Preparing for the School Year

Time to go back to school! It is a very exciting time of year, full of possibilities for all of our young students.  This time of year can also be a little stressful, as schedule changes tend to be. Here are some tips for making the beginning of school awesome!

• Label everything with your child’s name or initials (clothes, backpack, lunch boxes, etc.)
• If your child is going to a new school or new class, schedule a meeting (in-person or phone) with the school personal to talk about your child and specific strategies that will help make the beginning of the year successful
• Keep open communication with the school support staff throughout the first several days of school to see how you can help your child
• If you know ahead of time, take photos of your child’s new classroom, teacher, support staff, playground, office, etc. and make your child a photo book

Here is an example of a photo book you could name and label for your child to review:

Summer Water Safety

Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some new activities. One of the best ways to beat the heat but enjoy the weather could be in a swimming pool, the beach or at neighborhood splash pad. Many children with special needs are fond of water but don't always understand the risks and dangers involved. If your summer plans call for water play and/or swimming, here are some helpful tips to remember.

The best way to keep anyone safe is to never lose sight of the swimmer. Always be within arm's reach in any situation. Older kids may need some independence - and building confidence is extremely important - but staying close is always the best approach to take.

The right life jacket or flotation device that meets the size requirements and needs of the child is critical. If you have any doubt about the jacket (adaptive or otherwise), you can visit this page for guidance.

To help find the right gear for water safety, whether it's flotation devices, earplugs, or toys, visit this page for a comprehensive list of products available here.

Splash pads are an innovative way to stay cool in hot weather and is a great alternative to a pool or body of water. Play structures with water play can be stimulating and interactive but safety precautions should be as important as open water safety guidelines. Children should wear protective clothing and the right footwear. Splash pads can be slippery so the right non-skid water shoe will help avoid any missteps or falls.

General safety reminders:

• Always drain small pools when not in use, put safety gates around all hot tubs and pools or motion sensors around water features.
• Keep a supply of sunscreen and protective headwear.
• Start swim lessons early and if your child struggles with swimming, look for adaptive swim lessons in your area. Taking the class together will help you understand the techniques and survival skills to make the experience fun for everyone.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe!

Celebrating 10 Years in Business

As we take this time to celebrate our 10 years in business, we are reminded why we decided to take on the endeavor of opening Behavior Frontiers. Our mission has always been to provide each family and child with the highest quality individualized behavioral services possible and to provide our therapist and therapy network of supportive members the highest quality training in ABA therapy techniques.

One goal seems clear above all. To provide a collaborative, educational and research-based approach, empowering the entire family to achieve their potential for life-long growth....for all the families at Behavior Frontiers to receive “priority” treatment in regard to staffing, scheduling, programming, and overall time commitment. Behavior Frontiers is an agency in which families and employees are valued and respected throughout all aspects of the treatment program.

Watching the successes of the children and families we work with means we are achieving what we set out to do and more. We appreciate everyone who has shared this journey with us and continue to grow onwards and upwards.

Just the Beginning...

Happy Holidays from Behavior Frontiers

Trick or Treating for Kids with Autism

Use this card as a cute and creative way to help your child join in the Halloween festivities even if he or she can’t say, “Trick or treat!” To read our entire article on making this Halloween an autism-friendly occasion for everyone CLICK HERE

APPTASTIC ADVENTURE

Fun & Educational Apps for Special Education

Presented by: Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)
 
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Westside Regional Center, 5901 Green Valley Cir # 320, Culver City, CA 90230
Language: English
Cost: Free for parents of children with special needs. $25.00 for all other attendees
 
Workshop Description:
In this workshop, the presenter will introduce some wonderful applications that can be used on iDevices for children with special needs. Some of the applications discussed and demonstrated will include early learning, reading, interactive books, writing, spelling, fine motor skills and much more. Join us for a fun, fast paced workshop. Prior technology and iDevice knowledge is recommended but not required.
 
Registration: You must be pre registered for this workshop.
Call Jennifer Hernandez: (310) 258- 4243 to register.
 
Please note: this workshop is intended for adults only. NO CHILDREN PLEASE.
Please arrive on time. No admittance if more that 15 minutes late.

More Info: http://wfrec.org/

List of Autism Resources

Facing any kind of adversity is difficult, but finding support when you need it most is the key to getting through any situation. We've put together a list of resources for you should your journey with autism start with a recent diagnosis, setback or challenge. You will find some great information and you will find you're not alone.

Fireworks and Your Special Needs Child

Fireworks are wonderful and traditional part of Independence Day celebrations. Having a special needs child can make this holiday a challenge, but with preparation, it doesn’t have to be. The following is a list of tips for helping a child prepare for fireworks displays and Fourth of July celebrations.

1. Start reading books or articles about the Fourth of July and what it means for the United States of America. If your child understands the concept of birthdays, explain this is America’s birthday.  Perhaps make a flag themed or patriotic food for the day for example fruit in the shape of an American flag or a red, white & blue birthday cake.

2. Talk about the events of the day. Managing expectations with a visual chart will help your child understand the activities planned for the day. This is especially important for those children who expect the same routine day to day. Marking a calendar and counting down the days is a great way to create enthusiasm for the day. Many children thrive on routine and moving from one activity to another is easier if they understand exactly what is going to happen next.

3. Research the fireworks displays in your area. Choose the show with the most variety in viewing areas. Children who cannot tolerate crowds or noise can benefit from a fireworks show viewable from a vehicle.

4. Explain how fireworks work and what they are made of. Describe all of the colors, smells, and sounds. Use this coloring sheet to fill in the bright colors and location of the fireworks. If possible watch videos of fireworks displays in advance.

5. Plan for the day by practicing with ear covers, scarves and blankets that will be used if seated outside. If possible, have your child help prepare the “go to” bag with toys, treats or comforting items to take along to the show.

6. Enjoy the celebration the best way possible. Going in with an open mind and back-up plan will allow everyone to have a great event.

While most fireworks displays are relatively short, each experience big or small is helping your child feel confident about celebrations and new things. Take lots of pictures that can be used as tools for years to come.

Celebrating All the Teachers Thinking Outside the Box

Behavior Frontiers Celebrates Unique Teachers Everywhere