Don’t underestimate your child — independence can start early at home! As kids get older, the more independent they become every day, so let’s encourage this in lots of ways. One​ way to encourage them is by asking them to do more simple chores around the house​ like putting away their own laundry. ​ Chores

These printable clothing labels are perfect for knowing which items of clothing goes in which drawer.​ They also help mornings go smoother when your kids are picking out their own clothes and getting ready for school.

Using the same idea, cleaning can become a much less daunting task. We suggest getting any room in the state you would call it clean.  Then take pictures of the cabinets, the drawers, the shelves, the floor, etc. Print those pictures and tape them to the area. This way your child has a visual example of what goes in each area and can see if how they cleaned matches the picture. We use this in our play room at home, and it has made a world of difference.

Any chore can be accessible with the right kind of visual reminders. Just don’t expect them to get it right the first time. Like anything else, this is a skill that takes practice. You may have to direct and help for a few tries, but over time, your kiddo will pick up on what they need to do. Remind them to continue to check in with the visuals you have created, and it will be easier for them to understand the expectations.

 

 

We have been a family blessed with the help of the team at The Helm. Our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 2.5 and The Helm was one of the places recommended by our developmental psychologist. I am a physician and still found it hard navigating this new medical problem and knowing what to do next. I called many places and from step one Lee Ann was the most helpful explaining the process with paperwork, assessment, available services, insurance, etc. we were able to start therapy quite soon after diagnosis and had sessions at home daily for 3 hours. The quality of staff, the system they have in place for the therapists, the coordination by the BCBA supervising therapist and early response put us at ease that we were on the right path. Ultimately the steady positive changes we saw with our son overcame any fears we had about autism holding our son back for the rest of his life.

We used many forms of intervention that we felt were individually tailored for our family – for potty training, anger management, dietary intervention and even let them know when we could not maintain something suggested in family training, and they would just take our request and implement another plan. Our son has now graduated/transitioned out of therapy and is currently in pre-K in a regular classroom with him on par with his class in academics, has friends and no behavior issues. Most important of all we have a happy son who loves to play with his big sister.

I know that I will always read all there is on autism and watch my son for any features. But I hope my review adds to positive aspects that I wish someone would have told me when I started the journey – start early, don’t put off your suspicions, get your child evaluated now! The label does not hinder,  in fact it falls to the side once you have the diagnosis to facilitate therapy. ABA intervention, especially done with the right people, makes a big difference. It does not pressure or upset the child at all, and you are not stuck in therapy for life! I know if any behavioral issues come up in the future I have The Helm, and they will help us and the outcome is going to be positive. Said with heartfelt thanks.

– Former Helm ABA Family

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