Steps To Progress

11/20/2025

Thanksgiving & Mealtime Challenges:

The holidays are a beautiful time for family, practicing gratitude, and of course, big meals. However, for some children on the autism spectrum, Thanksgiving dinner can feel overwhelming. If your child struggles with eating, textures, or change in routine, here are some ways to make the feast more comfortable and inclusive:

Plan ahead: Let your child know what’s changing ahead of time. Explain that there may be new dishes, more people, or different seating.

Offer familiar foods: Include at least one trusted item your child enjoys (mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, plain turkey). This establishes comfort amidst the novelty.

Introduce new foods gently: Serve small portions of new dishes alongside familiar favorites so they feel less pressure.

Create a calm space: It's a busy time, set aside a quiet spot where your child can eat with fewer distractions or sensory triggers.

Be patient and flexible: Not every battle needs to be won on Thanksgiving. Keep your main goal in mind, whether it's connection, sharing, or feeling part of the family, not forcing full plate clean-ups.

11/18/2025

Meet Lanay Boulet, M.S., BCBA. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than 14 years of experience in our industry. With a background in psychology, child development, and applied behavior analysis, Lanay brings her knowledge and whole heart to every family she serves. 💙

We’re proud to have her on our team!

11/14/2025

In ABA therapy, a well-designed playroom serves both as a fun space and a controlled learning environment where every toy, color, and layout choice influences behavior and skill-building.

For example, neutral wall colors and uncluttered layouts help reduce sensory overload, allowing children to focus on targeted tasks. Even the placement of toys at different heights encourages important developmental milestones like requesting help (communication), making choices (cognitive flexibility), and practicing fine motor skills (coordination).

We are proud of the playrooms we plan and get to share with your children!

11/12/2025

Each one of our rooms is thoughtfully designed to keep kids engaged, happy, and comfortable. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy in Houston that supports families.🌿

11/07/2025

Building language can happen in everyday moments at home!

These are a few simple, evidence-based ways to help your child grow their vocabulary:

✨ 1. Follow their lead.
Talk about what your child is already interested in. Maybe it's toys, food, or activities. When they’re engaged, learning new words comes more naturally!

🧩 2. Use the “respond and expand” method.
If your child says “car,” you might respond with “Yes, the red car!” or “The car goes fast!” This helps them learn new words while reinforcing what they already know.

🎵 3. Pair words with gestures or visuals.
Use hand motions, pictures, or signs alongside words to help build understanding and memory.

📚 4. Read together daily.
Choose books with bright pictures and repeat key words. Pause to let your child label or point to familiar objects.

Communication skills can blossom at home with patience, encouragement, and consistent practice!

11/05/2025

Many children with autism experience challenges when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. As we all know, poor sleep can greatly affect our mood and focus. When this occurs, it's no wonder that our children's ability to learn and their behavior for the day is impacted, too. Understanding what may be causing these sleep struggles is the first step toward helping your child have a better night's rest.

There are several reasons children on the autism spectrum may experience sleep issues, including:

🧬 Genetics
🌙 Sensory sensitivities, such as light, noise, or the texture of pajamas and sheets
💭 Anxiety, gastrointestinal discomfort, or low melatonin levels (a hormone that helps regulate sleep)

Every child is unique, so finding the root cause will take time and patience.

Some things you could try include:

Keeping a sleep diary or journal. This will help you to track patterns and pinpoint triggers. By recording details like foods eaten, bedtime routines, and daily activities, you can better identify what is helping and what may be disrupting your child’s sleep.

Read our full blog on betterunderstanding autism and sleep issues here:

Discover insights into autism-related sleep challenges and solutions at Steps to Progress. Enhance sleep quality for your loved one today!

10/31/2025

🧠 From assessment to achievement...it’s not scary at all!

👻 Before we dive into therapy, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts take time to understand exactly where your child is, including their strengths, challenges, and what motivates them most!

From there, we develop an individualized plan that helps build communication, social, and independent skills while reducing behaviors that get in the way of learning.

It’s a process that’s more treat than trick! 🍬✨

Happy Halloween, friends!

10/29/2025

We’re proud to offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in private school settings, with approval from both the school and your insurance company. Our goal is to support your child in their learning environment. 💙

While public schools don’t allow outside behavioral therapists during school hours, we can still help! Our BCBAs can join ARD/IEP meetings, collaborate on behavioral goals, and guide your child’s educational team.

Plus, Texas law allows students to leave school for ABA therapy appointments, so your child can attend both school and therapy part-time or alternate full days between the two.

Every child deserves tools and support to succeed both in school and at home! 🌟

10/23/2025

When choosing an ABA provider for your child, it’s helpful to look beyond just location and consider the quality of care they’ll receive. With so many options available, asking thoughtful questions can help you find the best fit for your family’s needs. Sometimes, a little extra drive is worth the difference in support and progress. 🧩✨

Read more:

If you had the choice between a mediocre school or an excellent school, which would you choose for your child? What if you had to drive 30 minutes farther each day for the excellent school? Knowing the impact that the difference in schools might have on your child’s future, which would you choose?...

10/21/2025

Halloween can be full of excitement and new sensations! Costumes, crowds, and changes in routine can sometimes feel overwhelming. A Costume Countdown at home could help your child get used to the idea gradually and make Halloween a more fun and stress-free experience.

Here’s how to do it:

Start Early — A week or two before Halloween, begin introducing the costume little by little. Start by simply showing your child a picture of it or letting them touch the fabric.

Add One Step Each Day — Let them try on a piece at a time — a hat one day, gloves the next, then the full outfit. Celebrate each small step!

Practice in Play — Turn it into a game! Try short “costume play” sessions while doing something fun like reading a book, blowing bubbles, or dancing to their favorite song.

Watch for Sensory Cues — If certain materials are itchy or tight, adjust with soft undershirts, tagless fabrics, or comfy alternatives.

End with a Mini Dress Rehearsal — Do a “practice trick-or-treat” around the house or with siblings to build familiarity and confidence.

💛 The goal: help your child feel comfortable and proud in their costume while making Halloween a positive experience for your whole family!\

10/16/2025

Tantrums aren’t unique to autism, but kids with ASD may have more frequent/intense episodes due to rigidity, limited coping skills, or language delays.

In the moment try to practice:

Safety first: Protect your child and others; move to a calm space if possible.
-Finding the “why.”: Behavior usually serves a function and often more than one.

Common functions to note (ABA)

Sensory: overwhelmed by sounds/textures (e.g., vacuum).
Escape: avoiding a task or demand.
Attention: seeking interaction from you/others.
Tangible: wanting an item/activity (and sometimes wanting it a specific way).

Practical responses (teach at home/therapy, not in public)

-Practice waiting → then accepting “no,” starting with less-preferred items.
-For demands, shrink tasks (e.g., 15 min vs. 45) and reinforce progress.
-For sensory triggers, gradual desensitization with praise.
-For attention, teach asking appropriately and schedule connection time; build independent play skills.

Every tantrum is a chance to understand your child a little better. When you identify the cause and plan ahead, you’re reducing future meltdowns while helping your child grow stronger and more self-aware.

Read more on how to help your child during a tantrum here:

Tantrums are not unique to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Most children have tantrums and we have all witnessed them in public. However, when we think of children with ASD, we must acknowledge that their tantrums may be more frequent and intense than tantrums of neurotypical children....

10/14/2025

Fall Activity Idea: Create a calm, hands-on fall sensory bin filled with textures, colors, and gentle scents of the season.

What you’ll need:
-A large plastic bin or tray
-Dried corn kernels, uncooked rice, or dry beans (as a base)
-Mini pumpkins, pinecones, acorns, and faux leaves 🍂
-Small scoops, spoons, and cups for pouring and sorting

Optional: a drop or two of cinnamon or vanilla for a light scent

Optional add-ons: little animal figurines (squirrels, owls, foxes)

How to play:
Invite your child to explore at their own pace by scooping, pouring, and sorting by color or texture, or just running their hands through the materials. You can make it playful (“Can you find all the orange leaves?”) or peaceful (“Let’s see how the rice feels on our hands”).

Benefits of this activity:

-Predictable and calm with no loud noises or strong surprises

-Builds sensory tolerance and fine motor skills

-Encourages focus and imagination

-Can be done indoors or outdoors with minimal overwhelm

Tip: If your child is sensitive to certain textures, start with dry, smooth materials (like rice or beans) and introduce rougher ones (like pinecones) slowly.