Autism is a developmental brain disorder that affects normal brain functions. This neurological condition affects a person’s reasoning, social skills and communication skills. The condition becomes apparent during the first 3 years of a child’s life. Because areas of the brain have difficulties working together, children with autism will have challenges in relating and communicating with others. Those afflicted with the disorder may still be able to reach their full potential with an early diagnosis and effective treatment.

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Reaching Milestones- St. Marys Center held a Halloween party for all clients Wednesday, October 31 from 4:00-5:00pm. We had a jam-packed hour filled with trick-or-treating, games and arts-n-crafts. Clients arrived in their n Halloween costumes to join in the festivities. We had all kinds of characters show up– from Batman and Super Girl to Mario and Luigi. Clients participated in making a healthy and edible monster mouth art project made from apples, peanut butter and almonds.  Our younger clients really utilized their fine motor skills as they tried spreading peanut butter with a knife and picking up small almonds to stick to the apples. It was a yummy snack for all! Clients immediately got the opportunity to practice their social skills while going door to door trick-or treating throughout the office. They practiced using good manners, appropriate turn taking and waiting, and picked up some handfuls of candy from staff along the way. The fun really started when the piñata came out! Clients took turns taking a swing at our candy filled witch piñata and had a blast playing the” guess how many candy corn are in the jar” game. Our very own Jake took the crown and guessed the amount of candy corn in the jar and won it as a prize. He was beaming when he found out that he won and very willingly shared his winnings with his fellow peers.  All clients engaged in social play with their peers – they were even “caught in the act” playing board games together, sharing toys, and engaging in imaginary play while in costume.  Overall, the party was a success and everyone who participated had a blast.  Thanks to all who came out for the fun and who helped put this event together.

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This was Jacob in 2009, when he became the first client in our Richmond Hill clinic.  Since that day, Jacob has made tremendous progress. BCS immediately began providing intensive therapy in Jacob’s home. His mother played a vital role in his progress, as she sought to learn as much as she could about ABA. She learned the procedures and implemented them even when a behavior analyst was not present. Working together, Jacob’s mother, the supervising behavior analyst and behavior assistant created goals for Jacob and worked to teach him the necessary skills to achieve those goals. Within the first 6 months of receiving ABA services, Jacob was able to tolerate bathing without exhibiting problem behaviors, made trips to the ocean, increased his verbal repertoire significantly and no longer required Occupational Therapy or psychotropic medication to control self-injurious behaviors and aggression.  Within 18 months Jacob no longer required Speech Therapy and demonstrated age-appropriate developmental milestones, including language and social skills.

Today, Jacob no longer requires intensive ABA therapy. He does not demonstrate any of the problem behaviors that he demonstrated just 3 short years ago. He has been placed in a mainstream classroom, without any educational supports. He not only participates on a local youth baseball team, but he excels both athletically and socially. Not to mention, he is super cute! Congratulations to Jacob and the entire Montelbano family! You have truly Reached a Milestone with BCS. Visit any of our offices including our ABA Therapy for Autism Jacksonville Fl.

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