Every two years the Association for Behavior Analysis International hosts an international conference during which behavior analysts from all over the world converge to share research and ideas. This year’s conference will be held in Dublin, Ireland. Three Lighthouse Autism Center speech-language pathologists: Samantha Farber, Emily Sears and Janine Shapiro will be in attendance and Lighthouse Autism Centers’ paper was accepted for presentation.
Janine Shapiro will be demonstrating effective behavior analytic speech techniques to address common speech concerns of behavior analysts.
We’re excited to bring our Lighthouse Fusion tricks to an international stage so we can help learners and practitioners near and far!
Janine directs Lighthouse Fusion, an enhanced therapy solution that blends the best practices of ABA and speech therapies into one comprehensive program. Developed by a team of dually certified clinicians at Lighthouse Autism Center, some of only a handful in the entire country, the program brings together experts in the fields of speech and ABA to collaborate on goal development, deliver therapy, and celebrate each child’s progress.
At Lighthouse Autism Center, we offer the highest quality therapy in a beautiful, play-based environment. With Lighthouse Fusion, children make greater progress, faster, all while having fun.
Our very own Janine Shapiro, CCC-SLP, BCBA, Director of Speech/ABA Integration at Lighthouse Autism Center, recently presented at a highly attended Beijing-organized presentation. This was a virtual presentation that was quick to fill at full capacity, with several of China’s behavioral analyst in attendance! The focus of this presentation was behavior analytic techniques to establish and increase vocal communication.
Janine at Lighthouse Fusion
Janine directs Lighthouse Fusion, an initiative to fuse speech-language pathology and behavior analysis at Lighthouse Autism Center. She has practiced as a dually certified behavior analyst and speech-language pathologist for fourteen years and remains one of only a handful of clinicians with both certifications in the world. She speaks at conferences and training events around the world and passionately shares the power of behavior analysis with fellow speech-language pathologists. Janine co-authored research concerning the effectiveness of Social Thinking therapy, which was published in the Journal of Autism and Development Disorders and co-authored a chapter in Essential for Living—a curriculum guide and assessment tool for people with moderate to severe disabilities.
Lighthouse Autism Center could not be more thankful for her passion and dedication to helping our clients reach their unlimited potential. Janine is a phonemical asset to the Lighthouse team. We cannot wait to follow her journey as she continues to educate the world on behavior analytic techniques!
Guidance for Families with Children with Autism when Moving House
Moving is always a stressful and complicated endeavor. But when you have a child on the autism spectrum, the thought of packing up your household and moving somewhere new can seem like a near-impossible task. Parents often worry that their children will get overwhelmed by this major transition, and rightfully so. Children with autism thrive on routine and stability — everything that moving is not!
Are you looking for guidance? The clinical team at Lighthouse Autism Center presents this informative guide to assist families preparing to move. Whether you’re still in the process of house-hunting or you’re already packing up your home in anticipation of moving day, the following tips will help keep support your child through the process.
Establish Your Home Buying Budget
Raising a child with autism can pose a significant financial challenge for parents, even with the help of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. It isn’t easy to manage the costs of equipment, supplies, medication, childcare, education, and therapy services.
So are you prepared to handle the additional expenses involved in buying a new home, selling your existing property, and moving? Redfin recommends creating a realistic home-buying budget before you start looking at properties. Calculate how much mortgage you can afford by adding up your ongoing expenses and subtracting these from your household income. The rule of thumb is to keep your housing costs less than 28% of your before-tax income. Once you have a better idea of your home affordability, research home prices in your area to find out what kinds of homes you can afford on your budget.
Look for Specific Home Features Conducive to Your Child’s Needs
Ready to start looking at homes? Get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you scout properties that will best fit your family. Keep an eye out for features that may appeal to your child and your family’s life style. Things to look for might include making sure there is a fenced backyard, double-pane windows to dampen noise from outside, and even considering if there are pools, ponds or bodies of water nearby.
Making a Moving Day Plan
Moving day will always feel a little hectic, no matter how much planning you do. Help keep your child calm and content amid the mayhem by giving them your full attention. Hire professional movers so you can ensure that all of your possessions make it to your new home safely while you spend time with your child. Some movers offer activity packs for children, so be sure to ask about this when you call for quotes. When you arrive in your new home, unpack your child’s room first so they can start regaining some sense of normalcy right away.
Keep Your Child in the Loop
The most important thing to remember as you prepare for your upcoming move is to keep your child in the loop. Children with autism feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. Parents.com recommends broaching the subject early so your kid has plenty of time to process the idea of moving. Highlight some things that your child can get excited about, like a bigger bedroom or backyard where they can play. Help your child visualize the days leading up to your move by writing down everything on a dedicated moving calendar.
Remember: continuous communication is key! Review your moving schedule every day, read children’s books about moving, and offer plenty of positive reinforcement when your child makes it through a day that deviates from their normal routine.
When it comes to moving, things rarely go smoothly — and that’s okay! Be prepared to go with the flow and respond to issues as they arise. Monitoring your child for signs of stress and anxiety is vital. Do what you can to prepare ahead so you can focus all of your attention on your child before, during, and after your move.
Together, we can unlock your child’s potential
Interested in learning more about therapy resources that can assist your child with autism?
Autism, as defined by the Autism Society of America, “is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Symptoms and signs of Autism generally emerge between 24 and 36 months of age. There is no known single cause of autism…”
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are general terms used for grouping complex disorders of brain development. These developmental disorders are characterized in different degrees by:
Social interaction difficulties
Nonverbal and verbal communication difficulties
Repetitive behaviors
While the signs and symptoms of autism can appear as early as 6 months, and typically by age 3, there are many children who are diagnosed much later, and some individuals may not diagnosed until much later in life. It’s critical that parents and families are educated on the signs of autism as well as the steps to take if they think their child may have autism, in order to achieve the best outcomes for their child.
Diagnosis
If you suspect a child may have autism, the first step is to contact the child’s pediatrician or their general practioner. The pediatrician will perform an assessment and will typically be able to determine if a child has autism or not.
In some cases, a pediatrician will refer families to a psychologist, a physician that specializes in mental health. The psychologist will perform a standardized assessment (included but not limited to CARS, ADOS, MCHAT, etc…) to evaluate if the child has autism and the severity. This step is critical in the diagnosis and evaluation process, as most insurance companies require a standardized assessment (such as those listed above) in order to approve an authorization for treatment (such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, ABA Therapy and more).
Early Intervention
Data shows that the earlier children are diagnosed with autism, the earlier they start receiving interventions and the better their outcomes are. This leads to a better overall quality of life for the child and the family. This is one of the biggest reason’s families are encouraged to understand what autism is, recognize the signs of it, and take the steps to get their child the help they need.
Types of Intervention – ABA Therapy
Once a parent receives an autism diagnosis, they often are left in shock and confusion as to what to do next. While a physician or psychologist may refer them to a specific therapy center for services (whether that be ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or something else) but that is not always the case. The best thing you can do for your child is research the services and interventions available to you in your area.
Specifically, many doctors will recommend Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism. This is the only type of therapy recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General for the treatment of autism. ABA therapy aids in the development of new skills, shapes and refines previously learned skills and decreases socially significant problem behaviors. It often involves the following components:
Qualified and trained BCBA’s (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) lead and oversee a child’s therapy program
After a detailed assessment of a child, the BCBA will create a unique program with consideration given to the child’s ABA therapy goals, preferences and the overall family goals.
Goals will be developmentally appropriate for that child and will include things like sociability, communication, play, self-care, motor development and academic skills.
Highly qualified and trained therapists will help a child achieve these goals through detailed instruction plans that break down skills into skill sets. The child will then work on the most basic skill sets and build up to more complex skill sets, with each skill set building off of the previous one.
Therapists continually collect data on your child to determine which skill sets are improving, which one’s are not, and how the therapy program may need to be modified in order to make sure your child achieves their goals
Regular meetings with family and staff take place to allow for planning, review of child’s progress and to make any needed adjustments.
Our Lighthouse team understands the challenges that parents and children face when their daily routines are disrupted. During this time of adjustment, we want to help our kiddos by providing some fun and educational activities.
Please see below for a list of resources you may utilize during the coming weeks. We have included fun virtual tours of museums and zoos, educational websites and games, easy and creative at-home activities, and some ways to get up and move! There is also a social story that can help explain COVID-19 to children.
Comprehensive Guide to Community Organizations in South Bend, Indiana
The most recent CDC report stated that 1 in 58 children are diagnosed with autism. Chances are, you or someone you know is affected by autism in some way. Whether you were diagnosed, a child, a family member, or a friend. Those who care for someone with autism know that it truly takes a village to be able to provide them with the necessary tools and supports to be successful and have the best quality of life. This can be in the form of supportive family members, teachers at school, parent support groups, and other community resources. Many are unaware of the community resources that exist and how to access them. Below is a list of community resources related to autism in South Bend, Indiana. Most of these resources not only serve South Bend, Indiana, but provide support to families all over the Michiana area.
The Children’s Dispensary provides social and recreational activities in the South Bend area to allow children and families with special needs social interaction. They do this through fun in music, creative arts, cooking, movement, and sports in the community.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Family Support Group
574-289-4831
This South Bend, Indiana area resource is open to families and caregivers of those with autism. They do not have a website but can be reached at 574-289-4831.
INSOURCE provides families, parents, caregivers and providers in the state of Indiana with information and trainings to be able to advocate for individuals with special needs.
LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
https://www.logancenter.org
LOGAN is long-standing member of the South Bend Community and has served as a support to special needs families for over 50 years. They support people and families with special needs including adult day services and recreation, autism services, best buddies and super sibs, children’s services and residential services.
The Play Project in South Bend, Indiana seeks to assist young children with autism in reaching their fullest potential through the power of play.
If you are looking for more information about resources for autism in South Bend, Indiana, please contact Lighthouse Autism Center’s Family Outreach Coordinator at 574-387-4313.
Children with autism experience social delays, trouble communicating and various other developmental delays that can cause a family to experience extra stress and hardship. This can be particularly hard for siblings who may not understand that their brother and sister has autism and that may cause them to act, communicate or express themselves differently.
Below is a list of items a child who has a sibling with autism may experience. While some of them may be unavoidable, it is important parents are aware of these challenges and work to make sure extra care is not only taken for a child with autism but their siblings as well.
Effects of Autism on Siblings
Sibling Rivalry
It is natural to see rivalry’s develop between children in one household. Siblings may fight over toys, attention, or anything to feel like they are “first” or have “won.” This experience can particularly be heightened for a sibling for a child with autism who may be competing for their parents attention.
Feeling Left Out
Children with autism require extra care, time and attention from parents. This can leave other siblings feeling left out or not important. Parents should take extra care to make sure other siblings feel loved and cared for. This could take the form of picking an activity to do together each week or going on a special outing with each sibling every month.
Extra Responsibility
Siblings may feel like they have to pick up extra work around the house that their parents do not have time for due to the extra work of caring for a child with autism. While there is nothing wrong with siblings pitching in to help the entire family unit, be sure children aren’t taking on too much extra responsibility (or responsibilities that are inappropriate for their age).
Feeling of Rejection
Children may want to have a close relationship with their brother or sister with autism that may not be possible. Children with autism often struggle with touch (like hugging) or with social skills (like being able to express joy, sadness, etc…) which can make it challenging to develop a sibling bond or relationship. Be sure to educate fellow siblings that children with autism do not express needs, wants or emotions in the same way as them and that these things may take different forms depending on the child.
In June of 2012 there was a major federal policy change that took place that provided more families living with autism access to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Now, nearly all states require health insurance plans to cover ABA therapy.
Many people will agree that ABA therapy is something that can be done in a variety of environments, including a school environment, home environment and center-based environment. However, studies show that ABA is most effective when done 1 on 1 in an intensive, center-based environment.
Because ABA therapy is highly individualized and each program is uniquely designed for a child, it becomes difficult to implement these programs in a school environment. Schools often are dealing with budget and staffing constraints which makes it challenging to implement ABA therapy in a school setting.
A center-based program also allows children to interact with other children and therapists, work on not only social and communication skills, but also daily living skills, and it provides the opportunity to work on further “real world” situations outside of the classroom.
So what are some factors you should consider when looking for an ABA center?
Safe and welcoming environment
Educated staff (credentials and experience as well as passion matter)
Child-to-therapist ratio
BCBA caseload size
Open communication
Parental involvement
Always request a tour and ask about the process for enrollment. See if they offer assistance to the family such as support groups and education.
Children with autism often struggle with verbal communication skills. A child may be unable to speak in full sentences, only say a few words, or simply unable to carry on a conversation or be unwilling to. Children with autism also may struggle in social environments where verbal communication with others is expected. They may not like being around other people, be unable to look at someone in the eye when they say something, or simply prefer to be alone.
Nonverbal Skills and Your Child with Autism
Many children with autism may be non-verbal, meaning they cannot communicate vocally. For children who are non-verbal, they often cannot communicate their wants and needs and that may leave them feeling frustrated. This can ultimately lead to other behaviors. For children who are non-verbal, it is important that a doctor, therapist, or trained professional work with that child to develop an effective way of communication, whether it is using a picture exchange system, a language software on an eye pad, or something else. It is crucial our children with autism have a way to communicate their wants and needs for their well being and for their quality of life.
Social Signs That May Indicate Your Child has Autism
1.) Non-verbal
2.) No eye-contact
3.) Will not respond to name
4.) Cannot use full sentences
5.) Only talks about one item or topic
6.) Cannot carry an appropriate conversation.
If you suspect your child may have autism, please contact Lighthouse Autism Center for more information on diagnosing your child and ABA therapy.
Something as simple as eating out with your child with autism can often be a stressful and anxiety inducing time for a family and child. Children on the autism spectrum can become easily overstimulated by the sounds, lighting, smells, and just the overall chaotic environment and unfamiliarity that restaurants bring. Overstimulation can be very overwhelming and mentally draining. Below, we have outlined some helpful and useful tips for taking your child with autism out to eat.
How to Take Your Autistic Child to a Restaurant
If possible, go at a quiet time of day. Think early dinners around 4:00 or 5:00 pm if your families schedule allows it. Consider a late afternoon lunch if you are going out on the weekends. Early dinners and late lunches tend to be less busy for restaurants and will provide a quieter and less stimulating environment for your child.
Consider allowing the child to use earplugs to mask some of the more unsettling sounds such as people chewing food, high pitched squeals of other children, and the sound of cutlery scraping against plates or tables being bussed or if loud music is being played at the restaurant.
Ask to not be seated next to the kitchen, bathrooms or main entrance to help minimize the number of people that are walking by your table. Additionally, if there are any large parties ask to be seated away from them.
Sit in the corner; this will make it so that there are only two walls that are open to sound.
If possible, ask for a booth instead of a table, this will help provide a more contained environment for your child.
Ask your server to give you a heads up if there will be any singing for a birthday at a table close by so that you can take your child outside for a few moments while they sing.
Should your child get overstimulated take your child outside and let him/her walk around for a few moments or go sit in the car so that they can calm down.
Keep your child’s food simple. Ask in advance about mixed textures and if there is an option to request the item plain. Consider ordering a food item that your child is already familiar with and that you know they will enjoy.
Take breaks if needed. Go to a quiet space or unoccupied bathroom or walk outside for a brief sensory break as needed.
Try to keep your child occupied while at dinner. This can mean coloring, books, scent kit or fidget toys, playing with an iPad, bringing a favorite toy – whatever your child enjoys!
We understand firsthand the struggles that parents and caregivers face when trying to advocate for a child with autism. Believe it or not, children with autism have unlimited possibilities. The degree of success a child with autism will have depends greatly upon early intervention and appropriate educational support.
Parents and providers should never view any challenge that they are presented with as hopeless. Everyone has hurdles to overcome in both collaboration and communication with the people you trust to treat your child, but it worth the effort.
Here, we want to focus on giving you the tools to effectively advocate for your child, specifically when it comes to their education.
Tips for Advocating for Your Autistic Child
Remember, you are your child’s best advocate! Regardless of the school district, schools are limited as to what they can do for your child because of funding and staffing limitations.
Make sure that your child has an IEP. The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a very powerful document, more powerful than most parents realize. IEPs that are well written can drive your child’s educational program as well as provide the documentation that is needed if a situation happens where your child is not making progress.
Be informed and prepared. Learn as much as you can about autism, treatment, and the rights of your child. Many school districts do have funds for parent education. Inquire about parent training and educational opportunities.
Communicate clearly. Make sure you understand what is being communicated to you by the schools. Try to communicate from a non-emotional place during IEP and other parent meetings and clearly state your child’s needs.
IEP meetings can often become heated. Try to remain calm, clearly state your child’s needs, and focus on the present and future rather than the past. Remember, collaboration is key to your child’s success. All parties must remain calm, focused, and remember that the child’s needs are what’s most important.
Ask questions. If unfamiliar terms are being used, do not be afraid to ask questions. You need to understand policies and procedures as well as plans and interventions. The more you know, the less frustration there will be.
Be proactive. Take the time to create a list of objectives and items hat you want to cover in the IEP meeting. This will help the meeting stay on track and ensure you do not forget anything you wanted to discuss.
Know what your rights are. Know what alternative options you may have available to you. Remain confident and stay strong, so that you can passionately and persuasively represent your child.
For additional assistance and resources, contact Lighthouse Autism Center.
ABA Therapy for Autism is a Full Time Therapy, Here’s Why.
Prospective parents visiting our center often ask the question, “how much is too much therapy?” At Lighthouse Autism Center, we specialize in full-time, center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This is an intensive type of therapy that is the only therapy for children with autism endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General. Our therapy is play-based and child-led, because we know that children learn best while having fun! We meet our learners where they are most motivated and use strategically selected items in our play spaces to conduct therapy. We also create realistic environments in our therapy centers so that our learners and learn and be more comfortable in these environments when they are in the community in the real situations, such as at the salon or at the grocery store.
Children with autism need consistent, targeted, therapy to minimize skill gaps. Intensive therapy, such as ABA, has been shown to be incredibly effective in helping children and adults with autism live more fulfilled and independent lives. Furthermore, the earlier children with autism begin this therapy, the more effective the therapy will be.
If we think of ABA therapy in the same way we think about school for our children, we will see that the time spent is equal. The average child is in a classroom for 6 to 8 hours a day, five days a week. They are being taught and instructed in the classroom and those lessons are carried over at home. ABA therapy is the same. Most of our children spend eight hours each day at our centers where they are being taught life skills, school skills, and working on decreasing inappropriate or problem behaviors. These same skills are also put into practice in a home setting.
While your child may be missing out on a formal academic or school setting to attend full-time ABA therapy, typically children with autism that are recommended for full-time ABA therapy are not quiet ready for a full-time school setting. At Lighthouse Autism Center, it is our goal to get our learners ready to transition into a academic school setting by working with them on the necessary skills and independence to do so. This is why early intervention is also crucial. If we can get the learner in full-time before academic ages, they likely do not need to miss out on a typical school routine and we can prevent inappropriate or problem behaviors before they develop. Additionally, if the learner is already at an academic age, full-time therapy allows them to make greater progress faster, and transition into a school setting even quicker.
Please answer a few questions to help us get to know you better.
How old is your child?
Please select an option
Is your child diagnosed with autism?
Please select an option
We’re here to help.
Lighthouse Autism Center offers ABA therapy for children with autism. Contact us to learn how our innovative clinical model can help your child make greater progress, faster, all while having fun.
