Fall is finally here! Many people celebrate the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the return of their favorite fall fashion staples. For some, these changes are simply a part of life, a seasonal transition that comes along every year. For others, a new season affects much more than just wardrobe. For many children with autism, the season comes with changes in routine and multiple sensory experiences. Mother Nature is one aspect of life we have no control over, but we can co

Children are fantastic at embracing their unique interests and quirks. They often develop interests that adults don’t share or even understand. Children with autism in particular may develop intense, long-lasting interests that puzzle the people around them. Maybe they are stuck on dinosaurs, black holes, tornadoes, the Battle of Gettysburg, or a show most kids gave up on 5 years ago. Sometimes parents may start to question the interest, even growing concerned. Should they h

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

ABA Therapy revolves around structure, routine, consistency and individualized goals. While these things can be accomplished many ways, we definitely find that it helps to have certain tools in our metaphorical toolkit to help make things run more smoothly. On that note, the team at Bloom Behavioral Healthcare LLC would like to share the top ten items anyone practicing ABA strategies should have.

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!