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Date: 12/26/2023
LUDLOW — Ludlow is now home to the latest Autism Care Partners facility following a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 7 at 1 Moody St.
Ludlow’s managing board certified behavior analyst and primary clinician Chelsea Gaudreau said the center is currently offering Applied Behavior Analysis services and parent training.
“Right now we are utilizing ABA methodology or Applied Behavior Analysis. Essentially what will happen is a kiddo diagnosed with autism between the ages of 2 and 6 years old would come in and I would do an assessment, write up a treatment plan, make some recommendations in regards to hours, goals or different things we want to target in the areas of communication or socialization,” she said.
Gaudreau added, “Everything is individualized and tailored to each student in the best way for them to learn. Every child has a one on one, we offer half and full day programs,”
The center also offers parent training to let the family know about their kids’ progress and how they can help at home.
Gaudreau said, “I meet with families bi-weekly or monthly to discuss all the different things we are working on and stuff that they can carry over with these learning opportunities to their home settings.”
There are multiple Autism Care Partners located throughout Massachusetts and New England, but Gaudreau thinks it is beneficial to have one located locally.
She said, “I worked in home base services for eight years prior to this. I live in Ludlow so I know it can be challenging to find staffing for this area so having the ability to access a little bit more locally instead of being downtown or one of the larger cities, hopefully that makes it a little bit easier and an option for families.”
According to Gaudreau, transportation can also be provided through MassHealth either to and from school if the child is in a half day program or to and from the home.
An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism is a law requiring private health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Gaudreau added, “When the ARICA bill passed, all children who ended up or individuals diagnosed with autism were eligible for MassHealth so it is definitely really important that we are bringing these services especially in these more rural communities like Ludlow where all these children are eligible to access these services.”
Town Administrator Marc Strange welcomed the new center to town.
He said, “We’re thrilled to have Autism Care Partners to locate one of their centers in Ludlow. We applaud them for their commitment to children with autism and developmental disabilities and their families.”
Among those also at the grand opening were Ludlow Public Schools Superintendent Frank Tiano.
He said, “think it is a great opportunity and resource for the families in Ludlow. It provides young children access to early intervention services and school age children can access insurance based wrap around services. These services coordinate well with the school based services that LPS provides students with disabilities.”
Gaudreau said the center is officially open and those with questions or referrals can call 413-268-6057 or visit tinyurl.com/3j8pmy8w.
She added, “They can also come in for a tour but we are here to provide them with information they need to make that informed decision about what is going to work out for their family.”