Video Consultations for Parents

Personal feedback for families living out of the state and country


Nancy Kaufman would love to meet and evaluate your child in person, but that is often difficult for families who live a great distance from the KCC. Instead, she invites you to submit video clips of your child (preferably in a treatment session) for an informal consultation.

CONSULTATION IS $100 (USD) PER CHILD.
Please submit a separate form for each child.

1. Record video of the child in treatment sessions, or ask their SLP for clips

2. Upload your clips to YouTube or Dropbox (see info below)

3. Visit our consultation submission form to provide information about your child

4. At the end of the form, enter the YouTube/Dropbox links and pay the fee

5. Nancy will review your videos and call you with her recommendations

This consultation is not a live virtual/online meeting with Nancy. She will review video clips of the child then call you with her recommendations. Video clips are required; Nancy cannot give recommendations without first viewing the child's current skills. This is not a formal evaluation; no written documentation is included in the video consultation.

Nancy Kaufman's video consultations are for:

  • Children who live out of state or in Michigan but an hour or more away from our clinic in West Bloomfield. If you live closer than an hour away, please register for an in-person evaluation here.
  • Children whose parents would like to bring them to KCC for an intensive visit. It is important to Nancy that her methods will be a good fit for your child before you make the trip. Children will not be scheduled without completing a video consultation.

This video consultation is not suitable for children local to the suburban Detroit area who wish to receive ongoing, regular therapy at the KCC. They will require full, in-person evaluations before beginning sessions.

Children with autism spectrum disorder who are minimally vocal are generally not appropriate for intensive programs (more info available here). Nancy is happy to provide advice, but the video consult will not result in an in-person visit.

You may submit up to five links, but the total viewing time cannot exceed 30 minutes.

Child working with SLP (BEST):

If at all possible, send video of a therapy session between your child and their speech pathologist. Please have the SLP show actual treatment techniques and not just a speech and/or language sample, so Nancy is able to make some useful suggestions.

Please note: It is best if the SLP is interested in working collaboratively with Nancy and is familiar with the K-SLP methods and materials rather than this consultation being imposed on the SLP, who may not be interested or invested in the K-SLP techniques. This should be a positive and desired collaboration with the purpose of working together on behalf of the children!

Child working with a parent:

If it is not possible to film your child in a speech and language session, parents should make sure to film the child demonstrating the skills listed below under content. Video clips should give the best idea of what the child sounds like when they attempt to speak.

Content:

  • Focus on the child and be sure that their mouth is visible.
  • If available, administer parts of the Kaufman Speech Praxis Test (KSPT).
  • Have the child imitate a series of isolated vowels, consonant-vowel combinations, words, and phrases.
  • Have the child name common objects.
  • Please say the name of each object after the child does, so that there is a reference for the true word.
  • Try to provide some type of spontaneous speech.

Important note: For security purposes, we are not able to download any clips and are only able to accept videos that Nancy can view online. Please send direct links to individual videos (not folders) posted to Dropbox or YouTube. Your consultation will not be processed if you send links to other sites or by email attachment.

Here are some tips for using Dropbox and YouTube. Please contact those sites directly with questions.

DROPBOX:

  • Upload your videos following the directions provided by Dropbox.
  • Click "all files" for a list of all videos uploaded to your Dropbox account.
  • Right-click on a video's title and choose "copy link address"
  • Paste the link where indicated in the form below. Repeat for up to five links.
  • Very important – If you are sharing several video clips, be sure to send the individual link to each video. DO NOT send links to full folders. Sending that way requires us to download the videos instead of viewing them online and takes up too much space in our Dropbox account.

YOUTUBE:

  • Upload your videos following the directions provided by YouTube.
  • Be sure to set each of your video’s privacy settings to unlisted. This means that only those with the direct link will be able to view your video. We will not be able to view your videos if they are set to private.
  • Click on your video, then select SHARE at the bottom right of the video. Copy the link provided in the pop-up window.
  • Paste the link where indicated in the form below. Repeat for up to five links.
  • Please note: YouTube is an online sharing service. If you are concerned about confidentiality, please use the Dropbox option.

Submit information about your child and up to 5 video links on our form HERE.

  • Before beginning the form, please upload your video clips to Dropbox or YouTube (a maximum of 5 links and 30 minutes total) and have the links to the videos handy.
  • At the end of the form, you will be able to make your payment for the video using our secure service.
  • Please email Cyndi Davis with any questions.

SUBMIT

Send your info and video clips and pay the fee

CONTACT

Email Cyndi Davis
with any questions

Video Consultations with Nancy Kaufman

Help for parents, speech-language pathologists, and organizations


 

Video Consults for Parents

Personal feedback from Nancy for families living outside of the Detroit area

LEARN MORE

Video Consults for SLPs

Send clips of individual kids on your caseload to get personal help from Nancy

LEARN MORE

Clinical Collaborations

Group collaboration with staff of schools, clinics, hospitals, and more

LEARN MORE

How to Begin ABA at KCC

A step-by-step guide to getting services for your child


Our staff is excited to help you get started at Kaufman Children’s Center! Here’s what to expect...

Your first step is to schedule an autism diagnostic evaluation at an approved autism evaluation center (AAEC). Contact your insurance provider to locate an AAEC that is in your network. A recommendation for ABA is typically made at this time.

Please note: although we provide treatment for autism at KCC, we do not diagnose autism.

Kaufman Children’s Center provides ABA treatment through Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network, and Health Alliance Plan (HAP). However, it is important that you contact your provider to determine if ABA is a covered benefit in your individual plan. An authorization for treatment will need to be obtained.  You are responsible for any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance fees.

Please give us some basic information about your child via our ABA intake form HERE. Once you submit the form, our clinic coordinator will give you a call. They will discuss your child’s needs with you and provide information on the status of our wait list.

An effective ABA program starts with a thorough assessment. We review your child’s areas of strengths and needs and obtain input from you as the parent/caregiver. Every ABA program is individualized for the child and is as unique as they are. We use the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Planning Program (VB-MAPP) as our assessment and tool for selecting goals.

Because we have speech-language pathologists on staff, we can identify the most appropriate communication modality for your child and set goals for improving speech intelligibility and language processing.

ABA Intake Form

Give us a little info and we'll put you on our list

CONTACT

We're here to help! Reach out with questions

ABA Therapist Tips for Caregivers

Great info from our staff and other contributors on helping kids with ASD


 

The Importance of a Team Approach to ASD Therapy

How the collaboration of speech, OT and ABA work together for the benefit of a child with ASD

LEARN MORE

Why ABA is the Gold Standard of Autism Treatment

Here's why ABA continues to be the first treatment recommended after an ASD diagnosis

LEARN MORE

How to Help Children Get Better Sleep

Tips to help kids with ASD to fall asleep quickly and sleep through the night

LEARN MORE

What To Do If You Suspect Autism Spectrum Disorder

An ASD diagnosis is scary, but acting quickly can help kids’ ability to communicate, play and learn

LEARN MORE

Applied Behavior Analysis Staff

Meet the friendly faces who will be working with your child


All members of the KCC staff represent the highest standards of excellence in their field and have extensive experience in pediatric therapy. Continuing education is supported and encouraged to ensure our methods are as up-to-date as possible. Our staff members are part of the KCC team because of their expertise, outstanding clinical skills, and their warmth and insight into children.

AMANDA PRATER

CLINICAL DIRECTOR – K1
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in applied behavior analysis, both from Western Michigan University.

She was named an ABA clinical director in 2021, after first serving as a BCBA and K1 program director.

Before joining the KCC, Amanda was a behavior analyst in a residential treatment facility, conducting functional analyses and developing clinical programming for children with severe challenging behavior.

She enjoys training staff and parents to positively impact the families we provide services for.

Amanda and her husband Chris have two boys.

LINDSAY MUNCEY

CLINICAL DIRECTOR – K2
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Lindsay earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Western Michigan University and her master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Ball State University.

She was named an ABA clinical director in 2021, after first serving as a BCBA and K2 program director.

Before becoming a board-certified behavior analyst at the KCC, she worked here for many years as an ABA tech.

She says the best part of her job is learning from all of the wonderful kids and their families.

Lindsay and her husband Max have two daughters, a cat named Albie, and a French mastiff named Marty.

ALYSON BONO

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Alyson earned her bachelor’s degree in child development from Central Michigan University and her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University.

She has worked at the KCC since 2015 and was a lead ABA tech before becoming a BCBA and starting in her current position.

Alyson’s favorite part of her job is seeing the kids’ cute faces every day and helping them learn new skills.

She has two cats (Otis and Elliot) and loves spending time on the lake, listening to live music, and spending time with her family.

KRISTI BUCCELLATO

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Kristi earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Wayne State University.

She obtained her master’s in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis in autism at Ball State University.

Before becoming a BCBA, Kristi was a longtime ABA tech here at the KCC, and had previous experience as a tech at a different facility.

Outside of work, Kristi enjoys camping and going on adventures with her three kids.

HAILEE HALL

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Hailee graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in neuroscience and psychology. She went on to earn her master’s in special education from Oakland University.

Hailee was an ABA tech at the KCC before getting her BCBA certification. She had previous ABA experience before that, and also worked as a psychometrist intern at a mental health facility.

Hailee enjoys reading, sports and travel. She has a poodle/yorkie mix named Poochie Edward.

SHARITA PARHAM

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Sharita earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in American sign language at Central Michigan University.

She later obtained a post-bachelor’s degree in speech pathology at Wayne State University and a master’s degree in education through Arizona State University.

Before becoming a board-certified behavior analyst, Sharita worked as an ABA technician for several years.

Sharita is a dog mom to an adorable German Shepherd mix named Chandler.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, finding a binge-worthy TV show, and experimenting with recipes and home DIY projects.

KRISTYN PARKER

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Kristyn earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Central Michigan.

She was a senior ABA tech at the KCC before becoming a BCBA and has previous ABA experience in the hospital setting.

Kristyn enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

KRISTI WOJNO

RBT/STAFF TRAINER
Board-Certified Assistant
Behavior Analyst
MS, BCaBA, LBA

Kristi earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Central Michigan University.

She and her husband Eric have two children.

ABA Administration

KAYLA PERDUE

ABA Clinic Coordinator

Kayla earned a BA in family life education from Concordia University. She has experience in the ABA field as both a tech and a scheduling coordinator.

Kayla has two daughters with big hearts who keep her on her toes. She loves spending time with her fiancé, family and friends. Kayla is a cheerleading coach and enjoys summer time and going camping.

VERA GJERGJAJ

ABA Staff Manager

Coming soon

Speech-Language Pathologists & Occupational Therapists

Dedicated speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists are integral members of our team and have specialized and ongoing training in ABA. SLPs offer strategies to maximize speech-motor and functional communication skills. OTs work with kids to generalize skills across all environments, including activities of daily living, fine motor skills, and sensory processing. Both SLPs and OTs in our program work with each child’s supervising BCBA to seamlessly coordinate treatment with ABA goals to ensure carryover of skills throughout the day.

ABA Technicians

Our staff of dedicated ABA technicians receive intensive classroom instruction and hands on training before delivering ABA treatment. In addition, they are required to attain registered behavior technician (RBT) certification within the first six months of employment.

CHANEL ANDERSON

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Chanel earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts and sign language through a dual program from Oakland University and Siena Heights University. She also completed a large amount of coursework in psychology and sociology, graduating as a member of the honor society.

Before coming to the KCC, Chanel worked in the culinary field and often volunteered for sign language interpreting conferences. She has completed over 300 working in the sign language field. She and her husband have two children.

LAUREN ATKINS

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Lauren earned her BA at Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in psychology and minoring in counseling. She has previous experience as a behavior tech.

Lauren loves being active and is an avid hiker and runner. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

ERIN FRANKLIN

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Erin earned a BS in psychology at Towson University, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.

She has completed additional coursework in family and human services and previously worked as a reading tutor.

Erin enjoys swimming, cooking with her boyfriend, traveling (including a trip to Alaska) and spending time with friends and family.

 

AUDREY LAPORTE

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Audrey earned a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Michigan State University, where she graduated with honors. She has previous experience as a behavior technician.

Audrey has a dog name Doug.

SHEENA PARIKH

Lead ABA Tec
RBT

Coming soon

TESSA SMITH

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Tessa studied organismal biology and child education at Schoolcraft College and graduated from the University of Michigan – Dearborn with a BA in psychology and a minor in art history.

She has previous experience working in daycare as an assistant teacher and then a lead teacher.

Tessa and her partner Rob are working hard to buy a home for themselves and their puppy.

RACHEL STEED

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Rachel earned a BS in education at Bowling Green State University, majoring as an intervention specialist. She has previous experience in elementary and Montessori schools in a variety of positions, including as a substitute teacher, teacher’s aide, and paraprofessional. She enjoys working with children and has a passion to teach.

Rachel has a golden doodle named Rusti.

DALLAS WHEELOCK

Lead ABA Tech
RBT

Dallas earned a BA in communication sciences and disorders from Central Michigan University. She previously worked in respite and direct care at JARC and has a strong knowledge of American Sign Language.

Dallas’ favorite things in the world are her dachshund and gecko. She enjoys being active and loves to rollerblade.

TEQUERIA BARRETT

ABA Tech

Tequeria earned a BS in psychology at Eastern Michigan University. She has previous experience working with children.

RACHEL BAUSE

ABA Tech

Rachel earned a BA in psychology and business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

She has previous experience as a behavior tech.

EMILY BERDAN

ABA Tech

Emily has attended Arizona State University and Oakland Community College and holds an associate’s degree in general studies. She will begin working toward a degree in communication sciences and disorders at Wayne State University in Winter 2025.

Emily is a three-time recipient of Starbucks Partner of the Quarter award.

MIKAELA CELESKEY

ABA Tech

Mikaela earned a BA in psychology at Michigan State University. She enjoys reading, thrifting, vinyl collecting, and working out.

TAYLOR CHAMBERS

ABA Tech
RBT

Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in human biology and neuroscience at Michigan State University. She has previous experience as a registered behavior technician.

BOBBI RHEA COOPER

ABA Tech
RBT

Bobbi Rhea studied at St. Clair College.

She is a classically trained musician.

BRENNA DIRKSE

ABA Tech
RBT

Brenna earned her bachelor’s degree in cognitive science from the University of Michigan.

She has 2 1/2 years experience as an ABA tech.

Brenna enjoys reading history, traveling, and cooking. She loves cats and has two boys: Scooter and Louie.

AMIRA FARRIS

ABA Tech

Coming soon

HELENA HANAEE

ABA Tech

Helena earned a BS in social work at Oakland University. She has previous experience working with children.

JO HEMRY

ABA Tech

Jo earned an undergrad degree in elementary and special education at Western Michigan University and a master’s in middle grades math at Piedmont University.

She is a certified teacher in special education and elementary education and previously worked in those fields.

Jo has four daughters and enjoys painting, swimming, and dancing. Her favorite foods are anything with cheese!

JESSICA HOOD

ABA Tech

Jessica earned a BS in psychology at Arizona State University. She has previous experience as a registered behavior technician.

HANNAH LEININGER

ABA Tech
RBT

Hannah earned a master’s degrees in special education with a specialization in ABA at Bowling Green State University.

She has previous experience as a registered behavior technician.

Hannah enjoys soccer, hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, camping, art, and church.

REY LIGHT

ABA Tech

Rey earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan along with limited license bachelor social worker (LLBSW) certification.

Before coming to KCC, she worked as a social worker and as a registered behavior technician.

Rey speaks three languages and has three cats. She calls herself a ‘huge nerd’ who loves comics, video games, and reading.

KENDALL LUBERTO

ABA Tech

Kendall is currently attending Macomb Community College. She is a dual citizen and is related to Sharon Tate.

CAMRYN McCRARY

ABA Tech

Camryn is attending Oakland Community College. She is a certified birth doula.

McKAYLAN MEINZER

ABA Tech

McKaylan earned a BA in early childhood education at Saginaw Valley State University. She has previous experience working with children.

McKaylan enjoys outdoor activities.

AMANDA MORTON

ABA Tech

Amanda earned a BS in elementary education at Grand Canyon University.

She enjoys reading and word games.

FLYNN PARKER

ABA Tech
RBT

Flynn is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has experience teaching in early childhood classrooms.

HILLARY SMITH

ABA Tech

Coming soon

SHANIQUA SPENCER

ABA Tech

Shaniqua is currently attending Henry Ford Community College, working on an elementary education degree.

She loves to cook and enjoys art museums.

JOHANNA STRUEDER

ABA Tech

Johanna has experience working with young children.

LAURA TAMBE

ABA Tech
RBT

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in psychological science from the University of Kore Enna and a master’s in social psychology from the University of Milano Bicocca, both in Italy.

She enjoys reading and Japanese food.

SAMANTHA VANSICKLE

ABA Tech
RBT

Samantha earned an associate’s degree in general education from Macomb Community College and studied elementary education at Oakland University. She is currently finishing a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis through Purdue Global University and hopes to continue on to earn her master’s in ABA.

Samantha has worked with young children for over 10 years in childcare facilities and preschools. Her duties grew from support staff to assistant teacher, and she took on lead teacher duties when needed.

Samantha has two French bulldogs, Moxi and Mowi, and has a lifelong love for horses and their beauty. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and being outside in nature.

Signs & Symptoms of ASD

What to look for and when to contact your doctor


Autism is a spectrum disorder and therefore it can range from very mild to severe. Some children may seem to be developing typically and then appear to regress and lose skills around 18-24 months. Other children may have developmental delays that are apparent earlier.

Because early intervention is so important to minimizing the delays associated with autism, it is critical to diagnose and treat autism as soon as it is suspected. A “wait and see” approach may be suggested by some, but if you are worried about autism, it is important to seek an evaluation by qualified professionals right away.

  • Does not reliably turn and respond when called by name
  • Does not demonstrate “pretend” play
  • Does not show they understand language by responding to directions (touch tummy, go get)
  • Has few words or delayed speech
  • Does not point to show interest in something
  • Becomes easily upset by changes in routine
  • Has interests that seem odd or obsessive, such as ordering items or lining them up
  • Does not use eye contact to support communication
  • Engages in mannerisms such as flapping or twisting hands or fingers
  • Does not use gestures to communicate but rather uses hand leading to show what they want

CONTACT

We're here to help!
Reach out with questions

Applied Behavior Analysis

Learn all about the method used in autism programs at KCC


Applied behavior analysis (ABA) uses the most research-based methods to treat autism spectrum disorder and maximize a child’s ability to function successfully across all aspects of school and home. Therapy includes both structured teaching and naturalistic teaching that occurs during play and other activities of daily living.

ABA offers a two-prong approach: it helps children acquire critical skills to be successful and also identifies and reduces challenging behaviors that interfere with daily life.

  • Communicating wants and needs
  • Understanding language
  • Imitating the motor actions of others
  • Developing appropriate play skills
  • Social skills and group behavior
  • Toilet training
  • Early cognitive/academic skills

  • Repetitive behaviors that interfere with learning
  • Tantrums when not given something they desire
  • Tantrums when told to do something that is less preferred
  • Difficulty with waiting
  • Difficulty with transitions throughout the day

Some inexpensive learning options can be found here:

QUESTIONS

Reach out to our ABA
team through the link below

Speech-Language Pathologist


The KCC is seeking a motivated, engaging speech-language pathologist to join our team!
This is a full-time position.

Master’s degree is required.

In addition to general speech and language challenges, experience with childhood apraxia of speech, autism, applied behavior analysis, and language processing is highly preferred.

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Up to two weeks paid time off first full calendar year
  • SIMPLE IRA retirement account
  • FSA (flexible spending account) for healthcare expenses
  • FSA (flexible spending account) for dependent care
  • Life insurance policy (no cost to employee)
  • Short-term disability insurance (no cost to employee)

The KCC is an internationally recognized private practice located in West Bloomfield, Michigan. We offer speech-language therapy, occupational/sensory-motor therapy, ABA autism programs, and many more services to help kids live their very best lives.

The KCC staff is highly trained and known for its enthusiasm, expertise, outstanding clinical skills, and insights into children. SLPs, OTs, and ABA professionals work together daily in a true team approach, ensuring the best possible outcomes across all settings.

Kaufman Children’s Center provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons based on merit and qualifications, without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply

Please send your resume
and letter of interest to
Jennifer Hill, MA, CCC-SLP
KCC Clinical Director

KCC PARENT REVIEWS


Thank you so much for leaving a review about your family's experience at Kaufman Children's Center! We appreciate the opportunity to know what we've done well and also learn how we can serve you better. Choose from one of the options below to leave your review.

If possible, please leave a Google review so other parents can benefit from your experience! Click HERE to visit our Google review page.

If you would rather not post on Google, please send us a direct review HERE.

Please note: We may use your review on social media and for other marketing purposes. Submissions may be edited for length and to remove any personal identifying information.

KCC WINTER REMINDERS


Winter is here! We’d like to remind you of a few of our policies and give you other information that will be helpful in this season.

KCC kids are young and, in some cases, have vulnerable immune systems. Please follow these guidelines to keep the center a healthy environment for everyone.

  • Children should stay home if they have a cold, fever, flu-like illness, COVID, or are simply not feeling well. Adults who are not feeling well should not transport kids to the center.
  • If a sibling, parent, or someone else in the home has a highly contagious illness such as hand, foot, and mouth; RSV; COVID; flu; etc., please err on the side of caution and keep your KCC child home.
  • If you keep your child home from school, please also keep them home from KCC.
  • You will not be penalized or charged if your child stays home sick as long as you contact us as early as possible to cancel. Please cancel each service if your child gets both speech/OT and ABA.

  • KCC will be closed when West Bloomfield Schools is closed due to inclement weather and/or road conditions but not for other reasons such as low temperatures, building problems, etc.
  • Be sure to track West Bloomfield Schools on the news or online if snow, ice, or other inclement weather is forecasted.
  • Speech, OT, and ABA sessions will be closed for the entire day. For consistency, this also includes teletherapy sessions.
  • If KCC is open but you decide to keep your child home, please be sure to communicate with your therapist(s) or call the front desk at 248-737-3430. Please cancel each service if your child gets both speech/OT and ABA.

  • Please drive very slowly in the parking lot and proceed with caution, especially in the winter when it may be icy. Always assume there are children present!
  • Be sure to hold your child’s hand or at least have them stand very near you in the parking lot. Do not allow them to run around while you’re talking to their therapist.
  • Park only in official parking spots and not the painted-off area in front of the main entrance double doors. For safety, it is important to keep that area clear at all times.
  • Remember that it is illegal to use handicapped spaces unless you have been issued official disability parking credentials by the state. We have a number of parents who rely on those spots to transport their children so it’s imperative they’re left open for them.

Questions

Contact us at 248-737-3430 or at the email below