, I was quickly put at ease with the way they took care of him.
I can’t say enough good things about Cultivate. They definitely have changed our lives for the better. If anybody is anxious about ABA therapy, please give this place a chance.
Are you ready to begin ABA therapy in Stamford? Our dedicated team is here to help your child build the skills they need to thrive. Contact us today at 855-444-5664 to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation. We look forward to partnering with your family on this important journey!
In-home ABA therapy delivers individualized Applied Behavior Analysis services directly within your child’s home. Therapy is provided by a trained RBT under the guidance of a BCBA, focusing on skill development in real-life environments.
This approach allows children to practice communication, behavior regulation, and daily living skills within familiar routines, helping learning feel relevant and immediately applicable.
In-home ABA therapy may be recommended for children who benefit from learning in familiar surroundings or whose goals involve daily household routines. It can be especially helpful when targeting independence, safety, or behavior challenges that occur at home.
A BCBA will complete a comprehensive assessment to determine whether in-home services are the best fit or if a combination of home and clinic-based therapy would be beneficial.
Providing ABA therapy in the home allows skills to be taught where they naturally occur, supporting faster generalization and long-term independence. Children are able to practice skills in real situations rather than simulated environments.
In-home services also support caregiver involvement and flexibility, allowing families to actively participate and reinforce strategies throughout the day.
Sessions are scheduled at times that work best for your family and are often embedded into routines your child already follows. Therapy may occur during playtime, meals, transitions, or other daily activities.
This flexible approach helps therapy feel like a natural part of your child’s day rather than an added disruption.
Goals addressed during in-home ABA therapy often focus on functional skills, including communication, emotional regulation, independence with daily tasks, behavior reduction, and safety awareness.
Because therapy occurs in your home, goals are tailored to your child’s specific environment, routines, and family priorities.
Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is encouraged throughout in-home ABA therapy. Families may observe sessions, practice strategies, and receive coaching from the therapy team.
This involvement supports consistency and helps caregivers feel confident using strategies when therapists are not present.
Therapists are experienced in adapting sessions to real household environments. Your BCBA will collaborate with your family to identify strategies for managing distractions and maintaining focus during sessions.
Siblings may be respectfully included or guided to separate activities when appropriate, depending on therapy goals and family preferences.
Progress is tracked through consistent data collection during each session. BCBAs regularly review this data to guide treatment decisions and adjust goals.
Families receive frequent updates and scheduled progress discussions to ensure transparency and shared understanding.
ABA therapy is designed to evolve with your child. If changes are needed, your BCBA will review progress, observe sessions, and collaborate with your family to adjust goals, strategies, or service settings.
Open communication ensures therapy remains effective, individualized, and supportive of your child’s growth.
Safety and confidentiality are taken seriously during in-home ABA therapy. All clinicians follow professional ethical standards, safety protocols, and privacy guidelines while working in family homes.
Before services begin, expectations around safety, session structure, and confidentiality are reviewed so families feel comfortable and informed throughout care.
Stamford CT ABA Therapy Services
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we understand the importance of supporting families in Stamford, Connecticut, and surrounding areas on their unique journey. Our dedicated team of ABA therapists specializes in providing in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. We strive to make a significant and positive impact on the day-to-day lives of your family members by involving them actively in the process.
ABA therapy is a scientifically proven approach that focuses on reducing unwanted behaviors and fostering appropriate ones. Our Stamford in-home ABA services create a nurturing environment that encourages your child’s curiosity and enhances their skill-building abilities. We provide essential pre-academic support tailored to your child’s needs.
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we know that hearing your child has autism can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to worry about their future and independence. We get it – that’s why our approach is built on compassion, teamwork, and a commitment to expert care. We believe supporting a child with autism is a team effort. By partnering closely with your family, we create a care plan as unique as your child. We use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as our guide – an evidence-based approach designed to spark real change and help your child develop important, everyday skills.
Our team is here to empower you, too. We want you actively involved in your child’s growth. By building trust and keeping communication open, we create an environment where kids can truly spread their wings and reach for the stars. At Cultivate, we’re committed to weaving equity, inclusion, and diversity into everything we do. We understand each family has its own story and challenges, so we’re always ready to adapt our services to fit your needs.
Our mission is simple but powerful: collaborating to improve lives with engaging, individualized, and compassionate care. We’re here to equip you with the tools and support to navigate life’s twists and turns confidently. Because with the right support, every child has the potential to bloom in their own unique way.
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