Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am the parent of a child who was recently diagnosed? How can I get information about Autism services? Call the CARES office and request to speak with one of the directors. They will help give you an overview of services offered in the area and the best place to start.
Is CARES a vendor for the Regional Center? Yes. CARES is a vendor for the San Diego Regional Center. The Regional Center will do an assessment of the child and then refer for services if needed.
Does CARES work with any of the school districts? Yes, CARES has several clients that are funded by various districts throughout the county. CARES provides home programs, shadow aides and consultation for many districts.
Can we get started if we don’t have funding through the Regional Center or school district? Yes. CARES accepts private pay clients as well. Getting started in the program requires an initial assessment and intake process. Your geographical location, the type of service requested and supervisor availability are factors that need to be considered before starting a program.
My child went through a home program years ago and is now in need of psychotherapy. Can I receive that service from CARES? Absolutely. Our licensed clinical psychologists and registered psychological assistants are trained in child and family therapy.
What is CARES: ABC? Our acronym stands for Center for Autism Research, Evaluation and Service: Academic and Behavior Clinic.
What is the purpose of the Academic and Behavior Clinic? Our goal is to provide children with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation over a sustained period of time which allows for a more complete and accurate evaluation.
What if I am not sure that CARES: ABC is the right program for my child? An intake interview can be scheduled with Dr. Alan Lincoln. During this interview, specific evaluation concerns can be addressed and a detailed plan can be devised.
What will my child’s program look like? Children enrolled in the clinic will spend 3 hours per day in a classroom-like setting where diagnostic teaching and formal assessments will occur. No more than three children will be present in the clinic at one time and a 1:1 teaching ratio will be maintained.