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Emotions and Autism Therapy

Helping Your Child Manage Their Emotions

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Learning to identify and regulate emotions can be very challenging, especially for young children on the autism spectrum. While emotions can feel overwhelming, there are tools that can help your child learn to identify, and regulate, their emotions.

Use Familiar Books & Videos

Using fun books and videos to identify facial expressions and label emotions is a fun way to teach your child to, eventually, label their own emotions.

  • Here is a fun example video you can watch with your child where we read a story called “Snowmen at Night”. Using the illustrations in the book, we point out different expressions and emotions: EAS Story Time: Snowmen at Night

Parenting Tips for Story Time

Zones of Regulation

Another way you can help your child learn to identify and manage emotions is using Zones of Regulation. Identifying facial expressions can be challenging for some individuals with autism, so Zones of Regulation teaches emotions in the form of colors. Once kids learn what behaviors and emotions fall under each color, they start learning how other people feel when they are in certain zones.

How it Works

There are 4 colors: Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. (This section will have photos)

  • Blue Zone means you’re tired, bored, not quite ready to work, etc.

  • Green Zone means you’re calm, relaxed, ready for the day, eager to learn, etc.

  • Yellow Zone means maybe you’re annoyed, getting frustrated, or maybe starting to feel a little out of control, but not quite there yet

  • Red Zone means you’re out of control, furious, terrified or devastated

How to Teach Zones of Regulation at Home

Imagine your child is upset after losing a game of monopoly with his friend. He’s frustrated and starting to lose control.  He stops talking to his friend and stomps away. This would be the “yellow zone”. Using the zones approach, consider asking your child, “How do you think your behaviors are making your friend feel?” “What kinds of things are they thinking?” “What might they say to you?” These kinds of questions teach a child how their behaviors affect others. Soon after, they’re learning about appropriate responses to different events in their lives. Some problems are really big, but some are really small. Red Zone responses may be appropriate for huge problems, but they aren’t appropriate for tiny problems. Zones of Regulation focuses the rest of the curriculum on teaching appropriate replacement behaviors in the form of coping strategies. There are tons of different strategies, from breathing exercises to physical activity to requesting breaks.

Ultimately Zones of Regulation can be a great tool for teaching emotional regulation to your child. If you’d like some help in teaching the Zones to your child, reach out to your child’s BCBA. They can assess your child’s needs and build an individualized program for them. If your child does not currently have a BCBA, and you’d like to speak with a clinician, please give our team a call to schedule a free consultation.

Authors:

Heather Snodgrass | Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Early Autism Services

Jessica Goldberg | Autism Parent & Behavior Therapist/Outreach Specialist
Early Autism Services

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Enjoying the Holidays: Tips for Parents of Children with Autism

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Holiday Tips for Parents of Children with Autism

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, full of family traditions and seasonal favorites. The holidays can also be overwhelming, especially for children with autism and their families. 

This year, with the added consideration of COVID-19, there are different challenges to consider, but with a little preparation and a lot of patience, you can create a holiday experience that your entire family can enjoy.

1.) Pre-game Prep

Take time to prepare your kiddo for the holidays and new experiences you have planned.  Reading books and watching videos about the holidays are fun ways to get into the holiday spirit.  If you are planning to travel or gather with family and friends, the following are a few tools I have found helpful with my kids:

  • Social Stories – Create a basic story of what your kiddo will be doing and steps they can take to feel balanced and regulated.  This is a link to Personalized Social Story Templates from Autism Speaks
  • Pictures of Friends & Relatives- If you are going to be socializing with friends and relatives, show your kiddo pictures of the people they will be visiting with and label the photos with each person’s name.
  • Let Them Help- As you are preparing for the holidays, encourage your kiddo to lend a hand.  Remember, participation is different for everyone.  For some, arts & crafts or cooking is a fun way to help, while others may be content with being in the same room with you.

2.) Manage Expectations 

Keeping plans simple and managing expectations are essential in enjoying the holidays with my kids.  It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  In order for me to model the behavior I want to see in my kids & stay calm, I’ve learned to keep things simple.  ere are a few other tips I find helpful during the holidays:

  • Keep Routines & Consistent Schedules- Keeping schedules and routines consistent, will help your kiddo feel balanced. Try to plan holiday meals during a time that works best for your family.
  • Pick Your Battles-  If the goal is to enjoy stress free holidays, this may not be the time to introduce new foods, goals or challenging activities.  Set your kiddo ( and yourself) up for success and keep it simple.

3.) Plan Ahead

Creating a game-plan in advance is a great way to reduce stress for you and your family. Take some time to identify what your family needs to enjoy a successful holiday experience and be sure to ask for help. Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful in planning for the holidays:

  • Timing – From planning mealtimes to duration of visits, timing is everything.  Choose times that work best for your family and plan around them.  I find that “short & sweet” is best when socializing with my family and plan our departure early, to avoid sensory overload.
  • Divide & Conquer –  Identify your kiddo’s needs for support and create a plan with your spouse, partner or family members.  Teamwork makes the dreamwork!  Take turns giving your kiddo the support s/he needs while visiting with friends and family.
  • Identify a Quiet Space – Whether you are hosting a gathering at home or visiting friends and family, it’s helpful to identify a quiet space that your kiddo can go to and take a break.  Remind your kiddo where the space is & encourage him/her to take regular breaks to chill out & reset.

4.) Be Present and Enjoy!

The holidays are a time to be with friends and family, express love and gratitude, and celebrate! Take this time to enjoy your family favorites like listening to music; cooking a special meal (or ordering takeout); or taking a quiet walk together. Take it easy- keep it simple & enjoy your beautiful family!

Author:

Jessica Goldberg | Autism Parent & Behavior Therapist/Outreach Specialist
Early Autism Services

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How to Motivate My Child with Autism

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  • Children with autism are not typically socially motivated.
  • We must then find any physical item, food, or activity that motivates them.
  • Finding that item will make it easier to teach your child new skills.
  • Avoid thinking that your child will become too dependent on these items. If it helps them learn, then let’s use it to teach new skills.

Two ways to find items your child likes include:

  1. Watch them during their free time. During free time, put your child in a spot that has all their favorite things. If needed, you can add extra stuff your child likes in the room.
  • Write down what they did during their free time.
  • Write down how long they did that activity for.
  • Watch out for behaviors your child engages in- this can include staring at a fan, hand flapping, rubbing their hands together, looking at the wheels of cars.
  1. Grab all the items and activities your child enjoys.
  • You will present two items at a time as a choice. Ask your child to “pick one.”
  • You will then rotate which items you present together.
  • Present each item equal amount of times.
  • Write down which item your child chooses most often.
  • The item your child chooses the most is his/her most preferred item.

 

Learning new skills can help any kid get through their day to day life.

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Getting Through the Wait List

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If you suspect your child might need a diagnosis to receive extra support and services, it is important to receive proper therapies ASAP. You will soon find yourself stalled by waiting-lists upon waiting-lists.

Getting through the wait list as quickly as possible is your goal!

Tips on obtaining a quick diagnosis:

  • Call your insurance provider to obtain a list of locations that provide diagnosis.
  • Ask your insurance provider to give you diagnostic centers up to an hour away from your home. Provide them with a remote area (less likely to have a wait list).
  • Call all of these diagnostic centers and tell them to place you on the waiting list (if they have one).
  • Ask how long the wait list is.
  • Intermittently call the diagnostic centers to see if they had any cancellations. This increases your chances of obtaining a quicker appointment.
    • “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”

 

Another method on getting through the wait list:

  • Research what type of therapies your child will benefit from once they obtain the diagnosis you suspect.
  • Call local agencies that provide those services.
  • Ask them if they refer any diagnostic centers with a short wait list- mention you are willing to drive up to an hour or two away (if possible).

If you would like to find out more about the services that EAS offers, please visit our website at earlyautismservices.com or call  (312) 965-2997.

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Going to the Doctor: A guide for children with autism and other sensory needs

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Going to the Doctor: Getting my child with a disability through the office successfully

No one likes doctor visits! It can be a scary place for children, especially those with a disability, or those that cannot understand verbal language quite well.

Before going to the doctor’s office:

  • Buy play doctor instruments. Pretend play with your child how the doctor will utilize these different materials.
    • Use a stethoscope to listen to the heart
    • Use a pretend doctor stick to look at the mouth
    • Use a pretend toy to look at the eyes
    • Use a pretend otoscope to look at ears
  • If your child has a hard time pretend playing with the play instruments, you can utilize something your child likes to get them to be more likely to pretend play.
  • For example, if your child loves to watch videos, tell your child “first listen to the heart then watch the video.” Once your child lets you pretend listen to his/her heart, give him the video for 30 seconds or so. Repeat with all the other pretend materials.
  • If your child prefers videos, find a video of a child going to the doctor. Show it to your child and tell them they will be going to the doctor soon. Show them the video every day, up to 7 days before the appointment.
  • If your child prefers pictures, find a book of a child going to the doctor. Read it to your child!

At the doctor’s office:

  • Before going to the doctors, have a special toy, or food ready for your child. Tell them if we do good at the doctors, he/she can have it.
  • When it is time to go to the doctor’s room, have the doctor or nurse give your child a small food item or toy your child likes. You might have to bring something from home.

Make sure the doctor or nurse physically gives it to the child. This can start a great child-doctor relationship! Your child will learn the doctor is a pretty cool person.

  • Bring whatever materials you used at home to practice to the doctor’s office.
    • Tell your child the doctor will listen to their heart. You can listen to your child’s heart (like you practiced at home), and then the doctor can do it! Remember to give your child the item he/she likes (just like at home).
    • If you used a book, show your child the picture of what the doctor will do. Then your doctor can do it!
    • If you used a video, show your child the step on the video. After they watch the step, have the doctor do it.
    • After each step, don’t forget to give your child something they like!

 

 

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Early Autism Services ABA Therapy

Press Release: Early Autism Services Brand Changes

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*** For Immediate Release ***

St. Louis, MO – Comprehensive Early Autism Services has formally updated its business name to Early Autism Services. In addition the organization has released a new company logo which is displayed below.

Early Autism Services will continue to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy for children with autism and their families, but will move forward with this new branding.

“We are passionate about each of the children and families that we work with, and we were ready for an image that shared our energy and passion for the work we do and the families we serve,” said Adam Kuda, Marketing Director at Early Autism Services.

Early Autism Services opened nearly a decade ago in Chicago, IL, and now the organization works with children in more than 10 states in the US and also has operations in Canada and Australia.

 

 

# # #

 

For questions please contact:

Adam Kuda – Marketing Director
akuda@earlyautismservices.com

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“Time-Out” & “Time-In”

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behavior planning for autism

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions that often bring challenges related to: social skills, speech, and behavior. For many parents, trying to understand and manage their child’s behaviors can be difficult. One of the biggest challenges is trying to create a consistent structure for handling situations when their child is acting out. Additionally, having a consistent way to reinforce positive behaviors is often overlooked.

Below is an example of a method parents can use effectively when trying to address certain behaviors of their child, both positive and negative.

Time-Out & Time-In.

 

What is Time-Out?

When a child is told to go somewhere – like a chair or facing a wall, alone for a determined amount of time.

How to effectively implement Time-Out.

  • Use a calm voice and avoid making choices based on emotions.
  • Set specific rules and criteria and ensure a consistent implementation.
  • Use brief statements of the behavior you want to see next/again.
    • “When you are calm, you can tell me what you need.”
    • With an inside voice, let em know what you want when you are ready.”
    • The video games are not available, you can have a book or your race car. Let me know when you are ready to pick with an inside voice.
      • Avoid offering to many options.
      • Avoid offering options after the behavior occurred.

When NOT to use Time-Out

  • With children who use behavior to avoid or escape situations, tasks, or activities.
  • With children who engage in self injurious behavior and could cause harm to themselves.

What is Time-In?

Reinforcing positive behaviors through praise or attention.

Ho to use Time-In

  • Provide lots of attention for the behaviors you want to see again.
  • Labeling the things you like. (Descriptive praise.)
    • “I love how you are sharing your blocks with your sister!”
    • “You are sitting waiting so nicely!”
    • “Thank you for helping clean up!”
  • Identify what your child likes.
    • Verbal praise, hugs, tickles, squeezes, high fives, tokens, toys.
    • Use these paired with descriptive praise.
  • Use high energy and incorporate them with activities your child likes.

 

At EAS, we build individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs which help address behavior planning, as well as: social skills, fine motor skills, language and communication, play skills, self help, and more. If you would like to speak with a clinician to set up a time to see discuss building a personalized program for your child, please click on the link below.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION