Services for Children
Multi-Disciplinary Team Assessments
- Social Relatedness and Social Skills (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Independent Living Skills
- Behavior Regulation
- Attention & Memory
- Mental Health (such as depression and anxiety)
- Treatment Planning
Team Assessments are the core of our work. Team services are available for toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. During team assessments, at least two professionals collaborate to create a holistic understanding of a child’s individual strengths and areas of need. We also use Team Assessments to evaluate the overall functioning of children with multiple disabilities, complex language and learning challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorders, deaf blindness, or other complicated presentations. Our assessment guides treatment planning, helps with prioritizing services, clarifies eligibility for community services, and identifies key recommendations in daily life.
Psychotherapy Services
- Cognitive Behavior Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Obsessive -Compulsive Disorder.
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Interpersonal Counseling Strategies
- Play Therapy
- Parent Consultation
- Individual, Marital, and Family Therapy Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Individual psychotherapy services are available for toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. ACES professionals offer cognitive behavior therapy interventions, and specialize in treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. ACES professionals also incorporate mindfulness techniques, interpersonal counseling strategies, play therapy, parent consultation, and trauma based intervention based on individual training and the client needs. Individual, marital, and family therapy services are available for children, adolescents, and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Psychological Assessment Services
- Intellectual Functioning (Giftedness, Intellectual Disability)
- Attention and Learning Disorders
- Mental Health Functioning (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Thought Disorder)
- Neurological challenges (head injury, seizures, developmental delays)
- Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
- Eligibility for accommodations in high-stakes situations (college disability services, extra time for SAT/ GRE)
Comprehensive psychological assessment services are available for toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Assessments include a clinical interview, review of school and medical records, direct measurement of functioning, and formal input from others (such as a parent, teacher, or spouse). Comprehensive testing can be helpful for addressing concerns about attention, intelligence, learning, social skills, behavior outbursts, mental health issues, trauma, employment, and qualifying for community services. Comprehensive testing can be used to explore the need for accommodations in high stakes testing (ACT, SAT, GRE) and post-secondary settings, to determine eligibility for community services, to guide treatment planning, and/or to clarify a diagnosis.
Services for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Consultation (about school, parenting, or program development)
- Educational Testing
- Individual, Marital, and Family Counseling
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Assessments
- Psychological Assessment
- Speech Language Assessments
ACES is recognized as the leading provider of deaf services in Central Virginia. We specialize in customized application of evidence-based interventions for children and adults who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, particularly those with literacy learning challenges. ACES professionals can offer services directly in American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English, sign language supported by conceptually accurate spoken English, and Cued Speech/ Cued English. Interpreting services are available as needed. Additionally, both American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and Certified Deaf Interpreting Services are available to service providers and families with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Language Development in spoken English and /or American Sign Language (ASL)
- Social (pragmatic) communication
- Neurological communication problems (head injury, strokes, seizures)
- Receptive and Expressive Communication
- Literacy Assessments
- Written Language Skill Development
- Support for people with cochlear implants
- Communication or Academic Challenges for Hearing Loss, Visual Sensory Impairment Issues
We offer comprehensive speech language assessments and treatment for individuals of all ages. Speech-language therapy helps people communicate effectively by expressing themselves clearly and appropriately – whether by speaking, signing, or writing, We address communication and academic challenges experienced by students who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, or deaf blind. Ten of our staff and clinicians are fluent in ASL, and one is a licensed trainer for See-the-Sound Visual Phonics©. We incorporate the latest relevant research into our interventions and customize these findings for each client’s socio-linguistic needs and capabilities. Speech therapy can also help people with developmental disabilities engage in verbal and nonverbal communication through a play-based approach.
- Communication skill development
- Reduction of challenging behavior and increase in positive replacement and life skills.
- Behavioral Assessments including: FBA/FA/VB-MAPP
- Parent Training on ABA behavioral principles and application
- Parent-run session with real-time behavioral coaching
- Sessions and support provided at home, in-clinic, in the community, and in partnerships with school or day services.
Applied Behavior Analysis Services are available primarily for infants, toddlers, and children. Behavior assessments are conducted by a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), who will explore reasons for problem behavior to guide treatment planning. ABA therapy is conducted by a registered behavior technician at home, in the community, or in the office setting under the supervision of a BCBA. ABA therapy can help improve communication, developmental skills such as toileting, pre-academic skills, attention, and social relatedness.
- Emotional Regulation
- Overall Well-Being
- Individual or Group Classes
We offer mindfulness courses for children, teens, and parents. Classes are designed to help people improve their emotional regulation and increase their overall well-being. Groups no larger than six. Each class runs once per week for six weeks, with the option to continue into the next level course upon completion.
See current courses