Creating an after-school routine that promotes safety and comfort can be just what your child needs to unwind after a trying day. Learn more from Bloom Behavioral Healthcare.

Pencils and folders and notebooks, oh my! Back-to-school shopping is an essential component to a new school year, filled with a list of traditional school supplies like backpacks, gluesticks, and safety scissors. These are all useful things, but as a parent to a child with autism, there may be additional items you consider adding. While not required, these things may help support communication or emotional regulation, making the school day go by more smoothly. Every child is

The countdown to a new school year is on. Many children are excited at the prospect of school starting, but others feel a little more uncertain. School brings a complete change in routine, unfamiliar faces, and a new set of expectations. This can create a lot of anxiety in children with autism who thrive on predictability. The transition from summer to school days can go a little more smoothly with thoughtful preparation, though. A Little Conversation Goes A Long Way Instead

Summer is winding down, which means a new school year is on the horizon. Soon, you’ll be heading with your child to their official Back-to-School night to meet their teacher and explore the environment. The night can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but ultimately it’s a great opportunity to become better prepared for the upcoming year. Plan ahead with a list of questions to ask your child’s teachers so you’ll feel more confident and prepared for the school days to come.

Every single child has their own set of strengths amidst their challenges. With so much time working toward overcoming those challenges, it’s easy for your child’s strengths to fade into the background. When you take the time to recognize their strengths, it helps you understand them better as an individual while also boosting their confidence in themselves.

The Fourth of July is thought of as a day of celebration, full of fun, food, and fireworks. Many people look forward to this day each year, but it’s not a positive experience for everyone. For a child with autism, the traditional Independence Day festivities can result in more overwhelm than excitement. They may have to contend with crowds, unfamiliar faces, loud music, strong smells, booming fireworks, and routine disruption. Instead of a day of fun and celebration, it can b

Anyone who has ever been around a child knows that they tend to have very big, ever-changing feelings. Emotions are a part of life for all of us, but for children with autism those feelings can feel amplified and more intense than they do for others. That intensity can quickly become overwhelming, especially when they don’t quite understand why they are feeling that way. Overwhelm can lead to meltdowns and challenging moments for both the child and their family or caregiver.

Summer can be a time of fun and adventure, when many families find that their schedules have opened up to provide more family outings. This may include vacations, community events, and amusement parks, to name a few. These activities are full of opportunities for creating lasting family memories, but often proper planning and care must be taken beforehand to make sure those memories are happy ones. Unfamiliar places and new activities can create an overwhelming experience fo

If you’ve found yourself confused and frustrated while trying to find support for your child, you are not alone. The most simple desire - to improve life for your child - suddenly feels like a puzzle that can’t be solved. This is due to the fact that there are different systems involved - and they don’t always work hand-in-hand. The two systems most involved in understanding and supporting your child are the medical system and the educational system. Your pediatrician may su

Children with autism are communicating more than it may seem, you just need to understand their communication methods. Learn ways they may be expressing themselves and how ABA Therapy can help families communicate more effectively.

Easter is an exciting, meaningful holiday with plenty of opportunity for fun. But beyond the colorful eggs, sweet treats and family time, there are opportunities to sneak ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) strategies into classic Easter fun to create meaningful, stress-free learning moments.

Communication is one of the most common concerns parents have when it comes to their autistic child. Understanding the different methods can help parents see more clearly how their child might already be trying to communicate with them.

ABA Therapy isn't just about behavior. It's about understanding the reason for the behavior and building skills that can improve daily life.

Children with autism may express affection and connection in ways that differ from what some may consider traditional methods such as hugging or saying words like “I love you.” That doesn’t mean that they don’t feel that love, it just means they communicate in their own way.

If you’re a parent in the modern world, you’re likely no stranger to the battle of the screens. Screen time can be a double-edged sword. While there can always be too much of a good thing, screens can also help keep a child engaged, support regulation, and provide educational opportunities. The problem seems to come when it’s time to shut it down for the day. This is a moment where many kids seem to go from zero to 100, bringing tears, aggression, or completely shutting down.

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.