Supervised Private Assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Dr. Ramen Saggu has over 14 years experience conducting standardized private autism assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder consisting of an internship and post-internship for children and youth with ASD under supervision until she is a Registered Psychologist with CHCPBC.
• Avoid the lengthy waitlist of a publicly funded diagnosis.
• Conducted by a professional multidisciplinary team comprised of Dr. Ramen Saggu and Dr. Zilveti Ostria (supervising Psychologist), certified Speech and Language Pathologists, and a referring pediatrician.
• Standardized assessment includes a detailed interview with the parents using the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) followed by cognitive assessment and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) with the child.
• A comprehensive speech evaluation by a certified Speech and Language Pathologist is available if needed.
• A face-to-face feedback session is booked with Dr. Saggu to discuss the results of the assessment and future recommendations for intervention.
• A detailed diagnostic report is provided to the family after the non-BCAAN assessment.
• All autism assessments for diagnosis at Pacific ABA Academy adhere to the BCAAN Standards and meet the requirements for application to the Provincial Autism Program funded by MCFD.
• The private diagnosis provides the family quicker access to apply for government funding which allocates $22,000 per year for a child under 6 for autism treatment services until the funding pathway changes in 2027.
• Families can use their extended health plans for partial or full coverage towards the cost of the assessment.
• Book an appointment through email at drramens@pacificaba.com or office@pacificaba.com.

Pre-Diagnostic Intervention Program (While You Wait)

Our Pre-Diagnostic Intervention Program is designed to support young children who are awaiting an autism assessment or formal diagnosis in British Columbia. Long waitlists can delay access to services during a critical period of development — this program ensures children and families receive timely, meaningful support while they wait.

The program is delivered by an experienced ABA team under the clinical supervision of Dr. Ramen Saggu, PhD, BCBA. Services are individualized, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate, with a strong focus on building foundational skills that support communication, learning, and daily functioning.

This program does not require a formal autism diagnosis and is appropriate for children showing developmental differences, communication delays, social challenges, or early signs consistent with autism. Intervention focuses on functional skill development and caregiver support, helping children build skills that are valuable regardless of diagnostic outcome. This program helps children make meaningful progress while families navigate assessment waitlists and next steps. As public funding is not available prior to a formal diagnosis, families may choose from pre-designed service packages or create a customized program based on their child's needs.

Skill Areas Targeted by the ABA Team

The ABA team may target the following areas based on each child's individual needs:

Toddler & Preschool 1:1 Intensive ABA Program (Under 6)

Mornings and Early Afternoons only

• A clinic-based team consisting of a behaviour consultant, program supervisor and junior level interventionists.
• ABA Therapy will occur 3 days a week within AFU funding.
• Speech and Language Therapy included as an option.
• Staff are trained in the Lovaas style approach to Autism while utilizing natural environment and incidental teaching procedures for generalization.
• The Behaviour Consultants and Junior/Senior interventionists will train staff and parents in the principles and applications of Applied Behaviour Analysis through workshops, overlap sessions, and monthly team meetings.

Preschool Readiness Group-Based ABA Program (2-4 years)

Mornings and early afternoons only

• Clinic onsite-based highly structured group ABA therapy integrated with 1:1 ABA with a behaviour consultant and a team of trained behaviour interventionists.
• 3 days a week of ABA intervention
• Speech and Language Therapy included as an option.
• Children receive 1:1 ABA with their individually designed curriculum and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) on a rotational basis throughout the day.
• Heavy focus on social skills, peer socialization, interactive peer play, and tolerating group instruction.
• Participation in circle time, art time, and snack time with peers.

Kindergarten/School Readiness Program

Under 5-6 years - Mornings and afternoons only

• A clinic-based team consisting of a behaviour consultant, program supervisor and junior level interventionists.
• Speech and Language Therapy available.
• 3 days a week in funding
• Staff will be trained in the Lovaas style approach to Autism while utilizing natural environment and incidental teaching procedures for generalization.
• Heavy focus on social skills, peer socialization, interactive peer play, conversation skills, and tolerating group instruction, academics (reading, writing, math) for school readiness
• Participation in circle time, art time, and snack time with peers.
• The consultants and senior interventionists will train staff and parents in the principles and applications of Applied Behaviour Analysis through workshops.

Social Skills Group (Ages 6+)

• Evidence-based, group format focusing on developing the social skills necessary to be successful in typical community settings.
• Skill areas covered include: building and maintaining friendships, understanding others perspectives, and emotional regulation, academic skills, social cognition training.
• Effective with verbal children who have high-functioning Autism.
• The group meets once a week for 1.5 to 2 hours under supervision of a BCBA and behaviour interventionist.

Speech & Language Therapy – Part of Our Autism Care Team

• Supports autistic children in developing meaningful, functional communication skills
• Delivered by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) using evidence-based, autism-affirming practices
• Focuses on:
• Expressive and receptive language
• Social communication and play skills
• Early communication (gestures, joint attention, imitation)
• Speech sound development and clarity
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Provided as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary autism team
• SLPs work closely with behavior analysts, behaviour interventionists, school teams and families to:
• Align communication and developmental goals
• Support functional communication within therapy and daily routines
• Reduce communication-related frustration that may impact behaviour
• Therapy is individualized, engaging, and clinic-based, with strategies designed for carryover beyond sessions
• Family coaching and practical strategies are included to support communication at home, school, and in the community

BACB & QABA Supervision Services

Remote Available

Dr. Ramen Saggu, PhD, BCBA, offers high-quality supervision for individuals accruing fieldwork hours, as well as consultation and mentorship for newly certified BCBA and QABA professionals. Supervision is delivered using ethical, evidence-based supervision practices and aligns with current standards set by the BACB and QABA. Pacific ABA Academy is an approved CEU provider and accredited practicum internship site for future behaviour analysts.

Supervision services are available via secure remote delivery, allowing flexible access for professionals across locations. Services are structured, individualized, and designed to support clinical skill development, ethical decision-making, and compliance with supervision and documentation requirements.

Supervision may include:

• Support for BCBA and QABA trainees accruing fieldwork hours
• Consulting supervision for newly certified BCBA and QABA professionals
• Case review, ethical guidance, and professional development
• Support with supervision practices, documentation, and ongoing competence

Remote supervision maintains the same standards of quality, collaboration, and accountability as in-person supervision, while offering convenience and accessibility for busy professionals.