Fall is here and with it comes a bucket list a mile long of fun things to do. There’s apple picking, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, Halloween, and all the other things that make the season seem special. Soon, your social media feed will be filled with exactly that - friends, family, and even strangers sharing a highlight reel of their fall adventures. While it’s always nice to see others enjoying themselves, it can also add a lot of undue pressure to parents who feel like t

Adding a new furry friend to the family is an exciting occasion. Pets can bring comfort, emotional connection, companionship, and joy to the home. However, bringing an animal home is also a monumental household change that is going to take some adjustment. You may imagine a slow-motion montage full of happy child/pet bonding moments, but don’t expect that to take place instantly. Your child may be over the moon at the new addition, or they may seem anxious and uncomfortable

You've finally scheduled an autism for diagnosis for your child only to be told you're on a waitlist. Learn how you can understand and help your child in the meantime.

Most people start their parenthood journey with a certain idea in their head about how they plan to parent. Much of this stems from how we ourselves were raised, what society models, and the inevitable anecdotal advice from other parents. As your child grows, those ideals may be challenged, both internally and externally. Not every child is the same, and therefore the way they are parented should be unique to them. Parenting a child with autism may genuinely require a differe

There is a high probability that someday your child may recognize that they experience the world in a different way than many of their peers. They may notice that they struggle with certain things that seem easy to others, communicate in a different way, don’t understand social dynamics, or have wildly different interests. While every child is unique, most understand the similarities between themselves and others in their age group. Children with autism may eventually come to

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

Connect with other families with neurodivergent children in the local community at Bloom Behavioral Healthcare's July Meet-Up Event!

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

Meaningful summer memories don’t have to come from packed calendars full of nonstop activity. Many children with autism thrive in a more low-pressure environment, making it easy to create a summer that feels calm and manageable without skimping on the fun. Find some fun, simple activities that are sensory-friendly to enjoy this summer!

Raising a child with autism can feel overwhelming at times. There are a lot of big decisions, big feelings, and what can feel like big obstacles. Sometimes, though, it’s the little things that can make the most difference. Therapy and structured support are key, but the foundation that holds everything in place comes down to routines and comfort. When things run smoothly and as expected, it can make life feel a whole lot easier for both you and your child. You may already be

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.

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.