by mav admin2 | Oct 28, 2025 | Applied Behavior Analysis, Art therapy
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year, but it can also be overwhelming for children on the autism spectrum. From costumes and trick-or-treating to parties and decorations, the holiday can create sensory overload or behavioral challenges. At Autism Centers of Utah in Sandy, we provide strategies to help families celebrate Halloween safely while supporting ABA therapy goals.
With the right preparation, Halloween can be a fun and inclusive experience for children of all sensory needs.
Why Halloween Can Be Challenging
The sights, sounds, and activities of Halloween can affect children with autism in various ways:
- Loud noises from parties or decorations may cause anxiety.
- Crowded spaces during trick-or-treating can be overwhelming.
- Certain costumes or masks may be uncomfortable or restrictive.
- Unexpected changes in routine can trigger stress or meltdowns.
- Planning ahead and incorporating sensory-friendly strategies can make the holiday enjoyable and safe.
Sensory-Friendly Halloween Tips
1. Choose Comfortable Costumes
Opt for soft, breathable fabrics and avoid masks or costumes that restrict movement. Allow your child to participate in costume selection to ensure comfort and confidence.
2. Plan Trick-or-Treating Routes
Select quieter neighborhoods or visit during less crowded times. Consider shorter routes with plenty of breaks to reduce sensory overload.
3. Use Visual Schedules and Social Stories
Visual schedules and social stories can help children anticipate what to expect during Halloween events, including parties, trick-or-treating, and school activities.
4. Offer Alternative Celebrations
Host a small, sensory-friendly Halloween party at home or at school with familiar decorations, snacks, and games to reduce stress.
5. Reinforce Positive Behavior
Use ABA strategies to reinforce appropriate behaviors, such as sharing candy, waiting turns, or following directions during activities.
FAQs
Q: Can my child participate in Halloween activities if they have sensory sensitivities?
A: Yes! With planning, visual supports, and sensory-friendly adjustments, children can enjoy Halloween safely.
Q: How do I handle trick-or-treating with a child who has anxiety?
A: Choose quieter neighborhoods, plan shorter routes, and bring a familiar adult for support. Prepare your child using social stories and visual schedules.
Q: Are there ways to make school Halloween parties more inclusive?
A: Yes! Speak with teachers about sensory-friendly activities, quiet spaces, and accommodations to help your child participate comfortably.
Q: How can ABA therapy help during Halloween?
A: ABA strategies can reinforce social skills, positive behavior, and coping mechanisms during potentially overwhelming events like Halloween.
Make Halloween Fun and Safe
Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful for children on the autism spectrum. By planning ahead, using sensory-friendly strategies, and reinforcing ABA therapy skills, families can enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable holiday.
Contact Autism Centers of Utah today to learn more about our individualized ABA therapy programs in Sandy and how we support children in celebrating life’s special moments safely and successfully!
by mav admin2 | Oct 28, 2025 | Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism
The start of the school year can be both exciting and challenging for children on the autism spectrum. For children receiving ABA therapy, transitions can sometimes cause anxiety or behavioral challenges. At Autism Centers of Utah in Sandy, we understand how important it is to provide strategies and support to make the back-to-school transition smoother and more successful.
With the right preparation and guidance, families can help their children adapt to new schedules, social situations, and classroom routines while continuing to reinforce ABA therapy goals.
Why Back-to-School Transitions Can Be Difficult
Changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and new social demands can make the beginning of the school year stressful for children with autism. These challenges may manifest as:
- Increased anxiety or meltdowns
- Difficulty following instructions or adapting to changes
- Struggles with social interactions and peer engagement
- Resistance to new routines or classroom expectations
Structured support and proactive strategies can help children adjust more easily.
Strategies to Support a Smooth Transition
1. Establish a Consistent Routine
Before school starts, gradually adjust wake-up times, meal schedules, and bedtime routines to match the school schedule. Consistency helps children feel secure and prepared for the change.
2. Use Visual Schedules and Social Stories
Visual supports, including schedules, charts, or social stories, help children understand daily routines, classroom expectations, and new activities.
3. Practice School Skills at Home
Encourage skills such as following directions, completing tasks, and social interactions through short, structured practice sessions that mirror the school environment.
4. Communicate with Teachers and Staff
Share information about your child’s strengths, challenges, and ABA therapy goals with teachers and staff. Collaboration ensures a supportive environment for learning and social engagement.
5. Prepare for Sensory Needs
Identify potential triggers in the classroom and plan strategies to help your child regulate sensory input, such as providing fidget tools, quiet breaks, or sensory-friendly materials.
FAQs
Q: How can ABA therapy support school transitions?
A: ABA therapy can reinforce social, behavioral, and academic skills needed for school. Therapists can provide strategies for managing anxiety, following routines, and interacting with peers.
Q: What should I do if my child resists going to school?
A: Gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and visual supports can help. Communicate with teachers and therapists to create a supportive plan.
Q: How long does it take for a child to adjust to a new school routine?
A: Adjustment times vary. Some children adapt in days, while others may need several weeks. Consistency, support, and reinforcement help facilitate the transition.
Q: Can these strategies be used for children of all ages?
A: Yes! Visual supports, structured routines, and practice activities can be adapted for children of different ages and developmental levels.
Make Back-to-School Transitions Easier
With proactive planning, consistent routines, and collaboration with teachers and therapists, October can be a smooth and successful start to the school year for children on the autism spectrum. Supporting your child through transitions ensures they can focus on learning, socializing, and thriving in the classroom.
Contact Autism Centers of Utah today to learn more about our individualized ABA therapy programs in Sandy and how we help children succeed both at school and in everyday life!
by mav admin2 | Oct 28, 2025 | Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism
October brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and seasonal activities—but it can also disrupt routines for children receiving ABA therapy. At Autism Centers of Utah in Sandy, we understand how vital consistency is for children on the autism spectrum. Maintaining predictable routines during the fall season can significantly support your child’s progress in social, behavioral, and life skills.
Our evidence-based, individualized ABA programs are designed to help children thrive both inside our therapy center and in their everyday lives. Here’s how fall routines can play a role in maximizing therapy outcomes.
Why Consistent Routines Matter in ABA Therapy
Routines provide structure, predictability, and a sense of security for children with autism. During ABA therapy, consistency helps reinforce learned behaviors, supports new skill acquisition, and reduces anxiety. The transition into fall—school schedules, extracurricular activities, and seasonal events—can make maintaining routine challenging, but it is also an opportunity to integrate therapy goals into daily life.
Tips for Supporting ABA Therapy with Fall Routines
1. Keep a Predictable Daily Schedule
Even as daylight hours change and activities shift, maintaining consistent wake-up times, therapy sessions, meals, and bedtime routines helps children feel secure and focused.
2. Incorporate Seasonal Activities Into Learning
Autumn activities like pumpkin picking, leaf raking, or simple nature walks can be used to reinforce ABA therapy skills:
- Communication Skills: Asking for items or describing objects.
- Social Skills: Sharing tasks or taking turns.
- Behavioral Skills: Following directions and engaging in structured play.
3. Prepare for Schedule Changes
Halloween events, school field trips, and family gatherings may disrupt routines. Preparing your child ahead of time and creating visual schedules or social stories can reduce anxiety and help them adapt successfully.
4. Use ABA Strategies at Home
Parents can practice therapy strategies during seasonal routines, such as reinforcing positive behaviors, using prompting techniques, and encouraging problem-solving in real-life scenarios.
FAQs
Q: How can I maintain ABA therapy consistency during holidays and seasonal events?
A: Plan ahead using visual schedules, social stories, and maintaining key routines like meals, sleep, and therapy practice. Integrate therapy goals into holiday activities when possible.
Q: Can outdoor fall activities support ABA therapy goals?
A: Absolutely! Activities like nature walks, pumpkin patch visits, or raking leaves can reinforce communication, social, and motor skills in fun, natural settings.
Q: What should I do if my child struggles with transitions during October events?
A: Prepare them ahead of time with visual aids, brief practice sessions, and step-by-step guidance. Gradually introduce changes to reduce anxiety and reinforce coping strategies.
Q: How do routines impact long-term ABA therapy outcomes?
A: Consistent routines provide stability and structure, which help children retain learned skills, adapt to new situations, and generalize behaviors into daily life.
Support Your Child’s ABA Therapy This Fall
Fall doesn’t have to disrupt your child’s progress. By maintaining consistent routines, incorporating seasonal activities, and practicing ABA strategies at home, you can help your child continue to grow and thrive.
Contact Autism Centers of Utah today to learn more about our individualized ABA therapy programs in Sandy and how we can support your child’s development year-round!
by Jim Hohs | Jul 27, 2025 | Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism
Feeding challenges are common among children with autism, and they can affect everything from nutrition and health to mealtimes at home and school. At Autism Centers of Utah, we understand how stressful feeding difficulties can be for both children and their families—which is why our specialized feeding therapy programs are designed to make mealtimes easier, more enjoyable, and more successful for everyone involved.
Whether your child struggles with a limited diet, sensory aversions, or behavioral feeding concerns, our expert therapists offer compassionate and evidence-based support in a state-of-the-art, child-friendly environment.
What Is Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy is a structured, therapeutic approach to improving a child’s relationship with food. It goes beyond simply encouraging a child to eat more—it focuses on building positive experiences with food, improving oral-motor skills, addressing sensory sensitivities, and fostering independence at mealtimes.
At Autism Centers of Utah, our feeding therapy team includes occupational therapists, behavior analysts, and feeding specialists who work together to tailor each session to your child’s unique needs.
Common Feeding Challenges We Address:
- Extreme food selectivity or “picky eating”
- Refusing entire food groups
- Gagging, choking, or difficulty chewing/swallowing
- Avoidance of certain textures, temperatures, or smells
- Difficulty transitioning to table foods
- Anxiety around mealtimes or new foods
- Reliance on specific brands or food presentations
Feeding challenges can stem from a combination of behavioral, sensory, and motor factors—which is why our collaborative team approach is so effective.
Why Feeding Therapy Is Important
Many parents are told “they’ll grow out of it,” but the truth is, without targeted support, feeding difficulties can persist—and even worsen—over time. Children who struggle with eating may face:
- Poor nutrition or growth delays
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Mealtime battles and anxiety
- Social challenges during shared meals at school or events
By addressing these issues early, we can help prevent long-term consequences and make food a positive part of your child’s life.
What to Expect at Autism Centers of Utah
Our feeding therapy takes place in a supportive, sensory-aware setting designed to help children feel safe and empowered. Here’s what you can expect from our program:
- Individualized treatment plans based on a thorough evaluation
- Family involvement in sessions and at-home strategies for success
- Collaboration between BCBAs, OTs, and feeding specialists
- Gentle exposure techniques that never force or pressure children
- Focus on skill-building, like utensil use, chewing, and food exploration
Feeding therapy is often integrated with other services, such as ABA therapy and occupational therapy, for a more holistic approach to your child’s development.
Helping Your Child Build a Healthy Relationship with Food
At Autism Centers of Utah, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy food, grow strong, and participate in family meals with confidence. If mealtimes have become a source of stress in your home, our feeding therapy program may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Let’s make mealtimes better—together.
Contact Autism Centers of Utah to learn more about our personalized feeding therapy services and schedule an initial consultation. We’re here to support your child’s journey to a happier, healthier life—one bite at a time.
by Jim Hohs | Jul 27, 2025 | Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism
Summer is a season of sunshine, play, and new experiences—but for many families with children on the autism spectrum, the lack of structure and routine during these months can bring added stress. At Autism Centers of Utah, we understand how important consistency is for our clients, and that’s why our ABA therapy programs are designed to support children year-round—even when school is out.
Why Summer Matters in ABA Therapy
During the school year, children often have set schedules and built-in social and learning opportunities. But when summer break begins, that structure disappears, potentially impacting behavioral progress and emotional regulation. ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy can bridge that gap and provide continuity, helping children stay on track developmentally and emotionally.
At Autism Centers of Utah, our summer ABA programs are individualized for each child, ensuring they continue to work on important skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Benefits of Summer ABA at Autism Centers of Utah
1. Continued Learning in a Flexible Setting
Our team of BCBAs and RBTs work closely with families to develop plans that support a child’s specific needs and goals—whether it’s improving communication, reducing challenging behaviors, or building independence. With no school schedule to compete with, summer can be the perfect time to increase therapy hours and make progress in key areas.
2. Personalized Support—Anywhere
We offer ABA therapy at our state-of-the-art therapy center, in the comfort of your home, in schools, or even out in the community. This flexibility is especially helpful during summer when families may be traveling or adjusting routines. Therapy can follow the child wherever they are, reinforcing skills in real-world settings.
3. Opportunities for Social Skills Building
Summer is filled with potential for peer interaction—whether at the park, during a family barbecue, or on a group outing. Our ABA therapists help children develop essential social skills like taking turns, greeting others, and participating in group activities. These skills are not only practiced in sessions but also generalized to daily life.
4. Support for Parents and Caregivers
We know parents are often juggling work, childcare, and summer plans. Our team offers guidance, coaching, and consistent communication so parents feel empowered and supported throughout the summer months. We’re not just here for the kids—we’re here for you, too.
Build a Stronger Foundation This Summer
At Autism Centers of Utah, our mission is to help children with autism and developmental delays grow with confidence. Our year-round ABA therapy services are just one way we ensure progress doesn’t pause when school lets out.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your child engaged, supported, and learning this summer, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation or learn more about our flexible summer therapy programs.
Ready to give your child a summer of growth and progress?
Contact Autism Centers of Utah today—we’d love to learn more about your family’s goals and how we can help!
