It’s typical for families to notice behavioral changes after extended time off from school and therapy. You may notice difficulty with previously mastered skills, big emotions and/or a harder time dealing with transitions. While it can be discouraging to feel like your child’s progress has been set back, it’s important to understand that regression of this nature is not only common, but typically temporary.

The holidays can be overstimulating for anyone, but are a particular challenge for autistic kids. The combination of a change in routine, overwhelming events and unfamiliarity can very quickly create the perfect storm of dysregulation. If this sounds like a familiar occurrence, don’t worry - you’re not alone. With a bit of planning though, you can hold on to the holiday magic in a way that works best for your child and family. 

The holidays are already a difficult time for many autistic children. Routines change and sensory overload is in full gear - having access to comfortable and familiar foods can make a huge difference in their overall well-being. 

The Thanksgiving holiday is all about celebrating the things we are grateful for. While some express that gratitude loudly and proudly, it may look different for families who are navigating autism. In ABA Therapy, we strongly encourage celebrating even the small wins and being thankful for any sign of progress.

At Bloom Behavioral Healthcare LLC, our priority revolves around empowering your child to thrive in a way that feels and works best for them. Just as no two people are the same, no ABA therapy plan looks the same either. We take the time to assess your child’s strengths and challenges - and then work together with you to create reasonable goals to work toward that take those into consideration. 

Holidays, including Halloween, can be a daunting time for children with autism. Suddenly, they are inundated with new sights, sounds, and activities that often include changes in their typical routine. It’s perfectly okay to sit out any activity that is more stressful than exciting. However, if your child is interested in participating, there are ways to play ahead and incorporate ABA strategies that make things less stressful and more fun while building important skills.

When researching and discussing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), you’ll likely run into the same terms over and over. If these are terms you’re unfamiliar with, it can feel daunting and intimidating to sit through meetings or browse a treatment plan without fully understanding what they mean. Here, we will break down the most common terms to help you make sense of them all! 

We talk a lot about visual schedules in the realm of ABA therapy, and there’s a reason for that - they work!

While not many people are excited about the concept of homework, it is an inevitable part of school life - one that can easily become a battle. Luckily, there are simple ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) strategies that can help mitigate some of that stress.

Sometimes children need extra support at school, but navigating that topic can be overwhelming and confusing. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone, and resources are available to help your child thrive.

While discussing your child’s situation can be nerve-wracking, it’s important to advocate for your child’s needs. It’s not just about asking for services, it’s about building a bridge between home, ABA Therapy and school so things stay as consistent as possible, helping your child thrive within every environment. 

The idea of offering a reward in exchange can definitely feel like a bribe, but there is in fact quite a bit of difference between reinforcement and bribery. Understanding that difference can improve understanding and shift the way you approach behavior at home.

The start of a new school year is guaranteed to bring up challenges, but it also brings plenty of opportunities for growth. By preparing now, you can make the transition a bit easier on everyone. Keep reading for five practical tips to help support your child’s success beginning a new school year.

Some kids have a natural ability to easily make friends and connect with their peers. For children with autism, however, it can be a little more difficult. Social interactions can be confusing and overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean that they want the connection any less. It just means that they may need support and encouragement to learn the best ways for them to engage with others.

Behaviors can cause confusion, concern and frustration, especially when they seem to pop up out of nowhere. The truth is, however, that is generally always a reason behind the behavior, even if it doesn’t seem logical to anyone else.

At Bloom Behavioral Healthcare, we focus on building functional communication through ABA Therapy. What this means is we work to teach your child the skills they need to communicate their wants, needs, feelings and thoughts in a way that is both comfortable for them and done in a way others can understand.

Part of our mission at Bloom Behavioral Healthcare is to help children develop their own sense of independence, however that may look. We believe it’s not just about the big milestones, but also lies in the daily moments that build up to foster confidence, communication and self-reliance. This 4th of July week, we’re here to celebrate and elaborate on the many ways ABA Therapy can support your child in building a life they can navigate more freely.

With the proper planning and support, your family can enjoy the 4th of July holiday in a way that feels safe, fun and comfortable for all. Follow these sensory-friendly tips for a more joyful Independence Day:

If you’re ready to start exploring the world of ABA therapy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the beginning. There are a lot of options to choose from, and as a parent we know you want to find the best option for your child.

Bloom Behavioral Healthcare LLC is hiring! We are looking for compassionate, committed Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to add to the team as we expand.