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The Joy Junction ABA Social Group Service

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East Northport, NY
The Joy Junction ABA Social Group Service

At Joy Junction ABA Social Group, we help individuals improve their social skills, communication, and independence.

Led by two BCBAs, we provide a supportive space for building relationships and developing coping strategies. At Joy Junction, we are passionate about empowering individuals to flourish in social settings. Our team, led by two experienced Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (LBA, BCBA), is dedicated to helping each participant cultivate essential social skills, enhance communication, and develop effective coping strategies that lead to greater independence. Our mission is to provide a warm and supportive environment where individuals can build meaningful connections, practice social interactions, and grow in confidence to face everyday challenges. We prioritize personalized care, using evidence-based practices tailored to the unique needs of each participant. Through engaging group activities, one-on-one support, and specialized programs, we strive to equip our participants with the tools they need to thrive in both social and personal aspects of life. At Joy Junction, our commitment is to make a positive, lasting difference by helping every individual reach their full potential.

08/29/2025

🌟 Connect Before You Direct 🌟
Before asking your child to complete a task, take a moment to connect. A quick check-in—eye contact, a gentle touch, or a few friendly words—can make a huge difference in how they respond.
✅ Builds trust
✅ Reduces power struggles
✅ Increases compliance and cooperation
Remember: connection comes first, instruction comes second. 💛

03/21/2025

What to Do AFTER a Tantrum: 4 Steps to Support Your Child

Tantrums can be overwhelming for both kids and parents. But what happens after the storm has passed is just as important as how you handle it in the moment. Here’s what you can do to turn tantrums into learning opportunities:

🗣 Acknowledge & Talk About Feelings
Once your child is calm, help them process what happened. Say things like, “I saw you got really upset when it was time to leave the park. What can we do next time when you feel that way?” This helps them understand emotions and problem-solve for the future.

🛠 Teach Alternative Communication Skills
If your child struggled to express themselves, teach them a better way. Use simple words, visuals, or gestures to replace behaviors like screaming or hitting. For example, model phrases like, “Can I have 5 more minutes?” instead of crying.

⭐ Reinforce Appropriate Behaviors
After a tantrum, focus on what they did right. If they calmed down using a coping skill, praise them: “Great job taking deep breaths when you were upset.” Reinforcing positive behavior makes it more likely to happen again.

🔍 Reflect on Triggers & Modify the Environment
Ask yourself: What set this off? Was my child tired, hungry, or overstimulated? Adjust routines, give more transition warnings, or provide tools like fidgets or break cards to prevent future outbursts.

✨ Tantrums are a normal part of development, but with the right support, kids can learn to manage big emotions in healthier ways. What’s your go-to strategy for post-tantrum learning? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

03/19/2025

Preventing Tantrums Before They Start: 4 Simple Strategies

Tantrums can be tough, but the good news is that many can be prevented with the right strategies! Here are four ways to help your child manage their emotions before frustration takes over:

✨ Teach Self-Regulation Skills
Kids often need help learning how to calm themselves. Practice deep breathing, using a feelings chart, or simple phrases like “I need a break” to help them express their emotions in a healthy way.

📅 Use Schedules & Routines
Predictability reduces anxiety. A visual schedule or a simple “First-Then” board can help children understand what’s coming next and make transitions smoother.

✅ Offer Choices
Giving kids a sense of control can prevent power struggles. Instead of saying, “Put your shoes on now,” try, “Do you want to wear your red shoes or blue shoes?” Simple choices help them feel empowered.

👀 Recognize Early Warning Signs
Tantrums rarely come out of nowhere—watch for cues like whining, pacing, or clenched fists. Redirect their attention or offer a calming activity before frustration builds up.

💡 Prevention is key! Which of these strategies have worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments! ⬇️

03/14/2025

🌟 Parents Can Feel Overwhelmed Too 🌟

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when your child is having a tantrum or meltdown. As parents, we are human beings too—learning, growing, and feeling all the emotions. 💖

Here are some tips that may help when you’re feeling that stress:

1️⃣ Pause and Breathe – Take a moment to center yourself. Deep breaths can help calm your mind.

2️⃣ Stay Calm – Your child’s emotions may be high, but staying composed can help create a calm environment.

3️⃣Give Yourself Grace – You’re doing your best, and it’s okay to not have all the answers.

4️⃣Seek Out Help – Don’t hesitate to ask for a break! Whether it’s a family member or a friend, taking some time for yourself is essential.

Remember, we are all learning and growing alongside our children. YOU are doing great, even on the tough days. 💪✨

03/10/2025

Helping Kids Manage Big Emotions 💙✨

When young children struggle to express their feelings, it can lead to frustration and meltdowns. Here are some ABA-based strategies to help them regulate emotions and communicate their needs:

🧘‍♂️ Teach Coping Skills – Use simple techniques like deep breathing (blowing out “candle fingers”) and stress-relief tools (stress balls, stuffed animals, bubbles) to help them calm down.

🏡 Provide a Safe Space – Encourage children to use a comfortable area in the home to relax when overwhelmed. Giving them space can prevent further escalation.

🗣️ Model Language – When kids struggle to express themselves, provide the words they need:
💬 “Five more minutes, please.”
💬 “Can you share with me?”
💬 “Help me.”

By teaching these skills, we empower children to communicate, self-regulate, and navigate their emotions more effectively. 🌟

03/07/2025

✨ Addressing Tantrums with Positive Reinforcement & Choices! ✨

Tantrums can be tough, but the way we respond makes all the difference! Instead of focusing on the challenging behavior, try these two powerful strategies:

✅ Praise Positive Behavior – Give attention to the moments when your child engages in appropriate behavior. A simple “Great job staying calm!” or “I love how you are using your words!” can reinforce positive choices.

✅ Offer Choices – Providing structured choices helps children feel in control while still following expectations. “Do you want to do math first or English first?” gives them a say while keeping them on track!

By focusing on the good and offering choices, we can encourage positive behavior and reduce tantrums over time. Try these strategies and let us know what works for you!

03/05/2025

🚨 Why Do Kids Throw Tantrums? 🚨

Tantrums are a way children communicate their needs when they don’t have the words or skills to express themselves. Understanding why a tantrum is happening can help us respond more effectively!

🟣 Escape/Avoidance – They’re trying to get out of an unwanted task.
🔵 Attention – They want interaction or a reaction.
🟡 Tangible – They’re asking for something they want.
🔹 Automatic Reinforcement – They’re meeting a sensory need.

Instead of reacting to the tantrum, try to identify the function and teach a better way to communicate! Stay tuned for tips on how to handle tantrums effectively.

03/03/2025

Why Do Young Children Throw Tantrums? 🤔💭

Tantrums are a normal part of childhood development! They happen because young children’s brains are still growing, especially in areas that help them manage emotions and express their needs. When they struggle to communicate or regulate big feelings, frustration can quickly lead to meltdowns.

Understanding why tantrums happen is the first step in dealing with them effectively! Stay tuned for tips on handling tantrums this month.

02/26/2025

🎯 5 Fun Activities to Boost Attending Skills! 🧩✨

Helping kids build focus and attention can be fun! Try these engaging activities:

✅ Matching Games – Strengthen visual attention & focus.
📖 Interactive Stories – Encourage listening & joint attention.
🍪 Baking Simple Recipes – Practice following steps & staying engaged.
🎨 Art Projects – Promote creativity & sustained attention.
🎲 Board Games – Teach turn-taking & rule-following.

Make learning fun and interactive while improving attending skills! 🎉 Which activity is your child’s favorite? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

02/19/2025

✨ Boost Attending Skills with Reinforcers! ✨

Reinforcement is a powerful tool to increase focus and engagement. When used effectively, it can motivate learners to stay on task and improve attention in various settings.

🎯 How to Use Reinforcement for Attending Skills:
✔️ Find a strong reinforcer – Identify what truly motivates the individual
✔️ Provide small, immediate reinforcement – Reward attention in the moment
✔️ Offer a larger reinforcer for meeting goals – Build persistence over time
✔️ Fade reinforcement gradually – Encourage independence while maintaining progress

Reinforcement should be meaningful and individualized to create lasting improvements. What reinforcers work best for your learners? 💬

02/17/2025

✨ Improve Attending Skills with Visual Supports! ✨

Many individuals, especially those with ASD, benefit from clear, structured, and predictable visual cues. These tools can increase focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance independence in daily activities.

✅ Digital Clock – Helps with time awareness and transitions
📅 Visual Schedule – Provides a structured routine and reduces uncertainty
⏳ Timer – Supports understanding of time limits and transition warnings

Try using these in your home, classroom, or therapy sessions to support engagement and boost success in learning and social interactions!

💬 What visual supports do you use? Share in the comments!

02/07/2025

✨ Improve Attending Skills with Visual Supports! ✨

Struggling with focus and attention? Visual aids can be a game-changer! Here’s how they help:

🕰 Digital Clock – Helps with time awareness and transitions.
📋 Visual Schedule – Provides clear expectations and structure.
⏳ Timer – Sets time limits for tasks and breaks to maintain focus.

Visual supports make routines predictable and reduce anxiety, helping individuals stay engaged and on task!

What’s your favorite visual support? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

Address

East Northport, NY
11731

Opening Hours

Saturday	9am - 1:30pm
Sunday	9am - 12pm

Website

http://JoyJunctionABA.com/

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