As autistic kids move into middle school years, ABA therapy, in conjunction with engaged parents, teachers, school administrators and friends, can help create a pathway for a positive quality of life.
The range of needs and therapies in this age range can be rather wide, depending in part on the amount of intensive ABA therapy a child has received over the years. For some children, a good deal of assimilation is already in place. The challenges here are to look for those opportunities to build on a good foundation and place children in places where they can flourish. Children with specific areas of interest or strong verbal skills can really benefit from personalized plans that play to their strengths.
For children with more challenging communication or behavioral issues, there are a number of methods that show promise. Stepping Stones ABA therapists are seeing a great deal of progress with the use of computer tablets, apps and video games that make it possible for non-verbal children to finally be able to share their thoughts and feelings in an efficient way.
In addition to learning skills and general subject matter education, middle school ABA therapy also frequently includes a focus on socialization. For some children, coping methods are an area of emphasis. For others, the challenge is to find non-traditional ways to help kids connect with those around them.
Our therapists are skilled and passionate about helping our kids transition through a life stage that can be daunting for everyone to some degree. We welcome the chance to collaborate with school officials when possible, to work together on a individualized program that helps our clients achieve their fullest potential.
Our home-based services make it possible for Stepping Stones ABA to work with families throughout central North Carolina. Through our involvement with the Tricare Autism Demonstration Project we’ve been especially blessed to serve children in active military families, stationed in locations such as Seymour Johnson AFB, Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. From Goldsboro in the east, Durham and Chapel Hill in the west, Fayetteville to the south and Wake Forest in the north, we welcome the opportunity to serve families throughout the Raleigh – Durham “Triangle” region.
If you believe your child is in need of a trained ABA therapist, please contact us by phone, 919-810-1459, by email [email protected], or by filling out our contact us form to the right.