Autism & Wraparound/BHRS Programs

At Southwestern Human Services, we specialize in and are well-known for our treatment of autism and related disorders.

Sometimes referred to as "Wraparound", Behavior Health Rehabilitative Services (BHRS) is used for treating autism and other disabilities and behavioral health issues.

The rates of children being diagnosed with autism is increasing dramatically. Autism is four times more likely to affect boys than girls and has no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence. Autism is not caused by faulty parenting, abuse, neglect, or other childhood trauma. It is a brain disorder that typically affects a person's ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the environment.

Autism is a developmental disability. However, many in the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

What are Wraparound/BHRS Services? [FAQ about Wraparound/BHRS Services]

The Wraparound/BHRS Model is based on individualized, needs-driven planning and services. It is not a program or type of service. It is value-based and an unconditional commitment to create services on a "one kid at a time" basis to support normalized and inclusive options for youth and their families with complex needs.

Purpose and Philosophy of Wraparound/BHRS Services

The purpose of Wraparound/BHRS services is to provide short-term, intensive mental health services to a child and his/her family in their home, school, and community. One of the goals of Wraparound/BHRS is to prevent out-of-home placement in an acute care or long-term residential care setting. Additionally, Wraparound/BHRS services are provided in order to facilitate the transition of a child from acute psychiatric hospitalization or long-term residential care to his/her home environment. A comprehensive treatment plan that identifies the child's strengths and needs is developed and implemented within the Wraparound/BHRS Model. Services are provided in the child's natural environments to assure the child's success in the home, school and community.

All services are provided based on the principles and guidelines outlined by the Pennsylvania Children and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP).

Children should be treated in the least restrictive environment as possible, preferably, in their own homes, schools and communities. Services are child-centered and family focused, where the parent is considered to be a vital member of the treatment team.

There is a strong emphasis on building partnerships with extended family members, neighbors, and other community services and resources. These partnerships include collaboration between all public sector agencies and other community-based organizations (school, church, etc.) serving the child and family's needs.

Services are culturally competent and staff are trained to be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and gender influences in each family. Services are highly individualized and designed to meet the specific needs of each child and family.

For more information about our Wraparound Program, contact Jaimie Ratay-Hegedus at (412) 831-1223. Thank you.