FAQ

Q: What services are provided at the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center?

A: The direct services provided by the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center include focused and comprehensive individualized intervention, behavioral therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis), social skills training for individuals and groups, and counseling.

Q: How can my child begin receiving services at the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center?

A: We ask you to contact us by telephone at 940-369-5373 or via email COE-AutismCenter@unt.edu to begin the intake process. We will then send you a Request for Services Form to be completed and returned with a copy of the front and back of your insurance card and a medical diagnosis of autism, if applicable. We will contact you with insurance benefit verification and an explanation of the next steps.

Q: What is the cost of services?

A: The cost can vary greatly depending on the services you are seeking and your own insurance coverage. Please contact us for specific details regarding fees based on the specific services you are seeking

Q: Where is the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center located?

A: Our Center is located near UNTs main campus at 490 S. Interstate 35E in Denton, TX. Click here for directions to the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center.

Q: What is the client to staff ratio?

A: We provide 1:1 individualized intervention for each client.

Q: Who is delivering services to my child?

A: All of our Behavior Analysts are degreed in the field of autism, autism intervention, behavior analysis, special education, child and human development, educational psychology, or other related fields. Most Registered Behavior Technicians are either degreed or pursuing a degree in a related field, and are closely supervised by BCBAs and highly trained graduate students. Our executive leaders and directors hold Doctoral degrees in a field related to autism. All direct service providers are licensed or board certified in their areas of expertise. In addition, all staff members at the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center exemplify our core values on a daily basis.

Q: What affiliation does the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center have with the University of North Texas?

A: The UNT Autism Center is housed within the College of Education at UNT. We also collaborate with other departments across campus in an effort to provide high quality services and training, and to conduct, publish, and disseminate autism research. Some of the departments with which the Center currently collaborates include: The Department of Educational Psychology, the Autism Intervention Program, The Department of Behavior Analysis, The Department of Speech and Hearing sciences, and the Counseling and Higher Education Department. In addition, the Center works closely with the Special Education and Kinesiology Programs, and with the Office of Disability Accommodations.

Q: Why is my insurance provider saying they will not cover ABA therapy?

A: State of Texas House Bill 451, passed in 2009, requires a health benefit plan to provide coverage to an enrollee under the age of 10 who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. This coverage applies to all generally recognized services prescribed by the enrollee's primary care physician. In Texas, the law states that ABA may not always be considered a generally recognized service, which allows some insurance companies to deny coverage for ABA. Some insurance providers also interpret ABA to be an experimental or unproven intervention, and they may require ABA to be delivered by a certified health care provider. The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center strives to work with insurance providers to ensure the maximum reimbursements for all applicable services.

Q: Are there training opportunities for parents, professionals, and other community members?

A: Yes! The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center is committed to providing training opportunities for parents, professionals, and other community members so that they can develop a deeper understanding of autism and how to handle the many challenges associated with raising a family member with autism. In collaboration with other UNT departments, we plan on providing training in a wide variety of areas. In addition, the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center hosts an annual conference each summer featuring nationally recognized keynote speakers and presentations by autism researchers and experts.

Q: I am not sure if my child has autism. Can you help us?

A: Comprehensive autism assessments are now being offered at the Kristin Farmer Autism Center through the Woodcock Autism Assessment Clinic (WAAC) and Texas Women's University. Another option would be to contact your insurance provider for help in identifying a local Developmental Pediatric Specialist, in-network with your plan. 

Q: What are evidence-based practices?

A: Evidence-based practices are interventions and strategies which have been proven to be effective in treating children with autism spectrum disorders. The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center will only provide services based on practices that have consistently been demonstrated to be effective by systematic research (for example, by the National Autism Center, The National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and our own research investigations).

Q: What do autism assessments look like at the KFAC?

A: In partnership with Texas Woman's University Woodcock Institute, WAAC provides comprehensive autism evaluations for initial assessment or re-evaluation purposes. The assessment measures used vary based on the needs of the child and the referral questions.

Q: What services do you offer for adults with autism?

A: Both Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling services are available for individuals beginning at age 18.