A behavioral health provider opened a new location in Madera to support Central Valley families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental disabilities. April marks Autism Awareness Month as 360 Behavioral Health expands services in the region.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 31 kids in the U.S. are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. For many families, the diagnosis comes with daily challenges tied to behavior, communication, and social interaction. Some families deal with challenging behaviors like tantrums and aggression, requiring tools and resources to manage them.
360 Behavioral Health works with families by helping children build lifelong skills through Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, a science-based, evidence-based practice implementing different principles. The organization focuses on positive reinforcement and structured support to build skills. At the Madera location, children participate in structured activities using toys and equipment designed to encourage play while teaching them how to engage with peers. The facility includes one-on-one rooms for children if larger spaces become overstimulating.
The organization supports children as young as two years old up to age 18, while also providing services for children diagnosed with ADHD and adults. The Madera location opened in March. The Fresno clinic, which welcomed families in January 2024, is currently expanding. According to Rene Cano, director of clinical services in Fresno, “The Central Valley needs more service providers. There’s a high waitlist.” 360 Behavioral Health plans to open additional locations in Merced and Visalia.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://abc30.com/post/center-supports-central-valley-families-kids-diagnosed-autism/18861975/