Autism Pediatric Therapy & Learning Center ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information about you and your child when you visit our website (www.autismpediatrictherapy.com), contact us, or use our services, including Houston ABA Therapy and related pediatric autism services. As a healthcare provider offering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, we are a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and comply with HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules for Protected Health Information (PHI).
This Policy applies to all individuals who interact with us, including parents, guardians, and caregivers ("you"). By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described herein. If you do not agree, please do not provide us with your information or use our services.
We may update this Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with the updated Effective Date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy. We encourage you to review this Policy regularly.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information to provide compassionate, values-driven care, including early intervention for children aged 18 months to 12 years. Information is collected through various means:
Personal Information
- Directly from You: When you submit inquiries via our website contact form, call, text, or email us at (713) 355-0623, or during intake, we may collect:
- Your full name, email address, phone number.
- Your child's full name, date of birth, age, and insurance provider.
- Details about your child's behaviors, needs, medications, or other relevant information shared during discovery calls, assessments, or treatment planning.
- During Services: Information from evaluations, personalized treatment plans, parent training sessions, workshops, or progress tracking by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
Protected Health Information (PHI)
As defined under HIPAA, PHI includes any identifiable health information related to your child's past, present, or future physical or mental health, treatment, or payment for services. Examples include:
- Behavioral assessments, session notes, treatment goals, progress charts (e.g., improvements in words spoken, motor skills).
- Insurance details for billing and coverage verification (e.g., Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare).
- Records from in-home training, group sessions, IEP/ARD assistance, or sibling workshops.
Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: When you visit our website, we may collect non-personal data such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent (via cookies or similar technologies).
- No Sensitive Tracking: We do not sell your data or use targeted advertising. Cookies are used minimally for site functionality and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, with opt-out available).
We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). All submissions are made by parents or guardians on behalf of minors.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to deliver high-quality ABA therapy and support families effectively:
- Providing Services: To develop individualized behavior plans, conduct assessments, track progress (e.g., language development, social skills), schedule sessions, and provide parent coaching.
- Insurance and Billing: To verify coverage, submit claims, and assist with insurance processes (we do not accept Medicaid but work with major employer plans).
- Communications: To send appointment reminders, progress updates, workshop invitations, or responses to inquiries via email, phone, or text.
- Quality Improvement: To evaluate and enhance our services, including health care operations like training staff or conducting internal audits.
- Legal Compliance: To meet HIPAA, Texas state laws, and other requirements (e.g., reporting suspected abuse/neglect).
- Marketing: With your consent, to share educational resources or community event details (you may opt out at any time).
3. Sharing Your Information
Autism Pediatric Therapy & Learning Center does not sell or share PHI or personal data with third parties for marketing, promotional purposes,or any other purposes. Your personal information is kept confidential and is not disclosed to any outside organizations, except as required by law or with your explicit consent. Disclosures for marketing or fundraising require your written authorization. We may disclose your personal Information under the following limited circumstances:
- For Treatment: With physicians, educators, or other providers involved in your child's care (e.g., coordinating with schools for IEP support).
- For Payment: With insurance providers or billing services to process claims.
- For Health Care Operations: With business associates (e.g., encrypted software providers for record storage) under Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) ensuring HIPAA compliance.
- As Required by Law: To public health authorities, law enforcement, or for oversight (e.g., audits by the Department of Health and Human Services).
- With Family/Friends: To individuals you designate (e.g., via authorization forms) or in emergencies if relevant to care.
- Service Providers: Limited sharing with vendors for website hosting, analytics, or secure storage (e.g., HIPAA-compliant platforms like encrypted cloud services).
4. International Data Transfers
International transfers are not routine, but if occurring, we ensure equivalent protections. Your Personal Information may be transferred to and processed in locations outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. We take steps to ensure that your data is handled securely and in line with this Policy, regardless of where it is processed.
5. Children's Privacy
Our services focus on children with autism, so we prioritize their privacy. Parents/guardians act as personal representatives under HIPAA. We obtain parental consent before collecting or sharing a child's PHI beyond treatment/payment/operations. No child data is used for marketing without explicit authorization. If we learn of unintended collection from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information, including:
- Encryption for data transmission and storage.
- Access controls limited to authorized staff (e.g., BCBAs, administrators) with annual HIPAA training.
- Secure facilities in Houston and Pearland with monitored access.
- Breach notification within 60 days if unsecured PHI is compromised, per HIPAA.
While no system is 100% secure, we strive to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Report suspected breaches to our Privacy Officer.
7. Your Rights Regarding Your Information
Under HIPAA and applicable laws (e.g., CCPA for California residents), you have rights to:
- Access and Copies: Request inspection or copies of your child's PHI (fees may apply, up to $0.25/page; response within 30 days).
- Amendments: Request corrections to inaccurate/incomplete PHI (we may deny if not part of our records; response within 60 days).
- Restrictions: Request limits on uses/disclosures (e.g., no sharing with health plans if paid out-of-pocket; we will honor if feasible).
- Accounting of Disclosures: Receive a list of non-routine disclosures (last 6 years; free once per year).
- Alternative Communications: Receive info via preferred methods (e.g., encrypted email).
- Revocation: Withdraw consents/authorizations (does not affect prior actions).
- Breach Notification: Be informed of breaches affecting your PHI.
- Complaints: File with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (no retaliation).
Submit requests in writing to our Privacy Officer. We will respond promptly and assist without charge (except copies).
8. Consent to Receive Text Messages (SMS Disclosure)
By providing your mobile phone number (e.g., via our contact form, call, or reaching us by SMS, you consent to receive recurring text messages from Autism Pediatric Therapy & Learning Center for service-related purposes, such as appointment reminders, progress updates, insurance confirmations, or parent coaching tips. This consent complies with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and is separate from any paper or electronic authorizations.
No mobile or messaging consent information will be shared with third parties for marketing or
promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties
Key Disclosures:
- Message Frequency: Message frequency depends on your interactions and preferences.
- Purpose: Informational and transactional only (no marketing without separate opt-in).
- Costs: Standard message and data rates may apply from your carrier.
- Security Note: As a HIPAA-compliant organization, we inform you that text messaging is not a fully secure communication channel. Do not include sensitive PHI (e.g., full treatment details) in replies. We use it for general updates only.
- Opt-Out: Reply "STOP" to any message to unsubscribe. You will receive a confirmation text. After opting out, you may still receive essential service-related calls.
- Help: Reply "HELP" for assistance or call (713) 355-0623.
- Terms: View full terms at www.autismpediatrictherapy.com/privacy-policy. Consent is not required for treatment.
To revoke SMS consent at any time, email
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses essential cookies for functionality (e.g., form submissions). We may use analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve user experience. You can manage preferences via browser settings. For details, see our Cookie Policy (forthcoming).
10. Retention of Information
PHI is retained for 10 years post-treatment (per Texas law); other data as needed for legal/business purposes, then securely deleted.
11. Contact Us
For questions, rights requests, or complaints, contact our Privacy Officers:
Autism Pediatric Therapy & Learning Center
Attn: Privacy Officer
1325 Space Park Dr,
Suite A, B & C,
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: (713) 355-0623
Email:
You may also complain to the HHS Office for Civil Rights at 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201 or online at hhs.gov/ocr.
We value your trust and are dedicated to compassionate, ethical care. Thank you for choosing Autism Pediatric Therapy.
