Many people are “aware” of autism, but how well do they know and accept individuals with autism as a part of our schools, workplaces and communities?
Continue readingAutism Acceptance and Changing Perceptions
Back to School during COVID-19
As we approach the start of the 2020-2021 school year here in southeast Michigan, many parents are facing the reality of back to school during COVID-19 being like nothing we’ve experienced before.
An Uncertain School Year
Many public school districts in this area are opening with only a full remote school option due to COVID-19. This post is not to get into a debate on whether remote school is the best option right now. We know there are parents who want their child to go to school in person. And we know other parents who don’t want to send their child back to school in person.
The reality is, for many students with IEPs, distance learning is not a viable or meaningful option. This can be because they are not receiving the numerous supports and services they receive in person. They may have trouble attending to a screen or processing all that is happening in an online meeting. Or parents may have to work and not be able to support them through their remote school day.
Unfortunately, in-person or a hybrid plan may not be a viable option for children with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions.
In the past we’ve written “back to school” blog posts like Back to School Tips for Parents of Different Learners. We created those resources to help parents with the transition from summer break to school. But going back to school during COVID-19 is like nothing anyone has experienced before. Read on for some ideas and resources to help you with a remote start to school, as well as returning to school in-person, and homeschooling your child with autism.
Remote School
For those who are navigating a remote start to the school year with your child who receives special education services, you may be feeling overwhelmed. It’s totally understandable! We’ve compiled a variety of ideas, that may help. From visual schedules to establishing routines, to positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), to IEP resources to help you navigate your rights.
Educational Advocacy Resources
Michigan Alliance for Families is a wonderful support organization for families who have children with disabilities to help them navigate their educational resources. They have a specific COVID-19 page on their website with many resources specific to how this pandemic is impacting education. And their COVID Documentation page has a variety of additional resources for a remote start back to school.
The Autism Alliance of Michigan has some back to school resources for families. This is a great blog post about advocacy and what your rights are in regard to your child’s IEP and special education services.
Another great resource is the Michigan Alliance for Families YouTube channel. They’ve posted recordings of past webinars specific to COVID-19, special education and distance learning.
Visual Schedules
We know that for many kids, visual schedules can help reduce problem behaviors. Visual schedules help them know what to expect. They are a neutral way to communicate what they need to do and what is coming, rather than you verbally having to ask (or nag) them over and over. Check out these visual schedules from And Next Comes L, like the School Morning Routine Chart, the After School Routine Chart and others. And Understood.org, a great resource for students with learning challenges, offers several free visual schedule downloads.
Distance Learning Resources
Understood also has some Distance Learning resources for both families and educators. There is info on how focusing for remote school can be even more challenging for many kids. And they offer some tips to help. And Next Comes L also provides specific Distance Learning resources for teachers, therapists and parents. If your child is struggling to understand why they aren’t going to school in person, she has a free social story download School is Closed. And she has tips on how to best support your autistic child on Zoom meetings. Definitely check that one out!
Accessing Their Education
If your child needs individual, in-person support to access their remote school, you may need to hire someone to help. Whether you work outside the home, have other children to take care of, or simply don’t feel equipped to become your child’s para professional, definitely reach out for help. Start with your child’s school to find out how their IEP will be fulfilled. Network with other parents to find out how they are managing it. If your child receives ABA Therapy, ask your provider if distance learning behavioral support may be an option. Check out local universities with education programs. You may be able to find a special education student who is looking for some income and experience in their field.
Returning to School In Person
Back to School Anxiety
If your child is heading back to school in person, they may be experiencing some anxiety after such an extended break from school. Here are some resources to help with this transition from And Next Comes L.
Wearing a Mask
If your child’s school is asking (or requiring) students wear a mask, here are a few social stories about wearing masks to help them get used to it. Here is a video version and a printable version from Autism Little Learners specific to wearing a mask at school.
Homeschooling
Some families are considering homeschooling their child for various reasons. Maybe remote school doesn’t work well for their child, or they have health issues making in-person school a risk. Homeschooling may also provide the flexibility to continue with their therapies from the summer (ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapies).
Resources to help
If you’re considering homeschooling your child with autism, but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few resources. First, check out this blog post from the Friendship Circle – Tips for Homeschooling Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Applied Behavior Analysis Program Guide has an extensive list of possible homeschool curricula for students with autism. If you’re on Facebook, there are numerous homeschool groups specific for children with autism. There are sure to be some full of tips and recommendations.
Ready or not, it’s here!
As you prepare for this unique year heading back to school during COVID-19, we hope these ideas and resources help. Whether preparing for remote school, an in-person or hybrid plan, or you are diving into homeschooling your child, we wish you a successful start to school. Remember you have what it takes for whatever lies ahead!
Summer Reading Guide: The Latest Books About Autism
It’s not a surprise that reading books is on the rise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Weeks upon weeks at home has to be filled up with more than just binging on Netflix, right? Even with restrictions easing and people getting out more, there are many who love having a summer reading list. Therefore, we’ve researched the latest books about autism published so far in 2020. There are several books for parents as well as books to help autistic kids, tweens, and teens. (Note: This is not an endorsement of all of these books, but an informative list for you to do your own research.)
The Latest Books About Autism
For Parents
There are several new books about autism released the first half of 2020 that are written to help parents. There’s a brand new release filled with tips to help children with autism in our new COVID-19 world. We found a book written by a BCBA that we are excited to add to our collection. There is also a new resource written by a Mom specifically for the many families navigating a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.
Autism in Lockdown: Expert Tips and Insights on Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic
This timely collection includes tips from expert voices in the field of autism like Dr. Temple Grandin, Ellen Notbohm, Dr. Tony Atwood, and many more. You’ll find activities to help kids cope with the new “normal”. There is also homeschooling tips, stress management tactics, social stories, ideas on building structure for better behavior, and much more!
Thriving with Autism: 90 Activities to Encourage Your Child’s Communication, Engagement and Play by Katie Cook, MEd, BCBA
Written by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Educator, this book is filled with practical activities for parents and caregivers to help their children build better conversation skills and strengthen social skills. This read is also a great resource for families new to autism, as well as Applied Behavior Analysis. Kelly provides a great foundation for understanding your child’s diagnosis and the reasons for and scientific background of ABA therapy.
A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism by Teresa Unnerstall
For families navigating a dual diagnosis, this brand new book takes a deep dive into the complexities that families face raising a child with Down syndrome and autism. The author’s son is now in his twenties, so she has years of experience navigating this extra unique world.
For Kids, Tweens and Teens
It’s wonderful to find so many new books about autism specifically written for kids, tweens and teens! Here are a few released the first half of this year.
Your Interests, My Interests: A Visual Guide to Playing and Hanging Out for Children on the Autism Spectrum by Joel Shaul
Geared toward elementary and middle school aged kids, this visual resource can help children learn important social skills. So if your child could use some help learning how to play and interact with their peers, check out Your Interests, My Interests (no preview available).
The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic by Siena Castellon
This empowering quote from the book says it all: “Never be ashamed of being different: it is this difference that makes you extraordinary and unique.” If your daughter with autism could use this type of positive self image and support in understanding social communication, friendships, dealing with bullying and more, this book may be a great option. The author, a young woman on the spectrum, understands this important time in a young autistic girl’s life.
The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens by Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman
This newly released interactive book is a guide for autistic tweens and teens that promotes self-acceptance. It helps shape a young person’s understanding of the strengths they have because of their autism and develops confidence in who they are. How great is that?!
Have you picked up a new favorite book about autism that we don’t have here? If so, let us know in the comments! And if you want to check out more helpful resources, check out Six Great Books for Parents of Autistic Children.
We hope you learned about some new books about autism. Please share it with your community!
Surviving Summer Break in a COVID-19 World
Most kids love summer break from school – a relaxed schedule, sleeping in, fun places to go and lots of time outside. But we are in a new reality with the COVID-19 pandemic. Kids – and parents – are coming off nearly three months of adapting to distance learning. Additionally, many of the typical summer activities are closed or modified. So for a child with autism (and their parents) the end of distance learning, limited or cancelled therapies, no places to go, facing summer break probably seems daunting!
As autism parents know, having a predictable schedule helps kids on the autism spectrum make sense of their world, knowing what to expect from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. So even in your exhaustion from the past few months, it’s time to prepare for summer break.
Are you wondering how do you facilitate a summer break that provides the structure your child with autism needs? Not to mention doing this during the new world of social distancing, closed playgrounds and pools, cancelled summer camps and vacations? It may seem overwhelming. But we’ve got some simple tips to help you and your child survive summer break in our new COVID-19 world! (And these can help typical kids too.) Whether you will be home with your kids, you have someone coming it to care of them while you work, or they will be doing summer therapies, these ideas may help.
Celebrate the End of Distance Learning!
Let’s face it, this school year has been like no other! So it’s definitely something to celebrate the end of distance learning and all the extra responsibilities you’ve taken on. You can start off summer break with an activity or treat. From something simple like getting take-out from their favorite restaurant or going out for ice cream – yes many are open here in Michigan! Or you could throw an “end of school year” party with balloons, games, fun snacks and a dance party. What you and your children have been through is worthy of a celebrating!
Create a Summer Schedule
As you may have done during this time of distance learning, use visuals to show what your child’s “typical” weekdays and weekends will be on a calendar. And then create a “typical day” schedule to show when they will get up, get dressed, eat meals, activities, and outings. So if they are able to resume some in person therapies, or you take a daily walk or ride in the car, put them in the schedule to show them what to expect. And for days at home, read on for how to have a schedule on those days too.
Help reduce anxiety of “the unknown” by reviewing the schedule each day, or even the night before, so they know what will be happening. Here is one example you can download. A quick Google or Pinterest search will offer a variety of options.
Sticking to a Schedule Has Benefits
Traditionally summer break is an easy time to get too relaxed and let go of any set schedule. But the more you can stick to a routine for bedtime and wake up time, meals and limiting screen time, the more well-regulated your child will hopefully be.
Online Therapies & Camps
Not that we want to encourage even more screen time, but there are some great opportunities to make your child’s screen time purposeful! If they are able to attend and engage with short amounts of screen learning, you can look into some online camp opportunities. There are so many programs popping up due to in person camps being closed. From educational classes to keep their learning progressing, to Lego camps, coding, dance, art, music, and more!
And if your child typically receives ESY (Extended School Year) services, but are missing out on important therapies over the summer, consider telehealth speech and occupational therapies. Many providers are now offering them, including our team!
Have A Summer Break Rules Chart
The never-ending requests for the iPad, video games and TV can be managed to a degree with a Summer Vacation Rules list that details out the things they need to do BEFORE they get to use any technology. The rules can include chores like getting dressed, brushing teeth, making their bed, cleaning their room, and more advanced chores for older kids. You can also have a rule for playing – inside and outside for specific amounts of time, as wells as a bit of academic work that is age appropriate – reading for 30 minutes, writing a story, art or coloring for 20 minutes. Here’s one example from Thirty Handmade Days.
Back Up Plans Teach Flexibility
For some kids, they may have learned to be more flexible with change during the Stay Home order and learning a completely new routine. But if not, work on teaching your child about a backup plan or “Option A” and “Option B”. If your schedule is to go visit their cousin’s house, but someone in the house isn’t feeling well, talk with them about a backup plan in case you can’t go that day. Reviewing with them what you will do if they can’t do what’s on the schedule will help reduce behaviors associated with a “change in plans”.
We hope these ideas help you create some structure AND fun for you and your family during this summer like no other! Remember to take it one day at a time.
What are some ways you survive the summer months with your child with autism? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for help for your child with autism this summer, learn how we’ve adjusted our programs for our new COVID-19 world.
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Moving from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance
A few thoughts on Autism Awareness Month
In the United States April is Autism Awareness Month. And now in its twelfth year, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day as established by the United Nations. You may see people wearing blue on April 2. There will be buildings lit up blue and lots of social media posts about the day. However, we at Healing Haven have a different perspective on wearing blue and autism awareness. As an organization we don’t participate in the “light it up blue” campaign for a few reasons. The primary one being the controversial work and money management practices of the organization that launched the campaign, Autism Speaks. With all of their efforts, they do little to practically support families and their needs. Here is one mother’s perspective. We put our efforts in helping shift the focus to Autism Acceptance Month.
In comparison, we just celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st (3/21 – three copies of the 21st chromosome and also established by the United Nations). But this day is not only about awareness. It is a day to celebrate people with Down syndrome, while educating our global communities on their potential. It’s about supporting them with programs and therapies so they can achieve more, recognizing their achievements and changing outdated perceptions of the most commonly occurring chromosomal disorder. World Down Syndrome Day sends a message of celebration and acceptance and we believe the same should happen for individuals with autism throughout the month of April.
It’s Time for Autism Acceptance Month
With a recently updated estimate of 1 in 54 individuals diagnosed with autism, it’s time to move from awareness to acceptance. Let’s face it, most of us are “aware” of autism. The majority of us have met or know someone on the spectrum. As a result, our perspective is we need to move the focus to autism acceptance month. And not just saying “I accept individuals with autism for who they are.” Let’s demonstrate autism acceptance with action. Acceptance without action isn’t meaningful. We need to share messages of acceptance of autistic individuals, celebrate the challenges autistic people overcome every day, and push for understanding of neurodiversity.
Action can look like:
- becoming a friend to an autistic person
- hiring a person with autism
- reaching out to a family impacted by autism – offer to make them dinner or take a tired mom or dad out for coffee
- share educational resources on autism this month with the hashtag #autismacceptance
Advocating Every Day
We work with and advocate for autistic people every day of the year. So one day seems like a shallow attempt to make some people feel good that they did something for autism. Throughout the year we serve autistic children and teens, and their families with the goal of helping them learn to communicate and interact with the world around them. Our holistic approach to ABA therapy looks at the entire person and how we can support their learning, communication, play and pre-vocational skills. We do that while also helping to lessen any harmful behaviors that get in the way of the individual living a full life within their family and community.
If you could hear the celebrations throughout our clinics when a client asks for something they want for the first time. We cheer them on when they gain a new skill that they’ve worked on for months. And we celebrate with families when they experience accomplishments with their child that they never thought possible.
So for Autism Awareness Acceptance Month, we will continue to do what we do every day. But we may shout a little louder the worth of individuals our world views as “different”!
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Shelter in Place Resources for Parents
We are in a rapidly-changing, unprecedented time in our world as this global health crisis spreads throughout our country. As more drastic measures are taken each day to slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronaviurs), to “flatten the curve”, we all are scrambling to figure out this new normal. Kids are out of school, many are people working remotely, or have been temporarily laid off. And in our case, our clients are not receiving therapy until we can roll out some support to our families through telehealth services.
So what are we to do as parents, caregivers and professionals? We’ve compiled a list of resources for parents to help you navigate this extraordinary reality we are now in.
Talking with Your Kids About Coronavirus
First, some of your kids may be asking specifically about coronavirus, or the results of it – why they are not in school or going to therapies? Here are several resources to help.
- PBS Kids has tools to help you talk with your children about this novel virus.
- This Psychology Today article provides some great resources and tips for explaining this global health crisis to children with autism.
- This Washington Post article is written by a Mom of with an autistic 8 year old son.
- And for those who may be experiencing anxiety, here is some help for addressing that too!
Creating New Routines
We all know how important routines are for kids with autism, Down syndrome, and even typical kids! And now those routines are turned upside down. So here is a free downloadable routine schedule that you can customize for your child and situation. And here are some timely activities from the same resource – A Next Comes L – with activities to do at home in the month of April.
Homeschooling
One of the biggest changes the Coronavirus has brought on us is the closing down of schools. Parents are now tasked with continuing the education of their kids! For some that may come easy, but for most, it’s a whole new world, especially if your child has an IEP! So, in addition to whatever your child’s school is providing, we’ve compiled a list of resources that address this new educational reality facing parents. (*Note: Full disclosure, I have a daughter in 3rd grade. She also has Down syndrome. We already tried a few of these resources. I highly recommend you check them out!) If you’re wondering how to structure their day, or need worksheets to keep them busy, or want some interactive online lessons, and more, take a look at these tools.
Educational Tools:
- Sample school schedules from Khan Academy
- Special Ed Teaching Resources from Breezy Special Ed
- Scholastic Learn At Home Lessons
- Free Worksheets and Printables from 123HomeSchool4me and EdHelper
And here are some fun entertaining, while educational resources – watching webcams of animals at the National Zoo, or of sea life at the Georgia Aquarium.
Therapy Resources
If your child is not receiving their typical therapies like OT and PT, definitely check out The OT Toolbox. From fine motor activities to sensory processing resources, they have some amazing supports in their Parent Toolbox! And OT/picky eater expert and blogger at Your Kids Table provides some survival tips for parents during this social distancing time.
Get Moving
Being cooped up inside all day every day will make anyone go stir crazy. So you definitely will need to work in some time to get moving. Whether you go for a walk or play in the backyard, or use one of these online resources, these are great tools to keep kids moving during this self quarantine period. Stretch, move and bring a sense of calm through yoga from Cosmic Kids. A favorite “brain break” in many schools, GoNoodle, can help get the wiggles out to focus on their next task. And Fluency and Fitness combines academics with movement, reinforcing learning, while getting up and moving!
Specific to Autism
In addition to the social story linked above, here’s a list of activities to keep a teenager with autism busy while they are out of school. And above we included resources from A Next Comes L. Sign up for her newsletter to get lots of great resources during this Coronavirus shelter-in-place!
We have some additional resources we will be providing our client families in the coming weeks, too. We are developing a stress management webinar to equip parents during this understandably stressful time. Additionally, we’re planning on a companion stress management blog post. So stay tuned for that!
We are in this together and are developing unique ways to support our community and network during this unique and trying time.
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2019 Gift Guide for Kids with Autism
As we enter the holiday season, we want to take some of the stress out of gift-giving, especially when it comes to kids and teens with autism. Last year we wrote a post with a variety of gift ideas from our team of BCBA’s and Occupational Therapists. So, this year we are expanding on that list and going back to our expert staff for more of their top picks. We also had a parent submit her own child-tested gift ideas! Read on for some great ideas if your holiday shopping list includes a child/teen with autism or other developmental disability.
Sensory Input
Textured sensory balls provide a variety of benefits for sensory seeking kiddos. Recommended by one of our BCBAs, textured sensory balls are great for fidgeting, tactile input, stress and anxiety relief and more!
A big favorite with the kids in our clinics – water beads! These are great fun for sensory input, fine motor, sorting, colors and more!
This Pin Art Game is awesome for sensory seekers. It encourages creativity, while providing tactile input. And the bonus is there is no mess to clean up!
Giant Exercise Balls are great for kids who have trouble sitting still. Using these balls not only can help kids focus, but also works their core at the same time. They are available many places, but this one from National Autism Resources is guaranteed not to burst and is a popular one with OTs and therapists.
Get Moving
Called “River Stones”, these varying sizes of plastic stepping stones help children work on balance and coordination. They are a great get moving gift for indoor fun during our cold winter months here in Michigan!
Fine Motor
Our team highly recommends Magna Tiles. They are popular among many of our clients and work on fine motor, spatial and problem solving skills.
Social Skill Development
For older kids and teens who could use help in developing social skills, another one of our BCBAs recommends some social games available from National Autism Resources. And for preschool and elementary age, Hoot Owl Hoot is an award-winning cooperative game. It’s fun while teaching colors, turn-taking, strategy, shared decision making and more!
Encouraging Academics
If you’re looking to help your child with academic skills, our team recommends the “I Can Read” books to support readers at their individual level. With a variety of subjects/character themes at various reading levels, there are plenty of options to find something your child will enjoy, while encouraging them to practice their reading skills.
Stocking Stuffers
Another one of our therapists recommends any kind of slime for great sensory input. And if your child loves playing with bubble wrap and fidgets, this Dimpl is a fun cause-and-effect, sensory toy for all ages.
The holidays are also a great time to restock the sensory bin with fidgets. If your child likes a variety of different items for sensory play, this Fidget Set gives you lots of options – and will definitely fill out their stocking!
Don’t Forget the Parents!
If you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend of family impacted by autism, let’s not forget the parents! They juggle so much with their child’s diagnosis and are often under additional stress. Consider a gift that encourages self-care, like a mani/pedi or a massage. Many parents of autistic children and teens could use the gift of your time for a night out without the kids.
We hope these ideas help you find not only a gift that is helpful for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew, but also something they will have fun with! For our local Metro Detroit families who want to “buy local”, a great option for many of these toys and games listed above, is Toyolgy Toys. They have several locations as well as website ordering available!
If you have a gift idea for someone with autism, please share it in the comments below!
If you found this information helpful, we’d love it if you’d share it with your network!
Autism Testing and Evaluation Services
With the increasing demand for autism testing and evaluation services, we are expanding to include this in our range of services. Our new Psychometrician can administer a variety of evaluations that support families in search of answers. These testing services also fulfill insurance company requirements for diagnostic evaluations as it pertains to autism and approving therapies.
So What is a Psychometrician?
Psychometrician? You may be wondering, “What is that?”
Psychometrician – psy·cho·me·tri·cian | \ ˌsī-kə-mə-ˈtri-shən \, as defined by Merriam-Webster is:
1: a person (such as a clinical psychologist) who is skilled in the administration and interpretation of objective psychological tests
2: a psychologist who devises, constructs, and standardizes psychometric tests
Get to know our new Psychometrician
Kristofer Picano MA, TLLP, BCBA joined our team back in August 2018 as an ABA Therapist while pursuing his Master’s Degree. Kris received his Bachelor of Science, majoring in psychology from Rochester College (now known as Rochester University). In July 2019 he received his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the Michigan School of Psychology. Kris’ breadth of education and experience are the perfect fit for expanding our services to include autism testing and evaluations.
HH: Why did you want to work with kids with autism / special needs?
KP: After years of working in related fields I always saw a need for better diagnostic and therapeutic services. Vulnerable populations can easily be taken advantage of, purposefully or even accidentally. As a result, I felt I could take my experiences and resources to create a more effective way to serve these populations. Using data gathered to generate an objective course of action minimizes trial and error and enables the potential for more effective treatment. In addition, being able to implement this to a young population greatly increases the potential for significant gains in the developmental process.
Additionally, I don’t want to overlook the parental figures and the role they take on when they have a child with special needs. The drastic changes in lifestyle, social pressures, anxiety, stress, among other things can greatly strain a relationship and/or household.
“Utilizing my experiences and education to the fullest enables me the privilege to collaborate with all levels of the family system. It provides a space to discuss worries and concerns, minimize anxiety and stress, and foster courage and hope.”
HH: Describe your career background and other experiences you have that are a benefit to the work you do here at Healing Haven.
KP: My background is diverse; however, I believe the breadth of experiences have prepared me for the work I am doing here at Healing Haven. I previously worked at a rehabilitation and treatment center for adults with acquired traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, I spent some time working at Henry Ford Hospital in their emergency psychiatric facility. I assisted in the overall care for individuals with severe mental illnesses. I also volunteered as a neuroscience researcher at the John Dingell Veterans Medical Center in Detroit. My work experience also includes a private practice setting performing neuropsychological testing and assessments with populations of all ages. Clients concerns ranged from developmental and cognitive impairments to ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, and severe mental illnesses.
HH: What motivates you to come to work every day?
KP: Making a difference. Whether it’s the progress of the child or support I can offer for the family, it all motivates me. Knowing that I have the room and ability here at Healing Haven to create something that can be of such a benefit to all individuals of the family system.
HH: Describe the kind of work you do with clients at Healing Haven.
KP: My work at Healing Haven ranges from discussions with parents and family to actual activities with the children. But primarily I provide tests and assessments for comparative and progress reports, educational placement, intervention guidance, and diagnostics.
HH: What is a favorite memory of working with a client?
KP: It’s hard to pick just one specific memory as a favorite. But I can say that anytime I was with a client and they mastered a new skill was the greatest! Witnesses these accomplishments always gets me so excited for them!
And here are some fun things to know about Kris:
- Favorite food: It’s a tossup between tacos and pizza too tough to pick
- What radio station is on in your car? Or music on your iPod? I listen mostly to podcasts when I drive. I found it makes sitting in traffic a little more bearable than music. But when I do listen to music its mostly country or electronic. Depends what I am doing.
- Favorite movie: Wedding Crashers or Step Brothers
- How do you relax / de-stress outside of work? Exercise, hang out with friends, or I’m rebuilding a motorcycle so that keeps me busy and I enjoy it.
- Coffee, tea or soda? I’ve been on a coffee kick lately, but mostly water.
- Favorite book (either fiction or non-fiction): 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson
Next Steps
So if you are in search of help for your child, wondering if they may be on the autism spectrum. Or maybe you’re on the waiting list for one of Michigan’s 15 Approved Autism Evaluation Centers. The wait can be long… 6-12 months, but you want to start therapy for your child. We can help by providing autism testing and evaluations that complete a Bridge Authorization. Fill out the Contact Us form and we will get back with you on next steps to having your child evaluated.
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Academic Instruction: Supporting Struggling Learners
Healing Haven’s Academic Instruction Program
Do you have a child who struggles with learning foundational academics like reading or math? Whether they have autism, Down syndrome or other learning challenges, you probably look for ways to supplement their academic learning – especially as we get back into the school grove after summer break.
Several of our BCBA’s were previously a Special Education Teacher. Inspired by our clients, we developed a program to help address this need. In January of 2019 we launched our Academic Instruction program, affectionately call “AI”, and it is growing rapidly.
We use Direct Instruction to teach academic skills in a one-on-one setting using scientifically proven methods and curriculum. Our academic instruction services all children, pre-K to 12th grade, who struggle with learning.
In our pilot program, 17 students ranging from 7 to 14 years old received academic instruction services. They worked on either reading (decoding and comprehension) or mathematics, or a combination of both. In addition, one participant worked on reading, expressive writing and math.
Promising Results
Eighty-eight percent of the students received one hour of instruction per week in reading and/or math. The remaining 12% received 2 or more hours of instruction per week. We also custom tailored our program to students that are not yet verbal, with 41% of them using a speech generating device to communicate.
In only three months 15% of students increased one grade level in reading and/or math. And based on their first three months of progress, we project 35% will increase by two grade levels in one year. Additionally, it’s worthy to note that 40% of the students projected to make this progress use a speech generating device. In total, all students made gains, with the remaining surpassing their baseline levels.
What does this data show us?
First, we can’t assume that non-verbal communicators can’t learn in the same way that their verbal peers can. Second, when provided with an instruction method specifically designed to support struggling learners, some children who are behind their typically developing peers can make significant progress.
What is Direct Instruction (DI)?
Direct Instruction (DI) is a model for teaching that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons. The lessons provide small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. It is based on the theory that clear instruction eliminates misinterpretations, and as a result can greatly improve and accelerate learning.
Direct Instruction operates on 5 key philosophical principles:
- All children can be taught.
- All children can improve academically and in terms of self-image.
- Every teacher can succeed if provided with adequate training and materials.
- Low performers and disadvantaged learners must be taught at a faster rate than typically occurs if they are to catch up to their higher-performing peers.
- All details of instruction must be controlled to minimize the chance of students’ misinterpreting the information being taught and to maximize the reinforcing effect of instruction.
Why Does DI Work?
The main features of DI ensure children learn faster and more efficiently than any other program or technique available:
- Instruction is at the student’s individual skill level
- Instruction can be modified to match the child’s rate of learning
- The design of the program is to ensure mastery of the content
- The curriculum is field tested with actual students before publication
Next Steps
Parents interested in this program for their child should fill out the Contact Us Form, or call us at 248-965-3916.
You will initially meet with our Program Director to discuss academic goals, specifics about the curriculum and program. Additionally, you will learn about the important role you have, including overseeing homework. We encourage parent involvement for optimal results. Children are then placed into a level and assigned specific curriculum based on parent information, school reports and academic assessments.
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Supporting Autism Families: Meet Our New Social Worker
One of the unique services we provide here at Healing Haven is counseling for a variety of people impacted by an autism diagnosis. Our counselors support autism families through working directly with individuals with autism, as well as their parents and siblings.
Navigating an autism diagnosis can be complex for parents, as well as for some children and teens who feel different compared to their peers. Some may also struggle with social skills and interacting with others, or need help in understanding and controlling their emotions. We did a previous post on counseling and autism, featuring our onsite therapist Danielle. And now we are excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Mallory Meter. Mallory is a social worker who started providing counseling services for autism families here at Healing Haven in September 2019.
Mallory worked in the Chicago area for the past four years. She has a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Notre Dame where she majored in psychology. She then received her Masters of Social Work from The School of Social Service and Administration at University of Chicago.
In preparation for her transition here to Healing Haven, we sat down with Mallory to get to know her better. Learn about her experience and approach to therapy, and how she might support you and/or your child:
HH: Why did you want to work with kids with autism / special needs?
MM: I have always been passionate about working with children. I am a strong believer that children can teach us so much about ourselves and how to be better human beings. This is especially the case when it comes to children impacted by autism and developmental differences. While these children can face a number of challenges, they also carry so much creativity, potential, and strength. Being able to face challenges alongside these children, to learn from their resilience, and to witness their growth and change is endlessly exciting and a true honor for me.
HH: Describe your career background and other experiences you have that are a benefit to the work you will do here at Healing Haven.
MM: My first job out of graduate school was at a Chicago-area therapeutic day school for children with autism called Giant Steps. This role provided me with extensive exposure to interventions aimed at promoting social-emotional development in this population. Additionally, I learned how to navigate the world of public schools and IEPs. As a result of working closely with a multidisciplinary team made up of speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, BCBAs and special education teachers, this role provided indispensable opportunities to learn new and creative ways to intervene with and support children impacted by autism spectrum disorder.
Following this role, I worked as a social worker on the inpatient psychiatry unit at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago where I also completed my training practicum in graduate school. Here I was able to further develop my understanding of a range of psychiatric diagnoses and strengthen my skills in providing evidence-based treatments at an individual, family, and group therapy level. Most recently, I had moved into a new position within the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics where I provided case management, parent training, and therapeutic/educational support to families and children impacted by ASD, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and a range of additional learning differences. More than anything, my time at Lurie Children’s Hospital confirmed my passion for working with children and adolescents impacted by developmental differences, especially those impacted by comorbid mental health concerns.
HH: What motivates you coming to work every day?
MM: My favorite part of this work is partnering with children and families. I love helping them feel understood, accepted, and supported in a way they haven’t before. The moments when a caregiver or child communicates in some way these feelings of being seen, accepted, and supported are what motivates me to come to work everyday. Coffee is always helpful too…
HH: Describe the types of counseling you will do with clients at Healing Haven. Skills you will work on, tools you will incorporate to help clients grow, etc.
MM: I hope to promote a wide range of skills and areas of growth in my work at Healing Haven. These include emotional identification and regulation skills, perspective taking and social skills, and coping/distress tolerance skills. I would describe my therapeutic lens as trauma-informed, strengths-based, relational and family systems-informed. Attachment therapy is also a guiding framework in my work. Within this broader stance, I pull from a number of evidence-based treatments including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Brief Solutions Focused Therapy to name a new. Additionally, a few specific tools I love to utilize in my work with autism families and children include mindfulness, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, and Social Thinking strategies.
HH: What is a favorite memory of working with a client?
MM: My favorite memory was being staffed with a little guy on my caseload at Giant Steps. We had a field trip to a pool. He had previously been extremely scared (emphasis on extremely) of water. After a ton of work he was able to get in the pool and even go on the water slide! As a result, I’ll never forget his smile that day.
And here some fun things to know about Mallory 😊
- Favorite food: Bread, bread, bread
- Radio Station/Music on iPod: NPR or my own music
- Favorite movie: Wild
- How do you relax/de-stress outside of work: Spending time with family, yoga, reading (I’m a huge bookworm!)
- Drink: Coffee
- Favorite book: I don’t think I can pick just one!
As you can see, Mallory is a great asset to have on our team. We are excited to have her here helping autism families! If you are a parent in need of help for yourself, or your child is struggling with things related to their autism, ADHD, depression or anxiety, we are here to help! Simply fill out the Contact Us form and we will get back with you!