Author: Hgrant

How Music Therapy Can Help People with Autism

Written by Hgrant on September 30, 2021. Posted in Information, Parenting, Therapy.

Music therapy is a well-established method to bring together autism and music. At Lexington Services, we utilize musical engagement to assist our members with a broad variety of cognitive and emotional issues to improve their capacity to function. There really isn’t any risk of using music for autism therapy. We provide expert musical therapists who know how to best use sensory music for autism.

This autism therapy can enhance someone’s abilities, reduce anxiety, and even create new communication skills by engaging with adults and children on the autism spectrum.

It’s crucial to understand that music therapy is not the same as musical training. If you want your loved one to develop vocal or instrumental talents, you’ll need to locate a teacher instead of or in addition to a music therapist. Cultivating autism and music can serve as a beneficial way to treat daily stressors.

Who is Your Music Therapist?

A practicing music therapist has a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from one of around 70 AMTA-recognized university programs. Certain applicants have further education.

Along with the academic requirements, the bachelor’s degree requires 1200 hours of clinical training, including a supervised internship. Music therapy graduate degrees place a focus on advanced clinical practice and research.

Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in music therapy are eligible to sit for the national board certification exam and acquire the title MT-BC (Music Therapist – Board Certified.)

The MT-BC credential is issued by a separate, accredited organization known as the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT.) Music therapists who demonstrate the competence, ability, and skills necessary to function at a professional level get their degree.

If the state in which they work has developed a state licensure/registry procedure, music therapists may also be licensed or registered.

Why It’s a Great Option

Music therapy can help those on the autism spectrum improve their communication, social abilities, behavior, cognitive, sensorial difficulties, motor abilities, and self-reliance or self-determination. Keep reading to learn about how therapists use sensory music for autism during treatment.

The therapist seeks to create a musical experience that resonates with a specific client, establishing trust and fostering personal relationships.

A meta-study took a deep dive into results. They “reported benefits included, but were not limited to, increased appropriate social behavior; increased attention to task; increased vocalization, verbalization, gesture, and vocabulary comprehension; increased communication and social skills; enhanced body awareness and coordination; improved self-care skills; and reduced anxiety.”

Autism and music may show more benefits when the rest of the family is involved. The same research effort revealed that music therapy in a family-oriented environment might help strengthen parent-child connections. Music tends to evoke interest and engagement in those with autism. Music is motivating and engrossing, so therapists help their students achieve desired reactions by using the sounds as a natural “reinforcer.”
Music therapy may also assist those who have sensory aversions to specific sounds. The treatment can help our members deal with sound sensitivities or individual variances in auditory processing.

If you or your loved one already seems to love and react to music, it may be worthwhile to explore some of our music therapy providers.

Music Therapy Affects People With Autism

First, your therapist will get to know their members. After analyzing each person’s abilities and requirements, they can then create a treatment plan. The plan will vary per student but typically includes a variety of objectives and goals. Once all of this is covered, we can give the appropriate therapy.

Music therapists use a range of music and approaches to lead one-on-one sessions and in group settings. Professional music therapists can devise solutions that their members adopt in their daily life. We encourage members and their families to bring music therapy practices into the home setting.

Where Do I Find Care?

Music therapists work at Lexington Services. Check out our website for more information on which locations we offer music therapy for autism. You can also find music therapists throughout the ASD public school systems.

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), music therapy is recognized as a related service that provides “significant motivation and/or assistance” in the achievement of Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives.

Music therapists may also deliver services in the home, early intervention centers, Head Start programs, daycare centers, specialized programs in collaboration with other professionals, day treatment facilities, group homes, supportive employment locations, and other community settings.

Research Backs It Up

There is substantial research on the advantages of music therapy with persons on the autism spectrum. Many peer-reviewed publications exist such as the Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Perspectives. There are also numerous pieces in journals outside the field. The clinical outcomes that have been researched have mostly focused on the use of music to address:

Communication
Cognition
Behaviors(Problem/Repetitive/Stereotypic)
Emotional Regulation
Social Skills

The following are targeted areas and explanations for providing music therapy to those with ASD.

Music has a worldwide appeal. It acts as a non-threatening connection between people and/or between individuals and their environment, promoting relationships, learning, self-expression, and communication.
Music catches and keeps people’s attention. It is very motivating and may be utilized as a natural “reinforcer” for desired reactions.
Music therapy may help people minimize negative and/or self-stimulatory reactions and improve engagement in more suitable and socially acceptable ways.
Music delivers real, multisensory stimulation (auditory, visual, proprioceptive, vestibular, and tactile.)
Music therapy focuses on strengths, which may then be used to treat each individual’s areas of need. Many persons with ASD have intrinsic musical abilities; hence, music therapy gives a possibility for rewarding encounters.
The rhythmic component of music is particularly organized for the sensory systems of people with autism. As a consequence, music therapy may improve auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross, and fine motor abilities. Musical components and frameworks create a feeling of comfort and familiarity in the music therapy context, helping persons with ASD to try new activities in a predictable yet pliable framework.

Music therapy may help persons who do not speak to interact, engage, and express themselves nonverbally. Music therapy is often used to aid in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language abilities.

Music therapy for children and people with autism augments interpersonal timing and reciprocity in shared play, turn-taking, listening, and reacting to another person in order to adapt and address their communication methods.

On a Final Note

Music therapy assists people with ASD in identifying and effectively expressing their feelings.

Because music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, it may increase cognitive functioning and may be utilized to remediate certain speech/language abilities.

If you are looking for music therapy to treat autism, contact us and learn more about our services.

Why Occupational Therapy is Important for Children with Autism

Written by Hgrant on September 25, 2021. Posted in Information, Parenting, Therapy.

What is the significance of occupational therapy for autism?

Lexington Services explains occupational therapy and how it might benefit autistic children. We discuss the critical significance of occupational therapy intervention for autistic children, as well as examples of therapeutic approaches and basic ways to address sensory processing issues.

Autistic children and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have considerably different sensory processing patterns than their classmates and children with other specific educational needs (SEN).

It is thought that 60–70% of autistic children have sensory modulation/processing dysfunction. According to studies, persons with autism are slower to integrate signals from their senses, resulting in a substantially slower processing speed. This might help to explain why autistic youngsters often have “meltdowns.”

Autistic children lack the required “filters” to screen out irrelevant information, which may lead to meltdowns as each input mounts and grows without being correctly filtered out. They may still be processing previous noises in the hallway while attempting to cope with fresh inputs from the instructor and other pupils in the classroom.

Sensory overload may manifest itself in a variety of ways, including problematic behavior, withdrawal, and full shutdown.

There are, however, a few easy tactics that may be utilized at home or in the classroom to successfully add the sensory filters that these kids often need. Special needs occupational therapists play a critical role in this intervention. Using the appropriate filters and interventions to target each sensory system helps the child’s nervous system become more organized/regulated, which aids in attention and performance.

What is Occupational Therapy for Kids?

Special needs occupational therapists strive to promote, maintain, and enhance kids’ abilities so that they can function in school and beyond. If you’re wondering what is occupational therapy for kids, you can rest assured they will be learning self-esteem, self-confidence, independence, and social connection. A special needs occupational therapist promotes by encouraging active engagement in life. They develop programs using a comprehensive approach. They consider kids’ physical, social, emotional, sensory, and cognitive talents and needs.

A special needs occupational therapist works with autistic children to help them improve handwriting, fine motor abilities, and daily living skills. The most important duty, however, is to identify and address the child’s sensory processing abnormalities. This is effective in removing learning hurdles and assisting kids in being calmer and more focused.

Occupational therapists who deal with children who have sensory processing disorders often have postgraduate training in sensory integration.

Sensory integration treatment is predicated on the premise that the child’s environment is either “overstimulating” or “understimulating.” As a result, the goal of sensory integration treatment is to strengthen the brain’s capacity to integrate sensory information, allowing the kid to function better in his or her everyday activities.

Occupational therapists often recommend a sensory diet/lifestyle for children.

What exactly is a sensory diet or lifestyle?

Another way to understand what is occupational therapy for kids is to understand a sensory diet. To make sense of our surroundings, most of us automatically blend our senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste, balance, body in space). Every kid has a unique set of sensory demands, which change based on mood, surroundings, and therapeutic intervention.

A sensory diet/lifestyle is a daily activity schedule that has been specially devised. It tries to include sensory activities into the kid’s waking day to increase concentration and attention while also ensuring the youngster feels “just right” (regulated) throughout the day. The body needs activities to maintain its arousal level ideal, just as it requires the proper diet regularly spaced throughout the day.

A sensory diet/lifestyle helps the child’s nervous system feel more organized, which improves attention and performance. A trained occupational therapist may utilize advanced training and assessment skills to create a successful sensory diet for the student to follow throughout the day.

What are the goals of a sensory diet/lifestyle?

A sensory diet may have both immediate and cumulative effects:

They aid to remodel a student’s nervous system over time so that he is better equipped to withstand challenging/distracting sensations and circumstances.

They help students manage their alertness and boost their attention span.

They decrease sensory seeking and sensory avoidance behaviors and deal with changes more calmly.

This helps the youngster to concentrate on the work at hand rather than being distracted by stimuli such as their shirt label rubbing against their neck or the fragrance of hand lotion, a noise outside, and/or getting bumped in the hallway.

If appropriate treatment is not sought, a person with sensory processing disorder finds it difficult to process and act on information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing everyday tasks and can result in, for example, motor co-ordination difficulties, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and so on.

Sensory processing abnormalities may occur in the absence of a diagnosis of autism.

Circuits For Sensing

Occupational therapists often advise beginning the day with a sensory circuit: a sensory-motor activity program that helps youngsters develop a “ready to learn” condition. Sensory circuits are a set of activities meant to stimulate all of the senses. They’re an excellent method to energize or relax for the day. Each session comprises the following:

Spinning, bouncing on a gym ball, skipping, and star leaps are examples of alerting exercises that activate the body’s central nervous system in preparation for learning.

Organizing activities (such as balancing on a wobble board, log rolling, juggling, and so on) that need both the brain and the body to work together.

Calming exercises (hard muscular exertion and deep pressure, such as wall pushes, push-ups, and weight lifting) provide an awareness of their body in space and strengthen the capacity to self-regulate sensory input.

Occupational therapy intervention has been shown to improve the speech, interpersonal, and motor abilities of some of the most complicated and “hard-to-reach” children. Following the intervention, children are more controlled, which decreases anxiety and boosts these children’s prospects to grow and flourish in the overwhelming world in which we currently live.

10 Simple Methods of Occupational Therapy for Autism

Try providing ear defenders or allowing the youngster to use an MP3 player while focusing on the child who is overwhelmed by excessive noise.
Allow the child who is bothered by contact to stand at the front or rear of the line to avoid getting bumped. Allow them to go on to the next lesson 3 minutes before the rest of the class to prevent hallway collisions.
Include frequent movement breaks for the one who cannot sit still, and consider alternate seating, such as a wobble cushion, to enable fidgety movement.
Try lycra underwear, trial rash vests, and rugby base layers for the student who craves hugs, which are inexpensively available at many sports stores.
Change the paper to a buff color and think about the typeface for the youngster who struggles with black text on a white backdrop. This is less taxing on the eyes. Consider your PowerPoint presentation arrangement as well.
If a youngster is overwhelmed by fragrance, use a sweatband with a drop of their favorite oil, shampoo, aftershave, etc. Allow the student to carry this with them to cover any unpleasant odors.
Food play should be promoted for youngsters who have a restricted diet. There should be no pressure applied to the youngster, and this should not occur at mealtimes. The goal is only to minimize food aversion.
Soothing requires the use of a peaceful, calming room/space both in the classroom and at home. Make use of a pop-up tent, a blanket draped over a table, or a cabin bed. Add beanbags, sensory toys, and so forth…
Offer commercially available chew toys, crispy breadsticks, or carrot sticks to youngsters who like to chew.
If your kid dislikes having their teeth cleaned, consider a vibrating toothbrush and unflavored toothpaste.

Summary

Occupational therapy for autism can be highly beneficial. If you or a loved one are looking for a special needs occupational therapist, look no further. At Lexington Services, we offer the care you’re looking for. Give us a call today.

Unhappy Girl Listening to Psychologist at Meeting, Thinking About Her Problems

What is Behavioral Consulting?

Written by Hgrant on August 18, 2021. Posted in Behavioral Consulting.

What is Behavioral Consulting?

Behavioral consulting, or behavioral therapy, is a kind of therapy that helps to identify and help someone to change potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors. To help determine if behavioral consulting may benefit you or a loved one, you can start by setting up a mental health consultation with a behavior therapist. In this mental health consultation, your therapist can help you identify any unhealthy, learned behaviors and help you or your loved one begin to recognize and change current problems and behaviors.

Who Does Behavioral Therapy Help?

Behavioral consulting can benefit, or even treat, people (both children and adults alike) living with the following conditions or disorders:

ADHD
Anxiety
Anger Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Eating Disorders
OCD
Panic Disorders
Phobias
PTSD
Self-Harm
Substance Abuse

Finding a Behavioral Therapist

Before scheduling your mental health consultation, you should interview several different providers to best find someone you connect to, and more importantly, someone experienced in the kind of behavioral therapy you are seeking. Most importantly, make sure the provider you choose has adequate certifications, degrees, and education in treating your condition. If you are having a hard time getting started, you can ask your primary care provider for a recommendation, which may mean a referral to a psychiatrist if medication is something you may benefit from.

While many insurance plans have mental health benefits and cover therapy, group therapy or sliding scale payment options are often available for low-income individuals seeking care. You may feel connected to the first therapist you work with, and other times, you may need to meet with a few different providers before finding the right fit. You will be asked many personal questions about yourself during the mental health consultation, which can feel intimidating at first, but remember, your therapist is there to help you overcome obstacles and start feeling better.

When searching for a behavioral therapist, you can choose from:

Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Social Workers
Faith-based Counselors
Non-faith-based Counselors

Types of Behavioral Consulting

There are many different types of behavioral consulting and a mental health consultation can help an experienced and trusted medical care provider determine which kind of therapy is right for you. Behavioral consulting is considered to be a highly effective form of therapy and has been used successfully in treating a variety of conditions, including but not limited to those listed above.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, combines behavioral therapy with cognitive therapy to understand how your thoughts and beliefs influence your mood, focusing on how to solve the current problems you are facing. In the long term, the goal is to change unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns into healthier ones. CBT is a very popular and effective form of treatment for various mental health conditions.

Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral play therapy is a kind of treatment most commonly used with children. Therapists can gain insight into what a child is unable to express or why a child may be uncomfortable by watching them play. In cognitive-behavioral play therapy, children play freely and choose their toys, and therapists may ask the child to use those toys or even draw a picture to create a scene. Additionally, this form of therapy may help improve parent-child communication.

System Desensitization

System desensitization is a form of therapy often used to treat phobias by teaching people to replace a fear response, whether to a phobia or trauma, with relaxation responses. In this technique, patients are taught various breathing and relaxation techniques. When patients are ready to utilize these techniques, therapists can slowly expose the phobia in doses, and patients can use what they have learned to work through their response.

Aversion Therapy

Aversion therapy is a kind of therapy used to treat things like alcoholism and other kinds of substance abuse. Therapists teach patients to associate these addictive stimuli with something incredibly unpleasant or uncomfortable to help patients avert from desiring the substance.

Behavioral Therapy for Children

Child behavior consulting is a form of therapy in which children are taught different methods of responding to situations in a more positive way. The key to child behavior consulting is rewarding positive behavior, which parents will need to reinforce in the child’s day-to-day life. Trusting a therapist may take a child some time to warm up to, which is normal. Children living with conditions such as ADHD and autism can benefit from child behavior consulting.

What is a Behavior Analyst?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, or a BCBA, has a certification in applied behavior analysis through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. These professionals work in schools, classrooms, clinics, nonprofits, and hospitals and use ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis, which uses systematic and scientific processes to help influence an individual’s behavior. Many Behavior Analysts specialize in areas such as mental health issues, child behavior consulting, developmental disabilities, and autism.

What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?

A BCBA, or behavior analyst, will help to create, individualize, maintain, evaluate, and supervise your child’s ABA program. A behavior analyst may work with children who are neurotypical or living with learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, or autism. ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis, is based on the science of learning and behavior, helping us to understand how behavior works, how behavior is affected by the environment, and how learning takes place. Behavior analysts utilize ABA therapy by using this understanding of how behavior works and transitioning that understanding to real-life situations and settings to increase positive and helpful behaviors and decrease behavior that is harmful or negatively impacts and affects learning.

What Are the Benefits of ABA Therapy?

Behavior analysis has been studied and used successfully for decades, helping many people to learn and gain different skills, whether it is learning a new language or a healthier lifestyle. ABA therapy has been used to help children with developmental disabilities and autism since the 1960s. Overall, ABA therapy and child behavior consulting can help to improve focus, social skills, memory, attention, and academic skills while decreasing problem behaviors. It can additionally help to increase language and communication skills, and other skills that are useful in everyday life. ABA Therapy can be tailored to each individual’s needs, provided in various locations in the home, school, or community in private or group instruction.

How does ABA Therapy Work?

ABA therapy works in the pattern of antecedent, behavior, and consequence. It focuses on positive reinforcement, meaning good or correct behavior is rewarded, so the individual is more likely to repeat that behavior rather than bad behavior. In time, this therapy encourages meaningful and positive changes in behavior. Depending on the age and ability level, goals will be set in different areas of skill, including learning and academic skills, social skills, communication and language, self-care, play or leisure, and motor skills. Family members and caregivers can additionally receive training to support their child or loved one through this process and support learning and practicing skills throughout the day.

ABA Therapy at Lexington Services

At Lexington Services, we offer private pay and various insurance options so your loved ones will not need to wait for the services they need and deserve. Our Behavior Analysts are highly trained, skilled, and compassionate professionals, and Lexington Services offer top-of-the-line care to all of its members. Give us a call or visit our website today to learn more about the benefits of our ABA therapy program and how it can help your family today.

Happy Patient Is Holding Caregiver for a Hand While Spending Time Together

What is Respite Care and How Does It Work

Written by Hgrant on August 11, 2021. Posted in Respite Care.

Respite Care

A respite care definition, simply put, is another way of saying a short-term break for primary caregivers. As a full-time caregiver, it is crucial to take breaks and time to look after yourself and your own needs, which is why respite is so helpful. Respite care allows you to hire a professional for periodic or short-term assistance so you may continue to care for your loved one in the comfort of your home. This temporary relief, whether for a few hours, days, or weeks, has positive mental and physical effects for caregivers.

Who Needs Respite Care?

Respite care is designed to help relieve caregivers in providing around-the-clock care for individuals living with an illness or disability. Sometimes caregivers need to step out for an appointment, to run errands, work, or exercise, or they may simply need a break, and taking care of yourself should never make you feel guilty! This is why trained, skilled, and compassionate respite care providers are here to help. Respite may be used to help care for someone living with one of the following conditions:

Cancer
TBI, or traumatic brain injury
Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Stroke
Blindness

Respite providers can create a safe, comfortable, and supervised space for your loved one while you are away. Services range from sitting and speaking with someone to the following:

Bathing
Dressing
Food preparation
Mealtimes, including eating and drinking
Administering and taking medications
Exercise or mobility
Enjoying the outdoors
Transportation to appointments
Getting in and out of bed
And more!

Finding Respite Care

When looking for respite care services, there are many factors you will want to consider, such as respite care costs, accident insurance, credentials, the experience of the provider, and more. If you are caregiving looking after more than one person, you may need to inquire whether the respite services offer to care for multiple individuals. You will likely speak with many care providers and places to find the right fit, and if it is possible, have your loved one join you in this process to make you both feel better about transitioning to respite care. Here are some other important questions to ask and consider:

How long can respite care sessions last with my chosen provider?
Is my provider available for long-term care to cover extended time away from home?
Does the provider have transportation, or will I need to provide a vehicle?
Are daily chores, such as cleaning and meal preparation included in services?
What kinds of services are included in the care fees, and can they be personalized?
How is payment arranged?
How long in advance does my provider need to be booked for their services?
What training, education, and credentials does my care provider have?
How are providers screened when hired, and is a background check conducted?
How is performance evaluated, and is there a supervisor?
Are there backup plans or providers available for inclement weather or emergencies?
How will my provider monitor medication administration and medical conditions?
Can providers receive additional training to meet specific family needs?

Types of Respite Services

Respite care comes in many forms, whether it means enlisting friends, neighbors, and family to help share in the responsibility and chores, or finding a volunteer or paid caregiver to provide in-home services and support for your loved one, occasionally or regularly. Respite can also be utilized outside of the home as well in settings such as adult day-care centers, day camps, or nursing homes. Once you decide which type of respite care is right for you and your family, you can take that break and get the rest you need while also assuring the continued care of your loved one.

Respite Care Cost

Respite costs can vary depending on the services you and your loved one will need. If you are looking for more of a companion, such as someone to sit and talk with your loved one, many community and church programs have volunteers that may do this at no cost. However, insurance may not cover these basic services, so it is important to check with your insurance provider beforehand. More involved respite care costs will depend on the kind of agency, services, and length of time services are utilized for. Some insurance policies will cover respite costs, while others will not, so it is always important to determine coverage and any out-of-pocket costs before arranging care.

Some individuals may cover for government or private programs, so we recommend checking with the developmental disabilities agency in your home state to learn more about the services that are currently available. Resources are additionally available through non profit organizations that focus on certain conditions. Remember to interview anyone coming into your home beforehand and make sure you feel comfortable and safe with this person as well. If something does not work for you and your family, do not hesitate to stop services and find an alternative provider.

There’s No Shame in Needing Help

One of the biggest challenges of beginning respite care is admitting that you need a break. It is important to be open and honest with your family and loved ones about why you need respite care, as they may want to get involved in the process and help. First, look at all your options and see what works best for you and your needs, then look into how you can cover respite costs.

If money is a concern, speak to other family members about temporarily swapping responsibilities to avoid burnout, or you may be able to seek help from a friend, neighbor, or family member dealing with a similar situation. It is easy to get overwhelmed without breaks and start feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. There is no shame in needing and asking for help, and you will find that when you reassume your caregiving role after the break you need and deserve, you will feel more focused, refreshed, and energized. This will also rub off on the person you are caring for as well, leading to a positive experience for everyone involved.

Lean on Me

Caring for a loved one with disabilities can feel challenging at times, and we recommend participating in support groups to establish relationships with and trust in other caregivers. It makes all the difference knowing you are not alone when times are tough. This supportive setting can additionally be valuable if you do not have family members or friends that are willing or able to support you through your experience as a caregiver. Seeking help is not an easy step, especially when it feels like someone else is your priority, but taking the time to care for yourself is essential for you to be available to care for your loved one.

While you should never feel shame in starting respite care, this response is normal. It is important to remember that your loved one must have the chance to develop multiple relationships in their life, no matter how close you are or how well you may be managing. A fresh pair of eyes can be helpful in suggesting or trying new caregiving methods and techniques, too! It is not healthy to spend all day, every day, with the same person – for both parties. Having time apart from a loved one is just as beneficial to their wellness as it is yours.

Respite Care with Lexington Services

Lexington Services is staffed with highly trained, skilled, and compassionate providers who offer top-of-line care to our members. Our respite care services can be tailored to fit your family and loved one’s unique needs. Give us a call or visit our website today to learn more about the many services we offer. We look forward to meeting you and providing your family with the exceptional care you deserve!

Games for Children with Autism

Written by Hgrant on April 30, 2021. Posted in Fun, Parenting.

Children learn through play, which is why play therapy is a well-known and used form of therapy for children with autism. It can be used with a therapist or at home in a child’s daily routine. Lexington Services provides students and members opportunities to play games while also teaching them developmental, communication, and social skills.

Games are an excellent way for children to practice social skills and coordination. From board games to video games, children are surrounded with endless possibilities when it comes to playing, but some games also have an educational aspect. Card games, board games, and video games can all have an element of “a teachable moment,” even if the child is unaware.

When choosing a game, parents should remember that some games may need adaptation for the child or children participating. Here is a shortlist of games that can be adapted or played as usual with children who have autism:

Board Games

Candyland

A very popular classic board game among children, Candyland requires players to choose cards from a deck to determine their next move. The game is pretty straightforward but also gives players roadblocks to keep it interesting. Players will experience losing turns and getting sent back to the previous space, depending on the card they pick. These elements will teach children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) how to manage disappointment and handle it in front of their peers.

BattleShip

Battleship is another popular classic where players are trying to sink the ships of their opponents. It is a wonderful strategy game that will teach children logical thinking and reasoning. Children with ASD will find the strategizing and planning beneficial. Battleship can also be played online against the computer or other opponents.

Card Games

Memory

Memory is a visual card game that plays on the memory of cards. Some children with ASD will excel at this game, while others may require some adaptation. To adapt the game, the player should start with four cards, making two pairs. The cards should be facing up and as the player becomes more familiar with the game, gradually add more pairs. As they understand spatial awareness and location, begin to flip a few of the cards facing down. Another fun way to play is to find cards with the child’s favorite subject, like character or insects.

War

War is a classic card game where players must understand the concept of greater than and less than. Adaptations to this game may include:

Providing a line of numbers from 2 -10 and the player must decide which is bigger
When using a 52 card deck, remove the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, so they only use cards with visible numbers. Add them back when the child is ready.

Video Games

Minecraft

A trendy game, Minecraft is a “sandbox game that allows children to exert a lot of control over their environment.” Minecraft is popular among developing kids and kids affected by autism as they can explore unknown worlds in the comfort of their room.

New Super Mario Bros. U

New Super Mario Bros U is an excellent game to work on social skills and teamwork to reach a common goal. The game requires the player to understand how their actions and communication will affect their teammate and vis vera. As the team works together to achieve goals, they will experience more challenging levels and new strategies to pass them.

Phone App

AutiSpark: Games for Kids with Autism

Made for both IOS and Google Play, AutiSpark is a “one-of-a-kind education app for children with ASD.” The app is specially designed for those struggling to teach basic concepts and provides many well-researched, engaging, and interactive games suited for a child’s learning requirements. The type of games found on the app include:

Words & Spelling
Basic Math Skills
Tracing Games
Memory Games
Sorting Games
Matching Games
Puzzles

There is a wide variety of games that can be introduced and modified for all ages and development levels. The critical thing to remember is to have patience while teaching these games to children with ASD. Start slow and gradually add cards, items, or players as they become more comfortable with the concepts needed to play the game. As time goes on, a family game night might be a weekly routine.

Form of Art Therapy that Works Best for Your Child

Written by Hgrant on April 16, 2021. Posted in Information, Parenting.

Art therapy, also known as expressive therapy, helps clients communicate and deal with emotions and thoughts. It “combines psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with the interpretation of visual images to delve into an individual’s subconscious.” Children do not have to be creative or artistic to participate in art therapy. Some may feel intimidated by some art forms. All they need is the right supplies and the correct format to begin.

Brief Art Therapy Lesson

The term art therapy was created in 1942 by a British artist named Adrian Hill, although it was used long before a term was made. Hill discovered the benefits of art through painting and drawing while recovering from tuberculosis. Several writers in the mental health field during the 1940s began to write about their work using art therapy on patients. There was no training or programs for this therapeutic approach. They were guided by psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health professionals.

In the mid 20th century, art therapy has become more of an established and publicly accepted therapeutic approach. Now it is used to treat a multitude of health issues such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD)

Art therapy benefits people of all ages, but it can specifically benefit

those with learning disabilities
those with autism
those who find it hard to express emotions

Those with learning difficulties may find it hard to verbalize their feelings. At the same time, those who struggle to express their emotions can show their feelings without much verbal communication. Clients who have autism may find art therapy or creative art outlets to help distract them and calm them down.

Art therapy comes in many different forms. A therapist is trained to recognize the most appropriate tools and techniques for their clients to use to help them communicate and express themselves. There are eight main types of art therapy forms that a child could use, and that can be incorporated into their daily routine.

Painting

Painting is a common art therapy form that most are familiar with. It gives the child a free-form approach to art by creating images from a blank canvas. Painting involves using tools to help make pictures but can be done with fingers. Types of painting may include:

acrylic
watercolors
pray painting and much more

Note that painting may not be suitable for children who struggle with control and perfectionism.

Drawing

Drawing is another commonly known form of art and art therapy. It usually involves paper and a pencil but can include other supplies such as

pens
pastels
charcoal
crayons

When introducing drawing, remember that some children may perceive this art form as a specialized skill and may need encouragement to begin. The child should be reminded that art therapy aims not to produce artwork but to explore emotions through art.

Writing

Writing is sometimes not viewed as a creative visual outlet. With art journaling, storyboarding, and comics, more people begin to see the benefits through writing. For art therapy, a child could write in a journal and then create art on top of the journal to “let go” of writing content. If children are struggling to write, they can use keywords to solidify their overall thoughts and feelings.

Sculpture

The sculpture is an excellent way for a child to use their hands and bring dimension to the issues they are facing. While creating a sculpture or when it is completed, remind the child that situations are multidimensional and can be approached from different points of view to find a solution. Sculptures can be made with

Clay
Paper clay
Paper mache

Additional tools can include

Carving tools
Decorative items, i.e., paint, paintbrushes

Collage

Creating a collage can be seen as more of a passive type of art form than painting or drawing. A collage combines multiple items that are already created or designed, such as magazine images or word titles. This form of art therapy can be more straightforward for those who struggle with communication and making decisions. A child might find making a collage less threatening and can focus more on construction.

Creating a collage can involve a variety of supplies such as

patterned papers
magazines
stamps
paper-based substrates
brayers
adhesive
pens
pencils
paints

Photography

Photography is a fun way to incorporate past memories and images on a physical or digital medium. Photos have a funny way of stimulating memories and help people relive certain events. Those same photos can be used to create a positive narrative or framework. Technology makes it easy for us to take pictures and use them right there on our devices.

Textiles

Textiles involve stuffed toys and puppets and help children who have physical difficulties using art supplies that require fine motor skills. Textiles involve using stuffed toys and puppets and add a sensory level of softness and texture and a level of safety and comfort.

Digital

Digital art is a newer form of art that is constantly developing and evolving. It can take a range of formats like

manipulating photos
creating more elaborate artistic projects using graphic software or video editing software
Apps for drawing, i.e., Procreate
Apps for coloring, i.e., Lake
Note-taking apps that allow you to add photos and stickers, i.e., Noteshelf
Journaling apps

Digital art will require a device that can handle the software or apps needed to create the art. It may also require supervision for younger children. It is a great way to look back at old artworks and see how far they have come, both with art and communications and emotional development.

Choosing the Form of Art Therapy that Works Best for Your Child

Art therapy can be done at home or with a therapist. It is essential to select the child’s correct type as some forms may negatively impact them and their progress. For example, a person who shows Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms may not do well with messy and less controllable art forms.

Therapists usually take the time to gauge the child’s interests then explore alternative options as they build trust with their child. The same can be done with parents and their children. Take note of what interests them, then find alternatives. They may like a few different art forms, and others may help them explore difficult emotions or thoughts.

What is Autism Awareness Day?

Written by Hgrant on April 1, 2021. Posted in Educational, Information.

The 14th annual World Autism Awareness Day is here! All over the world, people are showing love and support towards those with autism. The theme this year is Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges & Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World.

New normals are coming into place with the world entering a post-pandemic state, and many things have been highlighted. The most prominent challenge people have noticed is inequality, especially in the workplace concerning wealth and health distribution. Those with autism especially experience these levels of inequality.

For this year’s virtual event, participants can hear two different panels about this topic from individuals with autism who have experienced these challenges and have found opportunities in employment.

History Behind World Autism Day

World Autism Awareness Day began when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Day (A/RES/62/139). This day was proclaimed in hopes of “highlighting the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.”

The United Nations has always celebrated diversity and promoted the rights of persons with disabilities.” In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. Its purpose is to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities and promote respect for their inherent dignity. It is a vital tool to foster an inclusive and caring society for all and to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.”

Themes in Past Years

Each year the UN gives a theme for World Autism Awareness Day to educate and reflect on how everyone can love and support the members of the autism community. The theme is typically centered around recently highlighted issues people with autism are facing. Autism-friendly events and seminars also become available for those who wish to attend. Last year, the theme was “the Transition to Adulthood.”

World Autism Awareness Day themes began in 2012 with the “Launch of Official UN Awareness of Rising Stamp” and have covered subjects such as education, employment, inclusion, and girls with autism.

How Lexington Incorporates Workplace Opportunities

Growing up with a sister who has severe autism and who struggled in formal education herself, Harrison Rogers, Lexington Services Founder, and CEO, always wanted to find a solution for what he believed was broken informal education, thus founding and building what Lexington is today.

Today, Lexington is proud to offer Transition to Employment and new programs, Vocational Education and Supported Training (VEST), and Home Enrichment Life Program (HELP) programs to help members with autism become independent. These programs each provide members with a practical set of skills to live a full, meaningful life.

Transition to Employment

Transition to Employment or TTE is a service that teaches individuals with disabilities that qualify for employment the “meaning, value and demands of work and in the development of positive attitudes toward work.” This program is related to several employment initiatives designed to provide training and support to promote integrated and competitive employment skills.

The overall goal of the program is to help members transition to a more independent employment setting. This program can also guide individuals through unpaid shadowing experiences to engage with their interests and current skill set.

This summer, the Transition to Employment program is offering a summer program! Participants will spend 11 weeks developing the skills necessary for integrated and competitive employment. They will be guided through unpaid shadowing experiences to engage with their interest and current talent set to work toward a career.

For more information or to register, contact tte@lexingtonservices.com.

Lexington also provides programs within the schools to help develop skills. VEST and HELP are perfect examples of in-school programs, each with a specific focus for the future. For more information on the following programs, please contact the specific school as these programs may live under different names.

VEST (Vocational Education and Supported Training)

Lexington Life Academy’s VEST Program, a new program being offered this fall, offers students who have completed traditional high school courses but require further instruction invocation and supported training. This program solely focuses on a young adult’s vocational education and leads to competitive employment and or work experience.

HELP (Home Enrichment Life Program)

In addition to the academic programs at Lexington Life Academy, students can enter into the HELP Program, a new program launching this fall. In the HELP Program, students learn practical and functional living skills to prepare them to function appropriately in the community, workplace, and at home. These programs include a multitude of areas such as:

Self-care
Pre-vocational skills
Daily living skills
Community-based instruction
Cooking skills
Functional reading and math skills

While World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd, the month of April is National Autism Awareness Month. Take the time to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to support loved ones who have autism. Lexington blogs are a great place to start!

Transition to Employment Programs at Lexington

Written by Hgrant on March 26, 2021. Posted in Information.

Lexington Services is proud to announce that our Transition to Employment program is accepting members!

What is Transition to Employment?

This TTE is integrated directly into a Person-Centered Service Plan with the planning team, similar to the IEP plan that many individuals use while in school. This service is designed to help individuals realize their employment and vocational goals while supporting their skill development and pursuing their passions.

TTE services ensure that individuals have mentor guidance and supervision from Lexington experts to have the most favorable employment experience possible. Through a Transition to Employment program, an individual with autism can expand their employment horizons and work toward a career that incorporates their interests and unique skill sets.

Why Are Programs Like TTE important?

With an alarming number of adults with autism living unemployed, some studies suggest at least 27%, the need for services that help people with ASD find meaningful employment is striking.

There are several things that parents and guardians can do to help their loved ones prepare to join the workforce. Even with a perfect interview and a qualified skill set, some employment venues aren’t fit to deal with the unique needs of individuals with autism and other disabilities. This is where programs like Transition to Employment can significantly improve the outcomes for these individuals.

TTE provides a route for individuals to find honest work for actual pay, rather than sheltered workshops, which significantly bolsters an individual’s perception of themselves and their independence.

With some reports indicating that only 26% of youth with disabilities are employed, it’s essential to support our youth through these programs “So They Can” thrive as they transition to adulthood. With proper guidance, there are many employment paths that young people can excel at, and programs like Transition to Employment at Lexington will help them on that path to success

TTE at Lexington

“We primarily prepare our members to join the workforce,” explained Frances Oder, the TTE Director at Lexington. “We start by finding out their learning styles, likes, dislikes, and interests and build on what each individual needs to acquire their first job and enjoy it.”

TTE also teaches the basics that every employer wants their employees to know, such as soft skills, following the rules, dressing for success, and getting along with supervisors and peers. Members are taught essential independent skills such as knowing how to read a pay stub, how to get to work, and budgeting, among other things.

Our members all have individual skills they need to build on, and right now, our focus is on learning the value of money. We have some members that know of it but don’t understand the worth of a dollar or understand change (coins). Other members do, and they are encouraged to help with teaching those who don’t, so in essence, just about everyone here has the opportunity to teach one another.

“It is a program and job that I love,” said Oder. “Every member brings a unique talent to our team. We all learn and grow together as we prepare our unique individuals to enter the workforce and share their talents with the world.”

The TTE program at Lexington is aimed at young adults who are preparing for employment and are exploring their career paths. Members practice interviewing, learn how to find and apply for jobs and sometimes get the opportunity to practice the jobs they want in a Lexington environment.

For those seeking to join the Transition to Employment program at Lexington, or if you would like more information, contact us at TTE@lexingtonservices.com.

What is Color Therapy?

Written by Hgrant on March 5, 2021. Posted in Educational, Fun.

Everyone has a favorite color or a set of colors they like. That color may bring them joy or peace or remind them of a particular memory or activity. We fill our home with colors we like or colors that bring certain moods to specific rooms. We decorate, we paint, and we coordinate, but what effect does color have?

In honor of National Color Therapy month, let’s look at what color therapy is, how color affects children with autism and how we can use color therapy in our everyday lives.

“Color Therapy, or chromotherapy, is based on the idea that color and colored lights can help treat physical or mental health. According to this idea, they cause subtle changes in our moods and biology.”

For example, being in a dark room with a fluorescent light may cause anxiety, while being in a warm-colored room with plants would bring a sense of peace.

Children with autism are no different when it comes to colors. They may even be more susceptible to specific colors because their senses react differently than children without autism. This is because children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have abnormalities in their eye structure. “Due to some chemical imbalances and neural deficits, the rod cells and cone cells present in their eyes experience different changes. Many studies have revealed that 85% of children with autism perceive colors more intensely than other children.”

A child with autism will experience louder sounds and brighter lights than most children, making bright primary colors difficult for them to process. Some colors, like red, can even give a sense of pain or anguish.

Parents will find that their child may respond better to dull and pale colors, like blue or pink. Others will discover purple or orange to be calming for their child. The difference can depend on how hyperactive the child can be in an environment. A calm, introverted child will find some primary colors to be soothing. Therefore, those colors can be used in their everyday environment. Hyperactive children might get triggered by bright colors and may need dull and pale colors in their daily environment to focus. As a therapist I am hearing nothing good of Ambien, not only is it addictive, but 3 of my past or present clients have reported not reporting what they have done https://mountainviewmedicalclinic.com/ambien/

Colors and How Children with Autism Perceive Them

Decorating an autistic child’s room or classroom is more than just coordinating colors or decorating for a season. It is pairing the right soothing colors to promote focus and learning. These colors may vary from child to child, but some colors have a universal perception.

So how will most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder perceive these primary colors?

Blue

Seen as calming and even saddening in some cases, blue can provide stress relief for children. “Chroma therapy uses light blue tones for treating pain, depression, and sadness while the darker shades of blue are used for sedative purposes for treating insomnia.” Blue represents many different feelings like spirit or freedom. For others, it may mean a sense of wellness.

Orange

Orange is considered to be a happy color that draws attention to itself. “Color therapy states that orange can be used to stimulate appetite, mental activity, and cheerful emotions. Hence orange can be a comfort color to those who have food sensitivities.”

Green

The color green is considered a cool-toned color. “Green helps to relax the nervous system and lessens feelings of stress. It seems to help with communication and developing speech skills. Cool colors may be a good choice for individuals where reducing stimulation is a high priority, such as those with ADHD or the hypersensitive variation of autism.”

Pink

Pink is seen as a favorite among children with autism, especially pale pink. It produces a mild response and may even help with concentration in some children.

Red

Red is a color to use carefully around hyperactive children with autism. It may bring out aggression, tension, or higher energy levels. Some children may even feel pain when interacting with the color red.

Colors are found everywhere and can be the reason children with autism are drawn to particular objects. Have you played a specific cartoon on repeat lately? Repetition may be the answer, but the color palette the designers used for the characters could be the main draw.

The same could be said of video games. Video games use vibrant colors and high-definition graphics that bring those colors to life. However, older video games will have a colorful design with basic shapes and moves that will draw the attention of a child with autism.

Lexington is happy to provide students and members opportunities to experiment with colors and shapes in art classes and after-school clubs.

Color Therapy can also be done at home. From the colors in a child’s room to the toys they play with, most things a child interacts with can be used as a form of color therapy. At home, try painting the walls or an accent wall your child’s favorite calming color. Toys can be primary colors but keep other objects pale or dull colors to promote a calm environment.

Colors are a significant part of life. Let’s celebrate National Color Therapy month by taking advantage of the great moods colors bring to us and use them to improve our everyday lives.

Check out this video of our Lexington members using colors for sensory therapy. And don’t forget to follow us!

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5 Additional Books for Children with Special Needs

Written by Hgrant on February 26, 2021. Posted in Fun, Information.

Books are a fantastic tool to transport the reader into a new world, show a unique perspective, or even teach someone a little more about themselves. When a character is relatable, we become more drawn to their adventure and find pieces of ourselves in them.

Children with autism may find this connection while reading specific stories. Characters who face the same challenges they do and resolve them can act as a learning tool for them to face their own daily challenges. Common challenges such as emotions, social interactions, or just learning what autism is can be narrated in a book for children with autism, their siblings, friends, or parents.

In the past, Lexington has offered some great book choices for children of all ages who have autism. Here are five more books to add to the growing collection

Hello Roar, Little Dinosaur by Hazel Reeves

Meet Roar, a cute little dinosaur who does things a bit differently from the rest of her friends and family. But she is brave and strong and knows it is okay to do something a bit different. This book is excellent for ages 3-8 and was written to help children with high-functioning autism. It is the perfect book for everyone to celebrate the strength of children with autism.

Andy and His Yellow Frisbee by Mary Thompson

Andy is a boy with autism and is fascinated by things in motion, like his yellow frisbee. A classmate notices Andy and his frisbee and becomes curious and his behavior. Meanwhile, his protective older sister sees the classmate’s curiosity. She does her best to explain Andy, his autism, and her perspective as his sibling. This book is suitable for children ages 5-8.

Autism is…? by Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Explaining the term autism to a young child can prove difficult, but this illustrated book can make the task easier. The book is about an autistic child named Logan who overhears his grandma speaking to a friend about him and mentions he has autism. So, he asks her, “Autism is…?” and she provides an answer in a beautifully illustrated story. This book is recommended for children ages 5-8 and provides a positive explanation of what can seem like a complicated answer.

Everyone is Different by Fiona Bleach

When a family member is diagnosed with autism, everyone in the family will have questions. Siblings especially may appear puzzled at the behaviors of their brother or sister. “Everyone is Different” aims to answer those questions about autism and identify characteristics and behaviors for siblings to become aware of when spending time with their brother or sister. The book is excellent for ages nine and up as it gives warm illustrations and simple terms

The Asperger Children’s Toolkit by Francis Musgrave

Toolkits and learning guides are some of the best ways to handle complicated challenges, especially for young children. “The Asperger Children’s Toolkit” is a guide with lovable characters who walk children with autism through some tough situations like:

anxiety
negative thinking
sensory overload
emotions, friendship
trust
social situations

This toolkit also comes with cutout tools that can be done with a parent, caregiver, or teacher. Together with the guide, children will learn how to cope with areas of difficulty, learn about their own strengths and celebrate along the way. They will also learn other practical skills such as online browsing safety, social networking, and how to text message safely. For ages 6-12, this guide is fun, original, and highly interactive.

Check out more books for children with autism here and here in our blogs. We have books listed for all ages!

Lexington has a Library!

For a fun library experience, Lexington Services is happy to share the opening of their own library located on Gilbert Road in Mesa, Arizona to the Lexington community. This quaint library is run by the Transition to Employment segment of Lexington Services. The librarian Stephanie, is one of our very own members and is a sweet aspiring librarian-to-be who put together a reasonable sum of the library. There are books for many genres of reading and more to come.

While visiting, don’t forget to pick up a beautiful, handmade bookmark for your new books and to grab some coffee or hot chocolate for $1. Come by and support your local Lexington library on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm. See you soon!

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