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Meet Michael Maloney, Founder and CEO of LEARN Behavioral
Why Play is Essential to ABA Therapy for Autistic Children
Written by Eric Bowman, Advanced Behavior Technician, Total Spectrum Care
Play is an essential part of working with children with autism in ABA.
As a behavior technician (BT), play helps build trust and comfort between you and your client. That process starts with play, having fun, and being a kid. Getting your clients in a state of play builds this foundation for trust, which we refer to as “rapport.” When starting to work with a new client, your supervisor and/or client’s caregiver will provide you with some of your client’s special interests and activities. You can incorporate these into your sessions to make learning fun and personalized. Using rapport in combination with their preferred activities leads to successful pairing with your client.
In a Learning Center setting, for example, your supervisor may suggest activities such as playing with toys or board games or interacting with peers. Your client may quickly find interest in a Learning Center toy, game, or other activity without prompting. But, if your client doesn’t give you a direct response, give them choices based on what you know about them. For example, say “We can play with train tracks or do a puzzle. What would you like to do?” Give them different choices until they choose something.
As soon as they give you an answer or show signs of interest in something, reinforce the toy or activity by showing interest in it yourself, e.g., clapping or showing praise. In my experience, this part of the pairing process varies. Sometimes it may take a while for a client to warm up in a social environment. Other times, it happens quickly. It just depends on the individual. As a BT, this process teaches you to be patient. When you find out what interests your clients, it makes pairing with them in sessions more fun.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) While Pairing
Playing and pairing as a BT is essential because it creates opportunities for natural environment teaching (NET). Playing with your clients encourages an environment in which they’re motivated to participate.
In my first week working with a client, we played Memory*, a matching game. This was the first time we actively played together, and I saw him deeply engaged in an activity. I learned that he has a great memory, making the game more engaging for both of us. He became more receptive to responding once his attention was directed toward the game. Playing the game created opportunities to reinforce his behavior like waiting his turn, following the rules, and using his words when he had questions. This was essential to pairing early on in our tech-to-client relationship.
Playing Memory aided me in building rapport with my client. It built trust and comfort that’s pertinent to his learning environment. I could tell he was having a good time and vice versa. This environment motivated my client to learn. He enjoyed engaging in the fun activity with me and a group of peers. Participating in group games encourages patience, following instructions, and communication between clients.
Let Play Be Your Guide
Gaining your client’s trust before you place any demands is key. They are less likely to listen to you if they don’t know who you are. That’s why it’s important to take the time to play and pair with your client and show them that you’re safe and fun to be around.
Learning to play with your clients teaches you their interests. It shows you their likes and dislikes. It also points you to different games or activities in the Learning Center or teaching environment that may trigger them. Knowing their interests allows you to identify their reinforcers and see behavior patterns that their board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) can implement into future programming.
Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
Playing can be a lot of fun for BTs. There are several Learning Center games and activities that I enjoy implementing during sessions. I do my best to engage clients in activities that we mutually like. Once we find something we both enjoy, it doesn’t feel like work.
It’s rewarding to see clients make progress on their goals. Seeing them motivated to work for their preferred activities is also reassuring. This sense of accomplishment reinforces your work as a BT and motivates a continued state of play of learning and developing communication skills.
Incorporating play into your sessions fosters meaningful connections and creates a fun and engaging environment. It builds the foundation of trust between the client and their BT. We get to play an important role in each client’s learning and development. We can help nurture each child’s unique potential through dedication – one game at a time.
Additional Resources:
*Other games for pairing with a client can be found in the Play and Learning Addendum, 2.
Growing Up With Autism And Finding Belonging and Purpose
Sensory Overload at School
Sensory overload happens when the brain receives more sensory input than it can process. For children on the autism spectrum, this sensory overload often stems from perceptual or biological experiences, but can also be triggered by changes to their routine or learning environment.
Explore what contributes to sensory issues, how this might manifest in your child, and ways to support children in developing coping strategies or supporting their preferences. Subscribe to stay in the loop about helpful tips for your child with sensory sensitivities!
5 Holiday Blogs Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Read
The holidays are a time of joyous celebrations, filled with family gatherings and festive traditions. However, for some families with children on the autism spectrum, these changes in routines and schedules can present unique challenges.
Navigating this season requires thoughtful planning and understanding. To support you, we’ve curated our top holiday-themed blogs, offering tips from calming activities to successful holiday planning. Discover more below and check out our All Autism Talk podcast episode “Creating a Successful Holiday for Children with Autism” for additional ideas.
Here are summaries of our top holiday blogs:
1. 6 Calming Activities for the Hectic Holiday Season
Discover practical solutions to help children with autism enjoy the holidays. This blog suggests creating a calm-down kit, using quiet spaces, and engaging in activities like yoga or meditation to manage sensory overload.
2. 5 Tips for Selecting the Best Holiday Gifts for Kids with Autism
Gift-giving can be tricky, but this blog provides tips to choose the perfect gifts for children with autism. It emphasizes focusing on the child’s interests, strengths, and safety needs to ensure a joyful holiday experience.
3. 8 Tips for Planning for a Successful Holiday for Your Autistic Child
Planning is key to a stress-free holiday. This blog advises on maintaining routines, considering sensory needs, and practicing before events to allow for a smooth holiday season.
4. Make the Holidays Successful for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Adaptability is crucial for holiday success. This blog highlights the importance of adjusting expectations and choosing traditions that work for your child.
5. Why Gratitude Matters, and How to Foster It in Kids with ASD
Gratitude can transform holiday experiences. This blog explores how fostering gratitude in children with autism can enhance their social and emotional well-being.
Incorporating these strategies can lead to a more joyful and stress-free holiday season for your family. By tailoring these tips to fit your child’s unique needs, you can create an environment where they can thrive during festive celebrations.
Living a Full Life with Autism with Martin Slyngstad
Martin Slyngstad a Behavior Specialist, and currently in school to become a Speech Pathologist, joins us to discuss his multitude of interests and accomplishments as a young autistic adult. Martin is the author of Chatter Box: My Life with Autism A Mother and Sons Perspective, founder Spire Autism, and Special Olympics gold medal winner. Martin’s warmth and sincerity are contagious as he shares his passionate belief that everyone should celebrate their authentic life.
For more information:
www.youtube.com/@martinsautismjourney7397
All Autism Talk is sponsored by Learn Behavioral (www.Learnbehavioral.com).
The Silent Battle: Caregiver Mental Health in the Realm of Autism
In the quiet corners of countless homes, a silent battle is being waged every single day. It’s not fought with weapons or on a battlefield. It’s fought within the hearts and minds of caregivers for those with profound autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).
The mental health challenges these caregivers face are often overlooked. However, some studies say they’re as intense and real as those that war veterans or caregivers for terminally ill children face.
The Unexpected Battlefield
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are increasingly common for mothers of children with autism. Some researchers have compared the stress profiles to those of combat veterans.
That might seem shocking until you consider the constant stress these mothers face daily.
Unpredictable behaviors, communication barriers, and overwhelming needs are associated with profound autism. They can trigger a constant state of high alert.
Some compare those maternal cortisol levels to hypervigilance of a soldier on the battlefield. It’s a feeling of always on guard, always ready for the unexpected. Over time, this sustained state of stress can lead to PTSD. It manifests as intrusive thoughts or emotional numbness. Some people feel the need to avoid situations that remind them of traumatic experiences.
Stress Can Be Debilitating
Parents and caregivers of children with profound autism and ID/DD also share another similarity. Their mental health profiles can reflect higher levels of strain than those with parents of children with other disabilities. These caregivers experience chronic sorrow, anxiety, depression, and stress. It can be debilitating.
Some studies link these overwhelming feelings to caring for a child with a terminal illness. This comparison isn’t meant to equate autism with terminal illness. Instead, it highlights the significant emotional burden some caregivers carry. They grieve for the typical life their child might have had. They worry incessantly about their child’s future. They grapple with feelings of helplessness and exhaustion.
Understanding the Differences
It’s important to note that there are differences between DD (developmental disabilities), IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities), and autism. While autism can be classified as a DD or an IDD, not all DD/IDD diagnoses are autism. Autism is characterized by social interaction difficulties, communication challenges, and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. However, the severity of these symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. Autism exists on a spectrum, and it’s different for every child.
Recognizing Caregiver Burnout
The first step to providing better support is recognizing the burnout caregivers can face. Mental health professionals, friends, and family are starting to acknowledge the emotional war some caregivers fight.
Some caregivers find support through resources like respite care, peer support groups, and counseling. Some providers offer stress management strategies, and researchers are trying to better understand caregiver PTSD to come up with more effective interventions.
Recognizing burnout and offering resources and relief are part of supporting the autism community. The silent battle these caregivers face doesn’t have to be one they face alone. The road ahead may be long, but with increased awareness and support, together, we can make it a little less daunting for those who tread it every day.
Navigating Mental Health in Today’s Workforce: A LEARN Behavioral Perspective
By Maggie Ruvoldt, Chief Human Resources Officer
In our rapidly evolving world, the nature of work has transformed dramatically. In the past few years, prioritizing mental health and destigmatizing conversations around support have brought about progress. This shift has brought to light the critical issue of mental health in the workplace, particularly for those in high-stress professions like ours at LEARN Behavioral.
As Chief Human Resources Officer at LEARN, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional and physical toll this noble profession can take on our staff, including behavioral analysts, clinicians, behavior technicians, and our invaluable staff in roles across the company.
The Rise of Workplace Burnout
Research indicates that workplace burnout is becoming increasingly prevalent across various sectors, marked by symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment.
For those in the behavioral health field, these challenges are compounded by the emotionally charged nature of our work, making it imperative for organizations like ours to prioritize the mental well-being of our team.
Understanding the Impact
Burnout not only affects the individual experiencing it but also has a ripple effect, impacting their colleagues, the quality of care provided, and ultimately, the families we serve.
Symptoms can include chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and a decrease in job performance, which can lead to higher turnover rates and a reduction in overall workplace morale.
LEARN’s Proactive Approach to Mental Health
At LEARN Behavioral, we recognize the importance of addressing these challenges head-on. We have several key resources aimed at supporting our staff’s mental health and well-being:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Our EAP provides confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to help employees manage both personal and work-related problems.
- Caregiving Network: Understanding the demands of caregiving in the midst of a growing shortage of childcare, we offer access to resources for finding caregivers through Care.com for children, adults, or pets, easing one aspect of our employees’ lives.
- 24/7 Therapy Services: Through partnerships with platforms like Talkspace, our team has access to dedicated therapists any time, anywhere, making sure they have the support they need when they need it.
- Library of Well-Being Videos: Our collection of videos from UnitedHealthcare covers more than 70 health-related topics, providing valuable information on everything from mental health to physical wellness.
- Self-Care App: The AbleTo app connects our staff with coaches and offers self-care resources and strategies, helping them manage the demands of life more effectively.
A Human Resources Perspective
From a human resources standpoint, investing in these resources is not just about enhancing productivity. It’s about valuing our employees as individuals with unique needs and challenge—just as we do our clients. It’s a testament to our commitment to creating a supportive, compassionate work environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help and take care of their mental health.
As we navigate the complexities of today’s workforce, it’s clear that mental health must be a priority. At LEARN Behavioral, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this effort, offering our team the support and resources they need to thrive, both professionally and personally.
By acknowledging the challenges and taking proactive steps to address them, we’re fostering a culture of well-being that benefits not only our employees but the families we serve.
For those in the behavioral health sector experiencing burnout or mental health challenges, remember, you’re not alone. Resources are available, and it’s OK to seek help.
Why Early Diagnosis of Autism Matters: A Deeper Dive
By Jocelyn Thompson, LCSW, BCBA, vice president of clinical services at LEARN Behavioral
Many misunderstandings exist about autism. However, science confirms that early diagnosis is essential.
Studies show that kids diagnosed with autism from age 2 to 4 often have slow speech development, lack age-appropriate play and social skills, and avoid eye contact. With early and intensive behavioral intervention, they can improve in all skill areas. Research suggests that children diagnosed in early childhood and participate in early intervention have optimal outcomes.
What we know already is that early diagnosis of autism is not a verdict. It’s an opportunity to start treatment earlier to put the child on a path to success. An autism diagnosis doesn’t mean a child is less than another child. They’re just different. They see the world in a unique way. Early diagnosis helps us understand their differences better.
Understanding this brings us to an important realization: Kids learn quickly in their first years.
Kids’ Brains Are Like Sponges
Harnessing the power of a child’s brain in their early years can be instrumental for kids with autism.
Children’s brains are like sponges, especially in the first few years. As a child’s brain develops, it can adapt and change based on the child’s experiences. The ability to “rewire” or change the brain is known as neuroplasticity. Kids learn to talk, walk, and interact with the world around them. This early period of brain development is the ideal time to begin intervention for children with autism.
When a child’s brain grows, it makes many new connections. This time is perfect for learning and developing. The brain’s flexibility can help kids with challenges like autism. That’s why starting help early is so important.
What Science Says
The science is clear: The earlier we can diagnose and begin treating the behavioral manifestations of autism, the better the outcomes for children.
Research consistently supports early diagnosis and intervention of autism. Studies show that early identification and therapy can help put kids on a path to success. A 2023 study published in the journal Children found that children who started therapy before turning 3 showed significant improvements in their IQ, language, and adaptive behavior.
An early diagnosis allows for a head start in addressing core deficits. It also gives parents a head start in finding support and resources.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of autism. Often, they are the first to notice developmental delays or behavioral differences. Their observations and concerns form a significant part of the diagnostic process. If you recognize the early signs of autism, you can seek help and get an evaluation.
From there, if your child receives an autism diagnosis, professionals can help you figure out the next steps and a treatment strategy.
A Case for Starting Treatment Early
While every child’s journey with autism is unique, it’s never too soon to ask questions if you notice signs that your child is missing milestones or showing signs of autism.
Early diagnosis of autism is crucial. It opens opportunities for intervention during a period when the child’s brain is most malleable. Science and research strongly support this, highlighting the profound impact of early intervention on the trajectory of a child’s development.