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The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia Pt. 2

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Why Speed Matters in Behavioral Health

When a parent is told their child may benefit from ABA therapy, every week without help can feel overwhelming. Delays increase family stress, stall developmental progress, and deepen disparities — especially in underserved areas.

Our response? A reimagined intake and access process that puts families first.

What We’ve Changed — And Why It Works

Thanks to our expanded network of 9 clinics across Virginia and the addition of statewide in-home services, here’s how we’re making care more immediate:

Streamlined Intake Process
Our team responds to new inquiries quickly, ensuring families feel seen, supported, and guided through the next steps — from insurance verification to program placement.

Flexible Service Delivery
Whether families prefer in-clinic or in-home therapy, our merged teams offer options that match family needs, schedules, and comfort levels.

Cross-Clinic Coordination
With multiple locations and shared systems, we can shift staffing and resources to open up availability — removing regional bottlenecks.

Entry Into Outpatient Services
For adolescents and adults, our new outpatient offerings open doors to consistent behavioral and mental health care — faster.

From Call to Care: What Families Can Expect

When a family reaches out today, they’re met with:

  • Prompt response from intake coordinators
  • Clear explanation of programs and eligibility
  • Assistance with insurance and paperwork
  • Fast-tracked evaluations and placements

Whether a family is in Herndon or Roanoke, our mission is the same: we’re ready when you are.

What It Means for the Future

Our system isn’t just growing — it’s getting smarter and more responsive. With data-driven planning and statewide collaboration, we’re proving that fast care can also be high-quality care.

And when families get the support they need, when they need it most, everything changes:

Communication improves.
Skills grow.
Confidence returns.

That’s what “Care That Grows With You” truly means.

Coming Next: Building a Statewide Commitment

In the final post of the series, we’ll explore how this unified team of professionals is building a sustainable, future-ready model for behavioral health in Virginia — one grounded in clinical excellence, equity, and growth.

Stay tuned for Part 3: A Statewide Commitment to Care.

The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia

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A Unified Vision for Statewide Access

Together, Autism F.I.R.S.T. and Family Insight now offer services through 9 clinics across Virginia, including expanded statewide at-home support and an exciting entrance into outpatient care.

This unification isn’t just about growth. It’s about meeting families where they are — physically, emotionally, and developmentally. By combining our systems, clinicians, and care teams, we’re building a stronger, more coordinated network that supports the whole child and the whole family.

What Families Can Expect

This collaboration brings:

  • More Locations – A total of 9 clinics statewide
  • Faster Access – Services without long waitlists
  • Expanded Services – ABA Therapy, in-clinic support, outpatient support, at-home care
  • Consistency Across Regions – A shared standard of high-quality care
  • Family-Centered Values – With every clinic rooted in trust, support, and collaboration

Behind the Scenes: Why This Unification Matters

By aligning our infrastructure and resources, Whitecap Care is creating an integrated system that does more than offer services — it ensures those services are accessible, affordable, and sustainable.

The unification opens the door to:

  • Shared expertise and cross-clinical collaboration
  • More efficient operations and reduced healthcare costs
  • Scalable solutions to better serve underserved communities

Whether a family lives in Northern Virginia or Newport News, the promise remains the same: personalized, connected care every step of the way.

A Message from Our Leadership

“This merger is more than a business decision. It’s a commitment to the thousands of families who trust us with their child’s care. We’re building something that’s both responsive and revolutionary for Virginia’s behavioral health system.”

— Jeff Shiring, Founder and Chairman of Autism F.I.R.S.T. & Whitecap Care

What Comes Next

This is only the beginning. In the next post in our series, we’ll share how this expanded network is breaking down barriers to care and delivering support without delay — including how families across the state are already benefitting from our streamlined intake process.

Stay tuned for Part 2: From Waitlists to Welcome

Building Social Confidence in Children with Autism

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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 birthday party, or a trip to the park, these skills help children engage with the world around them in a meaningful ways.

How We Support Social Confidence at Autism F.I.R.S.T.

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., our team of therapists uses evidence-based practices and engaging, play-based approaches to support social development. One of our favorite places to do this is during our Summer Social Skills Camp, designed for children in grades K-5.

Through carefully designed group sessions, we target skills like:

  • Turn-taking and sharing
  • Reading body language and facial expressions (non-verbal behavior)
  • Asking and answering questions
  • Cooperative play and following group instructions
  • Coping with sensory and emotional overwhelm

As one of our behavior therapists, Kiley, shares:

“My favorite peer-play activity is Magnet Tiles, because the kids get to be creative and make their own creations–then they get to play with them after”.

These kinds of activities create opportunities for learning, practicing, and celebrating social wins-big and small.

Ways Families Can Support Social Confidence at Home

Here are a few simple strategies to keep building social skills beyond the clinic:

  • Use Visual Scripts

Create visual aids that show how to greet someone, ask to join a game, or express a need. Practicing with visuals helps ease anxiety and builds familiarity.

  • Model & Role Play

Use dolls, toys, or yourself to act out common social situations like ordering food, meeting a new friend, or waiting your turn.

  • Build In Daily Practice

Game nights, cooking together, or short outdoor playdates can offer natural chances to practice sharing, following directions, or asking for help.

  • Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge efforts, not just outcomes. “You waited your turn so patiently!” goes a long way in reinforcing confidence.

Join Us at Our July Open House!

Want to see how we support social skill growth in action?

We’re hosting an Open House at our clinics on July 16 (Herndon) and 17th (Chantilly), from 5 to 7 PM. We’d love to meet you! It’s a great opportunity to tour the space, talk to our team, and learn more about our services–including our Summer Social Skills Camp.

Building Social Confidence

Building social confidence in children with autism is a journey, and one that’s built on patience, practice, and partnership. Whether in a group therapy session or a game at home, every interaction helps. We’re honored to walk alongside families through each step of that journey–and we’re here to help your child grow, one skill at a time.

Summer Transitions

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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 the days aren’t exactly the same, providing structure creates a sense of safety.

Prepare for New Activities with Social Stories

If your child is starting something new—like summer camp, vacation, or a change in caregivers—create or review a social story that introduces what to expect. Social stories can include:

  • Where they’re going
  • What they’ll see or hear
  • How they might feel
  • What they can do to stay calm

When possible visit the place ahead of time or explore pictures together to increase familiarity.

Maintain Key Routines (Even When Schedules Shift)

Even if bedtime gets pushed a little later or mealtimes vary, try to maintain anchor routines—like a consistent morning or bedtime sequence. These small patterns help keep your child grounded amidst change.

Practice Communication & Coping Skills Daily

Summer is a great time to rehearse language and coping skills outside of therapy sessions. Practice:

  • Asking for help
  • Taking turns
  • Expressing big feelings (with visuals or AAC if needed)
  • Using calming strategies like breathing and movement breaks

Repetition in real-life settings helps generalize these skills.

Enroll in a Structured, Supportive Program

One of the best ways to build consistency, skill growth, and social opportunity during summer? Enroll your child in a program that understands their needs.

Join Us for Our Summer Social Skills Camp!

Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Summer Social Skills Camp is now open for registration for children in grades K-5 in Herndon, Virginia.

Camp Highlights:

  • Structured sessions focused on social communication, play skills, and emotional regulation
  • Small group formats tailored by age and ability
  • Fun, engaging activities led by experienced professionals
  • Opportunity to practice real-life social situations in a safe and supporting setting

Spots are limited, so register early to reserve your child’s place! Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Summer Social Skills Camp

Summer of Skills

Summer transitions don’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation, the right tools, and supportive programs like our Summer Social Skills Camp, your child can build confidence, practice communication, and enjoy meaningful growth—all while having fun.

Let us know how we can support your family this summer! Contact Autism F.I.R.S.T.

 

Mental Health and Self-Care: A Moment with Amber

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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. I’m a behavioral technician, and something I do for self-care is cooking and baking. The process of baking and cooking is just very therapeutic. It helps me calm down, just being able to have something done for me in a sense. Like, having everything right here for me, and I just follow the steps. It just makes me feel like a kid again since that was something I always enjoyed as a child.”

Her words are a beautiful reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s the simple, nostalgic activities that gives us the peace and joy we need to recharge.

Taking care of ourselves helps us care for others.

To the caregivers, families, and professionals walking alongside children with autism: your  mental health matters too. Whether it’s five quiet minutes with coffee, a walk outside, or a recipe from your childhood – we hope you find time to take care of you, too.

From all of us at Autism F.I.R.S.T., thank you for everything you do.

Want to read next? Check out our “Mental Health Matters at Autism F.I.R.S.T.” post.

Follow Our Social Media Channels

To watch the Mental Health and Self-Care video with Amber, check out and follow Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Mental Health Matters at Autism F.I.R.S.T.

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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.

🌱 For Children with Autism

Children on the autism spectrum often experience the world in unique and powerful ways. With that beauty can also come challenges — like anxiety, sensory overload, and difficulty expressing emotions. At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we help children build coping tools and confidence through our compassionate, personalized services including:

By creating structured, nurturing environments, we help children feel secure, understood, and supported.

💛 For Caregivers and Families

Caregivers — we see you. Your role is one of love, resilience, and often sacrifice.
But taking care of your own mental health is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to:

  • Take short breaks for yourself when possible

  • Seek support from communities or therapists familiar with autism

  • Celebrate small wins — because they are big wins

  • Remember that asking for help is a strength

Our team at Autism F.I.R.S.T. is here not only for your child, but for you too. Together, we can create a supportive circle that honors the well-being of the whole family.

🤝 You’re Not Alone

This month — and every month — we’re committed to walking alongside you in this journey.
Let’s continue to advocate for mental health, celebrate growth, and uplift one another.

Visit www.autismfirstus.com to learn more about how our team can support your family.

Now Offering In-House Speech and Occupational Therapy Services

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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 supportive environment, with a strong focus on collaboration. Our Speech and Occupational Therapists work closely with families to ensure carry-over of therapy goals at home, reinforcing progress beyond the clinic.

This new in-house model reflects our commitment to holistic, individualized care—supporting every child’s journey, every step of the way.

For more information visit Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Contact page.

Functional Communication Training

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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 Expect from This Training?

During this session, Jenny Argueta will cover key aspects of FCT, including:

✅ The understanding and importance of functional communication in autism.

✅ Identifying communication barriers and challenges.

✅ Teaching effective strategies to encourage meaningful exchanges.

✅ Implementing tools such as visual supports, AAC devices, and sign language.

✅ Practical case studies and real-life applications.

This training will equip attendees with hands-on techniques to implement FCT in home, school, and therapy settings, providing individuals with autism the tools they need to communicate successfully.

Functional Communication Training Event Details:

📅 Date: March 19, 2025
📍 Location: 7Q-Foundation
🔗 Register now

Are a parent, educator, therapist, or advocate passionate about supporting individuals with autism? This training is for you! Join us for an insightful and interactive session with Jenny Argueta and take away valuable skills to enhance communication and improve lives.

Reserve your spot today and be a part of this impactful event! 🎉

Enhancing Social Skills

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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., we don’t just teach children how to behave based on societal norms. We empower them to communicate and connect in ways that feel natural to them, while also helping them navigate social expectations.

Supporting Social Skills at Home: Practical, Inclusive Tips

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children develop their own social confidence. Here are some practical tips that encourage both self-advocacy and connection:

  • Recognize Non-Traditional Social Cues: Children with autism may show interest in a peer by sharing a toy, sitting near them, or engaging in parallel play rather than using words. Help them understand that this is their way of saying, “I like being near you,” and teach them how to express that to others.

  • Model and Respect Unique Social Interactions: Some children may prefer gestures over words or show affection in ways that differ from typical expectations. Recognizing and honoring these differences helps build confidence.

  • Role-Playing for Both Perspectives: Practice everyday social interactions while also teaching self-advocacy. For example, role-play how to say, “I like playing next to you,” instead of feeling pressured to verbally invite a peer to play.

  • Balance Social Expectations with Self-Acceptance: Teach children what society may expect in social situations, while also reinforcing that they do not have to change who they are to be accepted. Instead, we teach them how to help others understand their social language.

  • Celebrate Each Step, Not Just Traditional Wins: Social growth looks different for every child. Whether it’s making eye contact, initiating play in their own way, or advocating for a preferred interaction, all progress is worth celebrating.

How Autism F.I.R.S.T. Helps

Our Social Skills Groups are designed to honor and empower each child’s individuality while helping them build meaningful relationships. We focus on:

  • Understanding and accepting each child’s unique way of socializing
  • Teaching self-advocacy alongside traditional social expectations
  • Providing structured, supportive opportunities for peer interaction
  • Collaborating with caregivers to help generalize skills across home and school

Collaboration Is Key

We believe in partnering with families, educators, and therapists. To create a support system that helps children flourish in their own way. Together, we can assist enhancing social skills. By helping them develop confidence, build friendships, and navigate social spaces while staying true to who they are.

Let’s Celebrate Social Success—On Their Terms

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we value individuality in social growth. If you’re looking for a program that prioritizes self-advocacy, neurodivergent strengths, and social confidence, we’re here to help.

📩 Contact us today to learn more about our Social Skills Groups and how we can support your child.

Visual Aids for Communication and Learning

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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 same for our kiddos that need extra supports. These visuals aids can be:
  • Visual schedules that outline daily activities, i.e. written form or with pictures of each activity.
  • Flashcards with emotions, objects, or actions.
  • Communication Boards (specific pictures that are known to the child to show others what they want).
  • Illustrated pictures or words to help a child complete a specific task.

Benefits of Visual Aids

  • Enhanced Communication: Visual aids help children express themselves when verbal communication is challenging.
  • Clarity and Predictability: Visual schedules provide structure and reduce unexpected emotional responses by helping the child know what to expect in the near future.
  • Support for Independence: Step-by-step instructions using visuals can guide children through tasks like getting dressed or brushing their teeth.
  • Reinforcement of Learning: Visual aids can reinforce concepts and skills taught in therapy or at school.

How to Incorporate Visual Aids for Autism at Home

  • Use visuals consistently for daily routines, such as bedtime or mealtime.
  • Keep them simple and clear to avoid confusion.
  • Gradually involve your child in creating or organizing their visual aids to foster independence.

We Can Help!

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we specialize in using visual aids for Autism to support individualized learning. Contact us 703-496-4371 or Email us at scheduling@autismfirstus.com to learn how we can help your child thrive with these practical tools.