Consistency in Times of Disruption (Part 1 of 7): What is Important?
This post is the first of a 7-part series for parents on dealing with times of inconsistency, change, and disruption – such as we’re experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and around the world. Each post contains a strategy or concept that families may find useful as they navigate these strange times.…
Read MoreAccessible Hope’s School Readiness Program: Building Lasting Foundations for Your Child
What Is School Readiness at Accessible Hope? As an educator and behavior analyst, I am often asked what makes a school readiness program effective, especially for children who may need a little extra support. At Accessible Hope, our approach is both structured and nurturing. Our school readiness program is designed to prepare children with the…
Read MoreResponding When Kids Say “6-7”: Four Approaches and What They Teach Us
Why Do Kids Say “6-7”? If you’ve spent time around school-age kids, you may have heard them say “6-7!” in response to questions or just for laughs. It’s become a running joke—usually referencing a social media meme, sometimes said out of the blue or whenever a number is mentioned. As adults—parents, teachers, behavior analysts, or…
Read MoreHelping Children with Autism Communicate: Practical Steps for Families and Professionals
The Core Challenge Children with autism often have difficulty communicating. This can lead to frustration for both the child and those around them. Communication may be verbal or nonverbal, and the struggles can affect everything from daily routines at home to participation in school or church settings. Supporting communication is a concrete way we can…
Read MoreChoosing Healthy Videos: Helping Children Build Kindness Over Aggression
The Power of Video Content Many parents and teachers ask: “How do I get my child to watch videos that don’t include violence, and encourage appropriate emotional responses instead of aggression?” It’s an important question. Children learn from what they watch. If most videos show characters solving problems by yelling, teasing, or hitting, those patterns…
Read MoreSupporting Communication for Children with Autism: Practical Strategies
Understanding Communication Challenges Many children with autism face significant communication challenges. These difficulties can make it hard for them to express their wants, needs, or feelings, which often leads to frustration. As a behavior analyst and educator, I've seen how small, thoughtful changes can make a major difference for both children and the adults supporting…
Read MoreEmbracing Consistency in an Inconsistent World: Why Routines Matter, Especially for Children with Autism
Life is full of unpredictability. At every turn, we are met with change—shifting seasons, unpredictable weather, and a whole host of variables that are beyond our control each day. This persistent inconsistency is simply part of being alive, part of our daily navigation through the world. For many, variety is stimulating and even exciting. But…
Read More7 Key Considerations for Parents Navigating School Relationships with an IEP
Parents stepping into a new school—or working through ongoing challenges—with a child on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can feel anxious, uncertain, and overwhelmed. The world of special education comes with its own language, rules, and power dynamics. If you worry about whether the school team will genuinely support your child, or if you’re struggling…
Read MoreTeaching Children to Request: The Power of Withholding
One of the most powerful ways to help a child develop language—whether through speech, signs, or a communication device—is also one of the most challenging: withholding. Yes, withholding. It might sound harsh at first, but let’s break it down. Children learn to communicate when they experience a need to communicate. And that need is clearest…
Read MoreWhy “Buddy” Isn’t Enough: The Quiet Cost of Confusing Friendship with Fatherhood
It’s common today to hear fathers call their sons “buddy.” The word is everywhere—on playgrounds, in coffee shops, in the aisle of the grocery store. It’s casual, friendly, affectionate. And yet, when a father consistently refers to his own child as “buddy,” it often signals something more than just a nickname. It can be a…
Read MoreParent Support Meetings: You Are Not Alone
At Accessible Hope, we understand that parenting a child with challenging behaviors can sometimes feel overwhelming. You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this without expert support. That’s why we strongly encourage you to regularly schedule Parent Support Meetings with your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). What Are Parent Support Meetings?…
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