What are the qualifications I must meet to become a member of California Autism Network?
- Must be at least 15 years of age
- Must live within Riverside County, CA for in-person services (virtual services are available)
- Client must be self-motivated to participate and improve in outlined goals
- Client must have no recent history of verbal or physical aggression
- Client must have no recent history of elopement or unsafe behaviors
- Clients must have the ability to independently communicate verbally or through use of an AAC device.
How do I arrange an assessment with California Autism Network?
- If you are a consumer with the Inland Regional Center, you must contact your IRC Consumer Services Coordinator to request CAN services, and provide them with the vendor number PJ5358.
- If you are not a consumer with IRC, the link below will direct you towards purchasing the “Initial Assessment” https://californiaautismnetwork.com/payment
- If enrollment in ongoing services is decided upon, this one-time charge will be used towards your first month of services (a total of 6 hours, including the assessment).
How is an assessment scheduled?
- Once approved by IRC, or if a receipt of assessment payment has been processed, you will be contacted to schedule the assessment date, time, and location. Appointments are usually scheduled within 5-10 business days.
- In-person assessments are held at the California Autism Network Main Office, which is located at 3387 Chicago Avenue. Riverside, CA 92507.
- Alternative assessment meeting locations are considered based on location, availability, and preference.
What does the assessment process look like?
- The CAN assessment takes 1.5-3 hours to complete (dependent upon client participation and communication) . This assessment can be completed in-person or virtually.
- The appointment is conducted as a casual question/response conversation between the potential client and the CAN representative.
- The potential client is asked a variety of questions to determine the individual need for support in each of the following areas:
- Daily Living Skills
- Goals and Interests
- Level of Independence
- Patterns of Behavior
- Social Skills/ Relationships
- Communication Level
- Self-Awareness and Self Advocacy
- Learning Style
- Safety Awareness
- Time Management
- Sensory Sensitivities/Hygiene
- Motor/Physical Abilities
- Emotional Balance
- Specific Preferences
Are family members invited to join the assessment?
- 1-2 family members are welcomed and encouraged to join the initial assessment with the following information in mind:
- The potential client must approve for family members to join the assessment (since personal information will be discussed)
- The potential client will be expected to independently respond to the questions that are asked. Supplementary or additional information can be provided by family members.
What happens after the assessment is completed?
- Once the assessment is complete, you will be contacted within 7-10 business days to meet and review the completed CAN Intake Assessment Report.
- This report will include detailed information on present levels, proposed goals, and program recommendations.
- If it is recommended that ongoing CAN services be provided, you will be guided through the enrollment process, and ongoing weekly services with a Transition Specialist will be scheduled.
- If it is determined that CAN services will not meet your needs, and you are a private pay client, the remainder of the 6 hours of assessment services will be used to help to guide you towards more appropriate supports
What do ongoing services look like if I am approved?
- If approved for ongoing services, you will begin meeting with an assigned Transition Specialist one time per week at an agreed upon time and location to begin intensive training towards your individual goals.
- Weekly meetings with the assigned Transition Specialist are designed to be 1:1 independent meetings with the individual participating in the program.
- Weekly meetings will take place at one of our two offices, or at an agreed upon location outside of the client’s home that provides Wi-Fi access (public libraries, public meeting centers, Starbucks/Panera)
- If enrolled in the “Basic Transition Program”, four weekly 60 minute 1:1 sessions will be provided per month
- If enrolled in the “Full Transition Program”, four weekly 90 minute 1:1 sessions will be provided per month, and you will participate in two 2-hour Group Transition Training per month.
What are Group Trainings/ Outings?
- Group Transition Training is designed to focus on an interactive approach to the improvement of individual skills in a natural setting. Team members are carefully matched with those who have similar interests and goals to ensure a clear pathway towards success and relationship establishment.
- Group Transition Training usually takes place within the community (special events, activities, museums, game centers, company tours) where our network of members can join together, get to know each other, and have fun while they focus on generalizing their learned skills.
How involved may family members be in ongoing services?
- If a client is under the age of 18, parents can choose to receive automatic weekly progress notes, and can receive/share any information that they see fit.
- If a client is above the age of 18, they must submit a signed approval for their family members to receive weekly progress notes and to communicate with California Autism Network regarding personal details or information.
- A core focus of California Autism Network is to encourage and strengthen independence for our members. Parents are advised to join us in this goal, and to provide only the support that is absolutely necessary to ensure success in this pursuit.
*If you are a member of the Inland Regional Center, you may qualify to receive services at no cost to you! Provide your coordinator with California Autism Network’s vendor number (PJ5358).