Tools and Resources – Autism

The Holiday Season has come and gone, but we are just now entering the coldest days of the year! If your child is anything like mine, the freshness of Christmas presents is starting to loose it’s appeal. With cold weather upon us and more indoor days on the horizon, what to do? Look no further than this month’s Anchor Watch! Our BCBAs has packed this month’s newsletter full of tools and resources for children and families affected by autism to navigate the cold winter months with ease.

Movement: Snowball Shovel Race

In this fun game kids race to scoop up snowballs (cotton balls) with a spoon! We love how this sweet game works on hand eye coordination, balance and following directions! Jump over to Thinking Zing for even more snowball games!

Support: Snowman Conversations

Do you have a little Snowman at home that is working on his/her conversation skills? Check out this awesome resource all about starting and reciprocating conversations! Thanks to Counselor Chelsy for this resource! 

Craft: Winter Dice

If you are looking for a simple craft that offers even more time to play when done, then check out this fun Winter Dice activity that promotes gross motor movements!

Science: Exploding Snowman!

This fun science experiment is sure to pack a punch. Who doesn’t love a baking soda and vinegar experiment. Perfect for kids of all ages, this activity allows kids to decorate snowman bags, watch them expand and POP! This one can get messy, so make sure you do this one outside!

Books we LOVE!

I am Martin Luther King Jr By: Brad Meltzer

Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You  By:Carole Boston Weatherford

Hibernation Station By: Michelle Meadows

Bear Snores On By: Karma Wilson

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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