Back to School

Adjusting to a new routine can be a source of stress for all involved.

#acceptance #aba #autism

I invite the idea for to allow for kindness, space and patience for everyone to adapt. As a Behaviorist, these are a few recommendations for what you may experience in the next month or so.

An increase in all types of funky actions

A rise in behavioral challenges coinciding with a significant life change is a common occurrence.

Children might experience confusion, fatigue, or hunger during such transitions. Keep in mind that your child is encountering new teachers, friends, and therapists, each with their own set of expectations.

Pause & Think: It's valuable to take a moment to pause and keep in mind that children's development doesn't always follow a straight path. Therefore, it's important to continue using gentle "no" when necessary.

New, unusual behavior

A fantastic method for learning is observing friends and family and then imitating their actions. If your child returns home with new or unique behaviors, it's a positive sign! They are engaging in imitation and exploring the meaning behind those actions.

Pause & Think: It's important to maintain a gentle approach with responses like "no" or "try this instead."

"Shaken Soda"

Have you ever experienced the need to hide your true self in public or around others? Perhaps you've felt the pressure to adopt a different persona at work? This behavior is known as masking, and when we conceal our true thoughts, feelings, and physical responses for an extended period, eventually, our true selves emerge. The same applies to children at school. Our children are often expected to "contain" themselves for up to six hours a day.

Pause & Think: That's why I always suggest providing them with the time and space to release that built-up pressure, like opening a soda bottle, and allowing them to be their authentic, unfiltered selves