Sprout and Blossom

09/09/2025

TEACHERS ARE THE REAL "INFLUENCERS"

Teaching doesn’t always happen in classrooms. Sometimes, it’s in the therapy room through patience, play, encouragement, and gentle guidance.

To all the therapists who teach children how to communicate, regulate, move, play, connect, and believe in themselves... you are teachers of life skills, resilience, and hope.

Here’s to the everyday heroes who nurture not just minds, but hearts.

Your impact is lasting, your influence is life-changing.

09/09/2025

ABA has always sparked strong conversations. We know it has a complicated history, and we also know that for many families, it has been a life-changing support. Like any approach, its impact depends on how it is practiced.

At Sprout and Blossom, we believe in transparency. When families ask about our behavioral services, we first acknowledge the controversies around ABA. We ask if they’ve read about it, and then we take the time to explain the ABA we practice. one that is progressive, respectful, and neuro-affirming.

For us, ABA is not about compliance or “fixing” difference. It is about helping neurodivergent individuals build the skills and confidence they need to navigate a world that is often not designed for them. Done with compassion, it can be a powerful tool to open doors, create opportunities, and support independence.

ABA remains the gold standard not because it is perfect, but because it continues to help families thrive. Our responsibility is to ensure it is always delivered with dignity, care, and respect for the unique identity of every individual we serve.

I’ve been in the field of ABA for over 15 years now (& I still remember my very first clients and their families 🥰). Over the years, so much has changed: what our services look like, the language we use, and the focus of research.

What hasn’t changed? We’re a field of science. Our practices must be based on research.

💡 But just because something is evidence-based doesn’t automatically make it the most ethical way to support someone.

Let’s call out a few ~
🚫 Time out or isolation from peers
🚫 Extinction procedures like escape extinction and planned ignoring
🚫 Physical prompting for compliance
🚫 Withholding preferred activities as punishment

I’ve loved seeing more research, training, and advocacy for honoring assent, embracing neurodiversity-affirming practices, and truly listening to the autistic community 🫶.

💭 Anything else you would add to this list?

09/09/2025

08/09/2025

Quick fixes can stop behaviour temporarily.
But it’s connection that truly transforms how children respond, learn, and grow.

When a child feels safe, seen, and understood, they’re more likely to regulate themselves, take guidance, and build trust that lasts.

Correction may quiet the behaviour.
Connection reshapes the relationship. 💕

✨ More tools in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent:
www.thetherapistparent.com | Amazon

07/09/2025

I’m seeing this crappy visual floating around, once again. 😒

And in case you’re wondering what makes it “crappy”, here ya go:

It completely ignores the need.
Sensory issues? Oh well.
Can’t communicate? Too bad, take a deep breath about it.
A checklist that ignores why a student is angry won’t stop reoccurrence.

“Take a deep breath / count to 10” is cognitively demanding.
Both require executive function and attention. When someone is in a behavioral crisis, they often can’t reliably do controlled breathing or math-like counting.

Additionally, while “drink water” is a neutral, low-cost suggestion….it’s wildly insufficient.

The goal of regulation should be safety and skill-building. Forcing a quick return to task often causes re-escalation.

✨Here’s what would be better✨

✅ A choice menu, not a checklist.

✅ Tiered responses by level of arousal.
High arousal options (movement, heavy work, safe space) vs low arousal options (deep breathing, sensory object, timeout).

✅ Permission to stim / move.
Prompt movement as regulation (e.g., “Jump 5 times,” “squeeze stress ball,” “carry a heavy bin for 30 seconds”).

✅ Adult support script including what staff should say and do (brief validation + two options) — e.g., “I can see you’re upset. Would you like 1) a quiet walk, or 2) time to draw for 3 minutes?”

What are your thoughts??

07/09/2025

"While epilepsy can develop in anyone and at any age, the incidence and prevalence of epilepsy are higher for young children than adults.

Pediatric epilepsy often presents unique seizure types and causes related to childhood development. In contrast, adult epilepsy is more likely associated with acquired conditions such as head injuries, strokes, or brain tumours.

Epilepsy in children is not the same as in adults. In an adult, epilepsy can disturb certain brain functions. In children, however, seizures can completely prevent these functions from developing altogether.

The developing brains of pediatric patients means that they are at risk of permanent damage from persistent epilepsy. Recurrent seizures can cause developmental problems that affect their mental abilities, behavior, and psychology.

This is why aggressive treatment is indicated in children without delay. It helps preserve the brain and prevents damage from recurrent seizures.

Help raise awareness on epilepsy. The first week of September is 💜National Epilepsy Week💜" - Reposted From Child Neurology Society Philippines, Inc.

Seeing someone have a seizure can be scary, but knowing what to do can help. It's about safety, not restraint. Your quick action can make a difference.

06/09/2025

✨Story Time✨

I used to be one of those SLPs who expect na dapat iexhaust muna ang goals to teach spoken language. Itry muna ng itry na itarget ang word imitation and functional vocabulary para masabi na nagiimprove ang communication nila.

Before, for most parents, an SLP suggesting AAC or alternative/augmentative communication system means "last resort na". I once had a parent cry nung sinuggest ko ito. To help the child build more functional communication and lessen frustration sana eh. Pero feeling ni parent noon naggive up na ako na makakapagsalita na anak niya. Of course, it wasn't my intention. I just wanted more successful communication attempts.

Just a few years ago, naging mas open ang parents to trying AAC at nauso ang term na "presume competence". Finally!

When presenting AAC, we used to just teach 1 word or phrase at a time. Nakahide yung ibang words na hindi target. Maya't maya pa binabago yung AAC display kasi trial and error depende sa response ng bata.

As I learn more about it, more SLPs started advocating for "robust AAC systems" which means na may access ang bata sa mas maraming words na magagamit niya sa mas maraming social situations. Hindi isa-isa words lang. May autonomy at hindi itatago ang AAC device sa kanya. What a game changer!

Because in this photo are some of the AAC system my kids use. Years of targeting language precursors like imitation, play, vocalization... Akala namin noon very limited ang communication nila. But it turns out, they have so much to communicate, we weren't just giving them the right opportunity.

And so, even if there is a limitation in communication, always presume competence. Provide all the opportunities. Believe that they have something valuable to say.

- Teacher Jacq

04/09/2025

At Sprout and Blossom we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive.
Whether it’s building communication skills, strengthening motor abilities, boosting learning, or shaping positive behaviors. our team of dedicated pediatric therapists is here to guide your child toward growth and independence.

For children. With families. Toward brighter futures.
Our pediatric therapy services are designed to support every child’s growth while guiding families every step of the way.

📞 Contact us today and let’s take the next step together!
➡️ Book an appointment now and let’s start the journey together!

03/09/2025

03/09/2025

💜

02/09/2025