• Understanding Your Child’s Rights in the Classroom

    Individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and similar conditions have certain educational rights and responsibilities, and it’s important for them—and their parents—to understand what those are. If you are the parent of a child with ASD, it’s time to learn what special education services are available and how to determine eligibility.  

    What kind of education could my child be eligible to receive?  

    By federal law, a child has the right to a free education that is suitable for his or her unique learning needs. For children who have ASD, this means that they may be eligible for special education services that make it easier for them to navigate the classroom environment and get the most out of their education. For instance, your child may be eligible for: 

    • ABA therapy 
    • Speech therapy 
    • Physical therapy 
    • Extended school year services to ensure that his or her development continues on schedule during summer and holiday breaks.  

    Is my child eligible for special education services? 

    If your child has ASD or a related learning or attention disorder, school officials must first determine if your child’s disability is covered. Then, they must decide if the learning impairment is severe enough to warrant special education services. Here’s what these steps entail: 

    • The educational evaluation: You, your child’s teacher, or another concerned party can request an educational evaluation from the school. With parental permission, a team of professionals—often including the school psychologist—will conduct assessments and review his or her school records.  The results of the assessment will determine whether your child has any of the 13 disabilities covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 
    • Determining eligibility: If the educational evaluation reveals that your child has a qualifying disability, the school must then decide whether he or she needs special education services. If so, the next step is to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Be aware that the school may decide that your child’s disability doesn’t inhibit classroom learning to a significant enough extent to warrant special education. 

    If you are looking for the up-to-date ASD resources your child needs, it’s time to get in touch with STAR of CA. We offer education and treatment for families who are confronting the challenges of ASD in the Ventura area. If you have any questions about the mental health services we offer, call (805) 644-7827 today.  

  • How Does Natural Environment Teaching Work?

    Natural environment teaching is an approach to teaching children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that focuses on their daily surroundings. Think about the environments your child sees and explores on a daily basis: home, school, daycare. These places are the context in which your child’s learning takes place and his or her development happens. Natural environment teaching uses these surroundings to teach important skills, often through the creation of specific learning opportunities for your child. Ultimately, your child should be able to independently use the skills he or she learns in each of these environments.  

    At STAR of CA, we offer a fully integrated approach to providing the education and resources families affected by ASD need. Our team offers a wide array of services, from ABA therapy to family support. If you’re in need of ASD services in the Ventura area, you can reach us by calling (805) 644-7827 today.  

  • Dealing with ASD-Related Sleep Problems

    For children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), getting a good night’s sleep is essential for learning new skills during the daytime. Unfortunately, over half of the children with autism have one or more chronic sleep problems. This video offers some helpful tips for parents of children with ASD who are trying to instill good sleep habits.  

    STAR of CA offers a range of helpful resources for individuals who have specialized needs, including ASD. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions about ASD and other developmental disorders. If you are looking for mental health services in Ventura or the surrounding areas, call us today at (805) 644-7827 for more information.  

  • Ideas for Making Travel Less Stressful for Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Family vacations can be delightful. For parents of children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, they can also be stressful. Fortunately, there are strategies you can adopt to make travel an enjoyable experience for you and your child. Here are some tips to get you started:  

    Keep your child’s routine as consistent as possible.  

    One of the main reasons why children with ASD have difficulty with travel is the disruption to their usual schedule. While it’s impossible to avoid some changes in routine while traveling, you should try to keep your child’s day as familiar as possible. Meals, naps, and bedtime should all continue to happen at the same time of day. It’s also a good idea to bring along favorite toys and other objects that will help to maintain a sense of familiarity for your child.  

    Plan your schedule ahead of time.  

    While you may not be able to predict everything you do during your vacation, making a general schedule for each day can help you anticipate any potential issues that might arise for your child. You might even want to put together an easy-to-follow schedule for your child, with illustrations. This can help him or her get ready for each step of the day before it happens.  

    Call ahead to make special arrangements.  

    Keep in mind that many of the places you’ll be visiting on your trip may be able to make special accommodations for children with ASD. For instance, hotels, airports, and even restaurants may all be willing to make changes to accommodate your child’s unique needs. It’s a good idea to make these preparations before your trip, so that you aren’t rushing to make important arrangements at the last minute.  

    When you are looking for help in navigating the difficulties that come with an ASD diagnosis, you can always turn to STAR of CA. Our services are individualized to meet the needs of each family we work with. For integrated, evidence-based treatments in the Ventura area, contact us today at (805) 644-7827.