Author: Hgrant

4 Special Needs Resources You Can Consume Today

Written by Hgrant on August 7, 2020. Posted in Recreation and Fun. No Comments on 4 Special Needs Resources You Can Consume Today

These days many of us are quarantining and are very aware of meeting social distancing guidelines. Consequently, we have found new ways to keep ourselves busy. With a little more time to ourselves, many people have taken up new hobbies, learned new skills, or are exploring new topics and insights..

Whether its online videos, TV shows, or social media, the digital age has become an innovative path to learning about any subject.

Lexington Services offers premier special education services. Helping your child meet their milestones and achieve their goals is something we are very passionate about. We also believe that learning happens outside of our centers as well, so we culminated four resources you can check out if you want to learn more about your special needs child, or if you are just simply interested and want to follow along with current special needs topics.

1. Unexceptional Moms – Podcast

Bringing parents with special needs children comfort and advice, mothers Ellen Stumbo and Erin Loraine cover a range of topics going through the journey of raising special needs children. Anything from going to school, anxiety, friendships, and so much more, Ellen and Erin’s kind and sensible style make listeners feel like they are talking with a friend.

Check it out here!

2. Atypical – TV Show

Chronicling the life of Sam Gardner, an 18-year-old boy with Autism, this Netflix series follows the struggles and desires of what it is like to be a teenager on the spectrum. Easy to root for and hard to dislike, Keir Gilchrist does an amazing job of portraying Sam while not falling into a stereotype. Additionally, the inclusion of autistic actors and writers showcases amazing representation for the special needs community.

Check out Atypical on Netflix!

3. Emilie Weight: 3 things I learned from my intellectually disabled son – TED Talk

Discussing the wows and woes of having a son diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome, Emilie Weight gives a joyous take on children with special needs claiming they make our society more well rounded with their simplistic optimism. Weights simple explanations and witty style of talking make this 9 minutes video worth the watch.

Check it out here!

4. Hopeful Parents – Blog

Hopeful Parents.org brings light to an incredible group of parents who note their experiences with their special needs children. there is truly something every parent with a special needs child can relate to. You will smile, laugh, and tear up as you read the words and feel the emotions of these parent’s experiences.

Check it out here!

For more information on Lexington Services email us at info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com or give us a call at (480) 900-1009.

teletherapy, therapies, special needs children, services

How Your Special Needs Child Can Still Receive Therapy During Coronavirus

Written by Hgrant on July 31, 2020. Posted in Covid-19. No Comments on How Your Special Needs Child Can Still Receive Therapy During Coronavirus

Whether it’s the expressive methods used in speech therapy, the clinical development process of occupational therapy, or the creative process of music therapy, Lexington Services is here for you. We are constantly making sure we are able to provide the best care for our members and help them reach their milestones.

But unfortunately, as we inch our way through a worldwide pandemic, it has become increasingly harder for children with special needs to receive the therapies that are essential to their learning, development, and growth.

Though times may be challenging, Lexington continues to persevere, and provide ways that your child can get the adequate learning and support they need.

Because we live in a digital world, Lexington has been able to find this perfect balance of social distancing while also issuing our therapy services to people from the safety of their own homes.

We have implemented teletherapy based services into our curriculum. Teletherapy services allow our clients to remain safely at home, while also making sure their children don’t fall behind and regress in their learning.

Teletherapy is a great option for parents who don’t feel comfortable sending their kids back to Lexington in-person yet. In addition to keeping parents at ease, teletherapy keeps parents connected while our providers can focus on improving your child’s learning and growth, so they can achieve those #SoTheyCan moments.

Many parents are skeptical about implementing online and remote special needs services. Perhaps there is this idea if you are not doing these services in person, it is not effective. But, as our Director of Therapies Dallin Webster will testify “I encourage all parents to try it at least once.” As parents get used to the idea and the convenience of these amazing services, they will see that they are still getting the same great service all from the comfort of their own home.

Times may be uncertain, but your child’s continued development doesn’t have to be. As we progress through the digital age, now more than ever it is easier for parents to ensure that their child’s growth is not compromised.

Would you like to know more? Email us at info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com

For an overview of all the therapy services Lexington offers, check out our video!

How coronavirus affects the special needs industry

Written by Hgrant on April 24, 2020. Posted in Covid-19. No Comments on How coronavirus affects the special needs industry

To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented economic downturn would be an understatement. In the last two weeks alone, around 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, and the U.S. government passed a historic $2 trillion stimulus bill to try to offset the economic impact of the virus.

Across the country, industries in every market are preparing to weather a severe recession. One market that’s gone widely overlooked is the special needs market, which cares for individuals who have autism, cerebral palsy, and other atypical physical and cognitive needs. Here’s how we think the Coronavirus Recession will impact the special needs market and how various industries in the market will bounce back after it ends.

How bad is the Coronavirus Recession for the special needs market?

To put it bluntly, the pandemic’s effect on the special needs industry is bad. The unemployment rate is currently hovering around 13%, which rivals the rate during the Great Depression. Despite the government’s recent attempt to keep the economy afloat with a record-setting stimulus bill, no market will escape the Coronavirus Recession unaffected.

The Coronavirus Recession stands to impact the special needs industry in a few unique ways:

Caregivers are in uncharted territory. Working remotely isn’t an option for caregivers. They’re essential workers and will still visit their clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. But navigating this crisis will be difficult. Many special needs clients are at high risk from the coronavirus, so hygiene precautions will need to be stringent. Inevitably, some special needs clients will also contract the virus even if every precaution is taken. Caring for those clients will be incredibly challenging. Not only will caregivers have to risk exposing themselves to the virus, but they’ll also have to navigate quarantines to care for clients.
Special needs education will be hit hard. Schools around the country are closing, and children and adolescents will now spend the next months at home instead of at school. For special needs students who thrive thanks to the care they receive at school, this will be a challenging time. Special needs educators will need to find new ways to care for their students without being physically present. Physical therapists (PTs), in particular, will be forced to think outside the box.
Parents will have to pick up the slack. Special needs educators and therapists will have to rely on parents to administer the care they would normally give special needs students at school. This is likely to be difficult for parents who are working from home and caring for other children at the same time.

How will the special needs market recover?

Some parts of the special needs market will be more affected by the recession than others. For example, while caregivers’ jobs will become significantly more challenging during this time, most caregivers will still be able to work. That isn’t necessarily the case for people like PTs, who can’t carry out their duties properly thanks to social distancing and may be categorized as nonessential businesses or forced to close their doors for a time.

There are two things special needs workers can do to weather the storm:

Special needs educators should turn to e-learning. With so many students stuck at home, the e-learning market (which has been ramping up for years) is poised for another massive expansion. Educators who can harness technology to continue caring for special needs students will find success even in these trying times.
Special needs caregivers and educators should consider offering virtual seminars. Parents and guardians who normally relied on special needs educators and caregivers can no longer do so. Special needs professionals can help parents navigate this situation by offering courses or one-on-one workshops through video conferencing platforms to make them more self-sufficient.

Ultimately, it’s too early to say exactly how the Coronavirus Recession will impact the special needs market. It may take anywhere from six months to a year for meaningful recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic to begin. Most economists predict that the economy will start to rebound late in 2020 or early in 2021. We urge all special needs professionals to stay updated about the latest projections to understand how COVID-19 will impact their work more accurately.

If you run a small or medium-sized business and need help during this time, Lexington Services has your back. We specialize in providing these enterprises with the tools they need to succeed. To learn more, contact us.

What To Know If Your Baby Is Diagnosed With Down Syndrome

Written by Hgrant on April 3, 2020. Posted in Parenting. No Comments on What To Know If Your Baby Is Diagnosed With Down Syndrome

New parents often have an idea of what their lives are going to be like with their little ones and all the milestones they hope to see over their young lives. They build a profile for success and health for their child almost as soon as they are conceived. Nothing changes these notions that are formed early on like a diagnosis of a long term condition that will affect a child’s entire life such as Down Syndrome. Often times the detour in the life path can seem devastating to new parents that have plans for their children. It can be overwhelming knowing that there are conditions and limitations associated with Down Syndrome that they will have to contend with for their entire lives. And what does this diagnosis mean for you as a parent and your plans? These are the questions that grip you almost immediately and it’s hard for parents to see the good things immediately. At Lexington Services, our members with Down Syndrome are some of the brightest people we see everyday. We want to encourage you to take a breath, take some time, and remember these 5 things if your baby is diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

Your Baby Is An Infant

It’s far too easy to let an entire life play out before your eyes and forget that your baby is just that: your baby. No baby is a “Down Syndrome” baby and should not have their identity reduced to that. This new life and new person will be a unique individual with wants and dreams, preferences, quirks and amazing traits. They will carry a little bit of you in them, but they will be their own person too and you will be surprised how little the effect that Down Syndrome will have on who they are.

Down Syndrome Will Not Define Them

Too many people, especially people on the outside, will assume that Down Syndrome will become representative of your child’s whole life and that’s far from the truth. There will be amazing milestones and heart aches over the years that have nothing to do with their condition. The entire experience of growing and bonding and developing will not be predicated on Down Syndrome. Instead, your child will have preferences, opinions, likes and dislikes. They will have strengths and weaknesses, just the same as any of their peers. It’s easy to feel like everything will be defined by it, but don’t let the diagnosis alter your course or theirs and you will always be happy to see how high they climb.

They Will Achieve Many Milestones

For some reason, many parents compete over the milestones of their child and what they have accomplished. And yet, this is not a happy practice. For a child with Down Syndrome, they will achieve many of the same accomplishments that many of their typically developing peers achieve, as long as they are given some time to do so. They aren’t going to be in a sprint to hit milestones like some of their peers and their parents. Instead, you need to give them the time to follow their own path uphill. You will be there to see those accomplishments and they will be just as meaningful or beautiful as you can imagine.

The Challenges Lead To A Unique Life

Many kids with Down Syndrome do struggle with certain things over their lifetime, especially if they don’t get the parental and professional support they need. Some kids will struggle verbally, some kids will have trouble with the range of motion, others might have issues controlling certain behaviors. These challenges are not abnormal, even amongst their typically developing peers. Every challenge that parents come up against should be looked at as an opportunity to help your child with Down Syndrome grow. Don’t waste time on anger, regret or exasperation. Take the challenge as an opportunity to get creative and invest into this unique life you lead.

There Is A Lot Of Support Available

One thing that you need to know immediately is that you are not alone. There are parents just like you that have also had a similar experience that are ready to help and offer advice. There are blogs and support websites that are ready to guide you through the early years. And there are amazing service providers that can direct you to resources and provide you with the support you need. For Arizona families, Lexington Services is here to make a connection with you and your family. Contact our team to find out more about what Lexington Services can do for you. Call 480-900-1009 or email info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com for more information.

Are Girls With Autism Getting Left Behind?

Written by Hgrant on March 6, 2020. Posted in Educational. No Comments on Are Girls With Autism Getting Left Behind?

While we often talk about global statistics on autism here, we rarely drill down into the social and physiological differences in terms of autism diagnosis. We have talked a bit in the past about cultural differences and their effects. However, a number of resources are beginning to point to an issue within our community that needs to be addressed. Many girls with autism are getting left behind, misdiagnosed or never diagnosed at all. This has neurological and physiological reasoning behind it, but there is a social codification at play that leads to girls with autism going without the resources they need. At Lexington, we want to make sure that everyone is given the opportunities they deserve. Let’s take a look at girls getting diagnosed with autism and why they are being left behind.

Understanding The Model For Autism Diagnosis

While we may have made great strides in the west to help diagnose and provide resources for people with ASD, we still have a lot to adjust and a lot to learn. While we understand more about the spectrum and neurodiversity, we are still far from understanding the causes and the full scope of what lies on the spectrum. In other instances, we are using scientifically improper data that needs to be updated. The criteria that many experts use now was created from a study that was almost entirely comprised of boys. Girls experience growth and neurological change differently than boys and it often takes longer to discover that girls have autism, even if their autism is on par with their male peers in terms of severity. While this data subset may need to be updated, it takes a measurable subset of criteria to change the diagnosis field and there has been significantly less effort put into understanding autism in girls alone. Therefore, when choosing to get a diagnosis for girls with autism, parents need to be extra vigilant in whose opinion they trust and how many opinions they receive. Unfortunately, many girls go through much of their young lives believing they have OCD, BPD or even eating disorders without ever realizing that they have ASD and should seek resources for that.

How Autism Presents In Girls

The symptoms for girls with autism are not unlike those of their male counterparts, but they are often overlooked due to stereotypes that still find their way into medical fields. Girls and boys might have developmental delays in language acquisition, as well as meltdowns, but boys meltdowns present with a typical misunderstanding of social expectations. Boys simply do not care that much about social interaction at a young age, where girls with autism tend to notice and study social norms, finding ways to blend in because of a desire for companionship. Furthermore, girls that are tracking social trends may develop an excessive interest in something, it’s easier to miss than some male obsessions. An excessive obsession with horses might go unnoticed where an obsession with train schedules might not. Girls also tend to have marked change over time. Boys who tend to show signs of autism at age 7 will maintain a consistency in behavior, while girls with autism might have significant changes in their behavior and skill development between 7, 10 and 16 years old. For girls with autism, the coping factor for the stress and depression that comes from being misunderstood can also lead to harmful actions, such as self harm or eating disorders, as opposed to boys that may get angry or even violent. In these cases, girls may go years without anyone noticing there is something wrong. It’s a trained experts job to understand the masked elements that indicate that someone is on the spectrum.

Masking Symptoms

Girls with autism tend to have a better social awareness than their male counterparts, or at least they appear to have a better understanding. For a lot of girls, there is a better understanding of social norms. Girls with autism seem to connect more with the social expectations of their peers and many girls with autism spend a lot of time studying their peers to appear to fit in with the social expectations. Many researchers indicate that this masking of symptoms makes it harder to identify autism in females, although there are advocates that believe the diagnosis criteria needs to be adjusted. While girls with autism may appear to have social understanding down, the inner struggle is exhausting. And if the criteria isn’t changed to further understand autism in females, more and more girls will get diagnosed later and later in life, which poses more risks than people are often aware of.

Why It’s Crucial To Help Girls With Autism

Like many of their peers with autism, girls with ASD are common targets for bullying. This is far too common in the autism community and people are working to end bullying. However, there are other risks for girls with autism that can be deadly serious. Girls with autism still might miss certain social cues, making them a little less aware of the dangers of some situations. Girls can sometimes find themselves in emotionally or physically abusive relationships or friendships without resources to escape or they may even be targets for sexually inappropriate or dangerous treatment. Girls with autism that are unaware of their condition may be particularly susceptible. It’s vital for those around to identify the signs and get help as quickly as possible.

How Can Anyone Help?

It’s imperative for parents and guardians that feel like there may be a social or behavioral difference in their young children to seek help as early as possible. Girls with autism may appear to have less of the “telltale” signs at first, but with enough observation, experts can determine what identifies early signs. Vigilance is also key as some experts might miss these signs. If a parent or guardian thinks something might have been missed, they should always seek a second opinion. Furthermore, the best thing you can do after a diagnosis is to partner with a service provider that can connect you with the needed services, therapy and education your family will come to value! That’s why so many in the Phoenix area trust Lexington Services. If you are seeking a partner in Arizona, call us now at 480-900-1009 or send an email to info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com.

The Similarities and Differences Between ADHD And Autism

Written by Hgrant on January 17, 2020. Posted in Educational. No Comments on The Similarities and Differences Between ADHD And Autism

Often times people have a hard time telling whether a child has a little bit of a wandering attention, or whether their child’s behavior is an indicator of an underlying condition. However, what should parents discuss with professionals? Often people immediately assume it could be ADHD or perhaps it’s a sign of autism. Sometimes parents and families have a hard time discerning between the two and people are commonly misguided to believe that the two are both on the spectrum. While ADHD and autism share a lot of similar traits, there are a number of things that are unique to each condition. Parents and guardians need to understand the differences and similarities in order to make the most informed decision about their child. At Lexington, we’re happy to provide the resources we can to help people make informed decisions and seek the services they need. Here is a breakdown of the differences between autism and ADHD.

What Is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects some where near 8.5% of children and 2.5% of adults. It’s a condition that is characterized by difficulties with attention, impulse control and hyperactivity. People with ADHD may have trouble concentrating on the task at hand, remaining still or thinking before making a quick decision. ADHD impacts the way that the brain grows and develops. For many, the symptoms of ADHD can improve as a child grows and gains more focus or control.

What Is Autism?

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder can be a singular or a series of developmental disorders that affect language skills, behavior, social interactions, motor skills and the ability to learn. Autism affects somewhere between 1 in 59 and 1 in 65 kids. Autism causes are still not known and there is no traditional “cure” for autism. Rather, many advocates see autism as a distinct piece in a neurodiversity puzzle. Autism functions as a spectrum from mild to severe with many different experiences in between. On a social level, some of the struggles for kids with autism appear very similar to those with ADHD.

What Are The Similarities?

Certain aspects of both autism and ADHD overlap and may appear to be one or the other. Unfortunately many kids with autism end up misdiagnosed as having ADHD, but not many kids with ADHD experience the same. Both conditions can have limited social understanding of their behaviors and the effect on others. People with either condition may appear to have trouble with paying attention to certain things, although people with ADHD have a very different experience with their attention. Overall, they have symptoms that appear to be similar, but can be drastically different in certain aspects.

What Are The Major Differences?

There are several distinct factors that are pretty clear lines between autism and ADHD, although there are some people that can have both ADHD and autism, so parents and guardians need to recognize the key differences to help professionals with their diagnosis. While both might struggle with attention, people with ADHD have a hard time when asked to concentrate on a single task, so they tend to avoid tasks that require concentration. Meanwhile, a child with autism might stay hyper focused on a topic that interests them, while demonstrate trouble concentrating or even show signs of discomfort when asked to concentrate on things they’re not interested in. Kids with ADHD might talk quickly and loudly, wanting to have the last word or the first word in a conversation, while kids with autism may have difficulty expressing emotion or thoughts verbally. In addition, they may avoid eye contact and misunderstand social interactions.

When To Seek An Autism Diagnosis

For parents and guardians, if you suspect that your child might have either of these conditions, you should seek a diagnosis. Particularly with autism, the key to overcoming certain barriers is early intervention. If you have received a diagnosis of autism for you or your child, now is the time to seek out the help of specific services to overcome some of the social and behavioral hurdles. Contact Lexington Services now and we will help you find the services you need and answer any questions you may have. Call 480-900-1009 now.

Reviewing 3 Inclusive Pixar Short Films on Disney+

Written by Hgrant on January 10, 2020. Posted in Recreation and Fun. No Comments on Reviewing 3 Inclusive Pixar Short Films on Disney+

Pixar animation studios is likely responsible for the formative understanding of the world for millions upon millions of children. Before making some of the most beloved animated films ever created, the studio started making its name by making short animated films. Pixar short films are now legendary, typically packing some of the most emotional punches into a runtime between 2-10 minutes, as opposed to a feature length film. With the release of the new Disney+ streaming service, more and more creators are getting to showcase their work as the company is now in need of enough content to keep up with the other streaming services. Several new Pixar short films have come out since November and they all seem to have a shared message of inclusivity and understanding. These messages are helping to show a new generation values that will make the world better for everyone. While all of the recent releases are worth the time to watch, these are the 3 inclusive Pixar short films that Lexington recommends for you and your family.

Float

Float is a short little film about a father that discovers his son is different from other children. His child’s differences are unique and beautiful, as the boy is capable of flight, but other parents and children are shocked and even fearful of the boy. In an effort to protect the child from fear and ridicule, or himself and his reputation, the father attempts to hide the boy’s powers. In the process, he ends up stifling the boy’s imagination and yelling at him for being anything different than “normal.” We won’t spoil much, but the film does have an emotional ending that will warm your heart. Furthermore, this film was created and directed by first time director Bobby Rubio, who based the story off of personal experience. His son has Autism Spectrum Disorder and the child in the film is based on Bobby’s son. Ultimately Bobby indicates that the actions taken by the father are out of fear, while the ultimate acceptance that a child being different isn’t a bad thing is a moment of clarity that some parents don’t get. This is one of those Pixar short films where the message can be interpreted by the audience. The message seems to be, “no matter how your child is different from the rest of the world, remember that their uniqueness is what makes them their own individual.”

Purl

Perhaps this one is a little less kid friendly than the last one, although it’s small moments of off-color humor still keep it within the family friendly nature of other Pixar short films. Purl is about a small, pink ball of yarn that starts a job at B.R.O Capital and has a hard time competing with a notably toxic staff of male co-workers. Purl makes an effort to conform and fit in so that she can fit in with the crowd. When a new yarn ball starts, Purl realizes she has lost a lot of her dimensions in order to fit in and quickly takes the new yarn ball under her wing. As the film closes some time later, we see that the office is now a vibrant and welcoming mix of color, with her original co-workers having loosened up the vibe a bit and several new yarn editions to the crew. What’s great about this sketch is that no one is really wrong here. It’s understandable that Purl would want to change, but there isn’t a refusal from her counterparts to make changes once Purl displays how to be inclusive. It comes down to a lack of understanding and a tendency toward conformity in new social situations. The message is clear: a little bit of acceptance and inclusivity will make things brighter than you expected. This film has a great message and it’s worth your time.

Loop

In a leap forward for representation, one of the newest Pixar short films, Loop, features a female person of color with non-verbal autism at the forefront of the story. Not many Disney installations have explicitly wandered into non-verbal representation so far, so this story is one that has many people excited. The story is about a young chatty boy and young non-verbal girl attending canoe camp. When they get stuck in the middle of an urban lake, they have to try and understand the world through each other’s eyes in order to navigate back to the shore. The buzz on Twitter for this film went on for months and it’s clearly breaking through barriers with it’s art and story choices. However, what makes it perfect for this list is that it’s enjoyable. It’s not just representative. It truly captures you by the heart.

Kicking back on the couch with the family is a great way to bond, especially when you don’t have to pay movie theater prices or even change out of pajamas. These films are sure to warm the hearts of everyone in your life, so we hope you enjoy our suggestions. If you have any other pieces of media that you want to see Lexington cover, send an email to info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com or find us on Twitter using @LexingtonAutism.

LEGO Therapy Benefits For Kids With ASD

Written by Hgrant on January 3, 2020. Posted in Recreation and Fun. No Comments on LEGO Therapy Benefits For Kids With ASD

Millions of kids have discovered the joys of LEGO^® products and will spend some time in the next few days erecting LEGO creations. It’s a universally beloved toy, simple in its most basic form and yet can be used to make massive, complex structures and dioramas. LEGO sets are a particularly useful tool and play item for kids on the autism spectrum. LEGO therapy benefits range from improved social skills, concentration and attention adjustments and even enriched motor skill function. Most therapy programs that work with children on the spectrum incorporate LEGO products into their curriculum. While parents and family members might be used to seeing LEGO products in the classroom and in therapy centers, not everyone knows why they are so beneficial. Lexington uses LEGO bricks in some of our programs and here are the reasons why pretty much everyone that works with kids on the spectrum uses these implements to help kids grow.

Social Skill Expansion

One of the many LEGO therapy benefits is an opportunity to grow socially. Depending on how the program is implemented, there is either opportunity for casual interaction through LEGO free-play or a designed approach in which each participant is given a role in the construction of a particular set. These roles are assumed and then traded while the construction happens, giving every participant a chance to try something new or to fill the role they prefer. Either way, LEGO bricks are simply a conduit to increase social interaction during floor time.

Creativity Explored

While there is a formulaic approach to the construction of standard LEGO sets, it’s not uncommon for architects of the LEGO structure to make their own creative changes or even to create their own structure purely from imagination. It’s an opportunity to explore and test the boundaries while remaining within the formulaic boundaries of brick on brick. This is another one of the LEGO therapy benefits of the little colored bricks. An environment is created in which boundaries can be tested safely.

Motor Skill Adjustment

The LEGO therapy benefits are multi-faceted, but their use in therapeutic interventions was first studied and implemented as a way to improve fine motor skills and hand strength while helping improve spatial, visual and analytical skills around 2003. The original model for LEGO therapy was implemented as a social skills program with added motor adjustments. Now the program uses many of the base ideas from its original implementation, but there are many books and many different approaches with the aim of helping kids see the benefits from LEGO therapy. As kids attach block to block and arrange different sized pieces into structures and vehicles, they don’t realize that they are expanding their motor skills more and more with each block placed. Many of the best therapeutic interventions happen without a strenuous impact or even the member being aware that this play time is actually impacting their skills.

Goal Oriented Tasks

One of the LEGO therapy benefits that’s immediately obvious is the implementation of goal oriented tasks into play-based learning. While there are many ways to use LEGO pieces for therapy, the traditional method involves the assignment of 4 roles to each participant in order to complete a LEGO task.

An Engineer, who reads and dictates the instructions
A Supplier, who collects the various bricks needed from different piles
A Builder, who listens to the instructions and uses the supplies to build the model.

Finally, a role should be assigned to the adult or guardian implementing this therapy.

A Foreman, who make sure that everyone is working as a team

Each participant takes a turn in each role, so everyone has a chance to try different things. Each role also has a task-oriented goal that supports the overall goal to complete the project. The breakdown of the project into individual roles helps kids to develop goals in a social and task-based setting.

Overall, a simple collection of blocks can become something amazing with a little dedication, but it’s truly fascinating to see how these simple tasks can help kids grow and develop. Lexington members come into contact with LEGO pieces in varying capacities, but they’re always a tool that we can use to help our members grow. Would you like to know more? Send an email to info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com and let us show you the LEGO therapy benefits.

Setting Goals For The New Year With The Right Mindset

Written by Hgrant on December 27, 2019. Posted in Educational. No Comments on Setting Goals For The New Year With The Right Mindset

Every year, millions of people begin setting goals for their New Year’s resolutions right after the Christmas holiday. Parents and guardians of people with special needs are often harder on themselves than necessary at this time of introspection, both in evaluating what they accomplished and helped their loved ones accomplish in the previous year and what they must accomplish in the next year. Even if no one is pressuring you, you want to provide the best life possible for them and you want your loved ones to achieve their goals as well. This year, when you’re setting goals for yourself and your family, it’s time to flip the mindset and start making meaningful goals without discrediting the progress you have already made. Lexington Services wants to see you set and meet goals with a sense of positivity. Here is what you are going to do different in the new year.

Don’t Focus On Autism

One of the most limiting things that anyone can do is focus on their limitations, instead of their potential. Author Anita Lesko, who wrote Temple Grandin: The Stories I Tell My Friends, did not find out for many years that she was living with autism. When setting her goals, she built her path on the things that she wanted to accomplish and didn’t let the limitations she had always lived with keep her from a Nurse Anesthetist, Military Journalist and Pilot. If any person that has had success focused only on their limitations, they would not have gone very far. When you are setting goals for yourself or you are encouraging your loved ones to set goals for themselves, don’t focus on autism and don’t focus on limitations. Instead, focus on possibility.

Focus Directly On Things To Change

If you are setting goals for the New Year, nothing can be more detrimental to your confidence or easily left behind as a goal than a vague promise. That’s not to say that a goal to “be happy” or “spend more time with family” isn’t a valid resolution. These are perfectly good goals. However, the more direct and incremental you get with your goals, the more likely you are to succeed in making changes. For example, a person is more likely to lose weight if they set a goal to lose 25 pounds by a certain date than if they just say “I’m going to lose weight.” Set your focus directly at what to change and what you can do in a certain time frame when setting your goals.

Take Complex Goals In Steps

Part of the reason people get discouraged after setting goals for their new year is the need to accomplish too much too quickly. People try to take on too large of a chunk and they end up getting burnt out. The key to accomplishing all your goals for next year is to take them in pieces. Break each goal down into the steps you need to finish to accomplish one part of your overall goals and focus on those smaller parts. Before you know it, you will have accomplished your goals entirely.

Cultivate Interests

Whether you are helping a loved one with autism or setting your own goals, interests are key to success. You can set personal goals to meet more people in the community or help your child set a goal to improve motor function, but these goals have no path toward achieving that goal. Specifically for people with autism, the best way to help people with special needs is to fold their interests into the path that helps you achieve that goal. For parents and caregivers, you are more likely to accomplish everything you set out to do if you can find some enjoyment while doing it.

At Lexington Services, we’re pretty familiar with setting goals and sticking to them. From the beginning we have accomplished the goals we set, but we have so many more goals we want to accomplish over the next 5 years. We’re also experts at helping people accomplish their own goals. Want to make your plans for the New Year? Let’s make a plan together. Call 480-900-1009 now or send an email to info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com.

Dealing With Ignorance and Rude Comments

Written by Hgrant on December 20, 2019. Posted in Educational. No Comments on Dealing With Ignorance and Rude Comments

People can be mean. That comes as no surprise to people with special needs and their families. Often times people don’t even realize that they are being offensive, but there are many preconceived notions about people with disabilities that people still hold on to. These ideals lead them to saying rude comments or spouting ignorance, whether that’s intentional or unintentional. Having to deal with that far too often can be frustrating for anyone living with a disability and their families. Sometimes you can be so frustrated that you just don’t know what to do. At Lexington Services, we have developed a five part strategy to deal with ignorance and rude comments. Take a deep breath, read these strategies and get back to your day.

Take a Breath and Remain Calm

This is just good in any situation where someone has uttered rude comments, but especially when it’s done out of ignorance. In this situation, your emotions are fueled by a long history of misunderstanding and seclusion. It can be too easy to make an irrational and possibly hurtful response if you don’t try to retain control of your emotions. Taking a deep breath or two will allow you to center your response before you make your own rude comments.

Ignore the Comments Entirely

One of the easiest ways to deal with rude comments is to entirely ignore them. The most ignorant people will likely remain ignorant no matter what you say or do. Is it worth the time to let their negativity bring you and your loved ones down? Someone else’s opinion does not define you or your family. If people are being ignorant and spouting rude comments, it’s better to walk away and ignore them.

Allow Humor To Diffuse The Situation

Humor is a great deterrent for ignorance, but you have to be careful when using humor to defuse rude comments. If you’re upset, humorous quips could come across as snarky. Furthermore, with the wrong audience, a humorous statement with a little bit of bite could come across as offensive. Humor is a lighthearted way to brush off comments about you or your child though.

Respond With Short Answers

You don’t owe anyone a response when they say rude things or even when they offer unsolicited advice about how to parent or what they believe might work. The quickest way to shut down these types of conversations is with short sentences that are not open ended. Short answers also tend to be less conversational, stopping people in their tracks.

Use This Moment To Inform or Teach

The reality is that most ignorant or rude comments come from a place of misinformation. Sometimes, when people are rude to you or they offer misguided advice, they simply just don’t understand. When it comes to autism and other cognitive disabilities, there is a lot of misinformation out in the world. It’s not your job to change people, but the only way we can change public perception is to stop the spread of misinformation with facts.

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Nothing about dealing with rude comments is pleasant, but it’s unfortunately a part of life with special needs or with a person that has special needs. Sometimes these types of interactions can be isolating. The best thing to do when you feel alone is to seek a community. We’re here for you at Lexington Services. Reach out with your concerns, your frustrations or your questions and we’ll be there for you. Send us an email at info@lexingtonservi.wpengine.com.