LEAP Solutions, LLC

04/09/2026

Did you know....
Some common red flags for autism include limited eye contact, delayed speech or language development, not responding to their name, difficulty engaging in back-and-forth interactions, and a preference for playing alone.

Parents may also notice repetitive behaviors (such as lining up toys or hand flapping), strong reactions to sounds or textures, and difficulty with changes in routine. If these behaviors are present and impact daily functioning, it may be helpful to seek a professional evaluation.

LEAP Solutions offers a FREE screening that focuses on autism, behavior and cognitive development. Our next one is June 18th. Sign ups will be available in early May @ https://leapsolutionsllc.squarespace.com/a-b-c-screening

We also complete autism evaluations, along with consultations designed to guide and support you as you navigate the many pieces of the puzzle...school evaluations and services, community resources, working with other disciplinary providers (OT, SLP, ABA, etc.).

Let us know how we can help 💙🧩

04/08/2026

Comment “SIT” to find out which retained reflexes contribute to a child who is prone to sit in the W-position.

Some kids who often sit in the W-position may have retained Primitive Reflexes that can cause problems with core strength, joints, and muscle development.

If you have a child or student that frequently sits in the w-position, you may find them doing the following:

🤷‍♀️Tends to hunch over in their chair
🤷‍♀️Rocks in the chair
🤷‍♀️Lacks attention and focus
🤷‍♀️Can’t stay seated for long periods of time

Kids with one or more retained reflexes may compensate for the retention by sitting in the w-position or finding ways to support their body when uncomfortable.

To find out which reflexes are creating issues with w-sitting and lack of core strength, comment “SIT” and we’ll send you the link.

04/08/2026

We are excited to share that LEAP Solutions will be at the next Healthy Kids Day at the Duneland YMCA. Join us at this free community event designed to help families kick off a safe and healthy summer season.

Open to the public, this annual celebration brings kids and families together for a morning full of movement, creativity, and fun. Kids can explore activities like NinjaZone, gym games, LEGO Builders Club, and Music and Movement, while families enjoy open swim, agility obstacle courses, and hands-on sidewalk chalk experiences 🌟

Play is the best type of learning. Stop by and check out all of the fun activities and be sure to stop by our table and learn about our upcoming summer classes and introduction of a new service (coming soon!).

When: April 18
Time: 9-12
Where: Duneland YMCA Heathy Living Campus

04/07/2026

Did you know about the Portage Township Autism Action Coalition? Check out the great things they are doing and offering:

Portage Township Autism Action Coalition, a program of Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy, has sponsored the Window Cling Program since 2021.
Parents of autistic children in Porter County can stop by any police department in the county and ask for up to 3 window clings free of charge.
The idea is for parents to place the window clings on their vehicle and/or on a front window or storm door of their home.
This allows first responders, who may be called to the home or vehicle accident or other incident, to know there is likely a child with autism either in the vehicle or home.
it's important information for first responders. As we know, children with ASD can hide or flee during stressful moments in their lives. Giving first responders a heads up to make sure that child is located and safe is of paramount importance.
PTAAC initially started the program for Portage Township, but last year, thanks to a grant from the Porter County Community Foundation, was able to purchase and distribute window clings to all police departments in Porter County.

04/07/2026

💙April is Child Abuse Prevention Month💙

Child maltreatment encompasses child abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse.

* Some disabling conditions can increase a child's risk of maltreatment.
* Children with disabilities or chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to maltreatment.
* Exposure to intimate partner violence in the home places a child at higher risk of other forms of maltreatment, as well as significant adverse physical, psychological, and psychosocial effects.
* About 30% of children exposed to intimate partner violence may perpetuate abusive behaviors themselves.
* Witnessing intimate partner violence can lead to anxiety, depression, and withdrawal in children, and may also result in outward behaviors like attention problems, aggression, and rule-breaking.

* Efforts to reduce child maltreatment include offering anticipatory guidance, identifying family stressors, and providing evidence-based interventions.
* Helping families improve parenting skills, set appropriate expectations for their children, and identify community resources can reduce child abuse.
* Families with a strong foundation help foster safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with children, aiding in emotional regulation, relationship maintenance, and dealing with adversity.
* A network of caring relationships can help families cope with difficult times, reducing the chances of child abuse or neglect.
* Practical guidance can be offered to caregivers on supporting children who have been victimized to prevent further maltreatment.
* Connecting families to resources like parenting programs, home visitation, and early childhood education that promote safe, stable, nurturing relationships can help prevent child maltreatment.
* Preventing sexual abuse involves helping families raise children around healthy, respectful sexual relationships, enhancing a child's self-esteem and communication skills, and providing age-appropriate education on sexual development.
* Teaching children body autonomy, including the correct names for body parts, who can touch them, and the right to say "no," can make them less likely to fall prey to sexual abusers and more likely to report abuse.

Local resources include:
Dunebrook - https://dunebrook.org/april-is-child-abuse-prevention-month/
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline- https://www.dunelandexchangeclub.com/child-abuse-hotline
Prevent Child Abuse Indiana- https://pcain.org/council/porter/
The Villages- https://villageskids.org/services/prevent-child-abuse-indiana/

We are here to help. If you are a family struggling with your child, find yourself engaging in harmful behaviors, are concerned about your child witnessing abusive behavior, give us a call and we can help direct you to appropriate resources.

Safe. Happy. Healthy💙

04/06/2026

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and signs of new life everywhere. There are so many ways to engage children with fun learning activities this spring, from talking about the colors of the flowers to playing and singing outside in the rain!

First Things First Porter County

04/05/2026

🌷🐣 Happy Easter from all of us! 🐣🌷

Wishing our wonderful families a joyful Easter filled with peace, laughter, and special moments together. We are so grateful to be part of your journey and to support your children as they grow and thrive each day.

May this season of renewal bring hope, happiness, and fresh beginnings to your home! 💛🌼

04/04/2026

The 6 Stages of Play: Birth to 4 Years

Play is how young children explore the world, develop skills, and connect with others.
From birth to around 4 years old, children move through six key stages of play.
Unoccupied play is the earliest stage—infants may wave arms, kick, or focus on a single object without interacting with others.

Solitary play happens when toddlers play alone, fully absorbed in their own activities, building focus and independence.

Spectator or onlooker behavior appears when children watch others play, learning social cues, rules, and ideas from a safe distance.

Parallel play is next—children play alongside peers, sometimes using similar toys, but without directly interacting.

Associate play emerges as toddlers start interacting, sharing materials, and exchanging ideas, though play may not be fully coordinated.

Cooperative play is the most advanced stage—children work together, negotiate roles, and create shared goals in imaginative play.

These stages overlap and develop at different rates for each child, and all are valuable for learning.

Understanding these stages helps caregivers support social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Encouraging each stage fosters creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Play is more than fun—it’s a roadmap for developing the whole child, one stage at a time.

Thanks and Credit to Early On Michigan!



Pathways.org

04/04/2026

"🌟 Why Core Strength Matters for Toddlers 🌟

Strong core muscles (think tummy, back, and hips) are so much more than something that helps with crawling and walking — they’re the foundation for so many everyday skills your toddler is developing! 💪👶

✨ A strong core helps with:
• Balance & coordination — supports steadier movement and confidence on the playground.
• Gross motor skills — like climbing, jumping, and running, which all rely on core stability.
• Fine motor skills & focus — a stable core gives a base for tasks like sitting still, holding crayons, or manipulating toys.
• Posture & endurance — better posture helps with sitting at the table or during storytime, and keeps toddlers playing longer without getting tired as fast.
• Emotional regulation & confidence — physical stability supports overall well‑being and helps kids feel secure in their bodies.

💡 Bonus: Core strength plays a role in even breathing and speech development too, since the muscles support how kids hold themselves and coordinate movements with breath.

Want tips and activities to help your toddler build a strong core through play? Just drop a 🥊 below — we’ve got fun, easy ideas! 👇"

04/03/2026

We wrapped up our winter session of LEAPs & Bounds last Saturday with our Spring Scribble Sprouts. Check back and stay tuned, as we are working on our summer schedule of activities.

It's Autism Awareness Month-throughout this month, we’ll be sharing information, resources, and insights to help build understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and their families. We invite you to follow along, learn with us, and help spread awareness in our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

We hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!

04/02/2026

We have another summer camp announcement!! This camp is for the little ones. 🎶

Join us in July as we explore different instruments every week and play fun music games and activities. This 4 week camp is perfect for young students who aren't quite ready for one-on-one lessons yet, or just want to explore their musical side more!

Spots are very limited, so we recommend signing up soon! For more information, check out our website! 🎸🥁🎹

www.calumetregionfineartsstudio.com

Signup link: https://forms.gle/MQLcngsPrqF13rwi6