Autism Learning Partners Downey Center for Autism

Before I give my review I'd like to state that ABA services in general can be useful to some people, but it can also be quite daunting not just for the child but the family as a whole. I do feel ABA needs to be reformed someway but again overall it can be useful to some. Now my review on this particular organization. They lied to me from the beginning. Then they would patronize me and act as if my thoughts and suggestions so they can better service my child went through one ear and out the other. Please don't ask us how you can get through to our children if you don't plan on implementing it within your structure. They think if they talk nice that they're doing a good job but no. The Behavioral techs I dealt with were great and can't speak for others. But they were really trying to make the structure fit my child versus making my child fit their structure. Even though when they did that and didn't follow their exact protocol they apparently use for every child on the spectrum they would enforce we go back to that and my child would just shut down and would stop reaching the milestones. Not every kid likes board games, and oh boy does ALP love board games. The supervisors that come to observe the BT will stay on their computers most of the time then try and kiddie talk with the kids and wonder why the child doesn't connect with them then take offense when you tell them why that is and how they can develop a connection with the child. I get children will come across many personalities but how will you be able to teach them that when they don't connect with you by you meeting them half way. Children on the spectrum are not all the same and you need to fix your structure to work with each individual not the other way around. It's called a spectrum for a reason. They spoke to my child like a baby and wondered why my child felt like they thought he was stupid. Any time they requested meetings to see how my child could be better serviced all of my concerns, suggestions etc were brushed off and they stayed with their company structure but would tell me they appreciate my open communication and such. Also know they don't do no less than 15 hours a week, which means they have to be in your home with you there for no less than 2 hours in the day. They lied to me about that in the beginning and I even have that stated in the initial contract. I was told that when my child reaches the milestones and is consistent the hours get reduced. A few months after that, I brought it up, another supervisor told me that the minimum is 15 hours and they don't go less than that. They say the child is the priority but that isn't true their company is the priority. I understand certain policies have to be followed pertaining to insurance and such but those policies do not mean you cannot work your structure to make sure you service the child to see results. But they lie to you about all of that too. The experience with ALP definitely wasn't a good one for us. After I told my child don't worry they aren't coming back, my child was elated and now is hitting the milestones and not being made to feel inferior. I can't speak about other organizations but ALP needs to get it together. Stop giving us the P.R. talk, no need to patronize or be fake. You know where you can start by not lying to people. Even the regional center told me they've had several complaints about your company in particular. Wish I knew that before. Maybe that's why they're the easiest to get into. It was pretty fast not much of a wait time to sign on. Do not let them bully you into getting more hours in and changing up the days and times you want. They tried that with me even though they knew our availability. That was them again trying to make clients fit their structure and not the other way around. I don't recommend them but if you do go with them be sure to advocate for your child and family. There are other organizations with much better reviews. May take longer to get in but well worth it.

This corporate company only cares of what type of medical insurance you have. I'm so glad they turned my son away because of that. That says alot, he would've recieved the proper and necessary treatment. When I first spoke to Shinta their corporate intake coordinator to verify my insurance, she emailed me to apologize that they had reached full capacity. To their surprise, I also have private medical insurance. When I replied to Shinta to thank her for her time and also to inform her that I have private medical insurance, she immediately wanted that information to verify. Mind you they are at full capacity. I knew in that moment, they only cared about the type of coverage the patient has and nothing else. Very unprofessional and thank you for denying my son. Because of that, we found a much better provider.

My son loves coming to therapy here, his therapist Miriam is awesome so patient and he is non verbal she also got him to say car she also does in home therapy on Saturdays she is one of the best, I really hope she sticks around.

ALP is the one place I felt that I wasn't alone in the same situation that I am. My daughter Tiffany received services from Gaby. She is an amazing therapist! She is very sweet and fun too! Having sessions with her helped us so much. She listens. She observes. She has given solutions to tantrums that I couldn't control. Sometimes her supervisor Solina would attend and she is so awesome too! Thanks to Gaby, my daughter's tantrums have decreased. I am forever grateful for the help you've given us! Thank you!

I Love ALP. They are helping my son and also me as a single parent. My son has come a long way since we been with ALP. THE BEST.