Intensive Flexible Family Supports
IFFS was created in 2012 to address the in-home support needs of families of children with autism. It is a short-term (6-18 months) program that focuses on practical support addressing challenging behaviors. Autism Connections' objective is to help stabilize a volatile situation to enable less intensive Department of Developmental services.
Based on the family's needs, the program typically consists of weekly or bi-weekly in-home visits from an Autism Connections Autism Specialist. The Autism Specialist acts as a consultant, collaborating weekly with parents and any other professionals involved, to help assess, make recommendations for behavioral strategies, and help teach parents and families how to implement these strategies in their homes.
Autism Connection’s IFFS program typically focuses on a very specific goal (reducing aggression, increasing emotional regulation skills, toilet training, etc.). Autism Connections is very conscientious about making recommendations that work for the family, taking into account the family dynamic and other responsibilities. We work collaboratively with the entire family and extended team throughout the process.
The end goal is empowering parents and families and providing them with the tools they need to successfully manage any challenging behaviors that they may encounter in the future.