By: Ben Sarcia Mealtime can be tricky, especially when children on the autism spectrum face feeding challenges. While picky eating is common among all children, it can be even more pronounced in children with autism, leading to difficulties around food and nutrition. In this blog, we’ll explore what drives these mealtime challenges, focusing on food…
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In the realm of autism services, the integration of multiple therapies can significantly enhance a child’s development. This blog explores the collaborative approach of combining Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy to provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each child’s unique needs. Understanding the Integrated Service Model The integrated service model…
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) plays a vital role in helping individuals with communication challenges express themselves. AAC includes a variety of methods, from simple gestures to high-tech devices, that supplement or replace verbal speech. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding AAC, which can lead to hesitation in using it. In this blog, we’ll dive…
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Community outings can be both exciting and challenging for families with children diagnosed with autism. These experiences are essential for socialization, learning, and health care access. However, they can also pose unique challenges that require effective strategies to ensure success. This blog will explore various approaches that can help make community outings more manageable and…
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By: Erin Guiffre, MSW, BCBA, LBA, LCSW, and Leigha Sochurek, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA Comprehensive sex and relationship education (CSRE) is an essential part of growing up for everyone, including individuals with autism. It helps them understand their bodies, relationships, and how to stay safe. This blog covers the key elements of CSRE, why it’s so…
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By Benjamin Sarcia, BCBA – Clinical Director of Healthy Beginnings At Healthy Beginnings (HB), we recently worked with a second grader who was dealing with a challenging condition, rumination. Rumination is when someone voluntarily vomits after eating or drinking, and for parents, this can be very alarming. Not only can it make meals stressful, but…
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ABA therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a data-driven approach to help individuals with autism and other developmental challenges learn new skills and thrive! The goal is simple: to improve communication, social skills, and reduce behaviors that might get in the way of everyday life. Every session is carefully tailored to fit the unique needs…
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Join Us for a Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat at the Columbia Center! Get ready for a fun-filled day at Verbal Beginnings’ annual Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat, happening on October 26th from 11 AM to 2 PM at our Columbia Center. This event is designed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for children of all…
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Verbal Beginnings wants to be your choice for early intervention comprehensive autism services! That means a collaborative approach to therapy that covers a wide range of services to help children on the autism spectrum. We know that the topic of comprehensive services and ABA therapy can raise some questions so here are some quick Q/A’s…
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What’s The Difference Between School and Medical Autism Diagnoses? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that affects children and adults in various ways. When it comes to Early Intervention and getting therapy for a young child, an official diagnosis plays a big part in getting the right treatment… and fast. One important aspect…
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Working at Verbal Beginnings is more than just a job, it’s a meaningful career that gives you the power to change a child’s life through the power of ABA. Yet part of doing amazing work in ABA means growing and improving your own professional skillset! That’s huge at Verbal Beginnings and we’ve spent years building…
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Verbal Beginnings wishes you a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with abundance and bright moments. We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating all there is to be thankful for! To help make the day extra special, we have some food tips, crafts, and ways to donate in your community! The most memorable Thanksgiving traditions…
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Many families have a veggie-loathing, chicken nuggets-only, no-foods-touching, picky eater in their midst. But families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are even more likely than most to experience mealtime struggles. It’s estimated that 44% to 89% of children with ASD have feeding challenges such as food selectivity, disruptive feeding behaviors, gagging, or overeating.…
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In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet Clinical Supervisor Emily Summers as she talks about the surprise she found out on her second day of work and what keeps her coming back each day. What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB? The most rewarding part of the job is watching (and…
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In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet Clinical Supervisor Alyson Breeding as she talks about her love of working in the field, and how VB supports her “fabulous” career! What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB? The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the truly amazing progress that our clients…
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In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet Clinical Supervisor Heather Pile as she talks about her passion for helping kids have major breakthroughs, and how VB helps her grow as a clinician! What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB? For me, the most rewarding part of my role is helping families have lightbulb…
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For over 50 years, April has been designated and celebrated as Autism Awareness Month, with the goal being to help spread awareness and educate local communities about Autism. As we kick off the month of April, it is essential to know the history of the incredible obstacles advocates and families worldwide overcame to make this…
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Today’s blog is written by Community Engagement Manager Taylor Pomilla Now that 2021 has ended and 2022 has officially started, we wanted to give you a Verbal Beginnings in the Community wrap-up of the past year! As with each new year, it had its share of challenges, yet it was also a very…
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As most of you have heard there are some BIG changes for BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) in 2022. Along the way, there are many boxes that will need to be checked off and new changes to learn. In this blog, we will review the 3 most important updates that you need to know! …
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Sometimes we all need to take a moment to breathe, take a break from the daily grind, and spend some energy investing in ourselves. Allowing yourself to create a strong work-life balance can be challenging, but it’s a necessary skill that can pay big dividends when you have a chance to really understand and focus…
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