July 16, 2024

Virtual Summer Camp | An Awe-Inspiring ArtVenture

Grab your explorer's hat and your paintbrush, because we're going on an ArtVenture!

Welcome to our fourth week of Behavior Frontiers ABA summer camp. This week we're inspiring creativity and exploration through art and adventure!

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Improving Cognitive Development & Fine Motor Skills through Sensory Experiences

At our Plano Autism Care Center, we help kids explore their interests and be curious about new things.

Every day, there is something new to discover at our autism therapy center. However, we're encouraging our young explorers to think beyond the four walls this week. We're going outside!

Have your toddler with autism tap into their inner adventure-seeker by crafting a set of binoculars. Our autism center in Dallas gathered step-by-step instructions for you to do at home.

Be sure to follow Behavior Frontiers on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest for more DIY crafts for kids!

DIY Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars

These binoculars for children are an easy project to do at home. Chances are you already have these materials laying around the house! Explain to your kiddo how using toilet paper rolls for this project is a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Minimizing waste can make a major impact on the environment.

**Step 1**Gather materials: 2 toilet paper rolls, green and blue acrylic paint, paint brush, string, glue or tape

**STEP 2**Have a parent make one hole on the side of each toilet paper roll where you will be attaching the string

**STEP 3**Paint the rolls blue to resemble the ocean and let them dry.

**STEP 4**Step 4: Add green paint to each roll to resemble the continents and let them dry.

**STEP 5**Put glue on one roll's opposite side, with holes facing out. Attach the other roll, making sure its hole faces outward in the opposite direction. Let it dry.

**STEP 6**Now thread the string through the hole on the first roll, make a knot, and do the same to the other side. Now you have binoculars!

Tips for Exploring Outdoors with Your Child with Autism

Ready to take your kiddo on their first nature hike? Here are some tips from our Dallas autism center to help you have a successful outdoor adventure with your child!

Familiar Trails: exploring a trail or a park that they visited before will reduce anxiety about the unknown.

Easy and Short Walks: Start with a short walk and gradually increase as your child becomes more comfortable.

Visual Aids: Maps, videos, and pictures will help your child understand what to expect.

Social Stories: Create a social story outlining what they are about to experience! Such as, preparing for the adventure, transportation to the trailhead and what they might see or hear, etc.

Pack Essentials: Comfort items like a toy or a blanket, sensory toys, snacks, water, sunscreen, proper footwear, etc.

Manage Sensory Input: Be mindful of noisy areas and have a plan to manage them. Take breaks as needed.

Encourage Discovery: Smell flowers and plants, walk barefoot in the grass, feel the textures of different rocks, etc., to keep your child with autism engaged.

Celebrate Achievements: Congratulate your passionate young explorer for a successful adventure – no matter how small!

Want some tunes for the car ride to the trailhead or the park? Check out these family-friendly playlists sure to inspire your inner explorer!

Embrace the Adventure Before Bedtime

After a long day of exploring and creating, it's time to catch some zzz's!

Our behavioral therapists in Plano, Texas selected a few good bedtime stories featuring exciting adventures. Encourage your young explorer to wake up tomorrow ready to embark on a new journey!