Resources for Parents
Helpful information and support for your family's journey 💙
🔬 Understanding ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children develop important skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Here are some trusted resources to help you learn more:
Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB)
The official certification organization for ABA professionals. Learn about credentials and what to look for in a provider.
Visit BACB →
Autism Speaks – ABA Guide
Comprehensive guide explaining how ABA works and what to expect during therapy sessions.
Read the Guide →
CDC – Autism Spectrum Disorder
Evidence-based information about autism spectrum disorder, early signs, and intervention approaches.
Visit CDC Autism Page →
🏠 Louisiana-Specific Resources
Louisiana Early Steps Program
Louisiana's early intervention program for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays.
Learn More →
Louisiana Medicaid – ABA Coverage
Information about Medicaid coverage for ABA services in Louisiana.
Accepted Plans at BrightSpots: UHC, LHCC, Healthy Blue
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge
Local support and resources for families of children with disabilities in the region.
🏡 Supporting Your Child at Home
Creating a Structured Environment
- Consistent Routines: Children thrive on predictability. Establish regular times for meals, activities, and bedtime.
- Visual Schedules: Use pictures or icons to show your child what comes next in their day.
- Clear Expectations: Use simple, direct language when giving instructions.
- Positive Reinforcement: Catch your child being good and praise specific behaviors you want to see more of.
Communication Strategies
- Get down to your child's eye level when speaking with them
- Use short, simple sentences
- Give your child time to process and respond
- Model the language you want your child to use
- Celebrate all communication attempts, not just words
💡 Parent Tip: Consistency between therapy sessions and home is key! Ask your child's therapist how you can reinforce skills at home.
📚 Books We Recommend
For Parents New to ABA
- The Verbal Behavior Approach — Mary Lynch Barbera
- An Early Start for Your Child with Autism — Sally J. Rogers & Geraldine Dawson
- Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism — Barry M. Prizant
For Understanding Behavior
- The Explosive Child — Ross W. Greene
- No More Meltdowns — Jed Baker
💛 Self-Care for Parents
Caring for a child with special needs can be challenging. Remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary.
Finding Support
- Look for local autism parent support groups in the Lafayette area
- Online communities like Facebook groups can provide 24/7 support
- Consider connecting with other BrightSpots families
- Look into respite care services in Louisiana
Remember: You're doing an amazing job. Progress isn't always linear, and every small step forward is worth celebrating.
📱 Helpful Apps & Tools
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Visual Schedules
Choiceworks — Create visual schedules and supports
First Then Visual Schedule — Simple & customizable
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Communication
Proloquo2Go — AAC communication app
TouchChat — Customizable communication
🧘
Sensory & Regulation
Calm Counter — Helps children manage emotions
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame — Self-control & problem-solving
Questions About These Resources? 🌱
We're here to support you every step of the way. Reach out for personalized recommendations specific to your child's needs.