Author: Hgrant

Choosing A School For Your Student With Autism

Written by Hgrant on November 20, 2018. Posted in Educational.

Choosing a school for your child is an important decision but choosing a school for your child with autism can be life-changing. In both cases, though, you need preparation and research to help guide the choice for your child, and when making the academic choice for one with special needs, the number of factors involved can be daunting.

Schools that offer support for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) range from public schools and charter schools to private and specialized academies. Current statistics show that one in 68 students test positive for some form of autism, making the need for a good education source in high demand.

Just as autism is based on the spectrum with a wide range of abilities and needs, the schools that are available to these students are diverse . ASD students can vary from extremes of high-functioning to low-functioning, and the needs are quite different for each child.

Getting the correct level of support can be a challenge, but when the right match is made, it is instrumental in supporting the development of the child.

What Are Your Options?

There are two types of school options for children with ASD: traditional options–public and private academies in your area that are not specifically focused on special needs–and specialist schools or schools that specialize in supporting children with variations of ASD. Selecting which route to pursue depends greatly on the type of student you have.

The most important thing to do at the beginning of the process is to define what your child or young adult needs. If your student is highly functioning and showing signs of high intelligence, a public school may be the best fit.

If you are working with a student that is low-functioning, or a student that needs support to communicate and manage the outside world, a specialty school may be the most appropriate.

Public. Public schools have many benefits to students that are functioning well in social situations and have the need for challenging academic stimulation. Enrolling your child in a school that has typical learners, the child will be able to engage in a bigger variety of social situations, and it would offer better academic stimulation and room for growth.Alternatively, these same factors that may benefit one child with autism could be very harmful to another. The large, mainstream schools may be far too much stimulation and social engagement, and not enough attention and support for some.Many large schools don’t have the resources and are not as inclusive to students with autism. Research and knowing your child is key to understanding if a mainstream school is a right fit for your needs.
Specialized. Specialized schools, designed specifically for students with all levels of ASD, can be very beneficial. Many have resources, activities and therapies designed for all levels of autistic students, and offer carefully thought out learning plans to support your student’s needs.Children that have lower-functioning forms of ASD, some that cannot communicate at all verbally or become overstimulated easily, will have the attention and time given to them to promote academic and social growth.

Steps To Take When Visiting Schools

Research and prepare. Within your area, there will be various options. Take the time to find out what schools are within a reasonable distance from your home, then do some digging in the internet and within your community.Social media and the web are very strong tools that allow you to gather information, reviews and data from all kinds of sources. Think about what comprises your specific hit list of needs; A top-level education? Strong ethics? Supportive personnel? More one-on-one attention? More social stimulation and challenges, or less?
Once you have your list of needs, it will be easier to pinpoint the options in your area that fit the criteria.
Get to know the staff. Whether private or public, specialized or mainstream, the providers(teachers and staff within the organization) make a big difference to the school. Take the time to interview the team, ask questions and get to know the feel of how the staff is prepared to deal with your student’s needs.Ask questions to the teachers who would be interacting with your student, including information about backgrounds, education, references and how they would handle certain situations.
Confirm the school’s preparedness for autism and your child’s fit. When interviewing the school, make sure to research the school’s ability to handle children with autism, and specifically your students’ level of ASD. This task may be simpler with a specialized school, as all the data surrounding how they handle autism will be more readily available.With mainstream schools, it may take additional focused research. Typically, most mainstream schools have a special education department you can talk to. Bring your child with you and see how he or she reacts to the environment, the halls, noise and stimulation.Does it seem positive during the visit? The feedback you get from your student during these moments can be very helpful in making your final choice.

There is not one simple solution that easily fits for all families with an ASD learner, as each student will have very different needs. Being prepared and doing solid research will ultimately result in several positive options for your student.

The hope is to find an academic atmosphere that fits well with your needs, offers the level of support and resources desired, feels comfortable and safe to your child or young adult learner, and feels good to you as the caregiver or parent.

Luckily, there are many options available to support all levels of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and each one can offer different types of academic and social challenges.

Lexington Life Academy is an appropriate school for children across the spectrum. Through evidence-based practices and standards based curriculum, our staff makes sure that every student harnesses their potential so they can have a grand future. Contact Lexington today for more information.

To read the most recent blog post, click here.

Holiday Travel Tips For Family Members With Autism

Written by Hgrant on November 16, 2018. Posted in Recreation and Fun.

The holiday season is right around the corner and you can feel it in the air, as brisk temperatures move in, people break out the jackets, stocking caps, and hot chocolate. This season also comes with a general sense of togetherness and a desire to be close to family. As a result, many people travel over the holidays to see family and close friends. This can be stressful for family members with autism, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. You can make preparations beforehand and while you are on the trip to make the excursion memorable and fun for the whole family.

Preparing For A Trip

The preparation phase of your trip planning will be crucial to maintaining a stress-free trip for everyone. Make plans and prepare for the journey as much as possible so you can anticipate your family member’s needs. Some things you could do beforehand include:

Build Excitement For The Destination

While the actual process of travel can be tough and stressful no matter who you are, you can make your journey a success with relative ease. Start by building excitement with your child about the destination and some things they will get to do on the trip.

While holiday travel destinations are usually much more limited in scope than typical vacations because you want to see family and friends, allowing your child to be an active participant in the planning will help generate excitement and make sure that they feel their interests are being taken into account.

If they are particularly close to any of the family members you are visiting, show them pictures and get them excited to see family. Research around the area you are traveling and find activities you can do that they can look forward to on the journey.

As with many stressful activities and changes in routine, especially with nonverbal children, creating a social story with pictures of specific places and people is going to be extremely beneficial. Do your research online, look at pictures and videos, and even do some practice or role-play traveling before the trip.

Make Arrangements Beforehand

To make things easier on yourself when the moments get stressful, get your arrangements set ahead of time. If you are flying, call the airline and let them know your situation. You should also call the hotels you will be staying at. Try to secure a quiet room at the hotel to make it comfortable for your child. If family is picking you up, make sure they are going to be there, prepared and ready to meet your child and understand their needs.

Packing

Seasoned travelers whose children have autism suggest you pay extra attention during the packing phase of your trip. Make sure that all the clothing you pack is not going to cause overload for your child and that they will be comfortable in the destination you are heading. Holiday trips can be particularly hard because of the varied climates across the country.

Pack your carry-on bag with essentials that your child might need at any time, including medications and snacks. Some experts recommend that you pack at least one or two comfortable outfits for your family member with autism in your bag, in case there is a bag mix up.

In your loved one’s carry on, make sure to pack any emergency sensory supplies that you would keep in a meltdown kit, including noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys. Pack whatever is going to keep them soothed and occupied, no matter how you are traveling and where you are traveling to.

On The Journey

After all the anticipation, then comes the journey. Traveling can either be stressful or a breeze and sometimes it’s out of your hands how it’s going to be. Good preparation is key. While you are traveling through any type of security, there are obviously safety and separation concerns so being ready ahead of time will help. Medical bracelets or necklaces, or even identifying clothing with your contact information is a good idea in case you get separated. If you are flying, you can contact TSA Cares within 72 hours of your flight to prepare special accommodations for your family while you travel.

Make sure that family and friends are aware of the unique needs of your family member while you are visiting. Travel is far outside of their routine so a willingness to understand and adapt will make any holiday gatherings enjoyable for the whole family.

Don’t forget how stressful travel can be for your loved one while you are having a good time with other missed family members. Try to imagine the trip from their perspective, with all of the external stimuli they must adjust for. Breaks from all of the commotion and to center before a triggering event are vital to an enjoyable vacation.

The Return Home

The return journey has the potential to be just as stressful as the departure, if not more depending on how your loved one is feeling. Go over the steps from the departure that you took and do them in reverse. Arrange for a later check out with your hotel to give you time to make 100% sure everything is ready to go. Pack the night before you leave to assure you have all the essentials and you aren’t crunching when you are trying to get out the door. If you are traveling by plane, call the TSA again and let them know about your return journey. You should also notify the airline of your child’s needs.

Basically, you need to be the organizational zen master of your journey, making sure that everything is done ahead of time. If you can manage that, you can have a safe, successful, and fun holiday trip.

A Travel Take Away

Travel is one of the most freeing and enjoyable activities that humans take part in. Holiday trips give you the opportunity to see family and spend quality time with loved ones. When you take your children on these trips, you’re giving them the opportunity to build strong memories for the rest of their lives. For children with autism, getting them away from their routine might be stressful, but it also gives them the opportunity to expand their worldview and their social skills while creating lasting memories.

At Lexington Services, we are dedicated to the quality of life for people with autism and special needs. Whether it’s education options, quality services, or home/attendant care, Lexington humbly serves the Phoenix community. Contact Lexington today for more information.

Click here to read the previous blog post.

Communication With Nonverbal Children With Autism

Written by Hgrant on November 13, 2018. Posted in Educational.

Nonverbal children with autism struggle with communication. According to a study conducted by Boston University, approximately 30 percent of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder use no spoken language or learn to speak only a few words.

Because people with ASD can’t tell us what they are thinking or share their thought processes, we need other ways to communicate with them. At Lexington Services, we find the following strategies can help nonverbal children with ASD develop their ability to communicate and, in the process, also improve their verbal skills.

Focus On Nonverbal Communication

Research tells us that children with autism may develop language at a later time than their peers. Words, however, are not the only means of communication. If your child uses no words or has a limited vocabulary, try these nonverbal communication methods:

Use gestures such as nodding and pointing.
Focus on eye contact.
Use your body to help explain (i.e., clapping when something good happens or making a “frowny” face when something not so good occurs).

A lack of verbal skills doesn’t mean there has to be an impenetrable communication barrier. Using nonverbal forms of communication builds a way to “talk” with your child and, over time, can lead to higher degrees of speech while simultaneously developing important social skills.

Encourage Play And Social Interaction

Many experts on autism believe play therapy improves verbal communication skills. When children do activities that include using their hands, they often use gestures to describe the tactile experiences associated with those activities and eventually use words. Try these physical activities:

Engaging in play with stuffed animals, dolls or action figures.
Tickling their tummy or some gentle roughhousing.
Sorting and matching games.
Using play dough or “sensory slime.”

Another benefit to playing is it helps increase visual and motor skills while integrating communication building blocks. Whatever activities you choose, be sure to choose a few your child seems to enjoy. Most importantly, have fun!

Incorporate Music Or Dance

Music is a particularly good approach because many children learn their first words through songs. Songs with repetitive melodies, words and actions make it easier for children with ASD. After playing the song enough times, your child will know what’s coming next. So, try hitting the pause button to see what happens. There may come a time when your child speaks one of the expected words, sounds or phrases.

Use Imitation

Imitation is a terrific way to have a “conversation” with your child because it leads to another form of communication. Start by copying your child’s actions. For instance, if your child loves dogs and likes to make “woof” sounds, do the same. If cars are a favorite toy, grab a car, get on the floor and make “vroom” sounds together. If your child builds a tower of blocks, do the same with your own stack of blocks.

Try to be at their eye level when interacting. This allows your child to see your mouth and hand movements more clearly. However, if you find your child has a hard time looking at you, try activities that keep you and your child face to face. This position helps your child see your facial expressions, which can help to bridge the communication gap. If this is too overwhelming, try getting down on the same physical level by laying on the floor or crouching down.

Through imitation, your child can learn to understand the back and forth that occurs in verbal communication, reinforcing their skills.

Allow Your Child To Learn How To Talk At Their Own Pace

When building language skills, it’s important your child sets the tone of communication by letting them choose the pace. This helps relieve the pressure and provides an opportunity to build language skills. These tactics can reduce their anxieties associated with communicating:

Simplifying language (i.e., if your child picks up a doll, say “doll” or “hug”). Keeping it simple allows your child to absorb each word better. If your child uses one word, then you can try adding another (i.e., “hug dolly”).
Following your child’s lead to keep their interest at a comfortable pace. For example, it’s important to keep in mind children with ASD often prefer to look at and analyze toys rather than play with them, so if your child points to a specific toy, try to follow their line of thought rather than push playing with it.
Preparing your child for changes that will occur when it comes time to shift activities.
Offering two options for decision-making. For instance, if your child cannot use words, present both options and ask their preference – they can point or use the left vs. right hand. The key is to emphasize there are two choices involved. More than two options could overwhelm them. Offering no options, so they have to come up with their own choice, is asking way too much of them.

Eventually, your child may have an easier time following simple sentences if you let them set the pace of learning. Don’t try to push too much at once because this could lead to overstimulation and have the opposite effect of what you want.

Using Visual Support And Assistive Devices

While some children with ASD have apraxia, (the inability to make the right movements while speaking), many do not. At this point, we still do not know why nonverbal children without a condition, such as apraxia, do not speak. It is increasingly believed children who are nonverbal understand far more than what they can communicate with words. Since nonverbal children cannot use words, many respond to alternate forms of communication. These assistive devices can help them to express themselves:

Picture cards.
American Sign Language.
Digital tools such as iPads, apps and software.

While there is still much to be learned about nonverbal autism, research has produced effective communication strategies. These strategies, coupled with technology and other tools, can go a long way to help promote language development.

Verbal or nonverbal, it’s important to continue speaking to your child and include them in conversations. This will heighten a sense of inclusion and improve their understanding of communication. Chances are, it won’t happen quickly. However, with consistency and patience, your child can strengthen their skills by using alternate forms of communication.

If you’d like help with developing strategies that are specific to your child, Lexington Services can offer suggestions and help coordinate services to help build the bridge to stronger communication skills for your child.

You can also read the latest blog by clicking here.

How To Effectively Manage Meltdowns

Written by Hgrant on November 9, 2018. Posted in Parenting.

Any parent of a child with autism dreads the occurrence of a meltdown. It’s distressing to see your child overly-stimulated, inconsolable, and often destructive to property, themselves, or even other people. Meltdowns can be difficult to manage but there are ways that you can help your child through a difficult time and keep them as calm as possible. To properly manage a meltdown, it’s important to understand what’s going on with your child and why a meltdown is different than a tantrum.

The Difference Between Tantrums And Meltdowns

Some people use the terms “tantrum” and “meltdown” interchangeably. These are not the same thing and it does some injustice to kids with ASD to be looked at as a child displaying moody behavior, instead of the very real sensory overload they are experiencing. It’s important to understand the distinction between the two. Here is the difference:

Tantrums are behavioral outbursts where a child is not allowed to get something they want or do something they want to do. Typically a child maintains control of their behavior and they are reacting in the hopes that they will get their way. Tantrums aren’t all bad behavior. Consider the age that tantrums start. When they first start happening, a tantrum is usually the result of a desire for independence or choice in a child that doesn’t have the cognitive or motor skills to express their desire properly. They become frustrated and in an attempt to get what they want, they act out. Tantrums are often learned behavior and usually persist because a child thinks it might get parents to bend to their demands. While tantrums are difficult to deal with, they are different from a meltdown and there are different ways to defuse them.
Meltdowns are the unofficial, common-use term for what some people call Behavioral Crisis. While a child’s behavior is part of the meltdown, it’s not an outburst like a tantrum. A meltdown is a complete loss of behavioral control due to sensory, cognitive, or emotional overload. When your child is experiencing a meltdown, they have hit a complete physiological roadblock which causes an overload. During a meltdown, they are out of control and a meltdown will usually only subside once it’s run its course. Meltdowns can appear like tantrums outwardly, but need to be managed differently.

Tips On Managing Meltdowns

Unfortunately, there is not cookie-cutter solution to stop or prevent meltdowns. At some point, they are going to happen. However, there are a number of things you can do as a parent to manage meltdowns and help your child get through that unpleasant time:

- Identify triggers and avoid stimulation. While meltdowns can’t be avoided completely, you can try to lessen their severity or how often they happen. Pay attention to what triggers your child and avoid those triggers. If there is a chance of a meltdown, try to avoid those things that are likely to overstimulate your child.
- Remain calm. If you get beyond the initial stage to the start of a meltdown, remember to remain calm. Your child is experiencing sensory overload and can’t check their responses, so you need to make sure that you don’t take their reactions personally. Speak calmly, slowly, and maintain a soft demeanor to help defuse the situation.
- Protect their safety. You will need to do a couple things to maintain safety during a meltdown. You should make your child is safe by removing any thing that’s causing stimulation or take them to an area that’s safe while they work through the meltdown. You also need to make sure to remove anything dangerous from their path. Kids having a meltdown can get destructive and this can present safety concerns. Make sure they cannot hurt themselves or others in this state.
- Carry a meltdown kit. Carry a kit that is meant to cover all of your child’s sensory needs. Include things like:
  - Sunglasses
  - Noise-cancelling headphones
  - Fidget toys
  - Snacks
  - Unscented wipes
  There are a lot of different things you can add to a kit to make it perfect for your child. Just make sure it addresses their needs in a stressful moment.
- Find a safe, calm place to ride it out. Meltdowns are all different and the way to make them subside is different based upon each child, so really the best that you can do is offer calming solutions in a safe, quiet, and calm environment.
- Keep a record. To help you manage future meltdowns, keep a record if you can. It doesn’t need to be extensive. Jot down what caused the meltdown to start, what happened throughout, and how you were able to help them through it.

Intervention With A Behavioral Health Specialist

If your child struggles with consistent meltdowns and other behavioral issues, you might need to consider speaking to a behavioral health specialist to help your child maintain control. A behavioral health specialist can help with intervention, adaptive plans, and support for your child.

At Lexington, we offer Behavioral Health services to help members grow and interact with their environment and community in a positive way. If you are looking for a quality behavioral health program for your loved one, contact Lexington services for more information.

To read the most recent blog, click here.

The Role Of Technology In Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder

Written by Hgrant on November 6, 2018. Posted in Educational.

For those living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning valuable social and communication skills can enhance their quality of life. Today’s technology has made many devices available that can help people with autism learn these skills.

Some with autism spectrum disorder have shorter attention spans or trouble concentrating, and many are visual learners. A computer, tablet or mobile phone screen can help them maintain interest in what they are learning with bright, colorful graphics and animation.

Increasing Verbal Skills

According to the Indiana University at Bloomington’s Indiana Resource Center for Autism, communication issues can impact one’s quality of life and hinder the development of social skills and of being able to form relationships with others. This inability to communicate one’s thoughts and desires can lead to social isolation, frustration and behavior problems.

There are interactive websites and mobile apps designed to help develop verbal skills using colorful scenes and text-to-speech technology. For those with autism spectrum disorder who are nonverbal, these apps allow them to hear their words come to life as they are typed out. One app called SceneSpeak has interactive scenes that can be narrated using text-to-speech. Another app, Speech with Milo, allows children to create a storybook, enhancing their storytelling skills.

As they become more comfortable with communication, they will enjoy the benefits of more social interaction, increased self-confidence and personal independence.

Using Alternative Communication Devices

Speech-generating devices or SGDs are voice output devices that are helpful when there is a severe speech impairment or no speech at all. Some SGDs have fixed picture buttons to press, some have touch screens, and others have talking keyboards.

SGDs allow someone with autism spectrum disorder to press a button or type out what they wish to say, and their words are played audibly. You should consult a speech therapist about the best way to use this assistive technology in treating speech problems.

It’s also important to model how to use the device. For example, if he or she wants something, touch that picture on the device, so it says the word. Then you say the word and hand them the requested item.

Any attempts to say or ask for an item through the device should be rewarded immediately as this encouragement will go a long way in the learning process.

Using Therapy Bots To Learn Valuable Social Skills

Play therapy is another advancement, using robots like Sphero Mini, which allows the user to move a ball using facial expressions or to use it as a controller to play virtual reality games. Another robot, the QTrobot or “Cutie,” is shaped like a person and can see, hear, talk, gesture and even make facial expressions.

Social anxiety is common in those with autism spectrum disorder, and working with a device can be less threatening than interacting directly with a person. Working in groups in the classroom using technology such as robots and design programs can help ease this social anxiety.

Technology For A Brighter Future

For special needs adults with autism spectrum disorder, unemployment is common due to a lack of social and communication skills and today’s technology plays a vital role in developing these skills. Learning how to communicate and interact with others increases their chances of finding employment and of being more independent.

This can mean the difference between a life of quiet dependence and isolation or a more fulfilling and productive life, rich with new experiences.

At Lexington, we apply technology and evidence-based practices to help our members grow and learn. For more information, contact Lexington today.

To read the previous blog post, click here.

Funding Options For A Private Education

Written by Hgrant on November 2, 2018. Posted in Educational.

For a lot of parents, tuition costs at private institutions limit them from enrolling their student in a great education program. This is understandable since some private institutions can cost as much as $10,000 a year in tuition. If you have a child with special needs, that’s a costly addition to the necessary services for your child. However, cost shouldn’t bar them from a quality education. A lot of parents might be surprised to find that there are funding options in Arizona that make a private education affordable. What a relief for the parents of children with special needs! If cost is the only thing holding you back from an academic program that will better suit your child, there are options for you.

Highlighted Options

Arizona has been a leader and an example for parental choice when it comes to the education of their children. Arizonans have funding options for private institutions that other states have started to copy. The current administration has praised these programs that help students learn in the best environment. Students are now able to pursue an education at the school that best serves their needs without state restriction. Through funding options like the ESA or STO scholarship, the financial barrier has been lifted. These terms have been thrown around a lot lately, especially as we approach midterm elections, but many people don’t know what an ESA or an STO scholarship entails. Here is a little clarity on what these terms mean:

Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

One of the funding options that Arizona students with autism have access to is the ESA which is an education savings account that is funded in part by Arizona taxpayers. These accounts give parents the funds for their child’s schooling which can be used at a private school that suits their child. There are specific requirements that a student must demonstrate before they can be considered for this option. There is a lot of freedom with these education accounts but there is also a lot of scrutiny to make sure funds are being used appropriately.ESA structuring for use during the school year is fairly rigid and there are requirements that need to be met. It’s important to note that if you want to pursue an Education Scholarship Account for your child, you should contact a support coordinator or the ESA Program sooner rather than later.

School Tuition Organization (STO)

An STO is an organization that creates scholarships specifically for students with special needs and disabilities in order to help parents manage the tuition burden. These organizations are nonprofit and they often use tax-credit donations from individuals and businesses in order to create their scholarships. Donors receive state tax credits for their donations. There are many of these organizations across the state that want to help families get access to the necessary funding they need.

There is an important note that must be underscored here. These programs are extremely important to the students that rely on them and the certified schools that provide quality education and services to students with special needs. Therefore, always make sure that you research your options thoroughly. If you do get an opportunity to work with an STO, make sure they are certified. If you have an ESA, make sure that you only use taxpayer money for education expenses. Finally, when choosing a school for your child, make sure they are approved by the Arizona Department Of Education.

How Do I Get Access To Funding?

Depending on how your student qualifies for one of these programs, if you wanted to pursue these funding options, you would need to apply. If you have a support coordinator, you can discuss these options with them. There is a lot of research and data surrounding these programs and there are obviously very different opinions on the subject to be heard. Do your own research and speak with experts, but ultimately you need to do what is right for your child.

There are advocates that can help parents as they seek the right academic option for their child. Funding doesn’t have to be the restriction that limits your child from a quality education. There are experts at Lexington Services that can answer critical questions you might have to set you on your path. You can contact them today.

If you are seeking a great school for your child with autism, Lexington Life Academy is the leader in Phoenix and surrounding areas. As an Arizona Department of Education approved private school, Lexington Life Academy ensures students are given a quality education. Through standards-based curriculum and evidence-based practices, your child can excel at Lexington Life Academy. Visit our website for more information or contact our experts to learn more now.

For similar reading, check out the previous blog post here.

Halloween Tips And Activities For Children With Autism

Written by Hgrant on October 31, 2018. Posted in Recreation and Fun.

The spooky season of Halloween is upon us! Everywhere you can see smiling pumpkins, spider webs, and ghostly decorations on home fronts and in the stores. Candy fills the shelves. This is one of the most exciting times of the year for children!

However, for children with autism, the Halloween season can be a difficult or challenging time. There are sensory concerns from uncomfortable costumes, scary decorations and lighting, as well as peers ringing doorbells with shouts of “trick-or-treat” ringing up and down the street. The social rules of Halloween can also be challenging for children with ASD and then there is the role of candy to play in the struggle. Overall, Halloween can be a chilling struggle. If you want to help your child enjoy Halloween or at least make it more comfortable for them, try a few of the suggestions on this list.

Going Out For Halloween

Preparation Before The Night

Many parents agree that a major component to your child’s enjoyment of this holiday will be preparation. Find time long before Halloween to discuss with your child what’s going to happen. Show them pictures and do research with them so they have an idea of what their peers are going to be doing and why everyone is in a costume hunting for candy.

If they are going to be dressing up and try trick or treating, take them on an established route that you decide beforehand. Do a test run as an evening walk so they are familiar with where they will be going away from their house. If you have good neighbors, you can coordinate with them beforehand to practice trick-or-treating so it won’t cause too much anxiety on Halloween night. If your child has dietary restrictions, you might be able to give your neighbors special treats to give your child when they come so they get the experience without breaking their diet.

Pick costumes out a long time beforehand so your child has an opportunity to try them on a few times. Try to pick costumes that go easily over the top of clothes or are not restrictive to avoid sensory issues. You could even go and pick up a fun sweatshirt or goofy hat as a substitute for a costume, since it will be easy to put on and easy to shed if it becomes restrictive. If your child isn’t into the costume on Halloween, that’s okay. This is all about making their experience with Halloween positive and fun.

Halloween Night

Once you have all the early prep work done, the next step is to get to through the night without a meltdown, which might be easy or difficult. Every year will likely be different. Take a flashlight with you as you walk and follow your route. Often times, trick-or-treating with friends and siblings can be really helpful because they can watch over your child, ease some of the tension associated with the social situations, and help them score some delicious treats. Trick-or-treating in groups is a great way to keep tabs on your child too, in case they get frustrated and try to elope. Consider light up shoes or glow sticks to keep track of kids in the dark or adjust your timeline a bit to return home as the sun goes down.

Candy can be another major issue on Halloween. You should probably set clear expectations for how much candy your child is allowed to have once you return home. Establishing this before you go out will make it easier to avoid a meltdown. If your child has dietary restrictions, you can also incentivize them with different treats, a new favorite toy or trip to their favorite place as a trade-in for the candy. Do what works best for you and your child, but don’t forget to snag yourself a piece!

Staying In For Halloween

Many children with autism struggle so much with Halloween that they can’t really enjoy the holiday if they go out. Some kids with ASD are just completely uninterested in Halloween and all the festivities. If that’s the case with your child, that’s perfectly okay. There are a few things you can prepare them for as the holiday approaches.

Halloween Day

If everyone else is partaking in the activities but your child is not, there can be a disconnect for them when it comes to school interactions or peer interactions. As you would do with children that are participating in the holiday, make sure you sit down with them and explain what is going to happen during the holiday. Explain the costumes and the decorations that they will see. Show them what trick-or-treating is and how children come to the doors of strangers to collect candy. Overall, just make them comfortable with the holiday before Halloween night begins.

Halloween Night

On Halloween night, find some activities to do with your little one that they enjoy. If they aren’t interested in trick-or-treating, but they do want to take part in the fun, you can have them help you hand out candy to all the ghouls and goblins. If they become stressed out, you can always shut off the light and go inside.

Try to limit sensory overload for your child on Halloween night. If you’re still going to hand out candy, but they don’t want to join, don’t give kids the opportunity to ring the bell and shout. This can cause agitation. Make sure that their environment is comfortable as the night progresses.

Alternative Activities That Are Spooky Fun

No matter whether you are going out or staying in for the eeriest of holidays, there are a lot of really fun activities that you can do at home or in a classroom with children to keep the spooky spirit alive. Before, during, or after the holiday, try a few of these favorites that your kids are sure to enjoy:

All Kinds Of Slime!

Slime is fun for everyone! The gooey, squishy stuff can be really stimulating and fun for kids with autism to play with and make. You can keep it for yourself, or pick up little vials and hand it out for a party favor or Halloween trinket. Here are three different recipes for slime:

Spooky Crafts

Crafting is fun and something about the winter season always makes it fun to stay inside and create something fun. These crafts are sensory friendly, easy to make, and perfect for the halloween season:

Awesome Activities

Any opportunity to combine activity and creativity together is a great thing. Try out these frighteningly fun play activities.

No matter what your child wants to do with their spooky evening, there are a lot of things you do with your little one to enjoy the holiday. From all of us at Lexington Services, Happy Halloween!

Understanding The Link Between Autism And Depression

Written by Hgrant on October 30, 2018. Posted in Educational.

People diagnosed with autism often find themselves facing unique challenges as they become adults. While circumstances vary from individual to individual, one of the biggest problems all people with ASD face is potentially coping with depression.

Research has begun to show a significant number of people who have autism end up being diagnosed with depression as well. At Lexington Services, we’ve been actively tracking research associated with the link between ASD and depression. Many studies are showing a direct correlation between the two conditions.

Statistics And Other Findings Linking Autism With Depression

Researchers now believe depression is more widespread in the autism community than previously thought. According to recent research published by the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, almost half of adults with autism will experience clinical depression at some point during their lives.

The study, which was comprised of a “systematic review” of about 8,000 research articles, found clear evidence there is a link between depression and autism in both children and adults. Other important information we think you should know about includes:

Depression is more common in adults with autism who have higher IQ numbers (unlike the general population where the reverse is true). It is theorized this is because people with higher IQs experience a greater awareness of their condition, making them more prone to depression.
Significant overlap has been documented between ASD and mood disorders.
Two-thirds of people with autism are also diagnosed with one or more other psychiatric disorders.
Clinical depression is the leading cause of disability when looking at the worldwide general population. Yet, people with autism are four times more likely to suffer depression at some point in their lives than people without ASD.
One survey given to parents of children with autism surmised contemplation of or attempting suicide was 28 times greater in children with autism than children with typical development.
Researchers find depression is more commonly diagnosed when clinicians ask a person with ASD directly rather than asking their caregivers.

The numbers in various surveys and research that has been conducted clearly show this is an urgent situation that cannot be ignored. Since it can be difficult to diagnose depression in individuals with ASD, caregivers and clinicians should see to it that people with autism should be regularly screened to ensure that they receive proper treatment before the situation spirals out of control if depression is indeed a factor.

Why Detecting Depression In Adults With Autism Is Critical

Since adults with autism find it difficult to express their feelings, parents and clinicians should be on high alert to any potential symptoms of depression. As a parent of an adult child with autism, it’s important for you to understand what to look for if any warning signs start to emerge.

If they do, you’ll be prepared to have your loved one see a professional as early as possible for an evaluation. If depression is present, it can be treated before it takes too firm of a hold and potentially results in devastating consequences.

It’s also essential to seek an evaluation quickly because depression can have life-altering consequences for people with autism. Research also shows:

Mood disorders can have negative effects on a person’s quality of life.
Depression in people with ASD tends to cause increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Loss of previously learned skills can occur in people who have both ASD and depression.
Individuals may experience increased difficulty carrying out daily tasks in their routines.

Being roughly half of the people who have ASD eventually suffer from depression, families with a member who has autism should be very vigilant and be able to recognize the risk factors even before they reach adulthood. Depression rates for children aged 18 and under who also have autism are found to be close to eight percent.

Since people with autism typically have difficulty communicating how they feel, depression symptoms could be less subtle. Things you should watch for include:

Behavioral changes because your family member may not be able to tell you their feelings.
Sudden or increased loss of interest in favorite activities.
Physiological changes such as new sleep patterns, different eating habits, changes in attention abilities or varying energy levels outside of the norm.
Any other cognitive changes that may signal depression is present or emerging.

If your family member exhibits any of the above symptoms, shares feelings of worthlessness, expresses suicidal thoughts or takes harmful actions, you need to seek help immediately. This is not a situation you should try to handle on your own. Diagnosis is difficult, and you want professional help as soon as possible.

Challenges Of Treating Depression In Adults With Autism

While we know treating depression sooner than later is critical, we also recognize that there are some difficulties associated with treating depression in adults with autism. Additionally, clinicians are often faced with trying to differentiate the overlapping of symptoms between autism and psychiatric issues.

Depression medications might have side effects when mixed with autism medications.
Side effects of many depression medicines can have a negative impact on people with ASD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy) could be ineffective or difficult for clinicians and patients.
Clinicians may have to rely on observed changes, which could be challenging since they don’t spend every day with their patients. They’ll have to rely on family and/or caregivers to provide them with information.
Since depression is typically linked to withdrawal from other people, it may be inadvertently overlooked in people with ASD because they often prefer isolation.

Sometimes doctors can prescribe medication that is equally helpful for autism and depression and able to lessen the symptoms of both conditions. An answer may also be found in applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). This form of treatment is often used when treating autism but is also found to be effective in treating depression as well.

At Lexington Services, we understand the urgency of detecting signs of symptoms in persons with autism. Specialized schools, such as ours, are able to provide a variety of specialized services, including behavioral therapies, to help your family member.

Depression is a serious situation. The sooner you pursue treatment increases the chances your loved one won’t suffer the devastating effects associated with depression.

For more reading like this, check out our previous blog post.

Insight On Special Needs Education Options: Part 2

Written by Hgrant on October 26, 2018. Posted in Educational.

In our last blog post, we discussed necessary things that parents need to know for their student with special needs if they decide to let the district teach their kids. We also made mention of the fact that many parents wonder if a private school option will work better for their children. While students with special needs have many protections in a public school, many students excel and grow quicker in a private school. When it comes to private education, there are many schools that are held to state-approved standards while providing a less restrictive environment for students with special needs. Private day schools in Arizona also give parents the opportunity to take control of their student’s learning through Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA). Private schools for students with special needs are often able to structure their classrooms and curriculum to provide for the unique need of students, while also maintaining state-specific learning standards. Together, these things work well to give students with special needs the best opportunity for academic and social growth without relying on public school environments.

Why Private School Works So Well For Certain Students

Students in public schools often go underserved, despite the best effort of many education professionals. There are sometimes too many students or not enough resources to accurately manage the needs of individuals with special needs. Private classrooms can integrate solutions for a student’s needs, including an adjusted academic focus that helps students learn without strict traditionalism. Schools meant specifically for students with autism, like Lexington Life Academy, provide appropriate positive behavior interventions for students that struggle. Staff in a private school for students with special needs are highly trained and prepared to manage the needs of each unique student.

Private Education Vs Public Education

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public school districts are required by law to educate students with disabilities according to a certain standard. These standards are set forth by the IEP team and must be adhered to. Everything must be structured for accuracy and compliance because these schools are funded by the state. However, districts are still reliant on standardized curriculum for all or most students, as well as standardized testing to gauge instruction accuracy and school performance. The problem for special education students is that often times these standards, or attempts to adhere to these standards, can interfere with how they learn. Standardized tests aren’t necessarily to blame. Instead, it may be the environment in which these standards are applied and how a public school must conform to certain requirements for their whole student body over students with special needs.

Conversely, private schools are not directly funded by the state and can have more choice in how they apply academic standards. Proponents of public education are quick to point out that private schools are not required to adhere to IDEA standards. However, some private schools, such as Lexington, are approved by the Arizona Department of Education(ADE) and must conform to IDEA requirements. Approved schools like Lexington must meet strict standards with curriculum, testing, licensure, and administration. An approved school must provide services and education equal to state standards, which means that students receive the best education possible in an environment that works for them. It’s not a bad idea to make sure that you examine private institutions properly to ensure they are suitable, but there are many schools specifically designed for students with special needs.

Private schools like Lexington follow evidence-based practices and provide standards-based curriculum for their students while working to expand a student’s understanding and quality of life. Arizona private schools take students placed by the district, but they can also take students on ESAs or through STO scholarships, as well as students that haven’t received funding from either option but need an academic change. In the case that a child is placed by the parent, not the district, a school like Lexington has more leeway to adjust academic standards to meet that child’s needs.

(If you are unfamiliar with what an ESA or STO is or what they can do for your child, look out for our next blog post on that topic.)

How Do I Know What’s Right For My Child?

There are so many reasons why children struggle in the public education system and not all of them have to do with academics. A student might have sensory struggles or they might be bullied. Speak to your child and pay attention to the non-verbal signs that let you know what they are experiencing. Some students excel in a public school.

If your student struggles at a public school, either socially or academically, it might be a good idea to look into private education. Make sure to pursue schools like Lexington that are approved by the ADE and apply evidence-based practices and standards-based curriculum. A private institution structured to meet your child’s requirements can have a massive positive effect on your student with special needs. We have seen first hand how much a difference our education model has made in people’s lives and why people choose Lexington.

For more information about Lexington Life Academy, reach out and contact us today or visit our website for more information.

Check out our previous blog here.

Insight On Special Needs Education Options: Part 1

Written by Hgrant on October 23, 2018. Posted in Educational.

Parents of children with special needs should know their options when it comes to their child’s education. Many support coordinators and district officials are as informative as they possibly can be, but sometimes parents still don’t know valuable information about the things afforded to them for their child’s education. In order to make the best choice for your child, especially when it comes to private or public education, there are things you need to be aware of. As a parent, it’s important that you understand your child’s educational rights in Arizona and keep them in mind if you pursue public education. What follows is a brief overview of things provided for students with special needs in the Arizona public education sector.

Lexington will continue this series with our next blog post to inform parents about the provisions by private institutions and how they differ from a public choice, as well as the advantages of private education and things you need to know if your child is going to receive private instruction. Keep that in mind as you read this because private programs are structured differently.

Here are the things you need to be aware of for public programs:

What You Should Know About

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that demands an education for children with disabilities be made available. Each state is required by law to offer a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) available to a qualifying student with disabilities. Signed into law in 1975, this act was a civil rights win for people with disabilities and as our understanding has expanded, the law has been amended to reflect student needs. Under the IDEA, public education institutions are required to coordinate with parents to educate their child. There are a number of rights and provisions covered under the act, but there are a few that you must know while deciding education options for your child.

- The IEP Contract – An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, must be written for a child with a diagnosed disability, which must include the district’s offer of a FAPE. Students are entitled by law to receive education in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). If a school does not provide the services laid out in the IEP, they are in violation of the law.
  - Remember, the FAPE is offered by the district and the services covered should not be paid for by the parent. You can choose to enroll your child in extra services, but anything covered under the FAPE should be covered financially by the district.
  - The law requires that the LRE be provided to every student with disabilities. This means that districts must attempt to provide services to students in a setting that is as close to the general education environment as possible. Districts must prove that students cannot be successful in a classroom with fewer restrictions if they want to educate them in special education classroom.

- Assessments – In order to receive special education services, your child will have to be evaluated to determine a few things:
  - Do they have a disability?
  - Does it cause an impact to their education?
  - Is the child in need of specially designed education?

In order to determine if your child can receive these services, you can request that the district perform this assessment at public expense. They must either comply or provide legal notice of action as to why they did not perform the assessment. This must all be handled within a 15 day period in Arizona. Should the district find a reason to deny your request, you can still have a professional assess your child, but the evaluation won’t be at public expense. If that evaluation finds that your child qualifies, then the district must continue to provide services to them.

The district must reassess your child every three years to make sure they still need special education services. It’s important to know that if the district has enough data to show marked improvement, they can choose not to do the reassessment and choose to cease services.

Consent – Under no circumstances should the district initiate an assessment for a disability or to continue/cease services without informing parents or guardians, presenting a written plan and obtaining signed consent.
Native Language – A 1970 case set the precedent for how children should be tested to identify special needs. All children being evaluated must be tested in their native language that they speak at home.
Handling Disputes – There are several processes in place to handle disputes between parents and districts. First, you are entitled to and should attempt to solve any issues with your child’s IEP team. After that, you may pursue a number of processes with the district special education director. If you are unable to handle the issues at that level, you may also pursue action by the state Department of Education which could be as simple as mediation all the way up to a due process hearing.
- While your child’s plan is under dispute, you have the option to keep your child in their current education program through a law called “Stay Put” which helps them maintain their current academic enrollment standing. This law also applies to district action when it comes to behavioral problems if the school would like to expel your child.
Behavioral Issues – When behavioral issues occur that result in the district attempting to expel your child, you can invoke the “Stay Put” law. However, if the child is suspended for more than ten days, the IEP team will have to have a meeting called a “manifestation determination” to determine whether behavior issues occur as a result of their disability. If they have, the child is returned to their class learning but if the issues arise from something different, the suspension can continue. The district must still provide special education services. The meeting must happen within ten days because, after that, the enrollment status of your child will change, which will be in violation of the IEP.

That’s a basic overview of things provided to parents whose children are enrolled in public special education programs. As you can see, there are a lot of requirements for the school district to maintain an effective education for special needs students under IDEA. This list is a good resource about your options without being too long-winded.

Despite these provisions, many students with special needs end up being underserved by the school district. Often this is because there are not enough resources that the district can provide or the classrooms are too large for accurate learning that also integrates solutions for the needs of students with disabilities.

IDEA IEP Plan Or Section 504 Plan

Certain students have been diagnosed with a disability but it has not been determined to meet the assessment requirements under IDEA for public education. These students might not be covered under IDEA but will still be covered under a Section 504 plan, as we laid out in an earlier blog post. Under Section 504, students with a disability that affects how they interact or learn in an academic environment, but doesn’t necessarily hinder them, are still entitled to a FAPE with aids and services provided to help them learn. Similar to the IEP, a 504 plan must be formulated by the district and implemented for your child.

Seeking Other Options

Because the needs of each individual child can be very specific, sometimes students have to be educated outside of the public education system. Occasionally, the IEP team will even choose to look into charter or private schools as options for your child because they have better facilities to manage your child’s needs. If a student is placed by the IEP team and the district, the documentation continues to go through the team and is managed by the district in accordance with any agreements with the private school. If the district has determined that a certain private school has better facilities to provide for that student, parents can choose to voluntarily enroll their students in a private school and the district could be liable to reimburse some or all the tuition costs for that student.

For some parents, the apparent need their child has to learn in a good environment for them trumps the district offerings for education. Many parents wonder if they should send their child to a private school. Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, catered curriculum, and peers that understand students with special needs. Although private education for students with special needs can offer all of those valuable things, parents must know that private programs and plans for your child are structured differently in a private education setting. These programs have their own provisions for parents to consider. With our next blog post, Lexington will discuss what the differences between public and private programs are and what parents need to know about private education.

Lexington Life Academy is a place for students with autism that have been traditionally underserved at other schools. Our members excel because we apply evidence-based practices, standards-based curriculum, and structured learning to help them succeed. Lexington Life Academy integrates solutions for the sensory needs and behavioral challenges of our members to help them learn. If you are a parent searching for new horizons for your child with autism and their education and you have been considering private options, contact Lexington today for more information.

To read more from Lexington, check out our previous blog post.