Parent Education Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Westside Children’s Therapy

Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Your Child with Autism

The holiday season often brings forth feelings of warmth, joy, and cherished family traditions. But if you’re a parent of a child with Autism, you might find

parent tracking child's ABA hours on tablet

How to Track Your Child’s Progress in ABA Therapy

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

Tracking your child’s progress through therapy is crucial for several important reasons. Consistent monitoring and documentation of progress allow you to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and techniques being used.

Life After Getting An ASD Diagnosis

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

A diagnosis can feel overwhelming for parents. But with the right support, children with ASD can thrive. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which uses positive reinforcement to build communication, social, and self-care skills has been proven to significantly accelerate developmental growth among children with ASD who typically show concerning signs of delayed development.

10 Tips for Bringing Your Child with Special Needs to the Doctor or Dentist

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

Navigating medical appointments and everyday challenges can be less stressful with our expert advice. Learn how to choose the right healthcare provider, schedule autism-friendly doctor visits, and manage shots and procedures effectively. Explore strategies to address sensory sensitivities, create calming routines, and prepare your child for medical appointments using mindfulness techniques and social stories.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help With Summer Activities

Occupational Therapy, Parent Education

With summer break upon us, it’s time to gear up for some exciting outdoor adventures with your little ones. But as much as we all love summer activities…

Understanding Sensory Challenges and How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational Therapy, Parent Education

Fortunately, Occupational Therapy (OT) can help children develop the skills they need to navigate the world around them.

Summer Survival Guide – Tips From ABA Therapists

Children Activities, Parent Education

Summer can be a fun and exciting time for kids, but it can also present unique challenges for parents of children with developmental differences. With school out and a change in routine, parents may wonder how to navigate the summer months and provide their child with the support and structure they need.

Parent’s Disney Planning Guide for Children with Disabilities

Parent Education

Planning a family vacation to Disney is an exciting experience, but it can also be daunting, especially when you have a child with cognitive or physical disabilities. However, ALL families can enjoy a Disney vacation (or any vacation, for that matter!) with a little extra planning and flexibility.

Embracing Your Child’s Unique Qualities: A Positive Perspective on Autism

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

Don’t look at getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child as a bad thing. It is a hidden opportunity to understand your child better, support them in their unique journey, and embrace their strengths and newly found abilities. In reality, there are many positive aspects to autism these days. As a parent, here are just a few I wanted to share with all other parents.

photo of a sensory gym that is used in an aba therapy session in Westside Children's Therapy in Illinois

What does an ABA Therapy session look like?

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

ABA therapy sessions are tailored to each child’s specific skills and interests. The below text is a real example of what part of a child’s session looked like. For privacy reasons, the child’s name, therapists’ names and Westside location will not be named.

How Many ABA Therapy Hours Does My Child Need?

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

When a child is diagnosed with autism, the doctor may recommend Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as research has shown this to be an effective intervention. As parents begin to seek out providers, they will learn that ABA therapy is not a small commitmen

image illustrating a child with too much screen time. used for a blog on the westside childrens therapy website

Is Screen Time Hindering Your Child’s Development?

Children Activities, Parent Education

Recommended screen time allowance:

Children less than 18 months: Avoid use of screen media other than video-chatting

Children 18-24 months: If choosing to introduce screen media to children, do so with supervision and talk about what your child is seeing – this will help them learn about the world around them!