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At Lizard, we are certified ABA therapists, offering ABA therapy programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and other related conditions. Call us now.

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What is the role of an ABA Therapist?

At Lizard Centre, we believe in the power of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy to transform the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, global developmental delays, ADHD, and other related conditions. ABA therapy is a scientifically proven approach to learning and behaviour change. It focuses on understanding and modifying behaviour through the application of behavioural principles.

Our highly trained and compassionate ABA therapists play a crucial role in the therapy process. They work closely with children and their families to design and implement effective learning procedures tailored to each child's unique needs.
By utilising evidence-based strategies, your ABA therapist will help your child develop a wide range of skills, enhance their strengths, and overcome challenges.

The Science of Learning:

ABA therapy is grounded in the science of learning. Your ABA therapist will use research-based, socially validated techniques to teach new skills, promote positive behaviours, and reduce challenging behaviours. Through careful observation and data collection, they assess the child's abilities, identify areas for improvement, and develop individualised treatment plans.

Skills That Can Be Developed:

At Lizard Centre, we understand the importance of targeting a comprehensive range of skills. Whether it's language and communication, social interaction, academic skills, self-help skills, or behaviour management, our ABA therapists are skilled in addressing various developmental domains. Our goal is to empower children to reach their full potential and lead independent, fulfilling lives.

Working with Child and Family:

We recognise that the involvement of the child's family is essential for successful therapy outcomes. Your ABA therapist will work with you collaboratively, providing guidance, support, and training on how to reinforce learned skills and generalise them to everyday life. We believe building strong partnerships with families can create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and progress.

We are your experienced ABA Therapist

All our ABA therapists at Lizard Centre are highly qualified professionals. They hold certifications such as Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) or Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA), ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to deliver effective therapy. Additionally, our registered therapy technicians receive ongoing training and supervision from experienced BCBA supervisors, ensuring the highest standard of care.

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At Lizard, we are certified ABA therapists, offering ABA therapy programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and other related conditions. Call us now.

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Unveiling the Power of the Key Worker Model in Specialised Therapies

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Unveiling the Power of the Key Worker Model in Specialised Therapies

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In this article we have describe that Unveiling the power of the key worker model in specialised therapiest. Click here to read more or give us a call at 1300 752 617 today.

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Key Workers provide effective support and services to individuals with autism and other disabilities, particularly in the field of behaviour analysis therapy. For parents navigating the challenges of managing multiple therapies and services for their child with disabilities, this model offers a relevant solution to elevate autism training for parents .

As the name implies, the Key Worker model involves assigning a specific individual or family a dedicated professional, referred to as the key worker. In addition to providing primary contact and support, the key worker facilitates communication and coordination among various service providers. By combining speech therapy, positive behaviour support, and occupational therapy, a child receives a cohesive treatment plan. To implement all goals and programs effectively, the key worker is responsible for harmonising these interventions and receives training from other service providers. You are likely familiar with the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) that underpin this personalised approach.

Individuals receiving therapy benefit from the Key Worker model because it fosters familiarity and trust. As a key worker deeply understands the needs, preferences, and progress of each individual, interventions are more effective. A key worker also plays an important role in the implementation of behaviour support plans, ensuring consistency and continuity. As key workers, professionals must possess the necessary skills and experience to address the diverse challenges presented by children and adolescents with autism and other disabilities.

With the Key Worker model, fewer therapists are required to enter the home of a family and the life of a child. As a result of minimised turnover, children with autism and other disabilities are more likely to live in a stable and predictable environment, which is crucial for them. As a result, families do not have to constantly adapt to new faces and methods, reducing the burden on them.

Having a dedicated key worker establishes a stable and reliable contact, intimately familiar with the family's needs, preferences, and progress. By ensuring continuity, interventions become more effective and personnel changes are minimized, reducing disruptions. Additionally, the key worker acts as a communication bridge between the family and other professionals involved in the child's care, fostering a collaborative and holistic approach to therapy.

By promoting collaboration between the child's team members, the Key Worker model encourages a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Communication between key workers, therapists, and support staff facilitates a comprehensive understanding of each case, allowing the team to adapt intervention strategies in real-time based on observations and feedback.

In practice, a key worker can allocate resources more efficiently by managing the implementation of goals. By coordinating and overseeing service delivery, the key worker can optimise the human resource pool, rather than rotating multiple therapists through a family. The result is not only a better quality of care, but also an opportunity to reduce costs associated with frequent staff turnover.

Overall, the Key Worker model aligns seamlessly with the principles of positive behavior support and applied behavior analysis. By implementing this model, team collaboration will be enhanced, and resources will be allocated more efficiently. Lizard's commitment to providing high-quality behaviour analytic therapy in Australia resonates with the personalised and holistic approach of the Key Worker model.

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Key Workers provide effective support and services to individuals with autism and other disabilities, particularly in the field of behaviour analysis therapy. For parents navigating the challenges of managing multiple therapies and services for their child with disabilities, this model offers a

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Parenting Children with Disabilities: Practical Insights

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Parenting Children with Disabilities: Practical Insights

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The challenges of parenting children with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, can be both emotionally and physically challenging. The journey can be overwhelming at times, with complex therapy schedules, communication barriers, and sensory needs.

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Parenting Children with Disabilities: Practical Insights - TheOmniBuzz

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The challenges of parenting children with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, can be both emotionally…

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Revolutionising Specialised Therapies: Unlocking the Potential of the Key Worker Model

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Revolutionising Specialised Therapies: Unlocking the Potential of the Key Worker Model

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In this blog we know that, the Key Worker model emerges as a game-changer, offering unparalleled support and services to individuals facing autism and other disabilities. Click here to read more or give us a call at 1300 752 617 today.

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In the realm of specialised therapies, the Key Worker model emerges as a game-changer, offering unparalleled support and services to individuals facing autism and other disabilities. This innovative approach, particularly in behaviour analysis therapy, addresses the intricate challenges parents encounter while juggling multiple therapies for their children with disabilities, ultimately ushering in a new era of autism training for parents.

At its core, the Key Worker model assigns a dedicated professional, known as the key worker, to a specific individual or family. Beyond being the primary point of contact and support, the key worker acts as a facilitator, orchestrating seamless communication and coordination among various service providers. This model integrates speech therapy, positive behaviour support, and occupational therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan, with the key worker harmonising these interventions through training from other service providers, all grounded in the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA).

The impact of the Key Worker model on individuals undergoing therapy is profound. By fostering familiarity and trust, the key worker's deep understanding of individual needs, preferences, and progress enhances the effectiveness of interventions. Playing a pivotal role in implementing behaviour support plans ensures consistency and continuity, requiring professionals to possess the necessary skills and experience to address the diverse challenges presented by children and adolescents with autism and other disabilities.

A notable advantage of the Key Worker model is the reduction in the number of therapists entering a family's home and a child's life. Minimised turnover creates a stable and predictable environment for children, particularly crucial for those with autism and other disabilities who thrive on routine. This also lightens the burden on families, sparing them the need to constantly adapt to new faces and methodologies.

Establishing a dedicated key worker creates a stable and reliable point of contact intimately familiar with the family's needs, preferences, and progress. This continuity not only enhances the effectiveness of interventions but also minimises disruptions caused by frequent personnel changes. Serving as a communication bridge between the family and other professionals involved in the child's care, the key worker fosters a collaborative and holistic approach to therapy.

The Key Worker model promotes collaboration among the child's team members, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Regular communication between key workers, therapists, and support staff enables a comprehensive understanding of each case, empowering the team to adapt and refine intervention strategies based on real-time feedback and observations.

Practically, the key worker's role in managing the implementation of goals allows for more efficient resource allocation. Coordinating and overseeing service delivery optimises the human resource pool, replacing the need for multiple therapists to rotate through a family. This not only enhances the quality of care but also has the potential to reduce costs associated with frequent staff turnover.

In summary, the Key Worker model seamlessly aligns with the principles of positive behaviour support and applied behaviour analysis. Implementing this model promises enhanced team collaboration, efficient resource allocation, and a personalised, holistic approach that resonates with the commitment of organisations like Lizard to provide high-quality behaviour analytic therapy in Australia.

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Revolutionising Specialised Therapies: Unlocking the Potential of the Key Worker Model

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In the realm of specialised therapies, the Key Worker model emerges as a game-changer, offering unparalleled support and services to individ...

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Navigating the Home Front: Practical Insights for Parenting Children with Disabilities

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Navigating the Home Front: Practical Insights for Parenting Children with Disabilities

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This blog describe that Parenting children with disabilities, including those with autism, brings about distinctive challenges that can be emotionally and physically demanding. .Give us a call at 1300 752 617 and book your FREE consultation.

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Simple tips and tricks to help your child at home

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Simple tips and tricks to help your child at home

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Providing you with simple tips and tricks to support your child at come. Contact Lizard today and discover our behaviour support plan strategies.

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Parenting children with disabilities, including autism, presents unique challenges that can be both emotionally and physically demanding. The journey may involve navigating through complex therapy schedules, managing potential communication barriers, and addressing specific sensory needs. It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but it's crucial to remember that you are not alone. It's important to acknowledge your efforts and celebrate small victories. Embracing a mindset of flexibility and resilience can empower you to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of parenting a child with disabilities.

Below are some tips and tricks based on learning theory and behaviour analysis that may be useful on your journey.

Establish Clear Routines:

Create a structured daily schedule to provide predictability for your child.

Use visual schedules or charts to represent the routine visually.

Use Visual Supports:

Visual aids, such as pictures or icons, can help your child understand expectations.

Use visual schedules, social stories, and reward charts to reinforce positive behaviour.

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps:

Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them more achievable.

Provide clear instructions and praise for each completed step.

Provide Clear Instructions:

Give simple, concrete instructions using clear language.

Ensure your child understands by asking them to repeat or demonstrate what they need to do.

Use Positive Reinforcement:

Reinforce positive behaviours with praise, encouragement, or small rewards.

Be specific about what behaviour you're praising to make the reinforcement more effective.

Implement a Token System:

Use a token economy system where your child earns tokens for desired behaviours.

Exchange tokens for a preferred item or activity.

Offer Choices:

Provide your child with choices to give them a sense of control.

Ensure choices are limited to avoid overwhelming them.

Teach Self-Monitoring:

Help your child learn to monitor their own behaviour.

Use visual cues or self-checklists to prompt self-reflection.

Create a Quiet Space:

Designate a quiet, calm space where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

Make this space comforting and filled with sensory-friendly items.

Use Social Stories:

Develop social stories to explain social situations or changes in routine.

Read the stories with your child to prepare them for upcoming events.

Model Behavior:

Demonstrate appropriate behaviour for your child to observe and imitate.

Use role-playing to practice social skills in a controlled environment.

Build in Breaks:

Schedule regular breaks, especially during challenging tasks.

Breaks can help prevent frustration and maintain focus.

Encourage Independence:

Foster independence by teaching age-appropriate self-help skills.

Gradually increase expectations as your child masters each skill.

Stay Calm and Consistent:

Remain calm and consistent in your responses to behaviour.

Consistency helps your child understand expectations and consequences.

Collaborate with Professionals:

Stay in communication with your child's ABA therapist or other professionals.

Share successful strategies and seek advice for challenges.

Remember, every child is unique, so it's essential to tailor these tips to your child's specific needs and preferences.
Additionally, consulting with your child's ABA therapist can provide personalised behaviour support plan strategies for your home environment.

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Simple tips and tricks to help your child at home | Lizard

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Providing you with simple tips and tricks to support your child at come. Contact Lizard today and discover our behaviour support plan strategies.

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Discover how the key worker model works through out latest blog. For autism training for parents, contact Lizard today.

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Discover how the key worker model works through out latest blog. For autism training for parents, contact Lizard today.

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We offer tailored Positive Behaviour Support Plans to your child's specific needs that are providing effective strategies for managing behaviours. Call us now.

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What is positive behaviour support. Simplified...

Positive behaviour support is a community-based approach that involves learning more about the environment in which a child or adult lives and working collaboratively with everyone in that setting to design strategies for promoting positive social and communication skills.

It is built upon the belief that behaviours of concern will reduce in the right set of conditions and opportunities as the individual instead learns positive and safe ways of communicating their wants and needs. In turn, restrictions that were previously placed on them will be reduced, which then improves their quality of life.

What does a positive behaviour support plan look like at Lizard. A detailed look...

At Lizard, our approach involves a clinician working together with your child and their support network to understand why it is they engage in the behaviours of concern they are currently displaying.

Our clinician will then work with both your child and your family to design a positive behaviour support plan to help the child to learn different, more adaptive ways to achieve their needs.

This process will include discussions with the family and your child in which the clinician learns about your child's growth and life experiences, strengths, preferences, and motivations in life. It will also include the clinician spending time with your child in their home or out in the community so they can get a better idea of exactly what their life is like, and where their struggles lie.

As a result of this learning process the clinician, in collaboration with your child and family, will put together a positive behaviour support plan that is individually tailored to the child's needs and strengths. This positive behaviour support plan will include recommendations on adjustments to the child's environment to reduce the likelihood they will feel the need to engage in behaviours of concern, and teaching strategies to help the participant learn alternative behaviours to achieve the same outcomes that motivate the behaviours of concern. It may also include relationship building strategies to help your child develop more healthy bonds to those in their support network.

The clinician will then spend time implementing and coaching your child and their support network (therapists, support workers, teachers, etc.) on implementation of the positive behaviour support plan. Over time the support plan may adjust as new things are learned, different needs arise, and your child finds the environment changing around them.

This process will include discussions with the family and your child in which the clinician learns about your child's growth and life experiences, strengths, preferences, and motivations in life. It will also include the clinician spending time with your child in their home or out in the community so they can get a better idea of exactly what their life is like, and where their struggles lie.

As a result of this learning process the clinician, in collaboration with your child and family, will put together a positive behaviour support plan that is individually tailored to the child's needs and strengths. This behaviour support plan will include recommendations on adjustments to the child's environment to reduce the likelihood they will feel the need to engage in behaviours of concern, and teaching strategies to help the participant learn alternative behaviours to achieve the same outcomes that motivate the behaviours of concern. It may also include relationship building strategies to help your child develop more healthy bonds to those in their support network.

The clinician will then spend time implementing and coaching your child and their support network (therapists, support workers, teachers, etc.) on implementation of the positive behaviour support plan. Over time the support plan may adjust as new things are learned, different needs arise, and your child finds the environment changing around them.

What outcomes are achieved?

As a result of engaging the Lizard Centre for Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Plan services, your child can hope to achieve new communication patterns, coping strategies, and new life skills.

They will be empowered to exercise choice in their world, and new life experiences could be opened to them. Priority will be placed on developing and maintaining relationships with those around them, and the participant will achieve a sense of being valued within their relational network.

How to find out if your NDIS plan includes funding for positive behaviour support plan services with Lizard

If this sounds like something that may be right for you or a loved one, you can contact Lizard by clicking the therapy finder button at the top of this page to engage in a confidential conversation with our intake specialist to learn more about what Lizard can do for you.

The Lizard Centre Difference

At Lizard Centre, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to positive behaviour support plans, setting us apart from other providers. We believe that every child deserves an individualised and holistic approach to addressing challenging behaviours.

Our highly skilled team of professionals works collaboratively with families to develop a comprehensive positive behaviour support plan that focus on understanding the underlying causes of behaviours and implementing proactive strategies to promote positive change.

We emphasise a person-centred approach, considering the unique needs, preferences, and strengths of each child. Our team is experienced in creating supportive and nurturing environments that foster skill development, communication, and emotional well-being. With Lizard Centre, you can trust that our PBS plans are tailored to your child's specific needs, providing effective strategies for managing behaviours, promoting positive outcomes, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Currently, we offer our services in metro regions across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, ensuring accessibility and convenience for families seeking high-quality therapy for their children.

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Positive Behaviour Support Plan | Lizard Centre

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We offer tailored Positive Behaviour Support Plans to your child's specific needs that are providing effective strategies for managing behaviours. Call us now.

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In this article we have describe that embarking on the road to Autism Treatment. Contact us to explore our personalised therapy programs and discover how, toget

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Embarking on the Road to Autism Treatment: A Practical Handbook for Parents and Caregivers

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Embarking on the Road to Autism Treatment: A Practical Handbook for Parents and Caregivers

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Navigating the intricate landscape of autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, presents both distinctive challenges and unique opportunities for personal and developmental growth. This blog is crafted to serve as a comprehensive manual for parents and caregivers, offering guidance on the initial steps of autism treatment while emphasising the critical role of early intervention.

1. Early Identification is Paramount: Commencing the journey begins with the crucial step of early identification. Seek out skilled specialists who can accurately diagnose autism in your child. Obtaining a timely diagnosis facilitates the prompt initiation of interventions that can significantly impact and improve your child's life. Autism can be identified as early as 18 months, and sometimes even earlier.

2. Unleashing the Potential of Behavioural Approaches: Behavioural analysis emerges as a validated approach for enhancing social, communication, and behavioural skills in individuals with autism. This method involves breaking down complex skills into manageable steps, employing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours. Additionally, behavioural analysis underscores the importance of adapting the individual's environment to address challenges associated with the diagnosis when applicable.

3. Choosing the Right Therapeutic Support: Once the decision to explore therapy is made, the subsequent step involves identifying the appropriate therapist or therapy center. Seek professionals certified in behaviour analysis or positive behaviour support, with a proven track record of experience working with children on the autism spectrum. Their expertise will prove invaluable in crafting and implementing a personalised treatment plan for your child.

4. Understanding Financial Support Options: In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) extends funding to support individuals with disabilities, including autism. Familiarise yourself with the NDIS and other available funding options in your region to help cover the costs associated with therapy and related services.

5. Active Participation of Parents: While therapy sessions play a pivotal role, the active involvement of parents and caregivers is equally essential. Learn from the therapists working with your child and actively engage in their treatment. Consistency in applying strategies at home can expedite your child's progress.

6. Establishing Effective Communication Channels: Forge clear and open lines of communication with your child's therapists. Regular updates, discussions, and feedback are essential for making informed decisions and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

7. Cultivating a Supportive Network: The journey need not be solitary. Seek out local autism support groups and connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and insights can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.

8. Maintaining a Consistent Environment: Children with autism often thrive in structured and predictable environments. Establish a consistent daily routine and maintain a stable home environment. This consistency fosters a sense of security, crucial for your child's overall development.

9. Tracking Developmental Progress: Keep detailed records of your child's development, noting achievements, challenges, and behavioural changes. This data serves as a valuable tool in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment and making informed decisions about necessary adjustments.

10. Prioritising Self-Care: Caring for a child with autism can be emotionally and physically demanding. Prioritise your own well-being by taking time for yourself, seeking support when needed, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Embarking on the journey of autism treatment as a parent or caregiver is a substantial undertaking. Each child with autism is unique, and their treatment should be tailored to their individual needs and interests.

At Lizard Centre, our comprehensive early intervention autism therapy programs provide a dedicated support system and a team of committed professionals, fostering remarkable progress for your child.

Take the next step in your child's journey towards success by reaching out to Lizard Centre today. Contact us to explore our personalised therapy programs and discover how, together, we can be a powerful force for positive change. Your unwavering dedication, coupled with our expertise, forms the foundation for transformative progress.

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Embarking on the Road to Autism Treatment: A Practical Handbook for Parents and Caregivers - ArticleTed - News and Articles

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Navigating the intricate landscape of autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, presents both distinctive challenges and unique opportunities for...

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In this article we have describe that embarking on the road to Autism Treatment. Contact us to explore our personalised therapy programs and discover how, toget

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Embarking on the Road to Autism Treatment: A Practical Handbook for Parents and Caregivers

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Embarking on the Road to Autism Treatment: A Practical Handbook for Parents and Caregivers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Navigating the intricate landscape of autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, presents both distinctive challenges and unique opportunities for personal and developmental growth. This blog is crafted to serve as a comprehensive manual for parents and caregivers, offering guidance on the initial steps of autism treatment while emphasising the critical role of early intervention.

1. Early Identification is Paramount: Commencing the journey begins with the crucial step of early identification. Seek out skilled specialists who can accurately diagnose autism in your child. Obtaining a timely diagnosis facilitates the prompt initiation of interventions that can significantly impact and improve your child's life. Autism can be identified as early as 18 months, and sometimes even earlier.

2. Unleashing the Potential of Behavioural Approaches: Behavioural analysis emerges as a validated approach for enhancing social, communication, and behavioural skills in individuals with autism. This method involves breaking down complex skills into manageable steps, employing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours. Additionally, behavioural analysis underscores the importance of adapting the individual's environment to address challenges associated with the diagnosis when applicable.

3. Choosing the Right Therapeutic Support: Once the decision to explore therapy is made, the subsequent step involves identifying the appropriate therapist or therapy center. Seek professionals certified in behaviour analysis or positive behaviour support, with a proven track record of experience working with children on the autism spectrum. Their expertise will prove invaluable in crafting and implementing a personalised treatment plan for your child.

4. Understanding Financial Support Options: In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) extends funding to support individuals with disabilities, including autism. Familiarise yourself with the NDIS and other available funding options in your region to help cover the costs associated with therapy and related services.

5. Active Participation of Parents: While therapy sessions play a pivotal role, the active involvement of parents and caregivers is equally essential. Learn from the therapists working with your child and actively engage in their treatment. Consistency in applying strategies at home can expedite your child's progress.

6. Establishing Effective Communication Channels: Forge clear and open lines of communication with your child's therapists. Regular updates, discussions, and feedback are essential for making informed decisions and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

7. Cultivating a Supportive Network: The journey need not be solitary. Seek out local autism support groups and connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and insights can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.

8. Maintaining a Consistent Environment: Children with autism often thrive in structured and predictable environments. Establish a consistent daily routine and maintain a stable home environment. This consistency fosters a sense of security, crucial for your child's overall development.

9. Tracking Developmental Progress: Keep detailed records of your child's development, noting achievements, challenges, and behavioural changes. This data serves as a valuable tool in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment and making informed decisions about necessary adjustments.

10. Prioritising Self-Care: Caring for a child with autism can be emotionally and physically demanding. Prioritise your own well-being by taking time for yourself, seeking support when needed, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Embarking on the journey of autism treatment as a parent or caregiver is a substantial undertaking. Each child with autism is unique, and their treatment should be tailored to their individual needs and interests.

At Lizard Centre, our comprehensive early intervention autism therapy programs provide a dedicated support system and a team of committed professionals, fostering remarkable progress for your child.

Take the next step in your child's journey towards success by reaching out to Lizard Centre today. Contact us to explore our personalised therapy programs and discover how, together, we can be a powerful force for positive change. Your unwavering dedication, coupled with our expertise, forms the foundation for transformative progress.

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Embarking on the Road to Autism Treatment: A Practical Handbook for Parents and Caregivers - ArticleTed - News and Articles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Navigating the intricate landscape of autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, presents both distinctive challenges and unique opportunities for...

# data[].attributes.headline
Embarking on the Path of Autism Treatment: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers

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Embarking on the Path of Autism Treatment: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers

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This blog describe that Embarking on the path of Autism Treatment. Embarking on the journey of autism treatment as a parent or caregiver is a substantial undertaking. Give us a call at 1300 752 617 and book your FREE consultation.

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Traversing the intricate terrain of autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, introduces distinct challenges and unparalleled opportunities for personal and developmental growth. This blog is meticulously crafted to serve as an insightful handbook for parents and caregivers, offering guidance on the initial steps of autism treatment while underscoring the crucial role of early intervention.

1. Early Identification is Crucial
Initiating the journey hinges on the pivotal step of early identification. Seek proficient specialists capable of accurately diagnosing autism in your child. Acquiring a timely diagnosis facilitates the swift commencement of interventions that can significantly influence and enhance your child's life. Autism can be identified as early as 18 months, and in some cases, even earlier.

2. Unleashing the Power of Behavioural Approaches
Behavioural analysis emerges as a validated approach for cultivating social, communication, and behavioural skills in individuals with autism. This method involves deconstructing complex skills into manageable steps, utilising positive reinforcement to nurture desired behaviours. Furthermore, behavioural analysis underscores the need to adapt the individual's environment to address challenges associated with the diagnosis when applicable.

3. Selecting the Right Therapeutic Support
Once the decision to explore therapy is made, the subsequent step involves identifying the appropriate therapist or therapy center. Seek professionals certified in behaviour analysis or positive behaviour support, with a proven track record of experience working with children on the autism spectrum. Their expertise will be invaluable in crafting and executing a personalised treatment plan for your child.

4. Understanding Financial Support Options
In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) extends funding to support individuals with disabilities, including autism. Familiarise yourself with the NDIS and other available funding options in your region to help offset the costs associated with therapy and related services.

5. Active Involvement of Parents
While therapy sessions play a pivotal role, the active involvement of parents and caregivers is equally essential. Learn from the therapists working with your child and actively participate in their treatment. Consistency in applying strategies at home can accelerate your child's progress.

6. Establishing Effective Communication Channels
Forge clear and open lines of communication with your child's therapists. Regular updates, discussions, and feedback are essential for making informed decisions and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

7. Cultivating a Supportive Network
The journey need not be a solitary one. Seek out local autism support groups and connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and insights can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.

8. Maintaining a Consistent Environment
Children with autism often thrive in structured and predictable environments. Establish a consistent daily routine and maintain a stable home environment. This consistency fosters a sense of security, crucial for your child's overall development.

9. Monitoring Developmental Progress
Keep detailed records of your child's development, noting achievements, challenges, and behavioural changes. This data serves as a valuable tool in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment and making informed decisions about necessary adjustments.

10. Prioritising Self-Care
Caring for a child with autism can be emotionally and physically demanding. Prioritise your own well-being by taking time for yourself, seeking support when needed, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Embarking on the journey of autism treatment as a parent or caregiver is a substantial undertaking. Each child with autism is unique, and their treatment should be tailored to their individual needs and interests.

At Lizard Centre, our comprehensive early intervention autism therapy programs provide a dedicated support system and a team of committed professionals, fostering remarkable progress for your child.

Take the next step in your child's journey towards success by reaching out to Lizard Centre today. Contact us to explore our personalised therapy programs and discover how, together, we can be a powerful force for positive change. Your unwavering dedication, coupled with our expertise, forms the foundation for transformative progress.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Embarking on the Path of Autism Treatment: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Traversing the intricate terrain of autism, a complex neurodevelopmental condition, introduces distinct challenges and unparalleled opport...

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Empower parents as co-therapists with our guide to home-based autism treatment. Explore early intervention autism therapy insights. Enquire now with Lizard Centre for expert support

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Empowering Parents as Co-Therapists | Lizard Centre

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Empower parents as co-therapists with our guide to home-based autism treatment. Explore early intervention autism therapy insights. Enquire now with Lizard Centre for expert support

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Unleashing Potential: Redefining Parental Roles in Autism Treatment

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Unleashing Potential: Redefining Parental Roles in Autism Treatment

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In the dynamic landscape of autism therapy, we acknowledge the pivotal influence parents can wield in their child's developmental odyssey. Join us on this collaborative journey toward a brighter future for every child.

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Unlocking the Potential: A Fresh Perspective on Parental Involvement in Autism Treatment

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Unlocking the Potential: A Fresh Perspective on Parental Involvement in Autism Treatment

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In this article we have describe that a fresh perspective on parental Involvement in Autism Treatment. Click here to read more or give us a call at 1300 752 617 today.

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In the realm of autism therapy, we understand the profound impact parents can have on their child's journey. Embracing a novel approach at our center, we empower parents as co-therapists, constructing a robust framework that fosters effective early intervention autism therapy both at home and within our facility.

Synergistic Collaboration: Our foundation lies in cultivating collaboration between parents and therapists, establishing open communication channels and shared objectives. This collaboration begins at the initial consultation, extends through the planning and analysis phases, and persists through ongoing parent training.

Educational Empowerment: Equipping parents with specialised training provide them with valuable skills to actively support their child's therapy at home. Our diverse parent training curriculums, including the Lizard Essentials program, The Research Units in Behavioural Intervention (RUBI)© parent training curriculum, and the Parent Capacity Building Program, offer comprehensive educational avenues.

Lizard Essentials: Delivered via telehealth by clinicians trained in our Melbourne center, this program targets early learners, pre-empting the development of chronic and severe problem behaviour in children with Autism and related developmental delays and disorders.

RUBI©: Whether delivered via telehealth or in-person by a child's behaviour support specialist, this program caters to early learners needing assistance in various developmental areas.

Parent Capacity Building Program: A hybrid program, individually tailored to learners of all ages and abilities, strives to equip parents with a flexible, adaptable skill set to support their children's growth

comprehensively.

Customised Home Programs: Our experts craft personalised home programs, enabling parents to continue therapy activities between sessions, either through the parent capacity building program or on an ad-hoc basis.

Transparent Progress Monitoring: Consistent updates on your child's progress act as a catalyst, actively engaging parents in overseeing their developmental journey. Initial and 12-month assessments during therapy ensure steady advancement across all developmental milestones, with accessible session data for parents.

Emotional Support: Prioritising emotional resilience, we address concerns and offer a secure space for parents to navigate challenges and celebrate victories. This approach forms a foundational aspect of our commitment.

Community Engagement: Proactively fostering connections with childcare, schools, community services, and other disability professionals, we create a supportive community that encourages the exchange of experiences and advice.

Empowering Parents as Co-Therapists: Beyond enhancing the effectiveness of autism therapy , this approach strengthens familial bonds, ensuring a holistic approach to a child's well-being.

At our center, we advocate for the belief that a united front between therapists and parents establishes a nurturing environment for children with autism to thrive. Join us on this collaborative journey toward a brighter future for every child.

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In the realm of autism therapy, we understand the profound impact parents can have on their child's journey. Embracing a novel approach at our center, we empower parents as co-therapists, constructing a robust framework that fosters effective early intervention autism therapy both at home and

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Here are some tips for children with ASD over the holidays to help you and your family to reduce the stress and enjoy the holiday season.

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The holiday season can be the most fun and exciting times of the year. It can be a time to relax and unwind and spend quality time with friends and family. Unfortunately, the holiday season can be an especially stressful time for parents. As a parent, you need to juggle work with taking care of kids and keeping them entertained through the holidays. This stress can often be even greater for parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder and /or developmental delay as schedule changes, diet changes, new experiences, and visitors in the home can prove to be a bit much sometimes.

Here are some tips for children with ASD over the holidays to help you and your family to reduce the stress and enjoy the holiday season.
Put a plan in place
One of the great benefits of school, after school care, sports, scouts, therapy, etc. is the routine predictability of everything. Wake up at 7am, breakfast at 7:30 and out the door at 8 five days a week can be a wonderful routine to keep everyone in the family ticking along through the days. This type of routine can be especially helpful for those members of your family who thrive on predictability and for whom surprises and uncertainty can sometimes push them over the edge.

Once school lets out for the year and the kids get to spend a bit more time at home, parents often realise a bit too late just how much the routine of school helps keep harmony in the house and start counting down the days until school starts again. You can nip this cycle in the bud by maintaining simple routines across the day (matching somewhat to what is expected during the school year), and populating the days with regular activities. It could be as simple as getting up and out every morning to the local park to beat the heat, or as complex as planning camps, maintaining therapy schedules, or planning out family trips including destinations or activities that will have a little something special for everyone involved.
Create a visual schedule
Now that you have an idea of how you would like to structure your holidays, you can get things visual. By creating a visual schedule, you can help your child to know what they can expect and reduce the likelihood of meltdowns between transitions. Your schedule may include the different places you are planning to visit and can also highlight the activities that will occur on a regular basis (such as meal-times, sleep-times and down-times). When laying out the schedule you could even ask your child to help you arrange the order of places on the list, which can help them to anticipate what will be happening through the day. If you show your child which items in the schedule need to remain constant (bed-time, weekend at Pop's) and which items they can shift around, you are helping to teach them tolerance of non-negotiables as well as choice making.

As you are leaving one place on your outing, you could also ask your child, "Where do we go next?" This will focus their attention on the schedule.

You can hand write (or draw) your day's schedule in a creative way, or there a number of apps or websites that provide resources that can help. Choiceworks, ABA Resources, and My Diffability Australia are all good choices to look to first.
Be mindful about change
Change can be difficult for many children with ASD, so putting out all of your new holiday decorations at once can be overwhelming for them. If your child has difficulty with change, try putting out a different holiday decoration or do a different thing (like decorating the tree) each day. This can help reduce the anxiety that sudden changes can bring about. You can also help prepare them for change by including the different activities in your visual schedule. A fun idea might be to play home change bingo, in which you have a bingo card that shows all of the different things that can be done to the house. Over the couple of weeks before the holiday break you could have your child bring the bingo card on your trips around the neighbourhood and see how many changes they can tick off the board. This will show them what the change will look like, help them mentally prepare for the change, and help them think about what they would like to see happen with their home.
Reward Positive Behaviour
Don't forget to continue to support and reward positive behaviour during the holiday times. Always let your child know how well they are doing!

Work with them to set a series of realistic goals for behaviour and achievements over the holidays. What do they value in their life? Do they want to meet new people? See new things? Learn a new skill, keep training for the upcoming Judo competition, or keep their pet healthy by feeding them and taking them out for a walk? You can help them prioritise actions to take and behaviours to show during the holidays that will help them feel as though they've won the day. If they like visually keeping track of their successes, consider putting together a start chart so they know exactly when they took a positive action.

We hope that some of these holiday tips for kids with ASD help families' holidays run a bit smoother.

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Here are some tips for children with ASD over the holidays to help you and your family to reduce the stress and enjoy the holiday season.

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Building Resilience, Parents of Children with Autism | Lizard Centre

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Building Resilience, Parents of Children with Autism | Lizard Centre

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Discover how autism training for parents can equip you with the tools and techniques to care for your child. Speak to Lizard Centre today.

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Building Resilience, Parents of Children with Autism | Lizard Centre

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Discover how autism training for parents can equip you with the tools and techniques to care for your child. Speak to Lizard Centre today.

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Lizard Centre offers developmental therapy for children to support their social communication and overall growth. Give us a call at 1300 752 617 today

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Evidence-Based
At Lizard Centre, we are committed to utilising an evidence-based approach in all our therapy programs.

An evidence-based approach means that we rely on scientific research, proven methodologies, and socially validated techniques to guide our interventions and decision-making processes. We prioritise strategies and interventions that have been rigorously tested and shown to be effective in improving outcomes for children with autism and other developmental challenges.

By employing evidence-based practices, we ensure that our therapy programs are grounded in solid scientific evidence, providing the highest standard of care, and maximising the potential for positive results.

Our team of dedicated professionals stays abreast of the latest research and best practices in the field, continually refining and adapting our approaches to reflect the most current evidence.
Experience the Lizard Difference
1. More Therapy for Your Money: We understand the importance of maximising the therapy hours your child receives. That's why a significant portion of our programs are delivered by trained Therapy Assistants, enabling us to provide more therapy hours compared to a full-time ABA therapist in the NDIS program. We believe that increased therapy hours lead to better outcomes and faster progress for your child.

2. Greater Intensity Delivers Better Results: Research consistently shows that face-to-face therapy with skilled professionals is key to improving outcomes for children with autism and developmental challenges. At Lizard Centre, we prioritise providing intensive therapy sessions that allow for focused interaction, skill generalisation, and accelerated learning of new skills. Our commitment to delivering high-intensity therapy ensures that your child receives the support they need to reach their full potential.

3. Outcomes-Based Approach: At Lizard Centre, our therapy programs are founded on evidence-based practices. We meticulously design our programs to align with proven techniques and strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness in helping children with autism. Moreover, we place a strong emphasis on setting clear goals and regularly measuring child and family outcomes. By continually monitoring progress and adapting our interventions accordingly, we ensure that our therapy remains effective, targeted, and tailored to the unique needs of your child.

4. Family-First Approach: We recognise that parents and caregivers are essential partners in their child's therapy journey. That's why we prioritise strong parental input and collaboration to build a tailored program for each child. Parent training is seamlessly integrated into all our programs, empowering families with the knowledge and skills to support their child's development both within therapy sessions and in everyday life. We believe that a family-first approach fosters a supportive and enriching environment that enhances your child's progress and overall well-being.

Currently, we offer our services in metro regions across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, ensuring accessibility and convenience for families seeking high-quality therapy for their children.

Choose Lizard Centre as your trusted developmental therapy for children provider and experience the benefits of our comprehensive programs, evidence-based practices, intensive interventions, and unwavering commitment to your child's success.

Join us at Lizard Centre
Embark on a transformative journey towards nurturing your child's development. Our specialised developmental therapy for children programs, combined with the expertise of our dedicated therapists, offer a unique and effective approach to promoting social communication and overall growth.

Contact us today to learn more about our developmental therapy for children programs and how we can support your child on their remarkable journey of development and progress.

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Developmental Therapy for Children | Lizard Centre

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Lizard Centre offers developmental therapy for children to support their social communication and overall growth. Give us a call at 1300 752 617 today

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The Most Effective Positive Behaviour Support Strategies for Children | Lizard Centre

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The Most Effective Positive Behaviour Support Strategies for Children | Lizard Centre

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Discover an effective positive behaviour support plan can support your child in learning and growth. Contact Lizard Centre today.

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Parenting a child with autism can be both rewarding and challenging. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by a wide range of behaviours and challenges, and as parents, it's essential to provide your child with the right tools and strategies to help them thrive. One of the most effective approaches for children with autism is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). In this blog, we'll explore some of the most effective PBS strategies to create a supportive environment for your child's learning and growth.

Understanding Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Positive Behaviour Support is a holistic approach to understanding and addressing challenging behaviours in children with autism. Instead of focusing solely on the problematic behaviours, PBS seeks to identify the underlying causes and develop strategies to promote positive behaviours. It emphasises creating an environment that fosters growth, learning, and emotional well-being.

1. Communication is Key
Effective communication is vital for any child, but it's especially crucial for children with autism. Many children with autism struggle with expressive and receptive language skills. To support their communication:

- Use visual aids: Visual schedules, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and social stories can help your child understand routines and expectations.

- Be patient and clear: Use simple language and give your child time to process information. Avoid using figurative language or idioms that might confuse them.

- Encourage non-verbal communication: Some children with autism may find it easier to express themselves through gestures or alternative communication methods like AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.

2. Structured Routine
Children with autism often thrive in a structured environment. A predictable routine can help reduce anxiety and challenging behaviours. Create a visual schedule or use a timer to help your child anticipate transitions and activities throughout the day.

3. Reinforce Positive Behaviour
Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of PBS. When your child exhibits positive behaviour, provide praise, and respond in a meaningful way to them to reinforce that behaviour. It's essential to be specific with your praise. Instead of saying, "Good job," say something like, "I like how you shared your toys with your friend."

4. Understand Sensory Sensitivities
Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities, which can contribute to challenging behaviours. Pay attention to your child's sensory triggers and try to create a sensory-friendly environment. This might involve providing sensory breaks, using sensory tools like fidget toys, or adjusting lighting and noise levels.

5. Collaborate with Professionals
Working with professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behaviour analysts, can be invaluable. They can provide tailored strategies and interventions to address your child's specific needs.

6. Foster Social Skills
Children with autism often struggle with social interactions. To help them develop social skills:

- Arrange playdates: Encourage opportunities for your child to interact with peers.

- Teach social scripts: Provide your child with scripts or prompts for common social situations.

- Model appropriate behaviour: Demonstrate how to engage in conversations, share, and take turns.

7. Stay Informed
The field of autism research is continually evolving. Stay informed about the latest research and therapies and be open to trying new strategies that may benefit your child.

Parenting a child with autism comes with its unique challenges, but with the right Positive Behaviour Support plan, you can create a supportive environment that fosters learning and growth. Remember that every child with autism is unique, so it's essential to tailor your approach to your child's individual needs. With patience, love, and a commitment to using effective PBS strategies, you can help your child thrive and reach their full potential.

If you would like help building your child's Positive Behaviour Support plan, or learning a bit more how you can incorporate these strategies and more into your home, please click here to get started with the Lizard Centre today.

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The Most Effective Positive Behaviour Support Strategies for Children | Lizard Centre

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Discover an effective positive behaviour support plan can support your child in learning and growth. Contact Lizard Centre today.

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We offer tailored Positive Behaviour Support Plans to your child's specific needs that are providing effective strategies for managing behaviours. Call us now.

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What is positive behaviour support. Simplified...

Positive behaviour support is a community-based approach that involves learning more about the environment in which a child or adult lives and working collaboratively with everyone in that setting to design strategies for promoting positive social and communication skills.

It is built upon the belief that behaviours of concern will reduce in the right set of conditions and opportunities as the individual instead learns positive and safe ways of communicating their wants and needs. In turn, restrictions that were previously placed on them will be reduced, which then improves their quality of life.

What does a positive behaviour support plan look like at Lizard. A detailed look...

At Lizard, our approach involves a clinician working together with your child and their support network to understand why it is they engage in the behaviours of concern they are currently displaying.

Our clinician will then work with both your child and your family to design a positive behaviour support plan to help the child to learn different, more adaptive ways to achieve their needs.

This process will include discussions with the family and your child in which the clinician learns about your child's growth and life experiences, strengths, preferences, and motivations in life. It will also include the clinician spending time with your child in their home or out in the community so they can get a better idea of exactly what their life is like, and where their struggles lie.

As a result of this learning process the clinician, in collaboration with your child and family, will put together a positive behaviour support plan that is individually tailored to the child's needs and strengths. This positive behaviour support plan will include recommendations on adjustments to the child's environment to reduce the likelihood they will feel the need to engage in behaviours of concern, and teaching strategies to help the participant learn alternative behaviours to achieve the same outcomes that motivate the behaviours of concern. It may also include relationship building strategies to help your child develop more healthy bonds to those in their support network.

The clinician will then spend time implementing and coaching your child and their support network (therapists, support workers, teachers, etc.) on implementation of the positive behaviour support plan. Over time the support plan may adjust as new things are learned, different needs arise, and your child finds the environment changing around them.

This process will include discussions with the family and your child in which the clinician learns about your child's growth and life experiences, strengths, preferences, and motivations in life. It will also include the clinician spending time with your child in their home or out in the community so they can get a better idea of exactly what their life is like, and where their struggles lie.

As a result of this learning process the clinician, in collaboration with your child and family, will put together a positive behaviour support plan that is individually tailored to the child's needs and strengths. This behaviour support plan will include recommendations on adjustments to the child's environment to reduce the likelihood they will feel the need to engage in behaviours of concern, and teaching strategies to help the participant learn alternative behaviours to achieve the same outcomes that motivate the behaviours of concern. It may also include relationship building strategies to help your child develop more healthy bonds to those in their support network.

The clinician will then spend time implementing and coaching your child and their support network (therapists, support workers, teachers, etc.) on implementation of the positive behaviour support plan. Over time the support plan may adjust as new things are learned, different needs arise, and your child finds the environment changing around them.

What outcomes are achieved?

As a result of engaging the Lizard Centre for Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Plan services, your child can hope to achieve new communication patterns, coping strategies, and new life skills.

They will be empowered to exercise choice in their world, and new life experiences could be opened to them. Priority will be placed on developing and maintaining relationships with those around them, and the participant will achieve a sense of being valued within their relational network.

How to find out if your NDIS plan includes funding for positive behaviour support plan services with Lizard

If this sounds like something that may be right for you or a loved one, you can contact Lizard by clicking the therapy finder button at the top of this page to engage in a confidential conversation with our intake specialist to learn more about what Lizard can do for you.

The Lizard Centre Difference

At Lizard Centre, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to positive behaviour support plans, setting us apart from other providers. We believe that every child deserves an individualised and holistic approach to addressing challenging behaviours.

Our highly skilled team of professionals works collaboratively with families to develop a comprehensive positive behaviour support plan that focus on understanding the underlying causes of behaviours and implementing proactive strategies to promote positive change.

We emphasise a person-centred approach, considering the unique needs, preferences, and strengths of each child. Our team is experienced in creating supportive and nurturing environments that foster skill development, communication, and emotional well-being. With Lizard Centre, you can trust that our PBS plans are tailored to your child's specific needs, providing effective strategies for managing behaviours, promoting positive outcomes, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Currently, we offer our services in metro regions across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, ensuring accessibility and convenience for families seeking high-quality therapy for their children.

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Positive Behaviour Support Plan | Lizard Centre

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We offer tailored Positive Behaviour Support Plans to your child's specific needs that are providing effective strategies for managing behaviours. Call us now.

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Here are a few helpful and handy tips on how to create a safe, motivating, and enriched environment in your home to set your child up for success!

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It is both extremely common and useful to have ABA therapy occur in your home as part of your child's program. Your child will use the skills they learn in their behavioural therapy sessions in their everyday life around your home, so teaching these skills at home creates a brilliant and lasting foundation for these skills.

A good set-up is essential to allow your child to thrive and to get the most out of their home therapy sessions. Here are a few helpful and handy tips on how to create a safe, motivating, and enriched environment in your home to set your child up for success!
Safety first
Keeping your child and their therapist safe during ABA therapy sessions is the top priority. Your child's therapy room or space should be free of any safety hazards such as sharp or easily breakable objects (e.g., vases), climbing hazards or extra clutter. It should be clean, well-ventilated and have good lighting. If your child's program involves being in your garden, please ensure that the garden is free of hazards such as power tools, gardening tools or obstructions; and that swings and trampolines are fitted with the appropriate safety accommodations, for example, a net on a trampoline to prevent your child from falling off.
Therapy room
Set up a designated area in your home for ABA therapy. Ideally, this will be a spare room that can be set up as a permanent spot for ongoing behavioural therapy sessions. If this isn't possible, setting up a designated corner of a room in a quiet area in your house may also work, although we strongly recommend the first option. The goal is to create a space where your child is motivated to learn and not easily distracted by other things going on in your house - your house shouldn't pause for therapy, that's why having a separate space is so important! Your therapy room should contain a table and two chairs that are an appropriate size for your child. It should also contain a beanbag or relaxing area, storage for materials and whatever else your child needs (e.g., small trampoline or other sensory items).
Toys and storage
Your Behaviour Support Specialist will speak with you about what "therapy toys" and materials your child will need for behavioural therapy sessions. As programs are individualised, this will differ from child to child, but in general these are toys that are highly motivating to your child. These materials should be neatly organised into storage drawers in the therapy room.

Simple toy storage can be found at places such as IKEA ( Kids Toy Storage Boxes, Chests & Bins - IKEA). It is essential that "therapy toys" are used for therapy sessions only and stored away between sessions; this is so your child will be super motivated to engage in therapy and learn along the way! It can be helpful to have a drawer with a spare change of clothes, underwear, nappies, socks, coat, etc. for your child, so that your therapist can quickly change your child if they get messy during play or are going outside. Having snacks for your child in a sealed lunchbox is also useful.
During ABA therapy
Ideally, we want to create a space that your therapist and child can work in without interruption for the behavioural therapy session. If you have pets or other children at home, try to ensure that they avoid the therapy session while ABA therapy is ongoing. It is totally normal that they may be interested in what is going on, but this can eat into teaching time. Please feel free to observe any part of your child's therapy session; however, if you are observing, try not to interrupt. Your child's therapist will give you a brief summary of the session once it has ended and at this point you can ask any questions or raise any concerns.
Information for your therapist
Please let your therapist know where you prefer them to park, the toilet that your child uses and where you are happy for them to go in the house during ABA therapy. There is no need to offer your therapist food or snacks before, after or during sessions, they are solely there to work with your child and will be focused on this! Your therapist will need access to an iPad/tablet device and WIFI to collect data during the therapy session. Please ensure that this is charged before the behavioural therapy session. You will need to be present in your home while ABA therapy is in session, please let your therapist know where they will be able to find you if they need something.
Before ABA therapy begins
Your therapist will leave your therapy room tidy before they leave, please ensure it is tidy and well organised before they arrive so that they can start therapy straight away! Ensure that your child is ready for their behavioural therapy session. This may differ depending on their program but in general that your child is awake, dressed, has eaten, has a clean nappy, (if applicable) their AAC device is fully charged, and they are not actively engaged with a high reinforcer when their therapist arrives.

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Here are a few helpful and handy tips on how to create a safe, motivating, and enriched environment in your home to set your child up for success!

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We hope that some of these tips and strategies for ABA in school will help your child’s transition into the next chapter of their lives!

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Now that January has come to an end, for many families, this will mean the first day of kindergarten! What does this mean for children who have started their ABA journey with an intensive individualised ABA program?

Presently, there is a large misconception that ABA therapy must be delivered in a one-to-one model, however in reality the principles of ABA can be used to support children across a variety of settings and environments, including ABA in school.

The transition from a one-to-one learning environment into a classroom environment can seem daunting at first but with enough thought and planning ahead of time, your ABA team can help support your child to successfully transition into a school setting, and away from needing one-to-one support. Here are some strategies to help start the year of with success:
Individualised Education Plans
At the start of each term, your child's classroom teacher may reach out to you to organise a meeting to create an individualised education plan. This is a plan that outlines individual goals for your child for that term, and how to achieve them. Previous research has found that family involvement plays a critical role in the development of any comprehensive education plan. As such, this plan will take into consideration your preferences as a family, as well as incorporate your child's strengths and special interests when determining which strategies are most appropriate in supporting your child meet their goals.
Individualised Goals
The overarching goal to any ABA program is for your child to achieve a greater quality of life without one-on-one support. For some children, this may mean additional goals that will be taught in conjunction with the school curriculum. For children who need support to communicate their needs, this might look like the introduction of an alternate communication method. For children who need help making friends, this may look like shadow support to facilitate social interaction. Individualised goals identified for your child can stretch across multiple developmental domains, including communication, behavior and toleration skills, receptive language, expressive language, social skills, self-help skills, or school readiness skills.
Effective Teaching Strategies
When developing an individualised education plan, one important consideration is how your child learns best to increase the effectiveness of teaching. Do they find it easier to learn through pictures? Or do they learn better when being shown how to do it? Sometimes, it can be tricky to have all the answers. It can be helpful to establish a collaborative approach to plan development with your child's therapy team. This will allow for the opportunity to collaborate between family, school, and therapy to develop the most appropriate goals, teaching strategies, and behaviour management.
Environmental supports
Another component to supporting your child in achieving a smooth transition, is the use of environmental supports to ensure your child's success. Environmental supports are there to help your child understand the expectations of a classroom while they are learning (e.g., the school routine, classroom rules, etc.). Once you have established collaboration between your child's therapy team and the school, discuss with your child's team what has worked in the past to help your child learn. These strategies may look like: specific learning areas (e.g., group time mat), visual schedules (e.g., classroom routine), communication supports (e.g., communication cards), etc. Environmental supports will work to help your child feel safe and heard in a new environment.
A functional approach to behaviours of concern
For many children, behaviours of concern present as a unique challenge in school settings. When addressing behaviours of concern, children must learn the appropriate replacement skills, to successfully replace and reduce the behaviours of concern. For example: a child who screams to avoid doing work, will be taught to say "not yet" instead of screaming. A functional approach to behaviours of concern is an effective way to address behaviours of concern and has been an ongoing feature in your child's ABA program. Through collaboration between your child's school, and your child's Behavior Support Specialist, these features also be incorporated in the classroom environment, to support your child's success.

But how do we know whether our strategies are working? The answer is data. Your ABA team will keep ongoing data on the effectiveness of their strategies on skill building and behaviour management and will use this data to determine whether something needs to be changed. As your child becomes more independent, your ABA team will discuss a plan to start fading the amount of support they are providing in the school setting.

We hope that some of these tips and strategies for ABA in school will help your child's transition into the next chapter of their lives!

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We hope that some of these tips and strategies for ABA in school will help your child's transition into the next chapter of their lives!

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At Lizard Centre, we offer autism therapy programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and other related challenges. Call us at 1300 752 617 today.

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Empowering Children Living with Autism Through Effective Therapy

At Lizard Centre, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective autism therapy. Our approach is based on the principles of evidence-based and socially validated techniques. We believe in building capacity and achieving meaningful outcomes for the children and families we serve.

Our highly trained and experienced therapy assistants utilise therapy strategies and techniques founded in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behaviour Support, which are evidence-based, value driven therapies tailored to the unique needs of each individual. By combining the most effective techniques, we ensure that our autism therapy programs are individualised and effective in promoting skill development, fostering independence, and enhancing overall quality of life.

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At Lizard Centre, we offer autism therapy programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and other related challenges. Call us at 1300 752 617 today.

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River, one of our clinicians in Brisbane shares their story of how they planned and prepared and worked with their child to go out and be successful in the world, and how this experience informs their practice at Lizard.

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At the Lizard Centre we recognise that our clinicians' own life stories and personal experiences add a deeper understanding and complexity to the service they provide to our clients. Below, River, one of our clinicians in Brisbane shares their story of how they planned and prepared and worked with their child to go out and be successful in the world, and how this experience informs their practice at Lizard.

My son recently turned 18 and graduated from Year 12. The graduation ceremony and formal dinner was very moving. I watched as he walked across the stage, shook hands with the School Principal and the Community Representative. He then turned and faced the photographer and smiled proudly; I have the photo on my wall at home.

Through tears I remembered the day I brought him home from pre-adoptive foster care. He was an 8-month-old wrapped in a furry parka against the cold. His birth parent had selected me due to my work in specialist education. Hearing that I had been selected was the best day of my life, but I was also filled with trepidation: how would I ensure that he would get to have a life as rich as a typically developing young person's life? How would I ensure that he was included in the life of the community and valued as a member of our social network? It wasn't going to be an easy road but it was one I was determined to travel, whatever the cost.

Right from the start I decided that single steps were going to be our friend. I knew that I had less than 18 years to prepare him for adulthood. Right away, I ensured that we attended every social event that was available to us, but we only stayed for short amounts of time. Friends would ask us to stay longer but I was always firm that we only remained for a predetermined amount of time. I would ensure we always left while everything was still going smoothly and would not wait for my son to become fatigued or unsettled.

At first this meant sitting together in the car outside the party venue and then saying "good sitting" before giving him his favorite toy and getting out of the car together. Sometimes it meant calling ahead to restaurants that my friends had invited us to and organising for my son's meal to be in a takeaway box, so that he and I could be seated with my friends for five minutes and could then leave with the boxes. As time progressed, we were able to get to the door of a friend's house for a party and my son could give them a present through the open door before we left. I love the old joke, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" because it represented how we grew my son's social life.

I remember that I was still carrying bags of toys and snacks long after my friends' children had outgrown the need for that sort of thing. I was still sticking like glue by his side while other parents enjoyed their wine and socialised. At times this stung a little. It felt like I would never be able to join the other parents; especially in the early days. Time though, passes. Thirty seconds became five minutes, and five minutes became an hour. Over time we were able to go to the movies and see an entire film and to attend New Years Eve Parties until midnight. But, best of all, my son made friends with four different young people and was able to spend time with them at their homes or at our house with only intermittent supervision.

The key to our success was measurement and Spider-man. I knew exactly how long my son could typically tolerate different situations and would reinforce any increases in this toleration using his favorite things. Also, I knew that when he was wearing his Spider-man costume under his clothing he would be comfortable and calm. When things went wrong, I tried not to waste time with self-blame: it is so easy to judge yourself as a parent and to blame yourself by saying 'I should have...". It doesn't help; that way madness lies. Whenever I was down, I would remind myself of how far we had come together. I stopped measuring my son against other children and measured his successes against where he had come from and where he was going.

Shortly he is moving into his own supported independent living home. He will be having his school friends over for the housewarming party which he will be hosting. He is looking forward to carrying a plate of tasty snacks around to his friends and showing them his house and garden. This is my dream for him come true.

My son has multiple diagnoses: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Getting him to the Graduation Ceremony was the culmination of the support that I offered him from the time he arrived in my home. I used pairing key-sign and picture exchange with vocal language and concrete objects to build his receptive and expressive verbal behaviour. I used delay and tolerance training to help him to learn to accept that not everything arrives when you want them to and to teach him that if he asked then sometimes he could have his own way. I used desensitisation and toleration procedures to improve the variety of locations that he would travel to as well as increase the range of food and drink that he could eat. I taught him to read and write through modelling and repetition. Most of all I heavily reinforced each tiny learning step he took. I tried to avoid taking big steps that he might fail, knowing that every big step is built on top of millions of little achievements. I still use all of these strategies with a variety of young people and I watch them flourish in a way similar to my son.

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River, one of our clinicians in Brisbane shares their story of how they planned and prepared and worked with their child to go out and be successful in the world, and how this experience informs their practice at Lizard.

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Today’s blog post will focus on using ABA therapy to teach new skills, which quite often is why families will come to the Lizard Centre in the first place. They want to understand how to help their child learn.

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When you really get down to it, ABA therapy really is all about building relationships, understanding the learner (what they care about, why they do what they do, and what is important to them), and teaching new skills. Today's blog post will focus on using ABA therapy to teach new skills, which quite often is why families will come to the Lizard Centre in the first place. They want to understand how to help their child learn.

When a Lizard behavioural therapist gets ready to teach their learner something new, they take several things into consideration.

Expectations and Prerequisites:

Before we start teaching a skill through ABA therapy we have to consider a few things. One of the first things to do is to reflect and adjust our expectations. We need to ask ourselves, is our learner ready to learn the particular skill we have in mind? Having realistic expectations about the learning process can help a child to be successful and learn that the learning process itself is as easy and fun as possible.

Secondly, prior to teaching we have to check if the child has the prerequisites to learn that skill, e.g.: we consider teaching a child to request with a full sentence, such as "Can I have the red car?" if they are already requesting independently with 2 to 3 words, such as "give me car", "red car please". If they have not learned simple requests, then you wouldn't want to jump straight in with full sentences. Likewise, our ABA therapists prioritize the language we are teaching to focus on critical words to make sure that the language our learners know is easy to use, and helps them to clearly communicate their wants, thoughts, and needs. In a nut shell, in ABA therapy we set achievable goals and when this goal is achieved we move to the next one.

Let's make it easy for the learner:

Another important skill for an ABA therapist is to teach in a way that is easier for the learner. Depending on the learner and the skill, we adapt the way we teach the skill in different ways: 1) we model the skill - we show them how to perform the task, 2) we can give verbal instructions on how to perform the task 3) we do with the learner, helping along the way. We always want to match our teaching style to the learning style of our client in ABA. If listening and complex language comprehension is challenging, we don't rely on explanation, we shift tactic to doing with the learner and showing. If we are teaching a task that involves multiple steps such as: brushing teeth, dressing up, making a sandwich, etc., we should teach step by step, breaking down the task so we cover all skills required to complete that task. An ABA therapist may teach one component at a time, and then slowly add them all together to accomplish the final task as the learner shows independence in the individual components.

Reinforce approximations and their best attempt to complete the task:

We all tend to learn quickly when we are motivated and get some sort of incentive and recognition. In ABA, we recognize that the same applies to children, so we should make sure we are giving them social praise and/or something that they enjoy to make the learning process successful. Remember what comes after accomplishing a new learning task should be an outcome that is meaningful to them, so the reinforcement needs to be specific to the learner's interests and joy in that moment in time.

Seek independence:

Helping the child throughout the learning process is crucial so they can execute the skill at the best at their abilities. However, we should systematically reduce the amount and/or intensity of help so they can gradually become independent. Ultimately a behaviour therapist's goal is for the child to learn how to learn on their own without the support of others. In the end we want the learner to no longer need ABA therapy, but we are happy to continue a relationship with the child and their family as long as support and guidance in learning are needed.

If you would like help in teaching your child new skills at home, at school, or out in the community please reach out by clicking on the therapy finder link at the top of this page, and our intake specialist will be sure to contact you for a further discussion about starting a learning program for your child with our therapy team at the Lizard Centre.

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Today's blog post will focus on using ABA therapy to teach new skills, which quite often is why families will come to the Lizard Centre in the first place. They want to understand how to help their child learn.

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In addition to Behaviour Support, a Behaviour Analyst can help your family in a variety of ways. A BCBA can also help family members understand their child’s needs, communication style and the function of any behaviours of concern.

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In addition to Behaviour Support, a Behaviour Analyst can help your family in a variety of ways. A BCBA can also help family members understand their child’s needs, communication style and the function of any behaviours of concern.

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Lizard Centre offers high-quality early intervention autism programs for children. Give us a call at 1300 752 617 and book your FREE consultation.

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Early Intervention for Autism - Unlocking Potential for a Brighter Future
Early intervention is a tailored and specialised form of support designed specifically for children with disabilities, autism, or other unique additional needs.
Lizard Centre is a leading provider of early intervention autism programs for children. We understand the importance of early intervention in maximising the potential of children on the autism spectrum.

Research consistently shows that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and pave the way for a brighter future for children with autism and their families.

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Early Intervention Autism | Lizard Centre

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Lizard Centre offers high-quality early intervention autism programs for children. Give us a call at 1300 752 617 and book your FREE consultation.