Autism F.I.R.S.T. Archives | Autism F.I.R.S.T.

Building Social Confidence in Children with Autism

Posted on July 7, 2025July 5, 2025 by marketing

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.

Whitecap Care Acquires Family Insight

Posted on June 25, 2025 by marketing

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 care across the state.

“We are excited to welcome Family Insight to the Whitecap Care family, representing a significant milestone in our commitment to providing specialized, compassionate care to individuals across the continuum,”
– Jeff Shiring, Founder, Whitecap Care

This acquisition:

Expands Whitecap Care’s clinic network to 9 locations
Adds statewide at-home services
Broadens Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s reach with new outpatient care offerings
Introduces new Value-Based Care models to improve outcomes and reduce costs

“After almost 36 years, it’s time for a new chapter. I’m confident Jeff and the Whitecap Care team are well-qualified to continue the path forward.”
– Samuel Gray, Owner, Family Insight, P.C.

Press Release

Want to read the official announcement? Check it out below.

Learn More About Autism F.I.R.S.T.

The Whitecap Care Family Insight Acquisition reflects a major milestone in the autism services expansion in Virginia, strengthening support for families statewide. At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we’re excited for what this next chapter brings and remain committed to high-quality, compassionate autism care in every setting.

Mental Health and Self-Care: A Moment with Amber

Posted on May 5, 2025 by marketing

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.

Posted on May 2, 2025 by marketing

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.

Functional Communication Training

Posted on March 3, 2025 by marketing

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

Posted on February 24, 2025 by marketing

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

Posted on February 18, 2025February 15, 2025 by marketing

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.

Sensory Processing in Autism: Essential Tips

Posted on February 3, 2025February 1, 2025 by marketing

Real-Life Impact

Meet Alex, a bright and curious 5-year-old who experiences sensory challenges. Each morning, getting dressed for school is a struggle—not because Alex dislikes school, but because the act of getting dressed signals leaving the comfort of home, which can trigger maladaptive behaviors. These maladaptive behaviors can be running away from tasks, crying, and/or and verbal refusal to cooperate in completing the home routine.

With the help of ABA therapy, Alex’s family and therapists at Autism F.I.R.S.T. worked together to identify sensory triggers, teach coping strategies, and systematically address the behavior. Over time, Alex not only learned to get dressed independently but also started looking forward to school—a milestone achieved by targeting skill acquisition and behavior reduction.

Sensory Processing in Autism

Sensory processing plays a crucial role in how individuals experience and interact with the world. For many autistic individuals, sensory experiences can feel more intense, less noticeable, or simply different. These unique sensory profiles can shape behaviors, preferences, and interactions.

As a parent or caregiver, understanding sensory processing can empower you to provide the support needed for your loved one to thrive. This guide explores sensory processing in autism and offers practical, inclusive strategies for creating a supportive environment.

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets information from the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, as well as internal sensations like balance and body awareness. For some autistic individuals, sensory processing differences may include:

Hyper-sensitivity: Overwhelmed by certain sensory inputs (e.g., loud noises, bright lights).
Hypo-sensitivity: Seeking more sensory input to feel balanced (e.g., craving strong textures or deep pressure).

Understanding these differences is key to providing support tailored to individual needs.

How ABA Helps

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., ABA therapy is designed to foster skill acquisition and reduce maladaptive behaviors that interfere with daily life. For example, a child like Alex who avoids getting dressed can be supported through:

Task Analysis: Breaking down the act of getting dressed into small, manageable steps.
Reinforcement Strategies: Providing positive reinforcement (e.g., praise or a preferred activity) for completing each step.
Addressing Maladaptive Behaviors: Identifying the triggers that relate to leaving home and teaching alternative coping mechanisms/responses to replace the maladaptive behaviors, such as running away.

By systematically addressing the triggers and behaviors surrounding self-care skills, Autism F.I.R.S.T. ABA therapists help children develop independence while reducing behaviors that hinder progress.

Fostering Independence

Developing self-care skills like dressing, brushing teeth, and managing hygiene is essential for fostering independence. ABA therapy works by increasing skills while reducing maladaptive behaviors that impact a child’s ability to complete self-help tasks.

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., therapists address the maladaptive behaviors, triggers, and difficulties that surround these skills, providing individualized support to help children thrive in their daily routines.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Observe and Identify Sensory Preferences
Pay attention to what calms, excites, or overwhelms your child. Keep a journal of sensory triggers and preferred activities to build a clearer understanding.
Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Designate areas in your home that accommodate sensory needs. This might include quiet spaces with dim lighting or sensory corners with textured objects, weighted blankets, or calming visuals.
Introduce Sensory Activities
Incorporate sensory-friendly activities like:
- Water play or finger painting for tactile engagement.
- Rocking chairs or swings for movement regulation.
- Noise-canceling headphones for overwhelming auditory environments.

Communicate Sensory Needs
Advocate for your child by explaining their sensory needs to teachers, caregivers, and others in their environment. This fosters understanding and inclusion.
Collaborate with Professionals
Collaborate closely with your child’s ABA Therapist in Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Parent Training for strategies and feedback.

Promoting Inclusion Through Understanding

Sensory processing differences are a natural part of the diverse human experience. By embracing these differences and creating environments that accommodate unique sensory profiles, we can foster a world where everyone feels valued and included.

Enhancing Social Skills in Children with Autism

Posted on January 9, 2025 by marketing

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we believe in empowering children with autism to develop their social skills in a supportive, structured environment. Our Social Skill Groups services provide tailored opportunities for children to learn, practice, and thrive in real-world social settings.

Why Social Skills Are Important

Social skills encompass a broad range of abilities, including starting conversations, understanding nonverbal cues, and managing emotions during interactions. These skills are essential for:

Building friendships
Navigating academic and extracurricular activities
Enhancing overall quality of life

For children with autism, these areas often require explicit teaching and consistent practice, which can lead to greater confidence and independence.

Effective Approaches to Building Social Skills

Modeling and Role-Playing
Children learn by observing and imitating. Modeling desired behaviors and engaging in role-playing scenarios allow them to practice skills like greeting others, sharing, and taking turns in a safe environment.
Visual Supports
Using social stories, visual schedules, or cue cards helps children understand expectations and navigate complex social situations more effectively.
Structured Peer Interactions
Opportunities to engage with peers in guided activities encourage collaboration and positive interaction. This could include games, group projects, or shared hobbies.
Positive Reinforcement
Celebrating progress, no matter how small, motivates children to continue practicing and refining their skills. Reinforcement can be verbal praise, a favorite activity, or a token system.
Social Skill Groups
Participating in structured social skill groups, like those offered by Autism F.I.R.S.T., provides children with autism the opportunity to practice and refine their skills in a supportive and nurturing setting.

Autism F.I.R.S.T. Social Skill Groups
Our Social Skill Groups are designed to meet children where they are in their development and provide tailored guidance to foster growth. Led by experienced professionals, these groups focus on:

Building confidence in social interactions
Learning to interpret social cues
Developing problem-solving strategies
Encouraging teamwork and collaboration

The group setting enables children to practice real-life social scenarios. While receiving constructive feedback and support from trained facilitators.

Learn more about our Social Skill Groups.

Supporting Growth, One Step at a Time

Enhancing social skills in children with autism is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and the right tools. By using effective strategies and participating in structured programs like Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Social Skill Groups, children can build the confidence and ability to thrive socially, academically, and beyond.

Every small success is a step toward meaningful connections and a brighter future. Let Autism F.I.R.S.T. be a part of your child’s journey to social growth.

Returning to Routines After the Holiday Break

Posted on January 3, 2025 by marketing

Returning to Routines

1. Acknowledge the Transition

Adjusting after the holidays can be difficult. Recognize and validate any discomfort or concerns, offering reassurance and understanding.

2. Gradual Reintroduction of Routine

Ease into the schedule. Begin with smaller adjustments, such as reestablishing bedtime and wake-up times, and gradually incorporate other elements of the routine before going back to school.

3. Support for Educational Routines

Returning to school or structured academic activities can be particularly challenging after a break. Autism F.I.R.S.T. can help with this transition through its Academic Support services, offering personalized strategies tailored to each child’s needs. These services are designed to promote a positive and productive educational experience, helping children with autism thrive in their learning environment.

4. Use Visual Supports and Predictability

Visual schedules, checklists, and timers provide structure and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and clarify expectations for the day.

5. Incorporate Enjoyable Activities

Adding something enjoyable to the routine, such as a favorite sensory activity or creative outlet, can make transitions more appealing and rewarding.

6. Practice Patience and Flexibility

Transitions take time, and every step forward is worth celebrating. Allow space for adjustments and adapt strategies as needed.

“Building Confidence Through Consistency”

The journey back to routines is an opportunity to grow in confidence and stability. With the right support, individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive in their educational and daily environments. Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Academic Support services are here to help families create personalized plans to ensure a smooth transition, fostering success and positivity. Learn more and visit us at Autism F.I.R.S.T..

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