The Benefits of Organized Space For Individuals With Autism

Have you ever tried working in a cluttered area? Or been distracted by noises or lighting while trying to focus? Most of us would not feel very successful if we were attempting to be productive in such an environment. For individuals with autism, distracting, messy work and play spaces can only magnify the struggle of focus when gaining new skills. Whether it’s your home or your child’s play area, keeping an organized space for individuals with autism reaps many benefits.

Why Organized Spaces for Individuals with Autism

A clean environment is an important element to the success of individuals with autism. In fact, it influenced the design of our clinics.  Our President & Founder Jamie McGillivary, MS, LLP, BCBA, LBA, intentionally chose the colors of the walls, the use of natural light and artificial natural light, simple layout and organized spaces. And these principles can carry over into the home environment too.

Less Distraction

Many individuals on the autism spectrum experience excessive sensory input. Consequently, distraction is common. Too much unnecessary clutter and detail can derail a child’s focus. Even minor messes that may be easy for a neurotypical child to ignore could cause attention issues for those on the spectrum. Minimizing unhelpful sensory experiences aids in a child with autism’s ability to focus.

Specifically, consider visual and auditory senses when designing a distraction-free space:

Visual

Keep walls simple in decoration to prevent overwhelm. Many kids with ASD notice minute details in the area around them. Tucking away supplies and toys in bins or cabinets out of sight reduces temptation to interact with them while also reducing distractions. For colors, utilize solid, soft tones such as green, blue and pink and avoid yellow as it can be overstimulating.

Auditory

Sensitivity to noise is a common symptom for kids with ASD. While neurotypical children may function easily with sounds considered background noise, those sounds may be incredibly distracting for children on the spectrum. Keep your child’s space as free as possible from traffic noises, humming machines, loud ticking clocks, and other potential “noise clutter.”

Enhances Organizational Skills

Organizational tasks that we deem simple may require more effort and practice for individuals with autism. A clean work environment promotes organization and productivity, which in turn helps a child acquire new skills. Designating organized areas helps individuals with autism predict what will take place in their workspace. Labeling areas such as drawers and cupboards can help kids practice putting their supplies and toys away when finished. This also helps reduce long-term clutter and ensures smoother transitions to new activities. Color coding is another fantastic way to make organizing easier for kids on the spectrum, as different colors represent different purposes for an area.

Reinforces Routine and Expectations

Organization helps an individual’s success and independence in following instructions. If a space is cluttered and messy, they will likely get more confused when trying to learn skills and complete routine tasks. According to research, organized and structured learning spaces aid kids in staying on-task and performing well academically. Structure helps you as a parent as well, as it can reduce the need for your assistance.

Tips for Your Home

If you believe your child could benefit from some decluttering and organization at home, here are a few ideas to get started. And remember, you don’t have to try all of these things at once!

  • Organize toys, art supplies, school materials, etc. into labeled areas and bins
  • Paint your child’s room a new, calming color
  • Tackle one room at a time and identify items you can remove or put away for a simplified and, hopefully, less stressful setting.

These ideas may not only benefit you, but your whole family may begin to feel some stress lift as a result of creating organized spaces for your child with autism.

And if you found this post helpful, please feel free to share it with others!

ABA Parent Training Resources to Support Your Child

ABA Parent Training Resources
ABA Parent Training Resources

If your child receives ABA Therapy services, you have most likely heard of Parent Training. ABA Parent Training involves the child’s BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) providing information and tips to the parent(s) that align with what the child is being taught in ABA Therapy. This is done so that the child has consistency in all environments and can learn to generalize skills. Additionally, Parent Training allows for the parent to be an active participant in their child’s therapy, helping tailor the behavioral plan and skills targeted. Parent Training can be performed in-person, with the parent receiving teaching tips in real-time as they observe their child receiving therapy in the home or clinic, or it can be done virtually or through a phone or video call, there are plenty of ABA parent training resources . At Healing Haven, we offer two forms of Parent Training programs.

Our Vice President of Clinical Operations, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, develops teaching resources for BCBAs to utilize with parents. Based on a loving, holistic approach, these resources provide ways to help children maintain skills at home, address problem behavior, as well as teach stress-reduction methods for parents. 

Here are a few practical take-aways from our ABA Parent Training Resources: 

The Importance of Play 

Through play, kids and parents connect with each other and form a positive relationship. Our therapy providers utilize a method called DRIP, which stands for: 

  1. Describe: Point out what the child is doing (Ex: “You’re really squishing that Play Doh. Now you’re rolling it and creating a shape!”) 
  2. Reflect: Reflect on the child’s behaviors, sounds and words (Ex: Child: “Go, go” while he pushes the car, Adult: “Wow, the car goes so fast!”). 
  3. Imitate: Repeat what the child is doing or saying alongside them. 
  4. Praise: Give positive, enthusiastic messages to the child for engaging in play and social interaction (Ex: “Fantastic job saying hi!” “Wow, I love how you are building that tower.”)  

DRIP promotes engagement with the child. DRIP allows the child to take the lead while the adult plays along with them. Through this continuous interaction, kids see adults as fun role models rather than individuals who just give demands. In turn, when demands are placed, the child is more likely to respond positively. 

Addressing Problem Behavior 

One of the most difficult areas for parents to navigate at home is problem behavior. Parents often feel frustrated and drained trying to understand why their children engage in aggression or run away from them.  

But a key piece in reducing these behaviors is teaching the child to negotiate and communicate their needs. This process begins with collecting and analyzing data to identify why the behavior is occurring. The process ends with implementing a behavior plan tailored to the child. With the BCBA’s support, parents can help their child learn to communicate what they need. For example, if a child tends to run away when demands are placed, teaching the child to ask for a break replaces the behavior of running away.  

A Variety of Support Strategies 

ABA Parent Training can begin with the foundational concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis. For a child newly diagnosed, BCBA’s can help parents identify what is typical child behavior, or what is related to their autism diagnosis. Additionally, sessions can address a variety of areas depending on the child’s needs, such as: 

  • Working on a task independently
  • Scheduling daily activities so children have a routine and know what to expect 
  • Encouraging sibling interactions 
  • Overcoming picky eating/food sensitivities 
  • Limiting screen time 
  • Building resilience and emotional intelligence 

Stress Management and Well-Being 

Many parents of children with autism often face isolation, depression and anxiety. Stress management is woven into all aspects of services at Healing Haven. In addition to the principles and strategies of ABA Therapy, Dr. Thomas’ Parent Training resources highlight the importance of social support and offer strategies to cope with stress.  

In ABA therapy, clients at Healing Haven learn coping skills rooted in relaxation and mindfulness. These skills help them learn to manage their emotions. These strategies are also part of our parent training resources.  Parents can come alongside their children by practicing these exercises, while also benefiting from them personally. Going for a walk, meditation, or relaxing in nature are just a few examples of how parents can learn to manage their stress. 

Foundational Support 

Our ABA Parent Training resources have always been a key component of our ABA services. We believe it is vital to provide parents with this support to help their child’s development. 

If you are in need of practical strategies to support your child,  reach out to us  for more information on our ABA Therapy and ABA Parent Training resources. Training resources. 

6 Ways to Calm a Child With Autism

child with autism calming strategies
calming strategies for child with autism

Raising a child with autism brings surprises and challenges. One possible difficulty parents might face is managing overstimulation and meltdowns.

While every child has rough moments, for a child on the spectrum meltdowns are different. They often happen when the child is overstimulated and cannot communicate why they are upset. A valuable way to cope when meltdowns occur is to learn ways to calm a child with autism.

In this post we provide ways to look out for possible overstimulation, strategies to help calm your child in the moment and ways to head them off before they happen. Through detailed preparation, you and your child will feel more equipped to handle big emotions the next time they experience distress.

Warning Signs

Meltdowns may occur out of the blue or perhaps they come after a specific trigger. This can be very stressful for not only the child but parents and other family members as well. However, certain displays of behavior can cue parents to when their child might be on the verge of a meltdown. Some of these behaviors may include:

  • Increased stimming- agitated hand flapping, body rocking, pacing, hands over ears
  • Loud vocalizing
  • Crying
  • Eloping – running away from a situation
  • Self-injurious behavior (SIB)- banging head, picking at skin, hitting or biting self

Perhaps it is a certain location, a noise, or denied access to something that set off your child. Keeping a log of triggers can help prepare you for future incidents and allows you to be proactive in recognizing and coping with meltdowns. And in the meantime, try some of the following six ways to calm a child with autism when they are in distress.

Addressing Sensory Needs

Children with autism often have many more sensory needs than an average neurotypical person. Deep pressure stimulation such as gentle head or shoulder squeezes can help kids feel secure and move their nervous system into the parasympathetic nervous system, also called “rest and digest.” When we are in the parasympathetic nervous system, our bodies feel safe and secure which in turn calms our minds.

Additionally, learn what objects or toys are soothing to your child and have them on hand. Keep a bag of sensory objects with your child that they can utilize when they are feeling overwhelmed. Fidget spinners, blankets, squishy toys, or chew toys can bring comfort to an overstimulated nervous system.

A sensory friendly “calm down corner” can also help quell meltdowns. At home, designate a safe area for your child that includes soft lighting, calming music or white noise, and comfortable items such as bean bags or pillows. If your child attends school, coordinate with teachers to create a calm down corner in the classroom. If you’re in public during an episode, remove your child from the triggering environment as soon as you can and take them to a neutral location.

The Power of Music

Music can be very therapeutic to individuals with autism. Music increases brain activity which in turn helps regulate emotions. Additionally, singing a favorite song of your child’s may help them relax, as familiarity can be grounding. Try softly singing or playing soothing quiet tunes on headphones to help your child self-regulate.

Deep Breathing

Breathing is very powerful in calming the mind and body and can assist in regulating emotions for a child with autism. Sit face-to-face with your child and have them breathe deeply with you. Counting inhales and exhales as they breathe is a helpful technique. The exhale places the body back into the parasympathetic nervous system so make sure your child is releasing all the air. Breathing together will also help you feel more calm during a meltdown.

Exercise

Moving and fresh air help all of us feel better and is another great strategy to calm a child with autism. Walk with your child around the block, visit a nearby park, or put on a kids yoga video to help them center.

Stick to Schedules

Sometimes unpredictability triggers a meltdown. Pre-planned agendas can provide comfort to children with autism so they know what’s coming next, reducing anxiety. You can even create visual schedules for your child to reference throughout the day, which can help them stay on task. There will obviously be times when the schedule needs to change last minute, but try to give your child as much notice as possible.

Avoid Reinforcing Behavior

It’s natural to become worked up and overwhelmed watching your child experience such high levels of distress. But it’s important to avoid displaying strong emotions in front of your child in the heat of the moment in order to avoid reinforcing their behaviors. Remain as calm as you can and focus on deescalating your child through whichever method they respond best to. But be sure to make space to process your own emotions after the episode so you can regulate as well.

We hope these six ways to calm a child with autism will help you and your child the next time a meltdown arises. Know that you are not alone and that it is ok to feel overwhelmed. Our parent training resources include strategies in addressing specific meltdown situations. For more info, visit our ABA Parent Training page.

5 Ways to Manage Screen Time for Children With Autism

Many kids with autism prefer activities in solitude rather than with other peers. Screen use is a big preference among these activities, as you and so many other parents can probably attest. In fact, kids and teens with autism tend to spend more time engaging in screen activity than their neurotypical peers.

Managing screen time is a common battle for all parents, and particularly parents of children with autism. You may wonder how much screen time is too much, or perhaps you are desperate for ideas to avoid the screen time battle with your child. Maybe eliminating screens altogether feels like your only option to ensure your child will engage in anything else interactive. While it’s unrealistic to try and rid screens from kids’ lives completely, there are plenty of ways to monitor time spent on them. Screens don’t need to be demonized, but rather managed and used with good boundaries to preserve physical, psychological, social and neurological health.

Screens don’t need to be demonized, but rather managed and used with good boundaries to preserve physical, psychological, social and neurological health.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of screen time and some methods of management so your child can live their best quality of life.

Pros and Cons

Pros of screen time? It might seem unlikely, but they exist. Technology is an incredible tool that we’re blessed to have in our lifetime. Screen activities offer:

  • Motivation (utilize screens as motivators for performing less preferred activities)
  • Connection with friends and family
  • Educational content
  • Learning opportunities (discussing current events, emotions, communication, how-to videos)

On the other hand, and of which many of us are aware, cons of screen time include:

How to manage screen time

With screens so readily available to us all these days, we often have to set our own boundaries for healthy use. We all mindlessly use them more than we probably want unless we have a clear intention for use. Thus, teach and model intentionality in screen use for your child. Try these specific intentional methods of managing screens for more mindful use and better health.

1. Designate screen use areas

Designate areas of your home for screen use to set physical boundaries on appropriate use. You could establish rules such as keeping tablets and laptops at desks and living areas only. Setting boundaries on the location of use can help kids be aware of social setting expectations and to focus on one activity at a time. (Not to mention, location boundaries keep electronics safe from areas prone to messes, such as the kitchen.)

2. Create schedules

Come up with a schedule that includes slots for screen time or choose a time limit. For example, one hour on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends. Setting timers and giving warnings for how much time is left are helpful tools for easing transitions as well.

 3. Monitor

This is an obvious one to many parents. Manage electronic devices with passwords, know exactly what your child is doing on the screen, and check age-appropriateness of the material.

4. Model healthy boundaries

Kids watch us as adults, and especially as parents, whether we realize it or not. Your screen use behaviors directly influence your child’s behaviors. Model healthy screen use boundaries for them, such as having no phones at the dinner table or during family time. A big one is avoiding multitasking while a screen is in front of you. Kids with autism may already have trouble with focus so demonstrate keeping your attention on one activity at a time.

5. Self-empower with self-monitoring

Ease the burden of managing screen time with your child with autism by involving them in self-monitoring. This way, it’s not just you holding all the power and “keys” to fun. If possible, engage in discussion with your child about what appropriate screen time looks like, including content, time length, relation to other activities, etc. Additionally, there are many apps these days that can help teach kids to monitor their own screen time. In our technology saturated world, empowering your child to self-monitor is a valuable lesson they could take with them into the rest of their lives.

On a final note, be sure to inform your child’s BCBA or counselor of any screen time rules at home to implement during therapy to maintain behavioral consistency. Screens are a huge reinforcer for many in-clinic kids at Healing Haven, so make sure screen time rules at the clinic don’t interfere with home expectations.

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more help in the area of managing screen time for your child (with or without autism), we have an article over on Metro Parent with tips from our Director of Clinical Standards – Reducing Screen Time (and Replacing with Play!) for Your Child With Autism.

And this post over on MyTutor – The Screen Time Diet: helping your teen find balance with their tech – lists out some “good” screen time options and finding balance as a family.

Why Consider a Job in ABA Therapy

If you are looking for a stable career that is more than just clocking in and out, jobs in ABA Therapy are plentiful and worth considering.   

This field we work in – behavioral health and autism therapy – provides critical support for children and teens with autism, and their families. The demand for our services continues to grow rapidly. As a result, we continue to hire for our Behavior Technician position. This role works one-on-one with the children coming to us for support.   

So how does ABA therapy work and what do Behavior Technicians do? You may be wondering if this position is the right fit for you. So, let’s break down the aspects of our Behavior Technician position so you can gain a better understanding.  

What do jobs in ABA Therapy look like?

A Behavior Technician works one-on-one with an individual with autism providing Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. ABA therapy focuses on improving communication, increasing age-appropriate social skills, improving independent daily living skills, and decreasing problematic behaviors while teaching functional replacement behaviors through reinforcement. ABA therapy is high in demand, evidence-based and the most recommended therapy for autism spectrum disorder.   

ABA Therapist working with child

At Healing Haven, we receive constant requests from families for our therapy services. Due to this, we are regularly looking for flexible, patient and energetic individuals for our ABA therapist position. Our staff come from all types of educational and career backgrounds. Many begin working here as an Behavior Technician before moving on to other roles, some pursue education and certification to become BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), Occupational and Speech Therapists, or careers in psychology, education, and more. Others have moved onto other positions within the company such as Human Resources, Recruiting, Insurance/Billing, and Training. You never know where a job in ABA therapy could lead! 

So why pursue a job in ABA therapy? Here are several reasons among many that make the Behavior Technician position a fantastic choice. 

Teaching Through Play

Working with kids means lots of play and fun. A Behavior Technician weaves in learning through naturalistic teaching strategies. These include games, creative crafts, music, and engaging in free play with the client. Not a bad way to “work!” 

A Supportive Work Environment

A large part of ABA is either rewarding or ignoring behavior. Behavior Technicians are trained to observe behavior, record data, and follow behavior protocol as opposed to reacting to occurrences. This creates a reinforcing environment for the child as well as for the staff, promoting healthy teamwork.  In addition, BCBAs closely supervise so you feel supported and comfortable working with your client.  

team of ABA Therapists with jobs in aba therapy
“The culture at Healing Haven is awesome. Everyone works so hard for the kids and they support each other through everything. The work we do is not easy so it is nice to have a place that feels comfortable and supportive!” – Current Behavior Technician

Dynamic Days

In ABA therapy, each day is different, allowing for a dynamic workday. Your client’s mood and needs shift from day to day which changes up your work with them. Clients make progress on individualized goals and programs so there is regular growth. This leads to new goals and skills to work on. 

Rewarding Impact

Perhaps the best part of being a Behavior Technician is seeing your client progress. You form a connection with one child at a time, learn them well, cheer them on and see them grow each day. In a Behavior Technician job, you develop a trusting relationship with not only the client but also their family. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that your work positively impacts more than one individual. 

Registered Behavior Technician working with a child, jobs in aba therapy
“My favorite part about working at Healing Haven is the kids I’ve worked with. I get beyond excited to see them when I come into work.” – Current Behavior Technician

Training for Jobs in Aba Therapy

We provide thorough training for our new Behavior Technicians. Our Training team will fully equip you so you are confident and ready to begin working one-on-one with a client. Training is a minimum of 80 hours and includes: 

  • In-person instruction module teaching 
  • In-person shadowing at the clinic 
  • Completing online modules for the Registered Behavior Technician® certification  

Once hired, you will spend a couple weeks shadowing another Behavior Technician and their client. During this time, you will gradually take on responsibilities from the Behavior Technician until you are able to independently run the client’s whole session. This period of training is very important as it establishes a relationship between the therapist and the client so the client will respond positively to what their therapist asks of them. We also provide Crisis Prevention Training through QBS to all ABA Therapists once they get comfortable in their role. 

Healing Haven also requires each Behavior Technician to receive their Registered Behavior Technician certification. This ensures our staff are fully qualified to provide the best services for clients. After completing 40 hours of online training modules, you will take the RBT exam (Healing Haven pays for this.) Upon passing the exam, you become an RBT and may begin to track supervision hours with your BCBA. For more info on this, visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website.

Have you gained a better understanding of what jobs in ABA therapy are and where they can lead? If you want to join an in-demand field at a growing company, while making an impact on a child’s life, we encourage you to apply! Get more information and apply here.

Apply today to become an Behavior Technician

Toilet Training Tips for Kids with Autism

toilet training and autism

Toilet training is a fundamental skill to teach all kids. But it can be a tricky skill for children with autism to master. Some parents may find toilet training a smooth process, while others find it a huge battle. Many parents try to start the process and feel discouraged, then decide to take a break. Wherever you are in your child’s journey to using the toilet independently, know that success is definitely possible.

Is Your Child Ready for Toilet Training?

The first step in helping your child with autism use the toilet? Determine if they’re ready. Our Director of Clinical Standards, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, suggests a list of pre-requisites to consider before starting the toilet training process.

Can your child…

  • sit on the toilet or potty chair for a few minutes?
  • pull pants up or down?
  • hold urine for at least 30 minutes?
  • imitate skills such as sitting and wiping?
  • find the bathroom or potty chair in the house?

Your child doesn’t need to be proficient in each of these steps all at once to start toilet training. However, keep in mind that the process will be easier and more successful if your child can complete most steps first. If your child struggles with fine motor strength and control, consider occupational therapy (OT). OT can help with skills such as pulling pants up and down, wiping, etc. Additionally, there should be minimal behaviors occurring with bathroom use. If behaviors arise often, be sure to address them prior to starting the toilet training process.

Reinforcement and Encouragement

It’s important to utilize reinforcement and encouragement when working on toilet training your child with autism. You can reinforce their success in using the toilet in a variety of ways, including:

  • Food, such as candy or a small treat
  • A sticker chart
  • A highly preferred activity such as tablet time, a game or favorite toy

Along with reinforcers, use lots of verbal encouragement. Make sure it’s specific and descriptive: “I love how you asked to go to the potty.” Or “You did an amazing job sitting on the toilet for x amount of time!” etc.

Barriers to Toilet Training

Toilet training kids with autism can definitely have its setbacks. You might encounter challenging behaviors from your child, such as fear of using the toilet, refusing to use it, misusing toilet paper or other materials, or tantrums when encouraged to use the toilet.

Some children with autism might be hesitant to use the toilet due to sensory issues. If this is the case for your child, identify the sensory issue. It could be that the toilet seat is uncomfortable, they may feel cold, or feel afraid of the loud flushing sound. Perhaps utilize a toilet seat and let your child hold a stuffed animal or toy while sitting to help them feel safe and comforted.

Another barrier to toilet training is constipation. Kids with autism can be prone to constipation due to selective eating. If you notice your child struggling to void with bowel movements, consult your pediatrician.

General Tips for Toilet Training Kids with Autism

  1. Take toilet training one step at a time! While many parents are eager for their child to gain independence in the bathroom, try not to rush through the process.
  2. Have your child use pull ups or underwear as they transition from diapers.
  3. Use visuals in the bathroom such as a step-by-step laminated sheet with photos to help your child remember the toilet use process.
  4. When starting toilet training, plan a time to be at home with your child (Ideally, a week).
  5. Take data. You could create a chart, take notes in a notebook, or find a data sheet that works for you through an online search. For each toilet session, list the date, time, accident, success, location, and any independent requests.
  6. Make the experience fun and rewarding! Ensure your child is comfortable on the toilet by having them pick out a preferred toilet seat. Keep toys and books in the bathroom and even play music. The more enjoyable the experience is for your child, the more likely they will pick up skills and move towards independence.

If your child receives ABA therapy, check in with your child’s BCBA. They can give suggestions specific to your child as well as general support throughout toilet training.

Toilet training, though necessary, is a huge task to undertake as a parent. While it can be discouraging at times, remember to celebrate the successes. And with encouragement and consistent reinforcement, your child will learn in his or her own time.

The Transition to Summer for Kids with Autism

5 Tips for a Fun-Packed Summer for Kids on the Spectrum

As summer break approaches, it’s normal to feel anxious about the transition to summer for your child with autism. You may wonder how your child might handle and adjust to schedule changes, barbeques, fireworks, large gatherings, and all the other eventful things summer brings. To ease some of the anxiety, we compiled five tips and tricks to consider using in the transition to summer for kids with autism.   

1. Create a Schedule

Some kids with autism hold rigidly to schedules and plans. It is helpful to be aware of any potential triggers when it comes to plans, such as things happening suddenly and surprisingly. To avoid this and ease your child’s mind, create a summer schedule to review with them. Visual schedules are a fantastic way to keep your child informed of new routines. Let them know that things might change with this new season and that change is ok. Communicate to your child any change of plans as soon as possible to avoid catching them off-guard. 

2. Prepare Ahead of Time

Just like with any change, it is important to maintain a routine for your child when summer rolls around. Think through what could cause frustrations in your child with certain changes and activities. One idea is to introduce novel places and activities to your child ahead of time. For example, if they’re starting swimming lessons, take them to the pool before their first lesson for some exposure to the environment and to meet their instructor, if possible. Or if your child is starting a day camp, familiarize them by visiting the site and talking with some of their leaders. Tell your child what to expect so they won’t be blindsided by these new experiences. 

Another good way to prepare ahead of time is by looking into sensory-friendly options for some activities and places, such as the museum or theatre. Planning to go to places at non-peak hours is also a good practice for sensory-sensitive children.  

3. Set Expectations and Rewards

Keep your child updated on where you are going, when you are going there and what will take place. Utilizing timers is a wonderful way to remind your child when things will happen, such as leaving the house for an event. For example, if you set the timer for 10 minutes, your child will know that when it goes off it’s time to leave. 

Another way to help kids with autism adjust to summer changes is to set rewards. Ask your child what they prefer to “work” for and use reinforcers or surprise them with a treat or activity after they handle an event well. Preferred items or activities will keep them motivated to demonstrate positive behavior. 

4. Coping with Loud Events

With summer comes celebratory holidays, such as the 4th of July and Juneteenth, and events like concerts and fairs. Fireworks and large crowds often accompany these events, which can be overwhelming for kids with autism. Prepare your child as much as possible before the event. Perhaps show them a video of a firework show or concert beforehand to get a sense of how your child might react. To be prepared, bring noise cancelling headphones and sunglasses in the event your child becomes overstimulated. “Distractors,” such preferred activities, fidgets, or items that comfort them are also great to have on hand. 

5. Go Slow

You don’t need to introduce change all at once. Talk with your child about some exciting activities planned for the summer to paint the coming change in a positive light. Explain that things might be different from how they’ve been throughout the school year.   

Practice adding in change in small ways, such as asking your child to stop a preferred activity and move to a different preferred activity. With this model, you can have them gradually move to non-preferred activities to increase their compliance with change. For example, if your child is playing with their toys, say “You have two minutes left of play time and then we’re going to play a game/watch a video.” Give lots of praise when your child copes well, and focus on the effort rather than the outcome (i.e., “I love how you put your toys down right away when I asked you to. Great listening!”)   

The transition to summer for kids with autism may sound stressful, but with some planning ahead of time, you can help your child thrive.  And as always, remember to stay safe, particularly when outdoors or near water. Here’s to a relaxing, adventurous, and safe summer!  

The Science Behind ABA Therapy and Its Benefits for Autism Treatment

Autism Treatment
Autism Treatment

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically proven method for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This method of therapy focuses on analyzing and modifying behavior patterns in order to improve social, communication, and learning skills. In this blog, we will explore the science behind ABA therapy and its benefits for autism treatment.

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a behavioral intervention that seeks to modify behavior through a systematic and data-driven approach. It is a highly individualized form of therapy that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. ABA therapy is based on the principles of behaviorism, which emphasizes the importance of observable and measurable behavior.

Typically, ABA therapy is provided in one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist to teach new skills and modify behavior. ABA therapy also involves the use of data collection and analysis to track progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan.

The Science Behind ABA Therapy

The effectiveness of ABA therapy for autism treatment has been supported by numerous scientific studies. One of the key components of ABA therapy is positive reinforcement, which rewards desired behavior to increase the future recurrence of that behavior. Positive reinforcement has been shown to be a highly effective technique for teaching new skills and modifying behavior in children with autism.

Another important aspect of ABA therapy is the use of prompting, which provides cues or assistance to help an individual perform a desired behavior. This tactic can be used to help individuals learn new skills or to modify existing behavior patterns. 

Benefits of ABA Therapy

Some of the specific benefits of ABA therapy for children with autism include:

  • Improved social skills: ABA therapy can help individuals with autism improve their social skills, such as initiating and maintaining conversations, making eye contact, and responding appropriately to social cues.
  • Enhanced communication skills: ABA therapy improves communication skills for individuals with autism, such as using language to express their needs and desires.
  • Increased independence: ABA therapy helps individuals with autism develop the skills they need to become more independent, such as self-care skills and the ability to complete tasks independently.
  • Better academic performance: ABA therapy allows individuals with autism to improve their academic performance by teaching them new skills and modifying behavior patterns that may be interfering with their ability to learn.

While most ABA providers focus on servicing children from 2-7 years old, Healing Haven serves clients up to 16 years old because some individuals need continued support as they age. Contact us today to get started and discuss your child’s needs and possible solutions!

Great Gift Ideas for Autistic Children

With holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to scheme gift ideas! But finding useful and entertaining gifts for kids with autism can be tricky. For the past few years, we’ve compiled lists of gift ideas for autistic children. These categorized suggestions come from experts at our clinics as well as popular preferences from our clients.

A few things to note: Remember to consider the child’s interests and developmental stage. If they love a certain character or sport for example, find something that includes that. Or if they are intrigued by a certain sensory experience, such as fluffy or smooth items, gift from those categories. Their developmental stage also might not match age-appropriate toys and activities, so keep in mind what they might enjoy based on their abilities and interests.

Here is your guide with great gift ideas for an autistic child (or teen)!

Gifts that encourage movement

Many kids with autism often need to incorporate lots of movement into their day to counteract sensory issues. Try an anti-burst peanut exercise ball for core strength development and calming deep pressure, or a balance board for balance and coordination.

Additionally, according to one of our Occupational Therapists, jumping is an excellent way for kids to get sensory input. She suggests a monkey jump, where small children can engage in a game of Five Little Monkeys. A mini trampoline is another fantastic go-to option for kids who need to get energy out.

Sensory gift ideas

Water beads are a huge favorite of our clients. After expanding in water, put them in a bin and let kids run their hands through them for some mesmerizing sensory fun.

Sometimes a child with autism finds solace with alone time. Make a peaceful haven in a tent that you can fill with pillows, stuffed animals, or any other objects that help your child experience calm.

Poke-A-Dot books offer interactive sensory input while enjoying a story. Children can pop the dots on each page, which is a great opportunity for fine motor skills.

If your child often gets overstimulated and likes body pressure, try a weighted vest, blanket, or neck wrap. The added weight can aid in focus and help kids feel safe and secure.

Toys that support fine motor skills

Kinetic sand is a perfect gift for kids that like to squish, mold, and create—another favorite of our clients. As opposed to real sand, kinetic sand prevents big messes as it sticks together. Scoop into molds or build little creatures and sandcastles for fine motor practice.

Do you have a child who loves taking things apart and putting back together? Check out this take-apart car, complete with a drill. Our OTs utilize these cars during sessions to encourage fine motor skills. The car can also go for a drive when construction is completed, offering an enticing reward at the end of a task.

Do.A.Dot markers help kids work on fine motor skills through learning to hold and control something in their hand. With a sponge tip applicator, they are also mess-free! These markers are a great option for quick art projects.

Gifts for tweens and teens

Many of these gifts work for younger children, but may not satisfy needs of older kids and teens with autism. Finding gifts for teens can be difficult, but we suggest fidget-friendly items than can ease stress. As kids get older, they need to concentrate longer on tasks. Gifting a fidget spinner, a Kinekt gear ring, or finger fidget pencils can therapeutically relieve extra energy and stress when trying to focus.

Stocking stuffers

Try these smaller items to stick in a stocking. “Pop-its” are all the rage right now, for both neurotypical and autistic children—we see many around our clinics! Therapy putty often comes in a small container for easy transport to pull out and squish when needed. Our clients also enjoy stretchy tubes that pop and bend. For kiddos who like to mouth items, try packs of fun-shaped chewies such as these shark teeth. An anti-stress toy like this cool fidget or a liquid timer can simultaneously entertain and ease sensory induced anxiety.

Gift ideas to treat parents

If you’re planning to give to a child with autism, it’s a nice gesture to gift their parents as well. Parents of kids with special needs often endure a lot of stress. Self-care and fun experiences are excellent options, such as a manicure/pedicure, a massage, restaurant gift cards, or movie gift certificates. A relaxing night out is often a wonderful gift for parents, given all they balance!

We hope we’ve helped take some of the stress out of your holiday shopping this year with these great gift ideas for autistic children. For even more gift suggestions, be sure to check out all our holiday gift guides.

Receiving an Autism Diagnosis: What To Do Next

autism diagnosis what to do next

You’ve just received an autism diagnosis for your child. You may be feeling a mix of emotions, from shock, fear, guilt, overwhelm, confusion, or perhaps relief and clarity. Whatever may be going through your mind, know that you are not alone in this journey. You are one of thousands of parents navigating the reality of having a child with autism. This journey brings both joy and struggle, and we are here to help you through it.

In the meantime, here are some helpful steps to take.

Learn about ASD

According to recent 2021 findings by the CDC, 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD can cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Yet symptoms of autism greatly differ from person to person.

Social

Social challenges within ASD may include making eye contact, lack of recognition of nonverbal cues, lack of emotional facial expressions and obsessive interests.

Communication

Communication challenges may include difficulty developing language skills, understanding others, slower tempo of speech, and making appropriate facial expressions.

Behavioral

Behavioral challenges may include repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping or rocking, sensory processing issues, aversion to touch, rigidities in routines, emotional meltdowns, refusal to follow demands, and self-injurious behavior.

In addition to the above, children diagnosed with autism may also struggle with fine and gross motor skills, such as balance and grasping objects. This can also lead to difficulty acquiring daily living skills like dressing, brushing teeth, writing and more.

If you are just learning about autism or want to continue educating yourself, check out these autism education and awareness organizations:

Autism Alliance of Michigan https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/

National Autism Association https://nationalautismassociation.org/

Find support for yourself

Receiving an autism diagnosis can cause stress and worry in parents. It’s crucial to get support for yourself and your partner if you are going through this journey together.

Some ways to ensure you have support include:

  • Reach out to other parents of children with ASD to hear how they have navigated their journey
  • Taking time to process for yourself or with your partner. Maybe have someone watch your child(ren) so you can have space to take in the news of the diagnosis, sift through any information you’ve received, and formulate questions for medical professionals and autism specialists.
  • Seek counseling to help you process. At Healing Haven, we help parents process their child’s diagnosis through our counseling program. In counseling, parents identify triggers for stress, develop goals to manage stress, and learn to navigate relationships. Additionally, we have an ABA Parent Training program, created by our director, Jamie McGillivary. In this program, parents acquire stress management techniques while learning principles of ABA to help support their child’s development.

Seek therapeutic help for your child

Once a child is diagnosed, the evaluation team will often recommend various therapies to support the child’s development. It is important to check with your insurance plan to see what coverage your plan has for an autism diagnosis. The most common therapies recommended include the following:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

ABA focuses on developing social, communication, play and learning skills through positive reinforcement. ABA is one of the most common therapies used in autism treatment and is backed by 50 years of research. At Healing Haven, we provide high quality ABA therapy in our clinics. We believe in a more natural and holistic approach to help the child carry over what they are learning into other settings. We also leverage incidental teaching, utilizing the child’s natural interests and motivations.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

The goal of Occupational Therapy is to increase skills in daily living and the use of everyday objects (such as eating and drinking, dressing, writing, etc.) Benefits of OT for individuals with autism include sensory processing, focus, emotional expression, and independence in everyday tasks.

Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy treats speech and communication disorders. It is incredibly beneficial for those with autism, as ASD contains a wide range of communication abilities, from nonverbal to extremely verbal and talkative. Speech Therapy helps individuals communicate through picture icons, electronic talking devices, reading body language, asking and answering questions, and grammatically correct sentences.

Counseling

Some children and teens diagnosed with autism do not require more intensive ABA Therapy. However, they could benefit from individual counseling. This provides a space for those with ASD to process life challenges. In counseling, individuals with autism meet with a certified therapist specially trained in ASD issues. ASD clients learn coping strategies for frustration or anxiety, manage sensory processing issues, and developing social skills.

Create structure for your child

Individuals with autism function well within structured environments. If you haven’t already done so, start creating predictability for your child’s day.

Make a visual schedule for your child to refer to if they are anxious about what will come next in their day. You could fill it out together the night before or in the morning, for instance. There are hundreds of ideas and templates for creating fun, kid-appealing visual schedules. (Try these free printables!)

Another way to help your child with structure is giving time warnings before an activity ends. For example, if your child is engaging in play with a preferred toy or activity, give 15, 10, and/or 5 minute warnings. Setting timers might be helpful as well. This helps your child be aware that change is coming. They will also learn to emotionally regulate better with a heads-up, especially if sudden change can trigger meltdowns.

As mentioned before, you are not alone in this journey of raising a child with autism. Above all, the most important thing you can do is make sure both you and your child get the support needed. And it’s our team’s mission at Healing Haven to provide you that support. We are in your corner.

For more information, be sure to check out these blogs!

6 Ideas for Practicing Social Skills with Autistic Children

Communication and Autism: 4 Resources to Help

The Benefits of Organized Space for Individuals With Autism

Supporting Siblings of Children With Autism