Tag: autism

Sensory Overload at School

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Sensory Overload at School
November 4, 2024
LEARN About the ABA Therapy Career Path at LEARN Behavioral
October 7, 2024
Join Our Team of Behavior Analysts
October 7, 2024
5 Holiday Blogs Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Read 
5 Holiday Blogs Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Read
September 27, 2024

Sensory overload happens when the brain receives more sensory input than it can process. For children on the autism spectrum, this sensory overload often stems from perceptual or biological experiences, but can also be triggered by changes to their routine or learning environment.

Explore what contributes to sensory issues, how this might manifest in your child, and ways to support children in developing coping strategies or supporting their preferences. Subscribe to stay in the loop about helpful tips for your child with sensory sensitivities!

Join Our Team of Behavior Analysts

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What’s it like to work as a Behavior Analyst with LEARN Behavioral and our network of providers? Hear from real Behavior Analysts about what their experience has been like.

LEARN more about how you can pursue excellence with LEARN by visiting our Advance Your Career page.

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5 Holiday Blogs Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Read

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The holidays are a time of joyous celebrations, filled with family gatherings and festive traditions. However, for some families with children on the autism spectrum, these changes in routines and schedules can present unique challenges.   

Navigating this season requires thoughtful planning and understanding. To support you, we’ve curated our top holiday-themed blogs, offering tips from calming activities to successful holiday planning. Discover more below and check out our All Autism Talk podcast episode “Creating a Successful Holiday for Children with Autism” for additional ideas.  

Here are summaries of our top holiday blogs: 

1. 6 Calming Activities for the Hectic Holiday Season 

Discover practical solutions to help children with autism enjoy the holidays. This blog suggests creating a calm-down kit, using quiet spaces, and engaging in activities like yoga or meditation to manage sensory overload. 

2. Five Tips for Selecting the Best Holiday Gifts for Kids with Autism 

Gift-giving can be tricky, but this blog provides tips to choose the perfect gifts for children with autism. It emphasizes focusing on the child’s interests, strengths, and safety needs to ensure a joyful holiday experience. 

3. 8 Tips for Planning for a Successful Holiday for Your Autistic Child 

Planning is key to a stress-free holiday. This blog advises on maintaining routines, considering sensory needs, and practicing before events to allow for a smooth holiday season. 

4. Make the Holidays Successful for Kids on the Autism Spectrum 

Adaptability is crucial for holiday success. This blog highlights the importance of adjusting expectations and choosing traditions that work for your child. 

5. Why Gratitude Matters, and How to Foster It in Kids with ASD 

Gratitude can transform holiday experiences. This blog explores how fostering gratitude in children with autism can enhance their social and emotional well-being. 

Incorporating these strategies can lead to a more joyful and stress-free holiday season for your family. By tailoring these tips to fit your child’s unique needs, you can create an environment where they can thrive during festive celebrations. 

Living a Full Life with Autism with Martin Slyngstad

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Martin Slyngstad a Behavior Specialist, and currently in school to become a Speech Pathologist, joins us to discuss his multitude of interests and accomplishments as a young autistic adult.  Martin is the author of Chatter Box: My Life with Autism A Mother and Sons Perspective, founder Spire Autism, and Special Olympics gold medal winner. Martin’s warmth and sincerity are contagious as he shares his passionate belief that everyone should celebrate their authentic life.

For more information:

www.spireautism.com

www.youtube.com/@martinsautismjourney7397

All Autism Talk is sponsored by Learn Behavioral (www.Learnbehavioral.com).

Reducing Behavior Technician Burn Out

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Melissa Furman, a Clinical Director for Total Spectrum- Michigan West joins us to discuss the importance of staff retention in the field of ABA and to share her recent research that is looking to improve staff satisfaction and reduce turnover. We explore the importance of consistency for families utilizing services as well as the factors leading to burnout in the field. Melissa shared how her recent work is helping both these goals, “Implementing an incentive plan to increase positive descriptive feedback during field supervision creates a happier environment, fuels good work, and provides a space where BT’s want to come to work.”

All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Moms Roundtable: Autism, Wellness, and Motherhood

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In this episode we are joined by three dynamic women who share their perspectives on how to best care for yourself and your family while raising a child with autism.  Arfa Alam, a first generation Muslim American with neurodiverse family returns to share her wisdom and passion with us. Heather Link is a clinical Director who shares her experiences of both providing services and receiving services for her own family. Liza Hellenbrand is the mother of a thriving, 21 year old son with autism who also hosts the Empowered Caregiver podcast. Join this powerful women’s circle as they share from different backgrounds and experiences to offer sage advice to other moms.

For more information:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-empowered-caregiver



All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Autism: Symptoms and Signs

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Dr. Genevieve Marshall, BCBA, breaks down myths about autism, the early signs of autism, and what you can do to keep yourself informed on best practices. To learn more about ABA therapy and services available to you, visit https://learnbehavioral.com/services/find-a-location

Advocating for Your Family and Good, Contemporary ABA With Arfa Alam

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Arfa Alam is a senior manager at the Partnership for Public Service, a non-profit that envisions a dynamic and innovative federal government that effectively serves our diverse nation. Prior to joining the Partnership, Arfa performed labor human rights and social responsibility work in more than 40 countries in both the public and private sectors. Arfa joins us to share her experience and deep conviction for the appropriate care, and rights for all. She is the proud mother, wife, and sister of disabled and differently-abled individuals, including her two autistic sons, her husband who lives with early onset Parkinson’s disease, and her twin sister, who is deaf and was the first person in life to teach her about differences and empathy. 

As she shares, “As a first-generation American, it is particularly important to me to bring awareness, acceptance, and inclusion to our communities for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergences.” Arfa’s passion for public service stems from her experience as a first-first-generation Muslim-American with special needs family members. We are grateful for the opportunity to have this discussion with Arfa and we look forward to having her with us again soon.

For more information:

https://www.bestbuddies.org/

https://marybarbera.com/

All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, Learning Center Opening

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Mount Pleasant Learning Center: Specialized Autism Therapy in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum proudly announce the successful opening of the Mount Pleasant Learning Center.

The Learning Center, which focuses on providing specialized and comprehensive applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism, officially opened on March 20.

It’s a place that fosters learning, socialization, and independence for children on the autism spectrum.

Tailored Treatment for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

“At our Mount Pleasant location, we hope to bring families in the Greater Racine County area compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder,” Linda Klotz, WEAP’s clinical director, said at the opening event.

“With a focus on tailored treatment, this new Learning Center offers individualized interventions to meet the specific needs and interests of each learner,” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited to open our doors to the community and provide these necessary services.”

Partnership Focuses on Helping Kids with Autism Thrive

Operated jointly by WEAP and Total Spectrum, organizations with a combined 35 years of experience serving children with autism across Wisconsin, the Mount Pleasant Learning Center provides a holistic approach to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to help children achieve their full potential.

The grand opening of the Mount Pleasant Learning Center allowed families to meet key members of the leadership team and featured participation from the local community, tours of the facility, and spring-themed activities for families.

“In Kenosha, we’re honored to be included at such a great event,” Kenosha Chamber of Commerce President Dave Strash said at the opening. “We are all about the business community celebrating business successes, and one of our favorite things to do is a ribbon cutting — especially celebrating a much-needed service like the one you guys are providing to the community goes beyond words.”

To find out more about the Mount Pleasant Learning Center, visit https://wiautism.com/blog/tour-our-mt-pleasant-aba-therapy-learning-center

The Autism Diagnosis Process: What to Expect

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When it comes to parenting, the unknown can be one of the hardest parts. Worries creep in if you suspect something’s wrong with your child’s development. If you think your child may be showing signs of autism, there’s no guidebook to tell you what to do next.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The process gets easier when you know what to expect.

If you’ve found your way to this post, you’ve likely taken the first step: questioning whether your child shows signs of autism.

Recognizing this possibility is a significant and sometimes challenging move. Rest assured, you’re not alone. This guide is here to provide you with valuable insights and support as you navigate through this process.

Understanding Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person interacts, learns, and behaves. Everyone on the spectrum is different. Signs of autism usually start showing up when a child is very young.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Autism symptoms can be different for everyone. If your child is not growing or learning like other kids their age, or if they have any of the following signs, you might want to talk to your pediatrician:

  • Not smiling at others by six months
  • Not gesturing or pointing to communicate by 12 months
  • Not babbling by 12 months
  • Not using single words like “no,” “mama,” “dada” by 16 months
  • Not using two-word phrases like “want cup,” “go play” by 24 months
  • Not responding to sounds, voices, or their own name by three years
  • Poor eye contact by three years
  • Little interest in other children or caretakers by three years
  • Losing skills they once had at any point by three years

The Diagnosis Process

Getting a diagnosis of autism starts with an evaluation. Experts will examine how a child behaves and will look at their past development. If your child’s pediatrician thinks it might be autism, they’ll send your child to an expert for a closer look. This process includes:

  • A parent interview
  • Review of medical, psychological, and school records
  • Assessment of cognitive, developmental, and adaptive functioning skills
  • Observation of your child during play

What Happens Next?

After an autism evaluation, our team of specialists will review and interpret the results. If your child is diagnosed with autism, our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes therapies to help improve communication, social skills, and behavior.

At LEARN, we work with families on a plan tailored to your family’s needs. We will adjust the treatment plan as needed. We’ll also provide you with resources and support.

Connect With Us

Whether you’re just noticing signs or you’re already deep into the diagnosis process, our team is here to help. We know that recognizing and diagnosing autism can be challenging. But with the right support and guidance, you can navigate it confidently.