Weathering the Storm: Navigating Weather Changes for Children with ASD

Weather changes can be challenging for anyone, but for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), they can present unique hurdles. From sensory sensitivities to disruptions in routine, the shifting weather patterns can evoke anxiety and distress. As caregivers, educators, and allies, it’s crucial to understand these challenges and equip ourselves with strategies to support children with ASD during weather transitions. Children with ASD often experience sensory sensitivities, making them particularly vulnerable to weather-related changes. Bright sunlight, gusty winds, thunderstorms, or even subtle shifts in temperature can trigger sensory overload, leading to heightened anxiety and meltdowns. Additionally, weather changes can disrupt familiar routines, causing confusion and distress for children who thrive on predictability. Strategies for Support:
  1. Sensory-Friendly Clothing: Dressing children in comfortable, sensory-friendly clothing can alleviate discomfort during weather fluctuations. Opt for soft fabrics, seamless garments, and adjustable layers to accommodate varying temperatures.
 
  1. Visual Supports: Utilize visual schedules and weather charts to prepare children for upcoming weather changes. Incorporate symbols or pictures representing different weather conditions to help them anticipate and adjust to the day’s forecast.
 
  1. Social Stories: Create personalized social stories that illustrate how weather changes may impact daily activities and routines. Use simple language and visuals to explain what to expect during different weather conditions and how to cope with associated challenges.
 
  1. Sensory Tools: Provide access to sensory tools such as fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted blankets to help children regulate their sensory input during weather transitions. Encourage them to use these tools as needed to manage anxiety and maintain focus.
 
  1. Flexibility and Adaptability: Remain flexible in accommodating changes to routines or activities due to weather fluctuations. Offer alternative indoor activities or modified schedules to ensure children feel supported and secure amidst unpredictable weather conditions.
 
  1. Calming Techniques: Teach children calming techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness exercises to help them cope with feelings of anxiety or overwhelm triggered by weather changes.
 
  1. Engage in Weather-Related Activities: Turn weather changes into learning opportunities by engaging children in weather-related activities. Encourage them to observe and document weather patterns, create weather-themed crafts, or participate in indoor sensory experiences inspired by different weather conditions.
 

Navigating weather changes can be challenging for children with ASD, but with understanding, patience, and proactive support, we can help them weather the storms more effectively. By incorporating sensory-friendly strategies, visual supports, and fostering flexibility, we can empower children with ASD to navigate weather transitions with confidence and resilience. Together, let’s create an environment where every child feels supported, regardless of the forecast.

CONTACT

// 888-830-1672   // Ohio and New Jersey

Reese Lytle

What varied experience do you have in your field?

I have been an RBT for over 3 years. I have worked in a clinic, in home, and in a school.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in ABA therapy?

I want to make a life long difference in people’s lives. I want to help give people a voice.

Do you have any special areas of interest?

I am an RBT and love working with kids.

What licenses, certifications and/or special training do you hold?

I’m and RBT and have my CPR certification.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about helping children gain their voice and learn how to cope.

What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced Behavioral Therapy?

Watching children grow and learn skills (big and small!)

Anything else you’d like to share?

I love working with a team and watching my coworkers grow in experience and be able to see their kiddos grow their skills too.

sierra

Why did you choose to pursue a career in ABA therapy?

I chose this career path because ABA truly is changing the lives of many which that inspires me on a daily basis. Getting to see the growth in clients firsthand is such an incredible feeling of success and happiness. Not only does ABA change the lives of clients, but their families & friends as well :)

Do you have any special areas of interest?

I find working on language with clients to be very interesting and fun! I can still remember the excitement I felt when my first nonverbal client became echoic and then began talking independently. I have also become very interested in the admin side of ABA as it is intriguing to see behind the scenes to it all!

What varied experience do you have in your field?

I have worked with clients in home settings, school settings and clinic/center settings. I’ve worked with kids anywhere from 2 years old to 13 years old, some being verbal and some being nonverbal. I have even worked with children outside of the autism spectrum, that have ODD.

What licenses, certifications and/or special training do you hold?

I am RBT certified as well as QBS certified.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about all aspects of my career in ABA! I have found passion in every direction it has taken me.

What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced Behavioral Therapy?

I enjoy the positive environment that has been cultivated (:

Why did you choose to pursue a career in ABA therapy?

I saw how life-changing ABA therapy can be for individuals and their families after starting an internship where I received my RBT certification. I then changed by career path from pursuing social work to becoming a BCBA!

Do you have any special areas of interest?

Practical Functional Analysis and Skill-based treatment, toilet training, food toleration, AAC communication

What varied experience do you have in your field?

I have experience working in a variety of settings such as in-home, center, and school-based which has taught me how important generalization and adequate parent/caregiver training is. I have used progressive ABA procedures such as toilet training using a moisture-sensing alarm, gradual food toleration, and skill-based treatment I believe my background in social work/therapy allows for a different perspective when conducting parent trainings in meeting them where they are at.

What licenses, certifications and/or special training do you hold?

– Practical Functional Analysis & Skill-based Treatment – Level 2 certification – Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) – Advanced Toilet Training Strategies for Children with Developmental Disabilities

What are you passionate about?

At work: Helping clients and parents achieve new goals, especially ones that increase a client’s independence and reduce stress on their parents/caregivers. Personal life: I love coaching volleyball and helping provide young girls with skills to be not only a good player but also be a good teammate and friend!

What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced Behavioral Therapy?

The support and team mindset everyone shares! I know that I can go to anyone at the company and ask for help and they will make time to ensure I feel supported and prepared to help my clients/families and RBTs. I am also grateful and excited about the new opportunities that I have been given in supervising staff that are pursuing their BCBA license and aftercare program!

Why did you choose to pursue a career in ABA therapy?

After completing my Master’s in Counseling Psychology, I always looked for something more. When I encountered the science of applied behavior analysis, while working in a school setting, I found a field of study that made sense and left me wanting to follow that path. It had given me the opportunity to watch my clients learn skills and progress in so many ways. I knew ABA was the right choice for me.

Do you have any special areas of interest?

Functional Communication and Activities of Daily Living

What varied experience do you have in your field?

I have worked in field of ABA since 1997 beginning in a school setting with children ages 3-21. I have also worked with adults in their homes and day programs for many years.

What licenses, certifications and/or special training do you hold?

CPR/First Aid, Certified Trainer for Crisis Management: Verbal Intervention, Personal Control, and Defensive Techniques in Crisis Situations

What are you passionate about?

Teaching our learners to advocate for themselves and live as independently as possible.

What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced Behavioral Therapy?

We are given opportunities to practice in an ethical and supportive environment with ongoing professional development. I love that across the company, my colleagues share similar values. It is a privilege to work side by side with our families in their homes to improve the lives of our learners.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in ABA therapy?

I worked in the field of special education for many years and appreciate the targeted support that kids get with ABA to learn the skills they need to be able to navigate the world and enhance their lives.

Do you have any special areas of interest?

Social skills, mental health

What varied experience do you have in your field?

I worked as a education as a special education administrator for over 15 years.

What licenses, certifications and/or special training do you hold?

I also hold a Pupil Services Administration license with the Ohio Department of Education

What are you passionate about?

personal growth and meditation

What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced Behavioral Therapy?

I love working with a great team that is always looking to support each other.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in ABA therapy?
I am passionate about helping families thrive with their autistic child.
Do you have any special areas of interest?
I enjoy the science behind the development and growth in people.
What varied experience do you have in your field?
running programs.
What licenses, certifications and/or special training do you hold?
I have a bachelors and RBT certification.
What are you passionate about?
enjoying life and being optimistic
What do you enjoy most about working at Advanced Behavioral Therapy?

Their honesty and integrity.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in ABA therapy?
I wanted to work with children with special needs to help improve their quality of life.

Do you have any special areas of interest?
In ABA, I’m very interested in developing language and applying ABA outside of autism (health, fitness, animals, etc.)

What varied experience do you have in your field?

I have worked in residential treatment, as a behavior specialist in a school environment, as a case manager for home based cases in ABA, and now in a center operations capacity.

What licenses, certifications and/or special training do you hold?

I am a BCBA and COBA. I have been certified in CPI, TCI, and am currently certified in QBS. I’ve also been a TCI trainer. I have taken a variety of CEU courses to learn about SBT, ACT, and ABA in fitness.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about supporting client to meet their needs. I enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting skills that clients are having difficulty with. I always enjoy seeing a troubleshoot have success :)

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