First Steps of Southern and West Central Indiana

First Steps of Southern and West Central Indiana We connect families whose infants and toddlers are experiencing developmental delays with services.

10/28/2025

We at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) believe that every autistic person’s experience with autism is as individual and unique as they are. When we think about someone’s internal experience with autism, we should consider how it intersects with other parts of their identity, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, gender, and co-occurring disorders or disabilities. 🧠♾️🌈

10/28/2025

TONIGHT!

NDSC's Not-So-Scary Halloween Costume Dance Party Extravaganza! 👻🎃🧛🏼

Tuesday, October 28
7:30 PM EST | 6:30 PM CST | 5:30 PM MST | 4:30 PM PST

Join NDSC and Real Smiles Dance for a very special Halloween dance lesson and costume dance party! Grab your vampire fangs, bat wings, and witch's hats and get ready to dance until the werewolves come out!

Register here > https://bit.ly/NDSCHalloweenDance

Real Smiles Dance creates inclusive dance opportunities for people with disabilities, fostering joy, confidence, and connection through movement. Real Smiles Dance offers a wide variety of dance videos for all abilities. Whether you're looking for a specific style or want to explore the latest content, Real Smiles Dance has something for everyone.

Real Smiles Dance was created by Cody Bingham, a young adult from Montana with over 14 years of experience dancing for Nickelodeon, Justin Bieber, The Greatest Showman, Dancing with the Stars, and more! Cody and his BFF, Dixon, who has Down syndrome, created Real Smiles Dance to show the world that anyone can connect just by sharing their love for dancing and moving.

10/28/2025

Siri Nelson: Autism and ADHD: How to Cope With a Dual Diagnosis Siri Nelson is currently in her second last year of her BA in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism....

Here are some fun events going on in your community!
10/17/2025

Here are some fun events going on in your community!

10/17/2025

It’s officially October! 🍂 Along with crisp air and fall colors, this month brings opportunities to recognize and learn about several important causes. Check out what’s being celebrated and take a moment to engage with each.

The First Steps staff enjoyed spending the day together and showing their spirit at the Blue River Services, Inc. annual...
09/26/2025

The First Steps staff enjoyed spending the day together and showing their spirit at the Blue River Services, Inc. annual inservice yesterday.

09/26/2025

Here are a few ways to help accommodate communication! What are some other ways we can all help accommodate? 🧠♾️🌈

🔴 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools
🟠 Communication cards
🟡 Visual reminders and instructions
🟢 Provide advanced notice for plans, expectations, materials, and deadlines (especially if there are any changes made)
🔵 Use clear and concrete language
🟣 Written correspondence and instructions (versus a phone call)

09/26/2025

Today, let’s talk about Autistic Shutdowns. What is a Shutdown?

🔴 An autistic shutdown is a withdrawal or retreating from an environment or situation.
🟠 It is similar to a meltdown in the sense of being brought on by feeling overwhelmed, however it is a more internal response.
🟡 Because it is an internal expression of disregulation, it can go unnoticed by others.
🟢 A shutdown can feel just as intense and upsetting as a meltdown.
🔵 It’s important to noticed signs that a shutdown could occur (which we will share more about tomorrow!)

09/26/2025

A few things to consider when we discuss communication and socializing. Please keep in mind that these do not apply to every autistic person. We’re all unique! What would you add to this list? 🧠♾️🌈

🔴 Eye Contact
Eye contact can be challenging for autistic people. A lack of eye contact is not rude or indicative of whether or not someone is listening. It may be easier to process information when not making eye contact.
🟠 Direct Communication
Autistic communication style is often described as blunt or direct. Please note that this does not mean it is rude or uncaring. Many autistic people communicate clearly, or literally, to avoid misunderstanding.
🟡 Social Cues and Rules
Social cues can create unique challenges for autistic people. Sometimes they can be misconstrued or missed all together. It is important to be clear with your meaning and intent in what you say.
🟢 Special Interests
Small talk or back-and-forth sharing can be challenging. However, allowing space for an autistic person too share their special interest can provide a deep sense of belonging and connection. It’s called “Info Dumping”. We’ll share more about this soon!
🔵 Sensory Sensitivities
Some environments are more conducive to socializing for autistic people. Many prefer quieter places or one-on-one interactions. Just ask what they prefer!
🟣 Structured and Planned Activities
Scheduling a dedicated time to do a shared activity or parallel play can provide a sense of ease and predictability.

09/26/2025

Safety Tip: Use Google Maps to identify nearby water. Missing children with autism will often head straight to the closest, most accessible body of water, such as ponds & canals.

09/26/2025

Play and social skills are important for a toddler's development!

➡️ Play is any spontaneous or organized activity that provides enjoyment, entertainment, amusement, or diversion.
➡️ Social skills are essential for connecting with others! They help us understand and manage emotions, establish positive relationships, and navigate different social environments.

If you want to strengthen your child's play and social abilities, download our FREE Pathways.org Baby Milestones App for games and activities to do with babies and toddlers and to track their progress: https://pathways.org/mobile-app?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=general&utm_content=app

Address

215 East Spring Street
New Albany, IN
47112

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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