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Koala ABA & Learning Centers

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Early Intervention
Therapies

Family Counseling

KoalafiedTM Family Counseling Programs

At Koala ABA & Learning Centers, we understand the unique challenges and rewards that come with caring for a child with autism and related disorders. Our team of professionals consists of Licensed Mental Health Counselors, (LMHC) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Psychologists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

Koala ABA & Learning Centers
Koala ABA & Learning Centers

Our VPK-SIS Program Overview

Family Counseling Overview

Our program is designed to equip families with the knowledge and techniques necessary to provide exceptional support, creating a nurturing environment for their child’s development. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, using evidence-based practices, and understanding the unique needs of their child, caregivers, and family members can play a vital role in their child’s growth and overall quality of life. We believe that with the right skills and support, families can create a positive and empowering future for their loved ones on the autism spectrum.

Here are the 12 programs we offer:

1: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Definition and key characteristics of autism
  • Identifying early signs and obtaining an accurate diagnosis
  • Gaining insights into autism’s impact on behavior, communication, and sensory processing
  • Embracing neurodiversity and celebrating individual differences

2: Communication and Social Skills Development

  • Fostering language and communication development
  • Utilizing visual aids and augmentative communication systems effectively
  • Encouraging the development of social interaction skills and building meaningful friendships
  • Addressing challenging behaviors related to communication difficulties

3: Positive Behavior Support

  • Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Setting attainable behavioral goals and objectives
  • Implementing reinforcement strategies to reinforce positive behaviors
  • Employing proactive approaches to manage and reduce challenging behaviors

4: Creating a Structured and Supportive Environment

  • Designing a sensory-friendly home environment
  • Establishing daily routines and consistent schedules
  • Implementing visual schedules and social stories to facilitate smooth transitions
  • Identifying and addressing sensory triggers and sensory overload

5: Encouraging Independence and Life Skills

  • Nurturing self-help and adaptive skills
  • Promoting age-appropriate independence and autonomy
  • Teaching essential life skills, such as hygiene and meal preparation
  • Developing transition plans for future independence and adulthood

6: Collaborating with Schools and Professionals

  • Understanding the significance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans
  • Building effective communication channels with teachers and school staff
  • Advocating for the child’s unique needs and rights within educational settings
  • Cultivating a strong network of support by collaborating with therapists and professionals

7: Self-Care and Coping Strategies for Caregivers

  • Recognizing signs of caregiver burnout and stress
  • Prioritizing self-care and setting personal boundaries
  • Embracing mindfulness and relaxation techniques for personal well-being
  • Accessing community resources and participating in support groups

8: Applying Assistive Technology

  • Exploring suitable assistive technology options for learning and communication
  • Integrating technology to facilitate skill development and leisure activities
  • Ensuring responsible and safe use of technology for the child

9: Structural Family Therapy:

  • This approach focuses on the family’s structure, roles, and boundaries. The therapist helps family members reorganize their interactions and relationships to improve communication and resolve conflicts. The therapist may use techniques like joining the family, boundary setting, and enactments to observe and address problematic interactions

10: Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT):

  • CBFT combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to address family issues. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to family conflicts or difficulties.

11: Strategic Family Therapy:

  • Strategic family therapy is goal-oriented and focuses on creating specific interventions to address immediate issues. The therapist designs specific tasks or assignments for the family to complete between

12: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT):

  • SFBT emphasizes finding solutions to problems rather than focusing on their causes. The therapist encourages the family to envision a preferred future and identify small steps towards achieving it