Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Gaia.

Gaia has made so much progress since starting at Lighthouse Autism Center! When she first started, she struggled with vocal skills, walking without assistance, independent eating and identifying and sorting items.

Gaia’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Now, Gaia is vocally asking for preferred items up to 60 times per day.
• Now, Gaia is walking an average of 850 feet per day in a gait trainer.
• Now, Gaia is reliably feeding herself lunch using a spoon and fork without problem behavior.
• Now, Gaia can receptively identify 40 objects.
• Now, Gaia is reliably matching identical and non-identical objects, photos, and 2D/3D items from a field of 10.

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“Gaia is one of the most resilient and self-motivated learners! When she is determined, the sky is the limit, especially in regard to her progress! Gaia has made significant progress in many areas, but the most notable is that Gaia is walking an average of 850 feet in her gait trainer daily. Her therapists are constantly encouraging her by singing and wearing silly costumes. If you know Gaia, she is always cheering, smiling, and taking one more step toward independence!”

-Brooke George, Program Manager at Lighthouse Autism Center

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Wyatt.

Wyatt has made so much progress since starting at Lighthouse Autism Center! When he first started, he struggled with tantrums, self-injury, emotional regulation and communication skills. Additionally, Wyatt needed help with improving his social skills as well as his safety skills.

Wyatt’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Now, Wyatt has significantly less tantrums as well as a decreased duration of his tantrums.
• Now, Wyatt has increased in all vocal communication and can vocally request his wants and needs.
• Now, Wyatt has improved social skills with his peers, adults and siblings.
• Now, Wyatt has improved emotional regulation and his self help skills such as becoming potty trained and eating independently.

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“Wyatt started at LAC almost a year ago with high magnitude tantrums and a large barrier in communication and receptive language skills. Since then, Wyatt has become completely toilet trained, has learned to dress himself, count items in front of him, request his wants, attempts to try new foods & goes to the dentist without a big fight, receptively identify his favorite things and a few of his favorite people. He has grown into such a little man in such a short time and I am so excited to see his progress in the future!”

-Madison Haverly-Binder, BCBA

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Henry.

Henry has made so much progress since starting at Lighthouse Autism Center! When he first started, he was nonverbal and struggled communicating his wants and needs. He was not potty trained. Henry did not tolerate non-preferred items being near him and struggled sharing with others.

Henry’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Now, Henry communicates using verbal words. He can now label common items and ask for things he wants.
• Henry has mastered potty training. Now, he can verbally communicate if he does or does not need to use the bathroom.
• Henry has learned how to take turns when playing with peers. He can also tolerate non-preferred things being near him.
• Henry has shown us that he can read simple words and he tries to sound out words on his own.

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“It has been so exciting to see Henry grow and learn. He continually surprises us with his abilities. I cannot wait to find out what else Henry is capable of! We are so proud of his hard work!”

-Mary Ruble, Program Manager

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: William.

William has made so much progress since starting at Lighthouse Autism Center last year! When he first started, he used gestures to communicate and pulled his therapist to preferred items to communicate his wants and needs. He did not tolerate washing his hands or having his face cleaned after meals. William was unable to walk independently and needed the assistance of a walker to navigate the center.  

William’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Now, William uses PECS to communicate his wants and needs. 
• William is working on vocally communicating as well and can echo several words. 
• William can perform several of the steps of handwashing without assistance and allows his face to be cleaned after meals. 
• William is able to walk and even run without assistance now! 

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“William is making so much progress! I am so proud of him! The way he learns so quickly is awesome! He is starting to use his voice more often and it makes me so happy! I absolutely love working with him and I know he is going to do amazing things!”

-Kenzie Mauro, Lighthouse RBT

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Abel.

When Abel first came to Lighthouse, he had very little vocal communication skills and struggled to communicate his wants and needs. He also did not tolerate sitting on the toilet, which limited his progress with toilet training. Abel did not often engage in appropriate social interactions or play with peers, and mostly kept to himself while playing. Since coming to Lighthouse, Abel has made so much progress!

Abel’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Now, Abel vocally communicates his wants and needs with us, and uses more than 50 different words to request and express his interests!
• Abel has learned to tolerate sitting on the toilet and is now toilet trained. 
• Abel has shown an increased interest in playing with his peers, and he now independently greets peers and requests to play chase with them in the playroom.

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“Abel is a joy each day to work with! We are so proud of him as he works so hard to accomplish each goal, and we are thrilled with his progress.“

– Lanae Asher, Lighthouse Program Manager

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Brynleigh.

Meet Brynleigh. When Brynleigh first came to Lighthouse, she had very little vocal communication skills and could only communicate by pointing, pulling and crying. She often struggled with tantrums and aggression. She also experienced challenges with listening and responding skills. Since coming to Lighthouse, Brynleigh has made so much progress!

Brynleigh’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Brynleigh now uses vocals as well as a picture exchange system to communicate her wants and needs. She is requesting her wants and needs up to an average of 60 times in a 4-hour session while at the center.
• Brynleigh has decreased her aggressive behavior and tantrums significantly while at the center.
• Brynleigh has since mastered 10 one-step directions and listener responding skills and is working on more!

Brynleigh’s Success With Speech Therapy

“Brynleigh has shown major improvements in her speech even from just a few months ago , it’s day and night. She is trying her hardest to say multiple new words”

– Brynleigh’s Mother

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Ariah.

When Ariah first came to Lighthouse, she had no vocal communication skills and often struggled with tantrums. She experienced challenges with peer interactions such as sharing items with others. Ariah also was not toilet trained. Since coming to Lighthouse, Ariah has made so much progress!

Ariah’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

Ariah now enjoys playing with her peers including sharing toys!
Ariah has increased her communication skills and can now vocally communicate with 3-4 word sentences
With the skill to communicate, Ariah is now experiencing fewer tantrums.
Ariah is now toilet trained and can stay dry all day.

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“Ariah is such a joy at the center! It has been so much fun to see her language grow. We can’t wait to see what Ariah will accomplish next!”

– Jovanna Trejo, Lighthouse Autism Center Senior RBT

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Jon.

Meet Jon. When Jon first came to Lighthouse, he could not consistently communicate his wants or needs. He struggled with transitions away from preferred items or activities and did not respond to directions. Jon also did not engage with his peers or take turns with preferred items. Since enrolling at Lighthouse, Jon has made incredible progress.

Jon’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Jon can now identify and vocalize his emotions
• Jon can now use 4-5 word sentences to ask for what he wants or to participate in a conversation
• Jon now plays at the playground with other kids, and will even introduce himself to others

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Hope.

When Hope first came to Lighthouse she struggled with flopping, running away, refusal behavior and would often throw objects when she became upset or frustrated. She also had challenges with speech, following routines and directions. Since enrolling at Lighthouse, Hope has made incredible progress.

Hope’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Increase the amount of time she can sit and work independently without reinforcement
• Nearly eliminate refusal behavior, throwing objects and flopping
• Increase her school readiness skills such as identifying numbers, letters, turn-taking, peer play and more

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“Hope is doing so well and making tremendous progress. We are all so proud of all she has accomplished thus far at Lighthouse. She continues to work hard and gain new skills within the center and at home daily. We are so grateful to be with Hope on this journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. Keep up the great work Hope!”

– Chelsea Gibson, Lighthouse Autism Center Clinical Director

Contact us with any questions and enroll your child today at Lighthouse Autism Center!

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Child Spotlight of the Month: Oliver.

When Oliver first came to Lighthouse he struggled with communication, toileting, and aggression. With the help of his dedicated team of clinicians at Lighthouse, Oliver has made incredible progress!

Oliver’s Progress at Lighthouse Autism Center

• Oliver now independently asks for things he wants or needs using his picture exchange system.
• When Oliver started he would rarely use vocal words to communicate. With Lighthouse Fusion, we have seen Oliver drastically increase his vocal communication.
• Oliver was not toilet trained prior to coming to Lighthouse. He has made great progress! While he still wears pull-ups, he stays dry all day and can now ask to use the bathroom.
• With his new vocal communication skills combined with the help of a picture exchange system, Oliver is now able to communicate his wants and needs which in turn, has significantly reduced the amount of aggressive behavior seen at home and in the center. These newfound skills are having far reaching impacts for Oliver and his family!

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Perspective

“I have overseen Oliver since July of 2021. In this time, Oliver has grown tremendously. He’s been using the toilet consistently, utilizing his picture icons to request preferred items and even the bathroom. His speech has just soared over the last 2 months with Oliver’s participation in co-treat sessions with Janine. With the Lighthouse Fusion model, we have seen Oliver echoing words consistently, vocally saying hi and bye while he waves, and he vocally addresses his pet cat “Ivy” whenever she’s in the room with him, all things Oliver could not do before coming to Lighthouse. While Oliver has absolutely blown everyone away with his progress, I cannot wait to see what his future holds through his time at LAC and even beyond!”

– Elizabeth Zeese, Jr. Program Manager at Lighthouse Autism Center

Contact us with any questions and enroll your child today at Lighthouse Autism Center!

In May of 2022, Lighthouse Autism Center is celebrating 10 years of business. This would not be possible without our clients. These families were some of the first families to receive services at Lighthouse Autism Center and helped build a strong foundation. We would not be where we are today without them! Thank you for choosing Lighthouse Autism Center and for trusting us to provide compassionate care and for being a part of our story.

About Nick

Nick attended Lighthouse Autism Center Park Place and Edison Lakes between 2012 and 2016. He was 12 years old when he first enrolled.

Lighthouse Journey:

Tell us about your favorite memory from your child’s time at Lighthouse Autism Center.

Seeing Nick actually having fun even when working.  I could tell that everyone who worked with him made it fun so that he wanted to participate in the lessons.

Tell us something your child does or is independent with now that you attribute to their time at Lighthouse Autism Center.

Nick had a lot of skills before Lighthouse, but Middle school destroyed him in less than a year.  They did not follow his IEP and never communicated with us about what was going on.  When asked about his day or behaviors that were starting to develop, they would tell me “He was just adjusting.” Lighthouse managed to help Nick regain control of his emotions, they boosted his confidence and gained his trust.

How did Lighthouse help your family and child reach their goals?

Nick was able to enjoy life again.  He was able to reenter school and ended up graduating from PHM.

What advice would you give prospective parents who are considering Lighthouse Autism Center for their child?

You can’t go wrong.  The people are all so caring and really want to help your child succeed.

In May of 2022, Lighthouse Autism Center is celebrating 10 years of business. This would not be possible without our clients. These families were some of the first families to receive services at Lighthouse Autism Center and helped build a strong foundation. We would not be where we are today without them! Thank you for choosing Lighthouse Autism Center and for trusting us to provide compassionate care and for being a part of our story.

Meet: Merle and Dawn Janiszewski, parents of Morgyn

About Morgyn

Morgyn attended Lighthouse Autism Center Park Place and Edison Lakes between 2013 and 2017. She was 11 years old when she first enrolled.

Lighthouse Journey:

Tell us about your favorite memory from your child’s time at Lighthouse Autism Center.

Morgyn loved when she was tickled by the therapists, and she loved to swing.

Tell us something your child does or is independent with now that you attribute to their time at Lighthouse Autism Center.

Morgyn helps with cleaning dishes when asked, knows her colors and can count really well. She can spell her name and likes a few more vegetables because of Lighthouse.

How did Lighthouse help your family and child reach their goals?

Lighthouse brought out the entire person in Morgyn.  She returned to public school and did really well and became many teachers’ favorite student.  She “graduated” high school and is now involved in the adult day program in the same school corporation.  She is again a favorite of her current teacher.  She is more patient and responds to questions when asked as well as mostly does what she is told.

What advice would you give prospective parents who are considering Lighthouse Autism Center for their child?

If you don’t believe in small miracles, you will after experiencing lighthouse.  We were so happy, lucky and blessed to find Lighthouse.  Before Lighthouse, the public school system was not making noticeable progress with Morgyn.  It took us a few months to secure financial avenues and Lighthouse stuck with us during this time.  Experiencing that showed us that Lighthouse puts the children they serve as the main priority.