Staff Newsletter | February 2023

Feature Article

Managing Transitions Between Activities

It can be challenging to help children with autism to transition from one activity to another. There are many reasons why children with autism struggle with transitioning between activities. They may become hyper-focused on what they are doing, struggle with stopping a preferred activity, feeling overwhelmed by the next activity or sensory deficits may prevent children from transitioning between activities.

Being able to transition between activities is an essential life skill for children. Below are a few ways children transition in their daily life:

  • A child needs to stop playing and take a bath.

  • A child is expected to walk from the classroom to gym.

  • A child needs to leave the house to get in the car.

  • A child needs to brush their teeth after eating dinner.

     

How can you help a child with autism transition between activities?

Children with autism have difficulties transitioning for various reasons. However you can create a plan to prevent challenging behaviors as well as facilitate the child’s transition from one activity to another. 

Here are some strategies you can use to assist a child transition between activities:

  • Give transitional cues. (i.e., sand timers, vocal cues, etc.)

  • Visual activity schedules. Ensure to make them fun and interactive for the child.

  • Remind what they are working for. (i.e., "First 5 minutes of work, then YouTube.")

  • Give choices. (i.e., "Do you want to work on Math now, or in 2 minutes?")

  • Use a Token Board (i.e., 3 tokens, then Break time)

News + Spotlight

 

Rainbow ABA is ACE approved! We are thrilled to announce that Rainbow ABA will be hosting CEUs for staff members. More info to come!

Remember, session notes should be complete & verified within 24 hours. Cancellations should be reported to your BCBA immediately! 

Rainbow ABA Shout Outs  

 

Do you know a RBT/BT, Supervisor, BCBA Candidate, or co-worker that has been stellar and you believe they deserve some recognition (positive reinforcement), send in a nomination! Click the form below.

 
Shout Out Form

 Weekend Social Skills Group

 

Are you interested in leading a weekend Social Skills Group or Parent Training at the Rainbow ABA center? Click below to fill out the interest form.

More information to come soon!

 
Interest Form

Become a BCBA!

Are you interested in obtaining your masters in ABA or completing Verified Sequence Coursework to be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam?

 

Rainbow ABA has partnered with the following universities:

 

Felician University

Capella University

Rider University

 

Rainbow ABA staff receive a tuition discount!! E-mail

Lauren@rainbowtherapy.org for more information.

February Birthdays

  • Abigail L.

  • Akira A.

  • Angelina C.

  • Aylin S.

  • Tawana C

  • Schleicher M.

  • Brooke H.

  • Carmela E.

  • Christian B.

  • Chrystal M.

  • Daphney L.

  • Sarah T.

  • Guivard S.

  • Jaslie C.

  • Jennifer D.

  • Kora P.

  • Maier A.

  • Mary O.

Happy Birthday! Thank you for all you do, Rainbow ABA truly appreciates you. We wish you a wonderful and happy birthday! 

From, Rainbow ABA 

Shout Out Spotlights

Jaslie Castellanos, Lead Behavior Therapist

Jaslie is originally from Manhattan but has lived here long enough to call herself a Jersey Girl! She has been with Rainbow for almost two years now and recently took the role of Lead Behavior Therapist at the Rainbow Center. When asked what her favorite thing about Rainbow is, she responded: "I truly love how much all of my supervisors have been willing to teach me. It’s the best hands-on experience you can get."

Her advice to BCBA Candidates and BTs is "Practice self-care! You can’t pour from an empty cup."

In her spare time, Jaslie enjoys photography. Jaslie is a great addition to the Rainbow Team!

SHOUT OUT: "Every time I was running a few minutes late coming in I could always count on Jaslie to take my client until I got here. I was having a couple of rough mornings and when I came in Jaslie always had her and was so nice about it" - Aisha T.

Vanessa Lilly, Behavior Therapist

Vanessa lives in Newark NJ and has been with Rainbow ABA since the center has opened. When asked what her favorite thing about Rainbow ABA is, she responded: "I love the diversity, mannerism, and professionalism. I also love how everyone’s so willing to help one another. I love that we all have different experiences that ties into this field, yet we’re still willing to assist and educate each other."

Her advice to BCBA Candidates and BTs is to "Stay patient and confident. As long as you continue to educate yourself and genuinely love what you do, you’re going to enjoy the fruits of your labor. We’re growing on our clients the same way they are growing on us."

A fun fact about Vanessa is she has lived in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia over the past 10 years.

SHOUT OUT: "Vanessa and I have been working together since October with our client. He has come so far and showing incredible progress!! Vanessa’s hard work and dedication to our client is making all the difference!" - Amanda H.

 

SHOUT OUT: "Vanessa stays late to clean up and vacuum her room, thanks Vanessa!" - Christian B.

Meet the Administrative Team

 

Karina Gomez

 

Administrative Services Director

 

Giselle Hernandez

 

Executive Assistant

 

Lucero Cisneros  

 

Executive Assistant  

Valentine's Day Craft

Are you looking for a fun Valentine’s Day activity for preschoolers? Use this free heart printable. Kids can practice scissor skills when they cut out the hearts. They can use a hole punch to make holes around the hearts’ border.

 
Valentine's Craft

"I love you to pieces"

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

This “I Love You to Pieces” printable is an easy to prep activity and great for a wide range of ages.

 
Valentine's Printables

February Themed Materials

 

Valentine's Day coloring pages.

 
Coloring
 

Grateful hearts activity sheets.

 
Activity Sheet
 

Valentine's Day fine motor mats.

 
Fine Motor

Let's Stay in Touch!

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300 Broadacres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ, USA
201.720.8600

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