In our previous blog post, we asked the question: “What is ABA Therapy.” The short answer goes like this: “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy) is a widely recognized method for reducing harmful behavior and teaching new skills.” ABA Therapy is research-based, individualized, and goal-oriented. These three factors set ABA Therapy apart as an effective therapy. […]
Applied Behavior Analysis is a field of study that focuses on understanding and improving human behavior. By focusing on an individual and their environment, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs, who practice ABA Therapy) are able to identify behaviors that are harmful, as well as skills that need to be acquired. From the assessment stage, BCBAs […]
I have spent the last several years working with a wide range of clients and teaching them the basic Job Readiness skills. We teach out clients a number of things at the Star Center, but three of the most important things we focus on are communication, appearance and self- confidence. Communication The first question we […]
Every month, one afternoon gets a little better. My calendar dings at me, and in surprise I look down to see what meeting I’ve totally forgotten about. Instead of a meeting, I see that it’s time for birthday cake. I love cake. For the last several years, Jennifer has baked cake every month to celebrate […]
I’ve learned over the years that very few people know what an Occupational Therapist is. So before you start to think that Occupational Therapists find jobs for people, let me take a minute to explain their role in the habilitation and rehabilitation processes. Habilitation refers to a process aimed at helping individuals who are born with […]
May is better hearing and speech month, an opportunity to highlight the ways Speech-Language Pathologists can improve quality of life for millions of people. “Communication is the Key to Connection.” I have experienced this to be true over and over, and I have the opportunity to help people communicate and connect in ways they couldn’t […]
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. At the Star Center, we are passionate about helping people find their new normal after a stroke. Recovery is often a long and frustrating journey, and we want people to know that they are not alone during that process. Music Therapy can be an effective treatment to drive recovery […]
When is the best time to prepare for employment? Yesterday. Okay, well maybe it is better to say the sooner the better. The Star Center is beginning a new chapter in our story of helping people with disabilities find employment: Pre-Employment Transition Services, or Pre-ETS. It is supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act […]
From Stigma to Success Today we are kicking off the month of May. May is such a busy and exciting time: showing appreciation for your mother, graduations, “May flowers” (and no more of those pesky “April showers”). The possibilities for things going on during this month are endless. However, there is one thing of which […]
“Oh yeah! My [insert family member, friend of a friend, or child]’s has Autism!” Usually some variation of this sentence is stated when a person talks with me about being a music therapist and asking what populations I work with. Virtually everyone knows someone with Autism, and it’s often a direct family member. Most people […]