STAR of CA

Explore These Sites For Helpful Autism Management Advice

Early intervention with evidence-based practices can help your child reach his or her goals. Learn more about programs for treating autism at STAR California. Become an informed advocate for your child with help from the following links.

• Autism Speaks discusses how to start teaching your child practical skills, and recommends making checklists.
   
• Are you coping with a recent diagnosis of autism? You’re not alone; read more about other families’ stories with this article by NBCNews.com.
   
• Children with autism often face language difficulties. Read more about them at Discovery Fit & Health.
   
• The Autism Society discusses how a diagnosis of autism may be reached, and explains the difference between a medical diagnosis and a differential diagnosis.
   
• You might have noticed that your child struggles with pragmatic language skills. Read more about the use of language in a social context at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Give us a call today at (805) 624-6982 or visit our website to learn more about our autism specialists and our approach.

What to Expect from a STAR Autism Program

The autism specialists of STAR California recognize that every child has unique needs, and offers individually customized programs tailored to each child. You can expect a STAR autism program to use evidence-based methodologies such as pivotal response therapy (PRT). Here’s a look at what you can expect from a typical STAR autism program:

Session Structure

A typical session begins by setting up the materials for your child’s program, including data sheets, learning centers, and positive reinforcement systems. The bulk of the session is broken into smaller, child-friendly segments to keep your child engaged in the lesson plan. The autism specialist usually works toward two to four goals with your child during each segment, which might last about 15 minutes. To encourage knowledge retention, the autism specialist reinforces previously learned goals and works toward new goals during each segment. The specific activities will depend on your child’s needs. Parental involvement in each session is welcomed. Doing these activities with your child and the autism specialist will help you become better equipped to do them at home.

Progress Review

At the conclusion of each session, the autism specialist updates his or her notes for your child. He or she will frequently review your child’s progress with you and discuss ways that you can encourage your child’s achievements with at-home activities. This is also a good time to ask any questions you might have and discuss future goals.

Community Support

STAR California recognizes that treatment programs for children with autism should also include familial assistance. The support of the entire family is critical for each child’s success. Take advantage of the Family Support Services from STAR California, which can help you with everything from emotional support to advocacy needs.

Schedule a consultation with STAR California by calling (805) 624-6982. In addition to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention, we also provide family counseling services. You could also visit our website to learn more about our evidence-based approach.

Dr. Faye Carter Interviewed for Autism Awareness Month

Dr. Faye Carter is the Clinical Director of the West LA office of STAR Autism. She was recently interviewed by Margaret Wang-Winters for Autism Awareness Month. To read the entire article follow this link.

Family Tips: Getting Through an Autism Diagnosis

Parents of children with special needs cope with a slew of unique challenges, and one of the most difficult to deal with is adjusting to the diagnosis. While everyone reacts differently to an autism diagnosis, you’ll likely experience certain negative emotions. But as you adapt to the idea of raising a child with autism, you’ll realize one key point: your child is still the same sweet boy or girl; he or she just needs some extra help.

Acknowledge Your Emotions

Many people experience an emotional process similar to grieving when they learn that their child has autism. Shock can set in soon after the diagnosis, followed by sadness and anger. You might also feel a keen sense of isolation, which might be because your friends and family do not understand the diagnosis. You may also feel guilt at this stage; however, it’s important to acknowledge that you have the right to feel grief. Eventually, you’ll be more able to accept the autism diagnosis and move forward.

Accept Support from Family and Friends

Caring for a child with autism can be emotionally challenging. Build a network of support to help get your family through the adjustment period and beyond. Reach out to your family members and friends. Many parents also find it helpful to join support groups for families of special needs children. Support groups can help you deal with your emotions and serve other critical functions, such as providing a wealth of information about autism issues and assisting you with advocacy needs.

Become Informed about the Issues

Early intervention for children with autism is important for the best outcome, and you should take some time to educate yourself about the issues and interventions before enrolling your child in a program. Read about evidence-based approaches that have been proven helpful for children with autism, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.

At STAR California, we understand the issues that families with children with autism deal with. In addition to evidence-based treatment techniques, we offer Family Support Services and counseling. Schedule a consultation today by calling (805) 624-6982.

Tips for Advancing Your Child's Conversation Skills

Children with autism often struggle with receptive and expressive language skills. Receptive language skills refer to the ability to understand speech and language, while expressive language skills refer to the ability to express oneself with language. Children with autism can benefit from learning the basics of these skills one at a time, particularly through roleplaying techniques.

For more tips on how to teach your child conversation skills, watch this video. The autism specialist in this video recommends using visual aids. You’ll also see a demonstration of roleplaying conversation.

The autism specialists of STAR California use evidence-based techniques to teach children with autism crucial skills, including conversation and language skills. Schedule an appointment today by calling (805) 624-6982.