Behavior Advocates

01/23/2026

Opal worked hard today! The preschoolers had picture day! She managed to sneak in a few class pictures!

01/18/2026

Some kids don’t “act out” — they’re trying to regulate.

For many children, especially those with sensory differences, their bodies need input to feel calm and organized. Sensory play (like bins with textures, scoops, or movement) gives the nervous system helpful information so the brain can settle and focus.

Think of it like this:
👉 Sensory input helps the body find its “just right” level of alertness.
When that happens, big feelings are easier to manage and learning comes more naturally.

It’s about supporting regulation so kids can do their best. 💛

Sensory bins are one simple, research-supported way to help meet that need through play.

01/18/2026

01/16/2026

Our very own Celeste Tracey’s hard work and dedication has paid off! Congrats on passing! Your clients are lucky to have you as their official RBT!!!! 🙌🏻 wahoooo! We are blessed to work along side you!

12/18/2025

Our very own Mikayla Schultz presenting to the SBJC parent community!!! Behavior through a Trauma Lens!

Go Schultz! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!

11/15/2025

Opal wants you to know we are in the office if you need anything today! 🐾💕

11/08/2025

🌟 Helping Your Child Communicate at Home: 9 Essential Skills for Daily Life 🌟

As families spend more time together at home, supporting your child’s functional communication is key to smoother routines and fewer meltdowns. A recent article in Behavior Analysis in Practice highlights nine critical communication skills every child should practice, with practical, jargon-free strategies to help families promote these skills in daily life.

Why Functional Communication Matters: Functional communication means your child can calmly and clearly express needs or respond appropriately to others. When these skills are weak or missing, children may turn to less appropriate behaviors like tantrums, screaming, or withdrawing. Building communication happens best in real, everyday situations—no special lessons required!

The 9 Critical Communication Skills

Asking for Wants (Request Reinforcers): Whether it's a snack, a toy, or extra playtime, help your child learn to ask calmly for what they want.

Requesting Help: Teach your child to ask for assistance before frustration or anger take over.

Requesting a Break: Everyone needs downtime! Show your child how to ask for a break before reaching their limit.

Rejecting Calmly (Saying “No”): It’s okay not to want something. Guide your child in saying “no thanks” or shaking their head.

Accepting (“Yes!”): From a treat to a suggestion, help your child communicate acceptance with a word or gesture.

Responding to “Wait” or “No”: Delayed gratification is tough. Practice with short waiting periods and clear signals to build this important skill.

Transitioning Between Activities: Change can be hard. Use pictures or “next reward” cues to make moving between tasks easier.

Following Directions: Start with simple instructions tied to things your child enjoys, then build up to trickier tasks.

Using a Visual Schedule: Let your child see what’s coming up with pictures or a basic calendar. This makes routines predictable and reduces anxiety about surprises.

How to Make It Happen—Tips from the Article ("Promoting Functional Communication Within the Home," Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13:321–328)

Assess which of these skills are challenging for your child. Prioritize the skills that will improve daily routines most.
Teach new skills when your child is calm—not in the middle of a meltdown.
Practice in low-stress, real-life situations: asking for a snack, waiting to play with a favorite toy, or requesting help opening a bottle.
Use visuals, prompts, and lots of praise as your child learns.
Expect progress in small steps! Gradually increase the challenge as your child succeeds.
Make communication part of everything you do—don't wait for a special teaching moment.
Remember: Every family and every child is unique. The most successful strategies are those tailored to your child’s needs, practiced across real activities, and adjusted as your child grows.

Let’s support our children to communicate confidently—at home and beyond!

Give Behavior Advocates a call to show you how! 201-300-3737

Send a message to learn more

11/05/2025

Wednesday Snapshot! Coffee and clients - the perfect way to cap off the evening! What is your preferred coffee style? We like indulging!

11/02/2025

Happy Halloween! Opal had a great Friday with her preschoolers!

Now she wants you to know we are looking for a part time BCBA (fully remote) and a few good RBTs!!!

Please reach out if interested! Comment below or email admin@behavioradvocates.com

10/27/2025

Come Join the family!

10/12/2025

Productive day in the office while we wait for this Nor’Easter to hit!