Brighter Beginnings Child Development Center

14/10/2025

11/10/2025

Hello! I am sharing a recent blog post . . .

HAND OVER HAND: WHY IT'S UNETHICAL - AND INEFFECTIVE - FOR AUTISTIC STUDENTS!

My First-Grade Memory . . .

I adored my first-grade teacher. She was warm, kind, and believed that closeness — a hand on your shoulder, leaning in, even guiding your hand — helped children feel cared for.

But my autistic nervous system didn’t experience it that way.

Even as a child, I struggled with personal space. When she leaned in close or her sleeve brushed my arm, my chest tightened. I didn’t have words for it then, but my body said: too close.

I’m grateful my handwriting came easily. I often think how unsettled I’d have felt if she had placed her hand over mine — or under it — to guide my pencil.

Her steadiness nearby was regulating. Her touch would not have been.

Good intentions don’t override an autistic nervous system’s need for space.

The Sensory Science . . .

Research confirms that autistic people often have heightened responsiveness to touch and proximity.

MacLennan, O’Brien, & Tavassoli (2022) found autistic adults reported significantly greater tactile and olfactory sensitivity than non-autistic peers.

Crossing a child’s sensory boundary — even gently — can trigger discomfort or dysregulation, making learning harder.

Why We Must Rethink

Hand-over-hand, and often hand-under-hand, may feel helpful to adults but can:

Violate personal space

Override a child’s own sensory feedback

Create dysregulation that shuts down learning

If you feel you need to use hand-over-hand or hand-under-hand, pause.
Rethink the task. Scaffold it so the demand is lessened and the child can participate without having their personal space intruded upon.

A Better Way . . .

Autistic motor skills develop differently. Instead of forcing “correct” movement, we can scaffold through playful, hands-on activities: stringing beads, poking pipe cleaners into a colander, crumpling paper, using tweezers or dough.

For writing strokes, model beside the child: make “rain” down-strokes on a window, sweep “wind” strokes side-to-side, trace shapes in sand. Play first; keep distance; let them explore.

When we respect boundaries and scaffold thoughtfully, we create classrooms where autistic students feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

References:

MacLennan, K., O’Brien, S., & Tavassoli, T. (2022). Sensory reactivity differences in autistic adults: An examination across modalities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52(8), 3445–3457

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

What To Do During an Earthquake?

🏠 If You Are Indoors (at Home, School, or Office)

1. Stay where you are! Do not run outside immediately — most injuries happen from falling objects or collapsing walls near exits.
2. DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!
DROP to your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down. COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. HOLD ON to the furniture until the shaking stops.
3. Stay away from windows, glass, and heavy furniture that might topple.
4. If in bed, stay there — protect your head with a pillow.
5. Do not use elevators. Use stairs after the shaking stops.
6. Turn off gas, electricity, and water valves once it’s safe to do so to prevent fires or leaks.

🏢 If You Are in a High-Rise Building

1. Move away from windows and shelves.
2. Do not rush to stairways or elevators while the shaking is happening.
3. Hold on to a stable object and brace yourself.
4. Once the shaking stops, evacuate calmly using the stairs.
5. Check for cracks or falling debris before exiting.
6. Proceed to the designated evacuation area.

🚗 If You Are in a Car

1. Pull over safely and stop in an open area — away from bridges, trees, power lines, and tall buildings.
2. Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
3. Turn on hazard lights and listen to the radio for updates.
4. After the shaking stops, drive carefully — avoid damaged roads and fallen debris.
5. Do not block emergency routes.

🏬 If You Are in a Mall, Theater, or Public Place

1. Stay calm — do not rush to the exits.
2. Take cover under a sturdy table or counter.
3. Protect your head and neck from falling objects.
4. Follow staff or security instructions.
5. After shaking stops, exit slowly and avoid glass walls or shelves that may still fall.

🏫 If You Are in School

1. Duck, cover, and hold under your desk.
2. Face away from windows and glass.
3. Wait for your teacher’s signal before evacuating.
4. Proceed in an orderly line to your school’s open evacuation area.

🚆 If You Are in a Train (MRT/LRT or PNR)

1. Hold firmly to a handrail or support pole.
2. Stay inside the train while it’s moving.
3. Wait for the train to stop and follow staff instructions.
4. Do not panic or push others.
5. Avoid power lines or metal structures outside the train.

🏙️ If You Are Outdoors

1. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, lampposts, and power lines.
2. Stay alert for falling debris, glass, or signboards.
3. If near the coast, move to higher ground immediately — a tsunami may follow a strong quake.
4. Stay away from cliffs or slopes that may collapse.

🏥 If You Are in a Hospital

1. Stay with your patient if safe.
2. Protect your head and neck with your arms or pillow.
3. Avoid moving beds or equipment during the shaking.
4. Follow the instructions of medical staff or safety marshals.

✈️ If You Are in an Airport

1. Stay away from glass panels and heavy fixtures.
2. Do not rush to exits or escalators.
3. Follow airport emergency announcements and staff directions.
4. Wait for clearance before resuming travel.

⚠️ After the Shaking Stops

1. Check yourself and others for injuries.
2.Evacuate calmly if necessary — do not use elevators.
3.Be alert for aftershocks.
4.Listen to official advisories (PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, or local DRRMO).
5. Avoid coastal areas if a tsunami warning is issued.
6.Help others but stay safe.
7. Continue to pray for everyone's safety. 🙏

Her Thoughts

Prayer for the Philippines 🇵🇭🙏

Dear Lord,

Please cover our families with Your comfort and loving arms. Bless us with Your protection at all times, Lord. Keep our homes and all structures covered and blessed by Your holy blood. Help us to be of service to our kababayans. We need You, oh Lord — we need You. 🙏🇵🇭

11/10/2025

🎃 ANNOUNCEMENT 👻

Dear Parents,

Your kids are invited to join our Spook-tacular Halloween Fun at Brighter Beginnings! 🕷️✨
📅 October 25–31, 2025

Come to your therapy session dressed in your creepiest, cutest, or most creative costume for a chance to win a FREE therapy session! 🧛‍♂️🧙‍♀️

🏆 How to Win:

📸 1. People’s Choice Awards
During your child’s session, we’ll take a photo of their Halloween costume and post it on our official Brighter Beginnings page.

The Top 3 photos with the most total reactions (👍 Likes, ❤️ Hearts, and 🔁 Shares) will be crowned our Halloween People’s Choice Winners and each will receive a FREE session!

🎭 2. Best in Costume (Clinic Choice)
Our Brighter Beginnings Team will also select one Halloween Champ based on creativity, effort, and overall presentation — who will also win a FREE session!

🗓️ Important Reminder:
The clinic will be closed on November 1–2 for the holiday and will resume regular sessions on Monday, November 3. Winners will be announced on November 8 (Saturday).

So get ready to cast some costume magic! ✨
Whether spooky, sweet, or silly — we can’t wait to see what you conjure up at Brighter Beginnings! 🦇🍬🎉

06/10/2025

Just because someone can’t speak doesn’t mean they have nothing to say.
Their heart feels, thinks, and loves deeply.
Let’s listen beyond words. 💙

05/10/2025

Ang disiplina ay hindi tungkol sa parusa — ito ay tungkol sa pagtuturo.
Kapag naririnig natin ang salitang disiplina, marami sa atin ang naiisip ay mahigpit na mga patakaran, malalakas na boses, o mga parusa.
Pero ang tunay na disiplina ay nagmumula sa salitang disciple na ang ibig sabihin ay turuan.

Hindi kailangan ng mga anak natin na maging malupit tayo; kailangan nila tayong maging gabay.
Kailangan natin silang turuan:

Bakit nakasasama ang ilang pag-uugali.

Paano gumawa ng mas mabubuting desisyon sa susunod.

Na ang mga pagkakamali ay bahagi ng pagkatuto, hindi dahilan para mahiya.

Kapag ang disiplina ay nakaugat sa pag-ibig, pasensya, at pagiging konsistent, nagiging mas kaunti itong tungkol sa pagkontrol sa bata at mas nagiging tungkol sa paghubog ng kanilang pagkatao.

Dahil ang layunin ay hindi lang magpalaki ng mga batang takot lang mapagalitan…
Ang layunin ay magpalaki ng mga batang gumagawa ng tama kahit walang nakakakita.

05/10/2025

Teachers don't just teach the curriculum;
they major in loving the unlovable.
It's the real test.

05/10/2025

No one can hurt you like your own child.

That pain hits differently.
It’s not just words — it’s the echo of sleepless nights, sacrifices, and love poured out unconditionally. You carried them, fed them, protected them, prayed for them… and then one day, their words, silence, or choices can cut deeper than anything you’ve ever known.

But here’s the truth most parents don’t say out loud — it’s not always out of hate or disrespect.
Sometimes, it’s their pain speaking.
Sometimes, it’s immaturity.
Sometimes, it’s just them trying to find their voice — and they don’t yet know how to use it gently.

Still, it hurts.
Because you love them more than life itself.

But even in that hurt, keep showing love.
Keep your heart open.
Because just as deeply as they can hurt you, they can also heal you with one hug, one “I’m sorry,” one “I love you.”

Parenthood is both the deepest wound and the greatest healing.
✍️parenting

05/10/2025

🧠 What is Sensory Processing?

It’s how the brain interprets and responds to information from the senses—like touch, sound, movement, and more. For some children, this process can be overwhelming or under-responsive, affecting how they play, learn, and interact.

At our center, we support children with a range of sensory needs through individualized strategies, play-based therapy, and a sensory-friendly environment.

💡 Understanding sensory differences is key to helping kids thrive!

04/10/2025

Happy Teachers’ Day! 💛

Today, we celebrated the heart of Brighter Beginnings — our teachers and therapists who guide, nurture, and inspire our little learners every single day. 🌟

Through a simple team salo-salo, we shared laughter, stories, and gratitude for the beautiful mission we share: helping every child grow, learn, and shine in their own way. 🌼

To our amazing team — thank you for your passion, patience, and love. You make every child’s tomorrow brighter. 💕

Brighter Beginnings Child Development Center
Preparing your child for a brighter future.