Staff Spotlight: Lauren Fairclough, group coordinator, Little Star Center Bloomington

Lauren has worked at the Little Star Center in Bloomington since 2014. As group coordinator, she organizes opportunities for learners to build social skills and to prepare them for a classroom environment. Lauren also plans outings in the community to help learners increase generalization of their individual goals.

What do you most enjoy about your job at Little Star Center?

What I enjoy most is seeing the progression and development of the learners.  Each child has an innate interest in learning. It has been an exciting journey to tap into what that looks like for each child.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be a Fruit Loop in a world full of Cheerios, which means be who you are. Life is about letting your own unique character traits shine through.

One thing I want people to know and understand about working with children affected by autism is….

I really want people to know the clinical side of ABA therapy does carry over to the community. It’s cool to see our kids work on a skill in the center, and then go on an outing to the library, for example, successfully using what they’ve learned and having fun.

 What are your favorite activities when not working at Little Star Center?

My husband, Jake, and I love to spend time together and with our pets: Our dog, Rupert, and cat, Romy. We enjoy taking Rupert, for walks and on trips with us when we can.  I also enjoy spending my free time knitting. I’ve been very busy lately making blankets and gifts for friends and family who are having babies.

 

20 Insights from 20 Years of Experience as an Indiana ABA therapist

By Jennifer LaMarca

I’ve been blessed to have spent the last 20 years providing early, intensive ABA programming for young children with autism in their homes.  From working in Dr. Lovaas’ Young Autism Project replication site as a therapist, to being the first early, intensive ABA consultant residing in Indiana, my experiences have certainly shaped the treatment I provide.  Here are 20 insights I’ve gained over those 20 years:

1.  ABA is all about the play. Language gets all the attention because we certainly want to help a young child who isn’t talking, but a core symptom of autism is difficulty with social interactions.  Quality early, intensive behavior programs should have at least three to five play programs running at all times.

2. ABA therapy isn’t about what you KNOW, it’s about what you can DO. It doesn’t matter if you can tell me how to play with a child or reinforce a skill…let me see you play with the child and reinforce the skill!

3. If a child can’t learn a skill one way, there are at least ten other ways to teach the same skill. A program with little to no progress for more than a week needs to be looked at and tweaked immediately.

4. Knowing about ABA or implementing a couple ABA procedures is not the same as being a behavior analyst. That would be like calling me a doctor because I know how to put on a band- aid and take a temperature.

5. Parents are always right. Except when they’re not.  But trust me, one of the best things young behavior analysts can do is recognize they are in collaboration with parents rather than above them.

6. Lovaas was a trail blazer! He had the audacity to believe that applying behavioral principles at all waking hours – forty hours a week by therapists and then throughout the remainder of the day by parents – could lead to life altering progress for young children with autism…and boy was he right!

7.  Parents need to do the therapy, too. The Chinese proverb applies here: “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

8. ABA therapy is a balance between motivation and tolerance. Look at the older books on ABA for autism and the emphasis is on compliance – attending to a task, complying to a request – but look further and motivation is mentioned, too.  Look at the newer books on ABA for autism and the emphasis is on motivation – following the child’s lead, pairing with reinforcement – but look further and compliance is mentioned as well.  The best behavior analysts find the right balance at the right time for the right child.

9. It’s possible to do an early, intensive ABA program and never sit at a table and chairs. When’s the last time a typically developing three-year-old sat in one place for more than two seconds?  Young children are active.  We should be taking advantage of that.

10. Reinforcement is anything that increases behavior…ANYTHING. Therapists should be looking every day for a new reinforcer because the options are limitless!

11. ABA is not rocket science…it’s harder. ABA is about interacting with wonderfully diverse human beings in a meaningful way.  It’s not just some abstract mathematical equation that you can master over time.

12. What happens during breaks is just as important as what happens during structured time. There’s certainly a time and place for children to be free to play alone, but sometimes the best interactions and best generalization occur during the unstructured time a therapist spends with a child.

13. Best-outcome results are both possible and frequent in ABA therapy. It is true that there is no cure for autism, and, it is true that not all children with autism will benefit to the same extent from ABA therapy,but, it is also true that 30-50% of children who receive quality, early, intensive behavioral intervention will go on to regular education classrooms without support and maintain their gains into the future.  Multiple studies have shown this to be true, and I’ve certainly seen it, too.

14. Before you start placing demands on a child, it’s often helpful to already be engaging with them in a meaningful way. We call this by different names, but long story short, if the kid is already having fun with you, he’s much more likely to humor you and respond to your request.

15. One-to-one ABA therapy from therapists is only one part of a comprehensive early intervention program. The other parts include parent involvement, sibling and peer play, and when the child is ready, a transition to school facilitated by an ABA therapist that lasts over a period of years.

16. If a child with autism has a sibling, consider different ways to involve them in treatment. Involving a sibling in play, teaching a sibling how to interact with his/her brother or sister, or even practicing some programs with a sibling so they get a little extra attention as well, are all ways you can potentially support brothers and sisters.

17. There are lots of gimmicks in autism treatments..and some even in ABA therapy. The behavioral principles on which ABA is founded haven’t changed.   But there sure are a lot of new brand names, new strategy names, and new supplemental treatments popping up in ABA therapy.  Quality ABA programs continue to provide the same thing: an intervention based on the science of behaviorism, applied in a meaningful way, and continually analyzed to make sure maximum progress is reached.

18. ABA isn’t just a therapy, it’s a way of life. Effective treatment does require parents to learn the techniques of ABA that have made their child successful.  Parents do have to try to implement these strategies throughout the entire day.  But this isn’t because you’re always doing therapy.  It’s because when you come to understand ABA, you see its application in all aspects of life – not only your child’s, but also your own: parenting, coaching, working, teaching, spending and saving, and staying healthy just to name a few.

19. If a child learns a skill, then loses a skill, think twice about whether to teach it again. We teach basic skills so they can be used with more complex skills so they can be used and reinforced in everyday life. If a child loses a skill, then it’s not being used and/or it’s not being reinforced in everyday life.  Teaching the skill again doesn’t change either of those two facts.

20. If the child cannot learn in the way we teach, we must teach in a way the child can learn. Lovaas said that over 20 years ago. It’s still the best ABA mantra I know.

Jennifer LaMarca is an in-home program manager at Little Star Center. 

Little Star kicks off 2015 fundraising

As a nonprofit organization, Little Star Center relies on donor support for scholarships for families when they find themselves in need of a financial safety net. This year, Little Star Center continues its efforts to not only strengthen awareness about autism, but increase donor support.

Starting March 30, Little Star Center staff at each of our three locations will have donation cards available for contributions.

You can always make a gift now by check or credit card. Click here to donate.

Little Star Center

ABAI conference provides latest autism information for Little Star Center – Indiana ABA therapy facility

By Tim Courtney, senior clinical director

In keeping with its mission to provide the most effective interventions for learners, Little Star Center, an Indiana ABA therapy facility, is reviewing strategies learned recently at the annual Association for Behavior Analysis International autism conference in Las Vegas. Little Star sent three members of its staff to the conference, which focused specifically on the most current science-based approaches in assessment and treatment of autism.

More than 700 attended the January event, featuring prominent experts in autism:

Dr. Linda LeBlanc focused on procedures to teach individuals with autism to attend to both visual and auditory information when making discriminations. Individuals with autism often rely too heavily on one or the other. Dr. Leblanc provided several suggestions for strategies that we are reviewing as part of a teaching procedure review committee.

Dr. Gregory Hanley presented on an intervention to strongly consider when conducting assessments to determine why someone is engaging in problem behavior. He recommended that behavior analysts should not rely too heavily on just interview and similar assessment tools. Little Star will review the assessment procedure Dr. Hanley recommended and will make relevant modifications to our current behavioral assessment procedures.

Dr. Wayne Fisher discussed the new CPT codes. Dr. Fisher was an ad-hoc consultant for the committee that developed CPT codes. As a result of this discussion, a group of providers met after the first day of the workshop to discuss current challenges with implementing the codes. During the meeting it was decided to continue meeting as a small group to solicit information from other behavior analysts and develop tools to assist practitioners in implementing the codes. The group is currently working on a Wiki and procedures for surveying practitioners currently implementing the codes.

 

Little Star Center where kids with autism learn to live in a the world and where parents learn they are not alone

Family thankful for Indiana ABA therapy services at Little Star Center

By Clayton Sheese, Little Star Center dad to Jacob, 8

How long has your child attended Little Star Center?

Since March 2011

What has been the biggest challenge in finding services for your child? 

Our biggest challenge has been finding insurance coverage for ABA therapy. We were lucky to get a child-only policy from our insurance carrier when Little Star-Lafayette opened — and before the insurer stopped offering such plans. Then, over the years, the premiums increased and we were paying double the original cost.

As Jacob became school-aged, our insurance carrier pushed for him to attend his area school and cut his hours at Little Star in half. We went through all the appeals. The first was handled by Little Star, but was denied. Second appeal also was denied. Shortly after learning a second appeals board overturned the previous decisions, we learned that decision only covered the first appeal, forcing us to begin the process all over again!!! Now, we have to go through the application process every six months.

Jacob is now in school half days. He has settled in pretty well! We feel he needs more time at Little Star in this stage of his life.

How has Little Star Center provided support to your family? 

Little Star was there with us through the appeals process, and we are appreciative of that. During the appeals process, Jacob was able to stay at Little Star 40 hours a week! We are very grateful that Little Star found a way for Jacob during our challenges with insurance! We feel ABA is the best thing for Jacob! He has made leaps and bounds!

 You could have chosen other ABA facilities for your child. What makes Little Star Center stand out from other ABA facilities? 

Little Star was our first choice. We went to Carmel and toured the facility. When the Lafayette center opened, everyone was so helpful and kind!

For what are you most grateful at Little Star Center?

We are grateful for everything Little Star has done for Jacob. He has come so far since he has been at the facility! It has been a long road! We have some challenges ahead, but we know Little Star will be there for Jacob and our family!

Help us recognize Big Stars for Autism Awareness Month Indiana

Little Star Center is honoring Big Stars for Autism Awareness Month Indiana and we need your help! In the Indiana autism community, we know it truly takes a village to ensure our children receive the care and attention they deserve. Among our Little Star Center team, these friends, neighbors and professionals provide support to our families and our Indiana ABA facilities in Carmel, Bloomington and Lafayette.

Who are your Big Stars? During April’s annual Autism Awareness Month we will recognize these people and their contributions on your behalf by sending an appreciation letter and a small gift.

If you know someone you’d like to recognize during the Big Stars for Little Star campaign, please forward their name, address and reason why to [email protected] by Feb. 13. We’ll be sure they are included and recognized on your behalf.

A tribute to Santa

Every year when it’s cold and cheery,

When excitement builds for children and parents grow weary,

Planning begins at Little Star Center, where the guest of honor will appear,

It’s Santa, the same jolly gentleman who visits our learners each year.

From the moment he enters Little Star’s doors, Santa is greeted with hugs and even a few

stares;

He knows our learners are beautiful, unique, bright “stars,” so he handles each of them with

special care.

Photos are unpredictable, there could be cries, screams or even fear,

But, our Santa waits for that perfect moment of calm to give the thumbs up for the camera

flash to appear.

He’s seen many of our learners grow into their teens,

They’re much too old for Santa, but give him a handshake, or sneak a moment on

the photo screen.

Yes, our Santa is special to Little Star, a family member we hold dear,

The holidays would not be the same without him because he brings joy and laughter to our

learners year after year!

Happy Halloween

Kids with autism can enjoy Halloween

 

It’s that time again when little ghosts and goblins roam our neighborhoods and homes are decorated with spider webs, skeletons and all things scary. It’s Halloween, which could be an overwhelming time for our children with autism.

Here are tips from Autism Speaks to make Halloween fun for your child with autism:

Before Halloween:

  • Create a visual story about what Halloween may be like for your child using pictures or drawings. This will help your child prepare for the day’s activities.
  • Try on costumes before Halloween. If the costume is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit right, it may cause unnecessary distress and ruin their fun.
  • If your child does not like their costume, don’t make them wear it.
  • Instead, talk about the situation and try to uncover the reason why they don’t like it. After you talk with your child, they may gradually get used to the costume. Have them wear it for short periods of time and at increasing intervals over time.
  • Consider a Halloween costume that fits over your child’s regular clothes, such as butterfly wings or capes.
  • Practice going to a neighbor’s door, ringing the bell or knocking on the door to receive candy.

Halloween Day:

  • Know your child’s limits and do only what he or she can handle. For example, if your child is not comfortable trick-or-treating for long periods, start by going to three houses.
  • Take your child to an activity in the community, such as a school festival or a neighborhood party, where the child is already comfortable and knows people. Partner with family and friends that your child likes.
  • If you are giving out candy at your home, give your child the option to also give a piece of candy. During the day, practice greeting people and giving out candy. If your child is afraid of going out at night, plan indoor or daytime Halloween activities.
  • Remember, Halloween is supposed to be fun. Don’t let it stress out your child or you!

If you have additional questions about preparing your child for Halloween, please contact your child’s Little Star Center program manager. Families not enrolled at Little Star should contact Vince LaMarca, BCBA, Little Star Center clinical director.

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Thank you, Little Star Center for quality ABA services in Bloomington, Indiana

The following comments are from a mom with a newly enrolled learner at our Bloomington location.

As a parent of a child recently enrolled in the Little Star program, I would describe my experience in this process as nothing short of exceptional!

Enrolling your child in an intense therapy program can be extremely stressful for your child, as well as for yourself as the parent, and the other members of your family. Little Star’s staff removed these stresses for all of us.

The staff was professional, knowledgeable, organized, efficient, and, above all, compassionate throughout every phase of this process. They look at your child and their family as individual entities with specific needs and they work with you in order to make it possible for your child to receive these much-needed services.

I had many concerns from previous experiences with other centers and the many challenges facing me as a parent in trying to seek out ABA services for my son. They have worked with me tirelessly and patiently to facilitate services and to meet every need of my son and our family. They are genuinely compassionate and committed to providing the best services to the children and their families! We are forever indebted to this wonderful organization!

Children on the swings at the playground

Make play dates fun, interactive for kids with autism

By Vince LaMarca, BCBA

The guiding principles of quality play dates are to keep it simple and make it fun by focusing on activities that are already familiar to a child with autism and quitting while you’re ahead.  Making it fun includes focusing on play activities that both children enjoy and allowing choices throughout the play date.

Here are tips for planning a successful play date for your child:

Plan ahead – Setting up for a play date should start with the question, “What play skills does my child with autism already possess?”  Starting with activities in which a child with autism is already familiar will help keep play dates successful because he/she will already be familiar with the basic structure of that play. Also, don’t forget that the peer coming over to play will have his own preferences.  Make sure to find out in advance what activities that child likes to play and have some of those available as well.

Keep it short and simple – It’s better for a play date to start short so that both children are interested in coming back for more rather than trying to keep children engaged for prolonged periods of time.  Initial play dates that lasts 30 minutes to an hour are more likely to be successful than longer play dates. For a one hour play date, having four to six activities is often enough.  For example, you might include 10 minutes of free play inside where children do whatever they want, 10 minutes of facilitated play inside where you attempt to have each child interact with each other, 15 minutes for a snack, 10 minutes of structured activities like a board game or hide and seek, and a final 15 minutes playing outside, facilitating interactions when possible.

Reward interactive play – Children often begin with parallel play. Parallel play allows for opportunities for interactive play.  Adults do not have to force every parallel play situation into interactive play. Adults must watch for both extremes: no interactions occurring between the children and all interactions being contrived by an adult which then cease when the adult is not present.  By encouraging interactions on occasion, rewarding the children when the interactions occur, and helping to bridge the gap between interactions, adults can help keep the play between children positive.

Let Batman do the dishes! – Adults often have a hard time remembering how children play.  During one play date with a peer, the adult was attempting to encourage a peer to come over and play with a child with autism who was pretending with a kitchen set.  The peer was busy putting on a Batman costume.  The adult said, “We can play Batman later, first we need to put our food in the refrigerator before it gets cold and do the dishes.”  To which the peer responded, “Batman can do the dishes!”  The purpose of play dates is to help your child with autism navigate the creative, spontaneous world of play.  Don’t allow your preconceptions as an adult to halt the interactions that may be right in front of your eyes.

Vince LaMarca, BCBA, is clinical director at Little Star Center. See more of Vince’s tips about play dates in the September issue of Indy’s Child (page 36). Read it here.