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.

For a child in ABA Therapy, much of the focus revolves naturally around their progress, routines, and skill-building. Another very important component though - and one that can be overlooked - involves the child’s sibling(s).

ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is about more than just building skills - it’s also about building confidence. We’re conditioned to celebrate big milestones, but the small wins are just as important.

Transitions are a tricky subject for children with autism, with the uncertainty of a situation bringing increased anxiety and stress. When a school year comes to an end, routines become upended. As your child grapples with a change in their day to day schedule, they are also saying good-bye to their teacher and peers that they’ve spent the last several months with. Suddenly the world they have become accustomed to is changing

When first seeking out ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy, the first priority of the family may be focused on skill-building, such as following directions, navigating social situations, learning to communicate more effectively, improving emotional regulation skills, and so on. This is absolutely an important focus and a large part of what ABA is about, but beyond that, sessions have the added benefit of helping build confidence and independence.

Holidays create a perfect storm of situations and opportunities for overstimulation and dysregulation for autistic individuals. You can make the holidays easier for your child - and yourself - by planning accordingly, and in advance, to lessen the negative effects.