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Social Skills & Communication

5 Ways Teachers Can Help Children With Autism In The Classroom

cgross · July 28, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Table of contents

  • Teachers, prepare to help every child succeed this year!
  • Focus on the positives
  • Be specific with your behavior
  • Keep conversations focused and simple.
  • Provide a supportive environment for the child
  • Be patient when giving instructions
  • Conclusion

The number of American children on the autism spectrum increases every year.  New Jersey diagnosticians are finding that 1 in every 54 children has ASD. If you’re a teacher, you’re likely to teach a child with autism. Parents feel frustrated when their child’s teacher does not understand what makes their child tick, and teachers feel helpless when they cannot guide their students to achieve success at school.  

Young Girl Reading Book At School Wearing A Mask

Working with children with autism brings a huge amount of joy, like any endeavor which takes effort and grit. But only for those who embrace the challenge and learn how to succeed with a child that has unique needs. As the new school year approaches, let’s take a moment to prepare for a successful year at school. 

Teachers, prepare to help every child succeed this year!

If you are a teacher, read on for tips on helping your student with autism succeed in school, but first, remember this. Just because you’re told a child in your class has autism, it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of being academically successful. In fact, if you’re kind, patient, and persistent when working with your student, you’ll eventually discover that there’s much more to your student than their neurological disorder and undesired behaviors. Children with autism are talented, smart, and creative. Give the child’s parents reason to be happy that they shared the diagnosis with you instead of feeling disappointed (like so many of their friends share) that you used the diagnosis to label and absolve yourself from trying to help.

So, without further delay, here are five ways you, as a teacher, can help children with autism and guide them in unlocking their inner potential:

1. Focus on the positives

Studies show that positive reinforcement is much more effective than punishment or other forms of discipline. In other words, rewarding positive behaviors in children with autism is better than punishing their undesired behaviors. That’s because praising them makes them (and you) feel good, which increases the likelihood that they’ll repeat those positive behaviors.

Also, punishment can damage a child’s physical and mental health in the long run, so if you want them to develop positive behaviors, positive reinforcement would be the way to go.

Rather than zeroing in on a child’s undesired behaviors and judging them by their past behaviors or developments, look for things to enjoy and appreciate about your student. For example, does your student with autism happen to be good at reading comprehension? If so, let them know, and you can even look for ways to incorporate that into other academic areas they may struggle with.

Letting your student know about their strengths and positive qualities, as well as using positive reinforcement, will be an excellent way to encourage and motivate your student.

And don’t forget to accept the child for the way they are. Instead of trying to change who they are on a fundamental level, try to teach them in a way that’s tailored to their special needs and allows them to make progress in the classroom.

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2. Be specific with your behavior

Male Teacher Showing Group Of Kids Science Experiment In Class

Whenever you’re praising and positively reinforcing your student with autism, make sure the child knows exactly which behavior you’re praising and what exactly you like about their behavior. Otherwise, your student may get confused about which of their behaviors are considered positive or undesired, which may impede your student’s educational progress. For example, rather than saying, “thanks for being helpful” try saying, “thanks for picking up my pencil”.

And, going back to what we said about positive reinforcement, find ways you can reward your student. This may involve giving them extra playtime or rewarding them with more tokens or gold stars on their reward charts.

3. Keep conversations focused and simple.

Because children with autism tend to take things literally, idioms and phrasal verbs are confusing. Try to keep directions and conversations simple and focused. Phrases that neurotypical children (those without autism) may think are literal and easy to understand but actually aren’t include:

  • “What’s up with you?” (Instead, you can ask, “How are you feeling?”)
  • “I’m all ears.” (Instead, you can say, “I’m listening.”)
  • “That’s a piece of cake.” (Instead, you can say, “That’s very easy to do.”)

Keep directions and conversations simple and focused. This means instead of giving long-winded reasons and explanations, use simple language so as not to overwhelm the child. For example, instead of saying “it’s important that you always keep your desk clear of any food, drink supplies, or toys so that you can learn well”, simply say, “Put nothing on your desk”. 

Also, children with autism may not be able to understand your nonverbal communications, so don’t immediately assume they can understand all your facial expressions and gestures.

For example, instead of turning your nose up or expecting that a glance in their direction will be enough to convey your intent, clearly say, “Put away the snack” or “We don’t color on our desks” or whatever you’re trying to convey to the child.

4. Provide a supportive environment for the child

Children with autism often feel overwhelmed or overstimulated by their surroundings. As a teacher, you can help students with autism thrive in your classroom by keeping the environment calm and emotionally supportive.

Female Teacher Helps Children With Autism Finish Lesson In School

Students with autism also perform best in familiar environments, so bear that in mind whenever you’re considering changing up a learning routine, moving their desk, or replacing the decorations in your classroom. You may decide to forgo the change for his sake, or you may want to prepare him in advance so he knows what to expect. Either way, don’t try to force change on him, but rather be flexible to create an environment that takes his needs into consideration

After all, you want to provide a conducive environment for your children to learn and thrive, and this applies to children with autism as well as neurotypical children.

5. Be patient when giving instructions

Children with autism, who often have difficulty following verbal explanations, need more time to process complex verbal commands. And, as we already established, it’s important to keep your instructions simple and focused. 

You should also remember that younger children often struggle to understand instructions, and that may make them seem uncooperative. In reality, their “uncooperative” behavior may actually be an inability to understand your verbal instructions, so always keep that possibility in mind.

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Conclusion

As a teacher, working with children with autism can be uniquely challenging, but thankfully there are many ways you can support our growing autism population and put them on a trajectory to academic success. From focusing on their positive qualities to being specific when positively reinforcing them to adapting the way you communicate to fostering a strong supportive environment, you can unlock your student’s inner strengths, open doors of opportunity, and help them thrive and succeed in the long run.

Want to know how else you can help your child? Get in touch with Circle Care so we can show you all the services we provide. And don’t forget to join our email list so you can gain some helpful information about ABA and parenting tips for those who have children with autism.

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How To Connect & Give Attention to Your Child Who Doesn’t Connect with You

cgross · July 22, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Table of contents

  • Eye Contact and Children with Autism
  • How to Engage with Children with Autism
  • The Benefits of Structured Play
  • How To Support Your Child’s Emotional Development
  • Get The Support You Need

One of the most incredible challenges of raising children with autism is accepting that the emotional connection and need to express affection are not always mirrored. It’s often believed that those with autism spectrum disorder lack empathy and the ability to feel emotion – but it is not the case. Instead, the difficulty lies in their underdeveloped communication skills, which make it challenging to perceive emotions and respond appropriately.

Dad Holding Daughter In The Air For A Hug

Children with autism may have limited cognitive empathy, which is the ability to recognize what they are feeling or what others are feeling based on body language and other non-verbal cues. However, their effective empathy – the ability to literally feel someone else’s emotions, based on instincts and involuntary responses – is often heightened.

Internalizing these instincts can be overwhelming, causing the child to withdraw.

Eye Contact and Children with Autism

We associate gazing into someone’s eyes as the ultimate bonding experience and an expression of deep affection. It can be disheartening for a parent when their child avoids meeting their gaze. Many people on the autism spectrum struggle with eye contact – one of the essential elements of social interaction.

But lack of eye contact from children with autism is not based on indifference or inattention. They just lack social motivation due to their underdeveloped understanding of social interaction and communication skills. Forcing eye contact can result in the child feeling extremely stressed and anxious and lead them to withdraw even further.

How to Engage with Children with Autism

There are many alternative ways to connect with your child with autism  – they are just different from what many deem the norm. You can build a bond with your child if you adapt your way of thinking. You know your child well enough to know when you have their attention, even if it appears to others that they have zoned out or are ignoring you.

Before engaging with your child, ensure that you have their attention and always begin by using their name so they know you are speaking to them. Even if you are alone, it may not seem obvious to your child that you are talking to him/her unless they hear their name.

More often than not, those with autism spectrum disorder have a deep interest in something very specific – and this is the perfect tool to use to connect and engage.

Children with autism find it challenging to process too much information at once – especially filtering out the fluff and honing in on what is essential. For this reason, keep your communication specific, focusing on keywords and phrases.

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The Benefits of Structured Play

The adult takes the lead with structured play activities and provides the child with resources to offer direction. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with your child while modeling behavior such as sharing and taking turns. Many children with autism find these behaviors difficult, especially when they have siblings. Structured play comes with clear guidelines and a goal that can be described up front and reiterated as each step takes place.

Mother and Father On the Beach Holding Smiling Daughter

Children with autism spectrum disorder often find comfort in predictability and are less likely to feel stressed and overwhelmed if they can anticipate the outcome. Visual support can act as a reminder of what they can expect. Visual cues depicting the sequence will help them recall the objective. You can point to each cue, or reveal each step as you go, giving verbal reinforcement.

Once again, using your child’s interests and strengths will make them far more likely to engage, and it’s important to use activities within their capabilities. Being overambitious and offering activities that are too challenging can lead to anxiety and withdrawal. You also need to be realistic about the time the activity takes. Shorter, meaningful moments will go a lot further than trying to push too hard and spend too much time on one task.

How To Support Your Child’s Emotional Development

Children with autism need support when recognizing and managing emotions. They may not understand the spectrum of emotions that people experience and slap a general label on groups of emotions. For example, they may label all negative emotions as anger or fear. Or, if they notice someone expressing irritation or frustration at an external factor, they may automatically assume that the person is angry at them and become stressed. They need guidance in interpreting and responding to other people’s emotions as much as they need support in internalizing their own.

Minor changes to everyday interactions can help your child navigate the intricacies of human emotions.

For example, point out and name the emotions that you see expressed in stories or on TV.

Acknowledge their emotions by giving them a name. For example, “Your brow is furrowed, and your arms are crossed – you must be angry.”

Describe your own emotional responses. For example, if you are happy, say something like, “I am happy. That is why I am smiling’. There are some tremendous structured activities out there that can help your child learn how to properly identify emotions.

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Get The Support You Need

Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources and therapies to guide you. If you need advice about connecting with your child with autism, Circle Care Services in New Jersey is here to help. Our specialists are equipped to help your child and your family with communication, social skills, behavior concerns, and parenting training. If you want more tips and tricks like this, sign up to receive emails from Circle Care. We send helpful information to parents of children with autism!

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10 Outdoor Activities and Trips in New Jersey for Children With Autism

cgross · July 19, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Table of contents

  • 1. Jake’s Place Play Areas, Cherry Hill and Delran
  • 2. Cape May County Park and Zoo, Cape May Court House
  • 3. Heart of Surfing, Egg Harbor Township
  • 4. Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside
  • 5. Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor & Outdoor Waterpark, West Berlin
  • 6. Allaire Community Farm, Wall Township
  • 7. Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township
  • 8. Diggerland, West Berlin
  • 9. Red Bull Arena, Harrison
  • 10. Sesame Place, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
  • Conclusion

If you have a child with autism, you’re probably aware of the importance of having access to sensory-friendly places. On the other hand, you might not even be familiar with the concept of a sensory-friendly environment. To put it simply, a sensory-friendly place is a space that has been altered or changed in some way to be more calming for the senses. These include your five basic senses and your sense of balance and movement.

As you may well know, many children with autism experience sensory overload, which means their five senses absorb more information than their brains can process. This often makes them feel overwhelmed and a range of other negative emotions.

There are a variety of ways to create a sensory-friendly place. Here are some common and effective ways to make a more sensory-friendly environment.

Family Of Four Running Through A Field At Sunset
  • Reduced noise
  • Dimmed lighting
  • Quiet zones
  • Designated bathrooms
  • Eliminated scents or smells
  • Accessible seating
  • Reduced clutter

If you live in New Jersey and you’re looking for outdoor trips for your child with autism, you’re in the absolute right place. Bear in mind that the places listed below can have just one or two of the features listed above or a combination of those features, and you should never assume that a place has every one of them. Instead, you should do your due diligence and make sure the place you’re thinking of visiting has all the accommodations you need for your child.

1. Jake’s Place Play Areas, Cherry Hill and Delran

Known for its “playgrounds for everybody,” Jake’s Place play areas have balance beams, bridges, rock walls, stepping circles, and climber equipment, as well as specialized areas for children with autism. For enhanced safety, there’s also a fence surrounding the perimeter.

Built-in Challenger Park in Camden County to honor Jacob Miles Cummings-Nasto, who suffered from a rare cardiac condition that prevented him from enjoying certain activities in a traditional playground, this award-winning play place was founded on the belief that all children, including those with autism, deserve a place to play.

  • Cherry Hill address: 101 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill, N.J. 08034
  • Delran address: 12 Hartford Road, Delran, N.J. 08075
  • Phone number: (856) 662-4418

2. Cape May County Park and Zoo, Cape May Court House

This 85-acre zoo, which is home to over 550 animals across 250 species, is the perfect place for your child with autism. Chances are that you’re aware of the fact that children with autism spectrum disorder benefit greatly from being around animals since animals provide a comforting presence and can alleviate stress and anxiety.

The zoo also boasts lush country gardens and a peaceful natural environment, not to mention a large playground right outside the zoo gates, that your child will surely enjoy.

  • Address: 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210
  • Phone number: (609) 465-5271

3. Heart of Surfing, Egg Harbor Township

Heart of Surfing, a nonprofit organization, teaches children with autism and other developmental disabilities how to surf, do yoga, roller skate, engage in fitness activities, and create art.

Although the organization started just a few years ago with only a few participating families, it has grown tremendously and continues to thrive.

  • Address: 409 Superior Rd Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
  • Phone number: (609) 705-5323

4. Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside

Families who want to experience a calming and airy complex that exhibits wetlands, forests, and meadows should consider visiting Trailside Nature and Science Center. Other features of this place include a bird habitat, a wildlife viewing area, and a children’s discovery room that your child with autism will surely enjoy. There are also scenic nature trails through the Watchung Reservation, which is known for being the largest park in Union County.

Behind the center, there’s a sensory-friendly trail designed to encourage interaction and stimulate the senses in a fun and enjoyable way.

  • Address: 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, N.J. 07092
  • Phone number: (908) 789-3670

5. Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor & Outdoor Waterpark, West Berlin

Special Needs Events at Sahara Sam’s Oasis offers fun and judgment-free evenings for individuals with developmental disabilities, including children with autism, to enjoy the waterpark with their friends and families.

Family Of Four Blowing Bubbles In A Field

People who attend “Special Evenings at Sam’s,” also known as S.E.A.S., benefit from significantly reduced rates and a program that’s specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

  • Address: 535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
  • Phone number: (856) 767-7580

6. Allaire Community Farm, Wall Township

Through its working farm environment and rescued animals, Allaire Community Farm seeks to “nurture through nature” children with developmental disabilities, as well as teens experiencing mental health issues, families battling cancer and veterans with PTSD.

Its outreach, events, and programs use equine therapy, animal therapy, vocational training, and organic gardening to support these families and individuals. In addition, the greenhouses and gardens support families that are undergoing financial or medical hardships, and all funds that the nonprofit farm generates are allocated towards propelling the organization’s mission.

  • Address: 1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall Township, N.J. 07719
  • Phone number: (732) 796-3298
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7. Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township

This quaint amusement park in Egg Harbor Township is all about nursery rhymes and children’s stories. Storybook Land offers a calming room, a quiet dining area, and a sensory-sensitive space where your child with autism can take a break.

It also hosts “Sensory Sensitive Weekends,” where music and sounds are brought down to lower decibels, geysers, and other water features are turned off, and Medical Access Passes (MAPs) are made available to families that can’t wait in line for food or rides.

  • Address: 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
  • Phone number: (609) 646-0103

8. Diggerland, West Berlin

Diggerland, which prides itself on being America’s only construction and waterpark, gives families with children the opportunity to ride, drive, and operate real machines in a fun, safe, and structured environment. And, when they’re not operating specially engineered machines, they can visit The Water Main, a construction-themed waterpark, to swim, soak, and slide.

Another feature that makes Diggerland ideal for your child with autism is that it offers fun, judgment-free “Special Abilities Nights” throughout the course of the year.

  • Address: 100 Pinedge Dr, West Berlin, NJ 08091
  • Phone: (856) 768-1110

9. Red Bull Arena, Harrison

If you’re looking for sensory-friendly places for your child, major league sports stadiums are probably not the first places that come to mind. However, in 2017, the New York Red Bulls established a “Permanent Sensory Room” so individuals with autism could take a break from the highly energetic, stimulating atmosphere of a major league soccer match.

Mother & Father Giving Their Children Piggy Back Rides Outdoors

The Red Bulls turned the arena’s executive office space into a calming area with light-colored walls and dimmed lighting. There are also fidget toys, visual aids, and sensory sacks filled with stress balls, headphones, and other sensory regulation coping tools for your child with autism to use.

Lastly, during the season, the Red Bulls host Autism Awareness Night, making for a fun and inclusive environment for individuals with autism.

  • Address: 600 Cape May St, Harrison, NJ 07029
  • Phone: (973) 268-8420

10. Sesame Place, Langhorne, Pennsylvania

Sesame Place may be right over the border in Pennsylvania, but it’s close enough to garner our attention and for you to consider taking your child with autism for a day trip. Known for being the first-ever theme park to be designated as a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place provides quiet private rooms, low-traffic quiet areas, and a no-interaction parade viewing area so your child with autism can have the time of their life while learning in a fun, inclusive environment.

Visitors also get the chance to participate in a meet-and-greet with their favorite Sesame Street characters – like Julia, a curious and sweet four-year-old who has autism.

  • Address: 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, Pa. 19047
  • Phone: (215) 702-3566
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Conclusion

Now you can see that having autism and other developmental disabilities does not mean you can’t have fun with your loved ones. After all, there are so many outdoor venues in New Jersey that offer a fun, inclusive, judgment-free environment for your child with autism.

If you really want to take their life to the next level and give them a safe and comfortable environment where they can learn, grow, and develop, contact Circle Care, where we provide ABA therapy in New Jersey, as well as other services tailored to your child’s specific needs. If you’re interested, sign up for our email newsletter to receive more tips and tricks like this!

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Does ABA Therapy Improve Academic Achievement?

cgross · July 11, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Table of contents

  • ABA Therapy Methods That Improve Behavior
  • Use of reinforcement strategies
  • Elevation of positive behaviors
  • Emphasis on motivation and focus
  • Attention to socialization
  • Conclusion

We all know that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy comes with a host of benefits. In addition to improving language and communication skills, ABA therapy decreases undesired behaviors and improves attention, focus, and memory, as well as many other skills.

But what about academic performance? Do children with autism spectrum disorder perform better academically when they receive ABA therapy?

Two Girls Smiling While Doing Work At Classroom Table

The answer is yes, and there are many reasons why or ways that ABA therapy improves academic and educational achievement. These reasons include its reinforcement strategies, its elevation of positive behaviors and reduction of undesired behaviors, its emphasis on enhancing focus and motivation, and its attention to socialization and the development of social skills.

ABA Therapy Methods That Improve Behavior

Use of reinforcement strategies

One of the best-known methods used in ABA therapy is positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding a child after they’ve completed a desirable, or positive, behavior. Positive reinforcement is a key component of ABA because it drives the skills and results that are most important for your child’s success, including their academic success.

Is your child with autism already getting ABA therapy? If so, you can build on it by using effective reinforcement strategies when you’re at home. And, if your child is attending private or public school, you should let their teachers know that positive reinforcement is key to their wellbeing. Classes with reward systems and rules for everyone to follow are most effective.

Since ABA uses some of the best ways to reinforce desirable behaviors, you and your child’s teachers can use these strategies to improve academic productivity. Some tried-and-tested reinforcers for academic achievement include:

  • Verbal praise
  • Free time
  • Favorite foods or special treats
  • Specific activities like going to the park, watching a movie, etc.

If done properly, reinforcing your child’s positive behaviors can improve your child’s academic performance by helping them develop all the positive, productive behaviors associated with school and academics.

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Elevation of positive behaviors

It’s not uncommon for children with autism to demonstrate behaviors like fidgeting, stimming (repetitive body movement or noises), aggression, and ignoring their peers and teachers, which can get in the way of their ability to succeed in a traditional academic environment, such as a public school classroom. Fortunately, ABA can address the root cause of those behaviors, and, as a result, it can serve as an outstanding supplement to your child’s academic program.

When combined with plenty of practice at home, ABA therapy can function as a tool to boost your child’s positive behaviors that will help them in their day-to-day life.

Young Asian Girl Smiling While Working On Schoolwork

If they’re receiving ABA therapy, it’s essential that you communicate with their Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) so they, too, can work on the behaviors that create challenges for your child in and out of the classroom.

Emphasis on motivation and focus

The structured environment that ABA therapy provides outside of school allows your child to focus on the things that are most essential to their success. And, when they’re in a center-based environment, they can receive an individualized treatment plan that helps them develop important academic qualities, like focus and motivation.

While focus helps your child sustain their attention and effort when completing academic work, motivation energizes them and directs their behavior toward academic achievement. That’s why focus and motivation are extremely important in school. And, thankfully, ABA therapy is equipped with the resources needed to help your child develop these skills and put your child on the right track in school.

Attention to socialization 

Because most traditional classrooms involve interacting with fellow students, as well as the teacher, as part of the learning process, possessing social skills is very important. Many children with autism, unlike most neurotypical (non-autistic) children, struggle with social activities, such as taking turns, initiating conversation, and reading other people’s non-verbal cues, and they need special training so they can interact with other people in a positive way.

The good news is that ABA therapy incorporates social skills training so your child can develop and hone their social skills.

Here are some of the areas that ABA therapy focuses on when conducting social skills training:

Conversation 

Conversation training involves practicing different exchanges with peers and staying on topic (when it’s a preferred topic). Your child will also learn how to take turns when having conversations, as well as how to initiate conversation. Other skills your child will learn are how to determine when another person isn’t interested in having a conversation, when to avoid certain topics, and how to change the topic.

Body language 

Body language, which includes eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, is a very important part of communication. ABA therapy will teach your child how to use their own body language as well as read other people’s body language.

Diverse Group Of Children Socializing & Reading Together In School

Parallel play 

This involves your child playing near or alongside other children. In parallel play training, your child will learn how to approach their peers, request to play with them, and share their toys.

Playing games 

Your child will learn a host of skills when learning how to play games. These skills include taking turns, showing good sportsmanship, communicating with other players while playing games, and winning and losing appropriately.

Improving their social skills, especially skills associated with conversation, body language, and play will go a long way in helping your child achieve academic success. That’s why ABA therapy, which teaches these skills in addition to many other skills, is an excellent way to boost your child’s academic performance.

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Conclusion

It’s a well-known fact that ABA therapy comes with a plethora of advantages. But one commonly asked question is whether ABA therapy improves academic performance in children. The answer is a resounding yes, which shouldn’t be surprising.

After all, ABA therapy uses reinforcement strategies that drive results and the development of skills and positive behaviors. It also elevates positive behaviors while reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors. Lastly, this type of therapy emphasizes focus, motivation, and socialization, skills that are key to strong academic performance. These are all skills that, when harnessed by your child, propels them to higher academic achievement.

If you’re interested in helping your child with autism and improving their academic performance and overall quality of life, contact Circle Care Services.

We also encourage you to join our email list so you can learn more tips and tricks about raising your child with autism.

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Fireworks and Children With Autism

cgross · June 29, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Table of contents

  • Why do Children with Autism Dislike Fireworks?
  • Reduce fireworks-related anxiety in your child! 

For many families living with autism, fireworks shows are a source of anxiety, especially if family members have had stressful past experienceswith fireworks. 

Mother And Daughter Holding Sparkler Fireworks During Fourth of July Weekend

Why do Children with Autism Dislike Fireworks?

Children with autism and related sensory processing difficulties experience their environment in a unique way. Many become uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or agitated when exposed to loud noises, bright lights, and busy crowds. 

What can be louder, brighter, and busier than a night out under a fireworks firing sky? 

What happens to you when you think about a situation that has caused you stress in the past? I know that I get filled with anxiety. Just the anticipation of that uncomfortable situation is enough to make me procrastinate, stress out, and want to avoid it. 

Children with autism are no different. 

Just like you and I, children with autism who have experienced the discomfort brought on by whistling, crackling, and flashing fireworks can be filled with anxiety when they even just think about attending a fireworks show. 

Before you decide to just skip it, discover how you can reduce fireworks-related anxiety in your child with ASD.

Reduce fireworks-related anxiety in your child! 

How?

You can help reduce your child’s anxiety by properly preparing for the fireworks show you’d like to attend. 

One great way to prepare in advance for any overwhelming event is to read what is called a social story to the child. Social stories describe social scenarios in a story form presenting background, perspective, expectation, and coping skills for any given situation. 

Rosie Neustadt, clinical director at Circle Care Services prepared a social story for July 4, 2022:  What to Expect at a July 4 Fireworks Show.

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Social stories are just one way to help children with autism cope with stress. Reach out to Circle Care Services to learn more about how our handpicked autism specialists can help your child reach more goals using ABA therapy.

And if you’re interested in learning more tips and tricks like these, sign up for our email list! We send regular emails with information about parenting a child with autism.

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