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Summer Transitions

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Create a Visual Schedule for the Week

Children often benefit from knowing what to expect. A simple weekly visual schedule using pictures, icons, or short words can:

  • Increase predictability
  • Encourage independence as they learn to follow steps
  • Offer visual reminders of enjoyable activities, like pool time or story hour

Even if the days aren’t exactly the same, providing structure creates a sense of safety.

Prepare for New Activities with Social Stories

If your child is starting something new—like summer camp, vacation, or a change in caregivers—create or review a social story that introduces what to expect. Social stories can include:

  • Where they’re going
  • What they’ll see or hear
  • How they might feel
  • What they can do to stay calm

When possible visit the place ahead of time or explore pictures together to increase familiarity.

Maintain Key Routines (Even When Schedules Shift)

Even if bedtime gets pushed a little later or mealtimes vary, try to maintain anchor routines—like a consistent morning or bedtime sequence. These small patterns help keep your child grounded amidst change.

Practice Communication & Coping Skills Daily

Summer is a great time to rehearse language and coping skills outside of therapy sessions. Practice:

  • Asking for help
  • Taking turns
  • Expressing big feelings (with visuals or AAC if needed)
  • Using calming strategies like breathing and movement breaks

Repetition in real-life settings helps generalize these skills.

Enroll in a Structured, Supportive Program

One of the best ways to build consistency, skill growth, and social opportunity during summer? Enroll your child in a program that understands their needs.

Join Us for Our Summer Social Skills Camp!

Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Summer Social Skills Camp is now open for registration for children in grades K-5 in Herndon, Virginia.

Camp Highlights:

  • Structured sessions focused on social communication, play skills, and emotional regulation
  • Small group formats tailored by age and ability
  • Fun, engaging activities led by experienced professionals
  • Opportunity to practice real-life social situations in a safe and supporting setting

Spots are limited, so register early to reserve your child’s place! Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Summer Social Skills Camp

Summer of Skills

Summer transitions don’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation, the right tools, and supportive programs like our Summer Social Skills Camp, your child can build confidence, practice communication, and enjoy meaningful growth—all while having fun.

Let us know how we can support your family this summer! Contact Autism F.I.R.S.T.

 

Mental Health and Self-Care: A Moment with Amber

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Mental Health and Self-Care

This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting voices from within our own team.

Meet Amber, one of our compassionate Behavioral Technicians. Amber shared one of her favorite self-care routines – and it’s something warm, familiar, and comforting: baking and cooking.

“Hi my name is Amber. I’m a behavioral technician, and something I do for self-care is cooking and baking. The process of baking and cooking is just very therapeutic. It helps me calm down, just being able to have something done for me in a sense. Like, having everything right here for me, and I just follow the steps. It just makes me feel like a kid again since that was something I always enjoyed as a child.”

Her words are a beautiful reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s the simple, nostalgic activities that gives us the peace and joy we need to recharge.

Taking care of ourselves helps us care for others.

To the caregivers, families, and professionals walking alongside children with autism: your  mental health matters too. Whether it’s five quiet minutes with coffee, a walk outside, or a recipe from your childhood – we hope you find time to take care of you, too.

From all of us at Autism F.I.R.S.T., thank you for everything you do.

Want to read next? Check out our “Mental Health Matters at Autism F.I.R.S.T.” post.

Follow Our Social Media Channels

To watch the Mental Health and Self-Care video with Amber, check out and follow Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Mental Health Matters at Autism F.I.R.S.T.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and uplift the families, caregivers, and children who work so hard every single day. Mental health is an essential piece of the puzzle — and it deserves just as much care and attention as any other aspect of development.

🌱 For Children with Autism

Children on the autism spectrum often experience the world in unique and powerful ways. With that beauty can also come challenges — like anxiety, sensory overload, and difficulty expressing emotions. At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we help children build coping tools and confidence through our compassionate, personalized services including:

By creating structured, nurturing environments, we help children feel secure, understood, and supported.

💛 For Caregivers and Families

Caregivers — we see you. Your role is one of love, resilience, and often sacrifice.
But taking care of your own mental health is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to:

  • Take short breaks for yourself when possible

  • Seek support from communities or therapists familiar with autism

  • Celebrate small wins — because they are big wins

  • Remember that asking for help is a strength

Our team at Autism F.I.R.S.T. is here not only for your child, but for you too. Together, we can create a supportive circle that honors the well-being of the whole family.

🤝 You’re Not Alone

This month — and every month — we’re committed to walking alongside you in this journey.
Let’s continue to advocate for mental health, celebrate growth, and uplift one another.

Visit www.autismfirstus.com to learn more about how our team can support your family.

Now Offering In-House Speech and Occupational Therapy Services

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Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Program Details

Our licensed therapists are specially trained in pediatric care, using progressive and meaningful treatment methods to help children:

  • Improve communication and language development

  • Enhance sensory integration and motor skills

  • Strengthen feeding and self-care abilities

All services are delivered in a safe, familiar, and supportive environment, with a strong focus on collaboration. Our Speech and Occupational Therapists work closely with families to ensure carry-over of therapy goals at home, reinforcing progress beyond the clinic.

This new in-house model reflects our commitment to holistic, individualized care—supporting every child’s journey, every step of the way.

For more information visit Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Contact page.

Functional Communication Training

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On March 19, 2025, the 7Q-Foundation will host a special training session on Functional Communication Training, led by Jenny Argueta from Autism F.I.R.S.T.. This event is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals who support individuals with autism and want to learn practical strategies for enhancing communication skills.

What to Expect from This Training?

During this session, Jenny Argueta will cover key aspects of FCT, including:

✅ The understanding and importance of functional communication in autism.

✅ Identifying communication barriers and challenges.

✅ Teaching effective strategies to encourage meaningful exchanges.

✅ Implementing tools such as visual supports, AAC devices, and sign language.

✅ Practical case studies and real-life applications.

This training will equip attendees with hands-on techniques to implement FCT in home, school, and therapy settings, providing individuals with autism the tools they need to communicate successfully.

Functional Communication Training Event Details:

📅 Date: March 19, 2025
📍 Location: 7Q-Foundation
🔗 Register now

Are a parent, educator, therapist, or advocate passionate about supporting individuals with autism? This training is for you! Join us for an insightful and interactive session with Jenny Argueta and take away valuable skills to enhance communication and improve lives.

Reserve your spot today and be a part of this impactful event! 🎉

Enhancing Social Skills

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Why is Enhancing Social Skills Important?

Social skills help children understand how to interact with others, express themselves, and respond to social cues. These abilities are key to forming friendships, participating in group activities, and building self-confidence. However, for neurodivergent children, socialization may look different—and that’s okay.

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we don’t just teach children how to behave based on societal norms. We empower them to communicate and connect in ways that feel natural to them, while also helping them navigate social expectations.

Supporting Social Skills at Home: Practical, Inclusive Tips

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children develop their own social confidence. Here are some practical tips that encourage both self-advocacy and connection:

  • Recognize Non-Traditional Social Cues: Children with autism may show interest in a peer by sharing a toy, sitting near them, or engaging in parallel play rather than using words. Help them understand that this is their way of saying, “I like being near you,” and teach them how to express that to others.

  • Model and Respect Unique Social Interactions: Some children may prefer gestures over words or show affection in ways that differ from typical expectations. Recognizing and honoring these differences helps build confidence.

  • Role-Playing for Both Perspectives: Practice everyday social interactions while also teaching self-advocacy. For example, role-play how to say, “I like playing next to you,” instead of feeling pressured to verbally invite a peer to play.

  • Balance Social Expectations with Self-Acceptance: Teach children what society may expect in social situations, while also reinforcing that they do not have to change who they are to be accepted. Instead, we teach them how to help others understand their social language.

  • Celebrate Each Step, Not Just Traditional Wins: Social growth looks different for every child. Whether it’s making eye contact, initiating play in their own way, or advocating for a preferred interaction, all progress is worth celebrating.

How Autism F.I.R.S.T. Helps

Our Social Skills Groups are designed to honor and empower each child’s individuality while helping them build meaningful relationships. We focus on:

  • Understanding and accepting each child’s unique way of socializing
  • Teaching self-advocacy alongside traditional social expectations
  • Providing structured, supportive opportunities for peer interaction
  • Collaborating with caregivers to help generalize skills across home and school

Collaboration Is Key

We believe in partnering with families, educators, and therapists. To create a support system that helps children flourish in their own way. Together, we can assist enhancing social skills. By helping them develop confidence, build friendships, and navigate social spaces while staying true to who they are.

Let’s Celebrate Social Success—On Their Terms

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we value individuality in social growth. If you’re looking for a program that prioritizes self-advocacy, neurodivergent strengths, and social confidence, we’re here to help.

📩 Contact us today to learn more about our Social Skills Groups and how we can support your child.

Visual Aids for Communication and Learning

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What Are Visual Aids?

Visual aids are tools that use pictures, symbols, or written words to convey information. We use visual aids everyday! Referring to our calendars, post it notes, or even a birthday card posted on our refrigerator. These visual aids help us in our everyday lives. They do the same for our kiddos that need extra supports. These visuals aids can be:
  • Visual schedules that outline daily activities, i.e. written form or with pictures of each activity.
  • Flashcards with emotions, objects, or actions.
  • Communication Boards (specific pictures that are known to the child to show others what they want).
  • Illustrated pictures or words to help a child complete a specific task.

Benefits of Visual Aids

  • Enhanced Communication: Visual aids help children express themselves when verbal communication is challenging.
  • Clarity and Predictability: Visual schedules provide structure and reduce unexpected emotional responses by helping the child know what to expect in the near future.
  • Support for Independence: Step-by-step instructions using visuals can guide children through tasks like getting dressed or brushing their teeth.
  • Reinforcement of Learning: Visual aids can reinforce concepts and skills taught in therapy or at school.

How to Incorporate Visual Aids for Autism at Home

  • Use visuals consistently for daily routines, such as bedtime or mealtime.
  • Keep them simple and clear to avoid confusion.
  • Gradually involve your child in creating or organizing their visual aids to foster independence.

We Can Help!

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we specialize in using visual aids for Autism to support individualized learning. Contact us 703-496-4371 or Email us at scheduling@autismfirstus.com to learn how we can help your child thrive with these practical tools.

The Benefits of an ASD Diagnosis

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Understanding the Importance of an Autism Diagnosis

An autism diagnosis doesn’t define a child—it’s a tool that helps families understand their child’s unique strengths and challenges. With this understanding comes the ability to make informed decisions about care, education, and therapies.

Benefits of an ASD Diagnosis

  • Access to Services and Support: An official diagnosis opens doors to essential therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, and speech therapy. With a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, it also leads to federally mandated supports within the public education system like Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. 
  • Early Intervention Opportunities: The earlier children receive targeted support, the greater their potential for development and growth. Early interventions can improve communication, social skills, and independence. Want more information about our F.I.R.S.T. Steps Ahead Day Program? Click Here.
  • Validation and Understanding: For many families, a diagnosis provides validation and helps explain behaviors that were previously misunderstood. It’s a step toward building compassion and acceptance.
  • Community and Connection: An autism diagnosis connects families with support groups, advocacy networks, and local resources where they can find community and guidance.
  • Tailored Approaches: With a diagnosis, parents and educators can create individualized strategies that align with a child’s unique needs and learning style.

How Autism F.I.R.S.T. Can Help

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we’re here to support families at every stage of their journey. From understanding what a diagnosis means to connecting you with the right services, our team is dedicated to empowering children and families to thrive. We hope reading our Benefits of an ASD Diagnosis has been helpful, please contact us or follow us on Instagram.
If you’re seeking guidance or support for your child, reach out to Autism F.I.R.S.T. today. Together, we can create a pathway to growth, understanding, and success.

Sensory Processing in Autism: Essential Tips

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Real-Life Impact

Meet Alex, a bright and curious 5-year-old who experiences sensory challenges. Each morning, getting dressed for school is a struggle—not because Alex dislikes school, but because the act of getting dressed signals leaving the comfort of home, which can trigger maladaptive behaviors. These maladaptive behaviors can be running away from tasks, crying, and/or and verbal refusal to cooperate in completing the home routine.

With the help of ABA therapy, Alex’s family and therapists at Autism F.I.R.S.T. worked together to identify sensory triggers, teach coping strategies, and systematically address the behavior. Over time, Alex not only learned to get dressed independently but also started looking forward to school—a milestone achieved by targeting skill acquisition and behavior reduction.

Sensory Processing in Autism

Sensory processing plays a crucial role in how individuals experience and interact with the world. For many autistic individuals, sensory experiences can feel more intense, less noticeable, or simply different. These unique sensory profiles can shape behaviors, preferences, and interactions.

As a parent or caregiver, understanding sensory processing can empower you to provide the support needed for your loved one to thrive. This guide explores sensory processing in autism and offers practical, inclusive strategies for creating a supportive environment.

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets information from the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, as well as internal sensations like balance and body awareness. For some autistic individuals, sensory processing differences may include:

  • Hyper-sensitivity: Overwhelmed by certain sensory inputs (e.g., loud noises, bright lights).
  • Hypo-sensitivity: Seeking more sensory input to feel balanced (e.g., craving strong textures or deep pressure).

Understanding these differences is key to providing support tailored to individual needs.

How ABA Helps

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., ABA therapy is designed to foster skill acquisition and reduce maladaptive behaviors that interfere with daily life. For example, a child like Alex who avoids getting dressed can be supported through:

  1. Task Analysis: Breaking down the act of getting dressed into small, manageable steps.
  2. Reinforcement Strategies: Providing positive reinforcement (e.g., praise or a preferred activity) for completing each step.
  3. Addressing Maladaptive Behaviors: Identifying the triggers that relate to leaving home and teaching alternative coping mechanisms/responses to replace the maladaptive behaviors, such as running away. 

By systematically addressing the triggers and behaviors surrounding self-care skills, Autism F.I.R.S.T. ABA therapists help children develop independence while reducing behaviors that hinder progress.

Fostering Independence

Developing self-care skills like dressing, brushing teeth, and managing hygiene is essential for fostering independence. ABA therapy works by increasing skills while reducing maladaptive behaviors that impact a child’s ability to complete self-help tasks.

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., therapists address the maladaptive behaviors, triggers, and difficulties that surround these skills, providing individualized support to help children thrive in their daily routines.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

  • Observe and Identify Sensory Preferences
    Pay attention to what calms, excites, or overwhelms your child. Keep a journal of sensory triggers and preferred activities to build a clearer understanding.
  • Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces
    Designate areas in your home that accommodate sensory needs. This might include quiet spaces with dim lighting or sensory corners with textured objects, weighted blankets, or calming visuals.
  • Introduce Sensory Activities

    Incorporate sensory-friendly activities like:

    • Water play or finger painting for tactile engagement.
    • Rocking chairs or swings for movement regulation.
    • Noise-canceling headphones for overwhelming auditory environments.
  • Communicate Sensory Needs
    Advocate for your child by explaining their sensory needs to teachers, caregivers, and others in their environment. This fosters understanding and inclusion.
  • Collaborate with Professionals
    Collaborate closely with your child’s ABA Therapist in Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Parent Training for strategies and feedback.

Promoting Inclusion Through Understanding

Sensory processing differences are a natural part of the diverse human experience. By embracing these differences and creating environments that accommodate unique sensory profiles, we can foster a world where everyone feels valued and included.

How Professionals Work Together to Support Sensory Needs in Autism

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The Importance of Collaboration
Every child has unique sensory needs that affect how they navigate their world. By combining the expertise of various professionals, a well-rounded, consistent strategy can be implemented, benefiting the child at home, school, and in the community.

Collaboration ensures:

  • A unified approach to sensory challenges.
  • Consistency in strategies across environments.
  • Comprehensive support that addresses the child’s full range of needs.

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we bring these principles to life by fostering open communication and teamwork among our experts and families.

Key Players in the Team

  1. Occupational Therapists (OTs):
    • Focus on sensory integration and daily living skills.
    • Develop sensory diets, recommend tools (e.g., weighted vests), and create calming or alerting activities.
  2. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs):
    • Use behavior analysis to understand how sensory inputs influence behaviors.
    • Collaborate on strategies that integrate sensory needs into behavior support plans.
  3. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs):
    • Address sensory challenges that impact communication, such as tactile sensitivities affecting speech production.
    • Implement sensory strategies to improve engagement during therapy sessions.
  4. Physical Therapists (PTs):
    • Focus on gross motor skills and body awareness.
    • Help regulate sensory input through movement-based activities like balance exercises.
  5. Teachers:
    • Implement sensory strategies in the classroom.
    • Collaborate with the team to create an inclusive learning environment that supports sensory needs.

How Autism F.I.R.S.T. Supports Collaboration

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., our team works across disciplines to create individualized plans that prioritize sensory needs.

  • Our OTs and PTs design and implement sensory-friendly activities that enhance comfort and focus.
  • BCBAs and SLPs collaborate to develop strategies that address both behavioral and communication needs.
  • Our team communicates closely with teachers and families to ensure strategies are applied consistently across settings.

This seamless collaboration ensures that each child receives the comprehensive support they deserve.

Practical Tips for Families

  • Communicate openly with your child’s team. Share observations and ask questions about strategies.
  • Advocate for consistent collaboration by encouraging professionals to share goals and progress.
  • Participate in meetings and therapy sessions when possible to understand how strategies work across settings.

Autism F.I.R.S.T. also provides resources and guidance for families to stay informed and engaged in their child’s care. Visit www.autismfirstus.com to learn more. Learn more about our Early Intervention Program, F.I.R.S.T. Steps Academy, and our Social Skills Group.

Building a Supportive Network

Addressing sensory needs in Autism is a team effort that thrives on collaboration. By leveraging the expertise of OTs, BCBAs, SLPs, PTs, and teachers, families can ensure their child receives comprehensive and consistent support. At Autism F.I.R.S.T., our mission is to empower children and their families by providing a collaborative and inclusive approach to care.

Together, we can create environments where children with autism feel empowered to succeed and thrive. Learn more about how we can help at www.autismfirstus.com.