At Verbal Beginnings, supporting a child’s health means looking at the whole picture, including well, let’s face it: Going to the bathroom. Why GI Health Matters Children we serve at Verbal Beginnings can often experience overlapping needs: autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, food allergies, and gastrointestinal conditions. In our feeding clinic, Healthy Beginnings, one…
Behind the Scenes of Verbal Beginnings Academy At Verbal Beginnings, our mission has always been simple and powerful: Changing Lives. One Child at a Time. One Professional at a Time. For over a decade, that mission has guided every decision we make, from the therapy programs we build for the children and families we serve…
Every April the world observes World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2nd) and Autism Acceptance Month. But where did these observances come from and how has the perception of autism evolved over time? Well, what better opportunity than now to do a little throwback on where we’ve come from… and where we’re going! Over time, understanding…
Today’s post is written by Ben Sarcia, Director of Verbal Beginning’s Healthy Beginnings program If your child eats only a very small range of foods—or refuses entire food groups—you may have heard the term ARFID, or Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. ARFID is used to describe extreme food selectivity or food refusal that goes…
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.…
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…
Halloween is known by all as a spooktacular day full of tricks and treats, but if you have a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder it can be a scary day full of challenges and stress – even though it’s just for fun. Children of all ages are usually eager and excited to be celebrating…
Verbal Beginnings is excited to announce the grand opening of the NEW Verbal Beginnings Center located just ½ mile away from our current center on Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia, Maryland. We will stick to the same philosophy of improving the quality of life for children with developmental disabilities through top-notch care, now just with a…
By: Todd A. Ward, PhD, BCBA-D, bSci21Media LLC If you are providing in-home therapy as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), your ability to form a positive relationship with the family you are working with is critical and is one of the most important components of your job when starting a new case. Failure to do…
When it comes to working with children and families it’s important to pause and celebrate accomplishments of all types, whenever they happen. Here at Verbal Beginnings, we take celebration seriously… just as seriously as we take our commitment to providing top-notch care. We recently had a big reason to celebrate as we held one of…
Travel can be physically and emotionally challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory processing disorders. They may have difficulty with routine changes, over-stimulating environments, and feeling a loss of control. However, there are things you can do before and during your travel that can make things easier on the whole family. Planes,…
An article in a parenting magazine touts a new diet for kids on the spectrum. One of the moms at the bus stop tells you about a new method for controlling tantrums. Your uncle suggests that you “just need to be more firm” with your son. A friend tells you about another friend whose child…