Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No! Miriam Intervention offer services to all individuals with global developmental delays with or without a diagnosis.

A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. A Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) is an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Both BCBA’s and BCaBA’s provide supervision and training to instructors directly implementing behavior analytic services. Please visit www.bacb.com for more information.

The first few sessions focus on ensuring that the client has fun and feels comfortable at the center with the instructors. Instructors work on a process we call “pairing” which involves associating themselves and the center with all the things the client likes. This helps increase the client’s motivation to listen to the instructor and complete tasks that we ask them to do. Once the client has developed a good relationship with the instructor, we will begin conducting our assessments. Upon arrival, we will first take the time to welcome your child and begin what we call "Pairing". Pairing allows us to develop an interaction with the individual and above all to increase his motivation to do what we ask of him. To know his level in each sphere of development and learning, we will conduct developmental evaluations (ESDM curriculum, VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, EFL, AFL, behavior assessments etc.) to determine the client’s strengths and difficulties. Once the assessments are completed and the goals are chosen, an individualized intervention plan will be developed in collaboration by supervisors and implemented by the instructors to meet the clients needs.

When the client starts in the program, a developmental assessment specific to the program (e.g., ESDM curriculum, VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, EFL, AFL, behavior assessments, etc.) are completed. Following the completion of the assessment, the supervisor will meet with the parents to discuss the results and determine what goals will be targeted during the sessions. We also take into consideration the parents' request and if necessary, we carry out complementary assessments.

Yes! The Miriam Foundation offers a variety of courses throughout the year including: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Applied Behavior Analysis for Registered Behavior Technicians (ABA with RBT). For clients who are enrolled in a Miriam Intervention program (ESDM, P-ESDM, ABA), parents are encouraged to participate in the sessions and receive parent coaching. Parent coaching sessions would take place during their child’s session with the goal of observing how the instructor works with the client and to learn how to implement the specific teaching strategies we use at the center, at home. Our objective is to help ensure that the clients use their learnings and the skills they learn at the center when at school, daycare or at home (i.e., generalization) and parent involvement is integral to their success!

You can complete the intake form on the website or give us a call! Once your intake request has been processed, we will be in contact with you to explain the different programs, answer any questions you may have, and determine what program would be best suited to meet the clients needs.

Whether the client is best suited for a group or 1:1 learning environment really depends on the client’s goals! During the intake process, the clinical team will help determine the best program for your child based on their needs. Depending on your child's needs and following a discussion with the program manager, a decision will be made to define which program is best adapted to each child.

Yes! To best support our clients, on-going communication between parents, educators and teachers is encouraged. Clients enrolled in the center-based ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) and ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) programs will benefit from one free consultation with the school/daycare or home at the parents’ request. If the Miriam Intervention clinical team determines that further consultation is required to work on goals outside the center, the clinical manager will meet with parents to discuss what program would best meet the clients needs.

ABA/VB (Applied Behaviour Analysis – Verbal Behaviour) Program: Yes! Parent involvement in sessions is encouraged to best support the client and facilitate progress on goals. Parent coaching sessions would take place during their client’s session with the goal of observing how the instructor works with the client and to learn how to implement the specific teaching strategies we use at the center, at home. Our objective is to help the ensure that clients use their learnings and the skills they learn at the center when at school, daycare or at home (i.e., generalization) and parent involvement is integral to their success! ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) Program: No, the parents are not present for the sessions. we make regular observations with them to show them the implementation of the objectives.

Parents often ask how long their child will require services for before they see results. Unfortunately, we cannot predict how long it will take before we see progress. Every child is different and has a different learning curve. However, our programs utilize an individualized teaching model to increase the number of learning opportunities each session. Additionally, supervisors closely monitor client data to adapt programs and teaching strategies to meet the needs of each client.

The Miriam Foundation was founded in 1973 by a group of dedicated individuals who wanted to raise funds for the CRDITED Miriam (Miriam Home & Services), a residence for children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities.