Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
Unfortunately, insurance does not typically cover ABA services related to sleep (with a possible exception if your child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder).
However, you may be eligible for reimbursement through an HSA/FSA under the category of “Sleep Deprivation Treatment.” Please inquire directly with your insurance provider for more information.
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How long is the wait to begin services?
While wait time may vary slightly depending on demand at any given time, we are proud to offer access to services within a relatively quick timeframe. All inquiries will receive an email response within 24 hours, and an initial consultation can typically be scheduled within one week. If our service is determined to be a good fit, we will work with you to begin as soon as possible once all necessary administrative tasks are completed.
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What is Behavioral Sleep Medicine?
Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) is “an expanding area of the sleep field that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders by addressing behavioral, psychological, and physiological factors that interfere with sleep.” BSM interventions typically involve education, as well as systematic changes to behaviors, thoughts, and environmental factors that impact sleep-related difficulties. For more information, please visit BEHAVIOR SLEEP.
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I don’t want to make my child “cry it out.” Will this be your recommendation?
The “cry it out” method (also known as extinction) is one evidence-based method of infant sleep training. It is an appropriate option for some families under particular circumstances, while being an inappropriate option for others. We will always present several clinically appropriate options for your consideration during the co-planning process, and will never recommend “cry it out” for a family that feels strongly opposed to this method.
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Why should we choose Ascend?
When selecting someone to assist your family in a sensitive arena such as sleep, it is important to look closely at credentials, experience, and personal compatibility. Believe it or not, anyone may call themselves a “sleep consultant” or “sleep coach.” While some consultants have formal training in related fields (e.g. nurses, psychologists, social workers, behaviorists, etc.), others may have little or no formal training at all. Please see Boston Children’s Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center for more information.
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What are the ages of the clients you work with?
Most often, our clients range in age from 6 months to 6 years. We also support expectant parents and parents of newborns to answer early questions about sleep and plan for building a strong sleep foundation.
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What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a field of science dedicated to the understanding and improvement of socially significant human behavior. Evidence-based ABA techniques typically focus on shifting the current social consequences of a behavior, and teaching individuals more effective ways of getting their needs met by others in their environment. For more information, please visit the BACB website.
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What makes you different from other sleep consultants?
We differ from other sleep consultants because our educational and clinical background is solidly grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavioral Sleep Medicine. When treating Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood (BIC), these combined backgrounds put us in a unique position to support you with the highest level of individualization and effectiveness.
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Are all appointments conducted remotely?
Yes! All of our support options are provided via telehealth (video and/or phone) so that families can access support regardless of location.
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