Building Social Confidence in Children with Autism
Why Social Confidence Matters Social confidence isn't just about making friends--it's about: Feeling safe and comfortable in group settings Understanding how to initiate and respond in conversations Learning to regulate emotions while interacting with others Building resilience when things don't go as planned Whether it's during a therapy session, a...
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Whitecap Care Acquires Family Insight
Expanding Access to Autism and Outpatient Care in Virginia Whitecap Care and Autism F.I.R.S.T. are proud to announce the acquisition of Family Insight, P.C., a respected provider of Autism Care, Outpatient Services, and Value-Based Care across Virginia. This marks an important milestone in Whitecap Care’s mission to expand accessible, high-quality...
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Summer Transitions
Create a Visual Schedule for the Week Children often benefit from knowing what to expect. A simple weekly visual schedule using pictures, icons, or short words can: Increase predictability Encourage independence as they learn to follow steps Offer visual reminders of enjoyable activities, like pool time or story hour Even if...
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Mental Health and Self-Care: A Moment with Amber
Mental Health and Self-Care This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're highlighting voices from within our own team. Meet Amber, one of our compassionate Behavioral Technicians. Amber shared one of her favorite self-care routines - and it's something warm, familiar, and comforting: baking and cooking. "Hi my name is Amber....
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Mental Health Matters at Autism F.I.R.S.T.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and uplift the families, caregivers, and children who work so hard every single day. Mental health is an essential piece of the puzzle — and it deserves just as much care and attention as any other aspect of development....
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Now Offering In-House Speech and Occupational Therapy Services
Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Program Details Our licensed therapists are specially trained in pediatric care, using progressive and meaningful treatment methods to help children: Improve communication and language development Enhance sensory integration and motor skills Strengthen feeding and self-care abilities All services are delivered in a safe, familiar, and...
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Functional Communication Training
On March 19, 2025, the 7Q-Foundation will host a special training session on Functional Communication Training, led by Jenny Argueta from Autism F.I.R.S.T.. This event is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals who support individuals with autism and want to learn practical strategies for enhancing communication skills. What to...
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Enhancing Social Skills
Why is Enhancing Social Skills Important? Social skills help children understand how to interact with others, express themselves, and respond to social cues. These abilities are key to forming friendships, participating in group activities, and building self-confidence. However, for neurodivergent children, socialization may look different—and that’s okay. At Autism F.I.R.S.T.,...
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Visual Aids for Communication and Learning
What Are Visual Aids? Visual aids are tools that use pictures, symbols, or written words to convey information. We use visual aids everyday! Referring to our calendars, post it notes, or even a birthday card posted on our refrigerator. These visual aids help us in our everyday lives. They do the...
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The Benefits of an ASD Diagnosis
Understanding the Importance of an Autism Diagnosis An autism diagnosis doesn’t define a child—it’s a tool that helps families understand their child’s unique strengths and challenges. With this understanding comes the ability to make informed decisions about care, education, and therapies. Benefits of an ASD Diagnosis Access to Services and...
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