STAR of CA

STAR is pleased to announce we have a NEW ORANGE COUNTY LOCATION! We look forward to servicing the children and families of the OC

Check Out These Links From Around The Web About Our Recent Blog Topics | Star Autism

Autism symptoms vary greatly from person to person, which has led to many widespread misconceptions about the disorder. To learn more about how autism affects a person and how it may be treated, check out these informative sites.

• Education.com explains why pivotal response treatment remains one of the most popular intervention treatments for autism.

• The Midland County Educational Service Agency lists the main components of PRT and explains how it is used to help children with autism.

• Applied behavior analysis has become the fundamental scientific approach behind modern autism treatment. Autism Speaks reveals what its techniques are and how they can be used to help people.

• The National Institutes of Health explains what autism spectrum disorder is and how it has been treated.

• Identifying autism early is key to treating it. Check out this useful parent’s guide to autism treatment from HelpGuide.org.

• For more information about autism, call STAR Autism at (805) 583-8060.

The Harris Family shares their story about their son Justin having Autism.

Simi STARS of the Month

We want to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication to STAR. We are very lucky to have each of you and even more lucky to have such an overall amazing team. We want to shine some light on some employees with our monthly STARS of the Month awards.

Therapist of the Month- Kylie Gugliemetti

PBS RockStar- Megan Spehar

Parent WOW Award- Leo Clark

Early Intervention Extraordinaire – Sheila Ray

Parent Educator Master- Mike Berlin

Supervisor of the Month- Brent Perry

6 Tips for Successfully Traveling with a Child with Special Needs this Summer!

Here are some tips for having a fun, and relaxing, family vacation with your child with special needs.

1.)  Choose your destination wisely. There is no one perfect vacation spot for a child with special needs. But if you take their likes, dislikes and sensory difficulties into account when planning your trip, it will make the vacation more pleasant for the entire family.

2.) Let them know what to expect. Begin talking to your child about what is going to happen and what they can expect.  Talk to them about how you will be getting to your destination, let them know about where you are staying, and highlight a few fun activities you will be doing.  You can also use visuals and show your child pictures of where you are going and exactly what the hotel will look like.  

 3. )Use social stories. These little books with pictures of places such as airports, hotels or parks can help a person with autism prepare for an upcoming experience. Knowing what to expect when they arrive at a crowded airport or a hotel that smells different than home can alleviate some of the stress that comes from interrupting their routines.

4.)Take advantage of special accommodations. Call ahead to places you might want to visit, or to airlines, and ask about any allowances they make for children with special needs. It can turn a potentially stressful situation into a more positive experience.

Disney’s theme parks, for example, will allow families with a member with special needs to bypass long lines. You can also request special seating on airlines or trains, a quiet hotel room or a wheelchair to help you get from gate to gate during a quick transfer at an airport. There are cruise lines that block off groups of rooms for families affected by autism, and have special dining areas and activities for them.

5.) Take a practice trip. Go away for a weekend, choosing a place that is just a few hours away by plane or car, before attempting a longer trip. It will give everyone a chance to get used to traveling, and it might help identify potential problem spots.

You’re better off finding out during a two-night stay at a hotel, rather than on a two-week cruise, that your child needs his own pillow to fall asleep in a strange bed. 

6.) Pack the comforts of home. A familiar stuffed animal, pillow or snack can go a long way toward easing anxiety about a broken routine.

“Identify if there is a certain toy or object they need to have with them,” Pratt said. “And if the child is nonverbal, make sure you have their communication system with you. No matter how much you prepare, you have to be prepared for the unexpected.”

For more information read more at the Washington Post