Parenting is a journey filled with love, joy, and challenges, especially when raising a child with autism. One significant challenge parents often face is navigating maladaptive behavior. At least, that’s what we call it in ABA. When we say “maladaptive behavior” what we really mean is behavior that interferes with an individual’s activities of daily living or ability to adjust to and participate in particular settings. So to put it simply, behaviors that cause problems. So now that we know

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the air is filled with the scent of roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and the ubiquitous imagery of cupids and love notes. For families with children on the autism spectrum, navigating through these traditional tropes can present unique challenges. So let’s explore the ways we can overcome the difficulty of Valentine’s Day clichés and celebrate the uniqueness of each child’s experience. Embracing Individuality: Valentine’s Day often revolves around societal expectations and traditional expressions of love. However, for a

At The Helm ABA, we understand the importance of fostering connections and building a sense of community for families affected by autism. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our latest initiative – Family Fun Nights! These gatherings are not just events; they’re opportunities for families to come together, share experiences, and create lasting bonds outside the clinical setting. What Are Family Fun Nights? Family Fun Nights are relaxed and enjoyable events held at various restaurants across the metroplex. They provide

In the realm of storytelling, movies have the power to shape perceptions and foster understanding. For families with individuals on the autism spectrum, finding films that authentically portray characters with autism can be a truly enriching experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore and celebrate inclusion with movies that positively feature characters with autism, offering representation that resonates with authenticity and inclusivity. The Heartwarming Journey of ‘Temple Grandin’:   Dive into the inspiring true story of Temple Grandin, an autistic

As winter approaches and colder weather creeps in more regularly, it brings a unique set of sensory experiences for a lot of kiddos. For families with children on the autism spectrum, these challenges can pose special considerations, especially here in North Texas where it can be 30 degrees one day and 70 the next. The unpredictability of the clothing routine can be frustrating for everyone. In this post, we’ll explore practical tips and solutions to navigate the hurdles of the

With the increasing awareness and understanding of autism in recent years, it has become more commonplace. However, with familiarity often comes complacency, and it’s important to remember that autism is still a unique and diverse spectrum that deserves our attention and understanding. So, let’s take a look at how autism has become a part of our everyday lives. Remember when autism used to be seen as rare? It was often portrayed in movies and TV shows as a mysterious and

Autism Awareness Month is celebrated in April, and it’s a time when people all over the world come together to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), raise awareness, and show their support for individuals on the spectrum. Now, let’s get this straight – just because it’s Autism Awareness Month doesn’t mean we have to be serious and somber about autism. In fact, we’re here to make it fun! After all, awareness doesn’t have to be heavy – it can

Ah, Spring! Birds chirping, flowers blooming, one of the two good weather months of the Texas year. What could be better? Except for a lot of us, Spring also means an increase in our child’s behavior. Why does that happen, and what can we do about it? Spring Fever We’ve all heard the term Spring Fever, but what exactly is the cause of higher energy, less self control, and for some, increase in aggression or tantrums? Well, there isn’t one

It is easy to forget that being a kid can be pretty tough. Navigating through life, finding boundaries, learning all the ever changing rules. It’s hard. And when you add autism into the mix, all of those things can be even harder. We probably don’t acknowledge that enough. That’s where Absolutely Incredible Kid Day comes in. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day was started by an organization called Campfire whose mission is to connect young people to the outdoors, to others, and

Daylight saving has some pretty great advantages. More sunlight means more fun outdoor activities with the family, and who doesn’t want that? But as great as that is, daylight saving does come with some disadvantages, too. Particularly at the very beginning. We’ve all heard the stats about the number of health problems and car accidents that increase due to the time change. And while those things are definitely something to keep in mind, the less serious stuff can have a