By Emily Summers, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA Welcome to navigating the IEP process for children on the Autism Spectrum. It is a crucial aspect for families navigating the educational landscape for children with autism. Understanding the IEP process can be overwhelming, but with the right information and preparation, you can become your child’s strongest advocate. Understanding…
By: Lindsey Kellar, MA, CCC-SLP Welcome to our deep dive into the world of understanding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This post is dedicated to families, educators, and professionals who are exploring AAC as a means to enhance communication for individuals with speech and language challenges. We’ll cover the fundamentals of AAC, dispel common myths,…
Proper diet and nutrition are crucial for all children, but they hold particular significance for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many children with autism exhibit food selectivity, which can adversely affect their health, development, and behavior. In this blog, we will explore the intricate relationship between diet and autism, delving into nutritional deficiencies, dietary…
By: Brittany Cephas, M.Ed., LCPC, NCC As parents of children with autism, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, therapy sessions, and the unique challenges that come with raising a child with special needs. It’s all too easy to overlook our own well-being amidst the demands of caregiving. However, prioritizing…
By Justine O’Meara MS, BCBA, LBA As summer approaches, many families with children on the autism spectrum face a unique challenge: how to maintain their child’s progress while ensuring they have a fun and engaging break from school. The summer months can often lead to regression in skills, making it crucial for parents to consider…
By: Andrea Bennett and LIsa Frank, Educational and Behavioral Consultants Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, especially for parents of children with developmental delays transitioning from preschool to elementary school. This blog aims to outline the essential steps involved in the special education process, focusing on how to ensure your child receives the…
Welcome to our deep dive into the essential strategies for supporting children on the autism spectrum, particularly in the context of trauma and social emotional learning (SEL). The intersection of these topics is vital for fostering resilience and well-being in our children. In this blog, we will explore adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma-informed care, and…
By: Rebecca Womack, MS, BCBA, LBA Welcome to our exploration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, where we aim to equip families with the essential information they need to navigate this journey effectively. Understanding what to expect from ABA services can empower caregivers and enhance the treatment experience for their children. Let’s dive into what…
By: Graciela Gomez, BCBA Navigating the world of autism services can be overwhelming for parents. Understanding the various programs for children with autism available, how to identify quality services, and the importance of early intervention is crucial for ensuring the best outcomes for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this guide, we will…
By: Justine O’Meara, M.A., BCBA, LBA Summer is an exciting time for children, but for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can also pose unique challenges. As the school year wraps up, parents often worry about their children regressing in skills. Enrolling your child in a summer program can be a game-changer. In this…
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…
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.…
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…
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! …
In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet M.S., BCBA, LBA Clinical Coordinator Alexis Law as she talks about her passion for being not only a supervisor, but a coach and problem solver for her team! What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB? Being able to coach and support my team. I love problem-solving…
Verbal Beginnings is always working to raise the bar. When you are constantly self-assessing, you notice areas for improvement. It’s only natural. And if you aren’t afraid of raising the bar, then you get to work to make sure you are doing what is necessary to continuously improve and make better. That’s what Verbal Beginnings…
In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet Clinical Supervisor Sarah Wright as she talks about her passion for being a supervisor, and why is she thankful to work at a place like Verbal Beginnings. What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB? I really enjoy family training and collaborating with other providers. It…
In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet Clinical Supervisor Megan Gold and hear about the joy she finds in her job, why she is passionate about ABA, and the silver linings of working in a pandemic. What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB? That answer is always the achievements of our kiddos.…
In this edition of ABA Behind the Scenes, Jami Hardy, MS, BCBA, LGPC, talks about listener responding in early language development. Listener responding is following directions given by others—for example, stand up, walk to the table, find mom, touch the chair, and pick up book. This is an important skill to discriminate between multiple items,…
In today’s BCBA feature you’ll meet Clinical Supervisor Emily Weihs and hear about the joy she finds in her job, why she is passionate about ABA, and the silver linings of working in a pandemic. What’s the most rewarding part of your role at VB? One of my favorite parts of being a BCBA…