Optimal Beginnings, LLC

09/18/2025

Ya'll stop playing, there's work to be done!



https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

09/17/2025

Daylight savings day tip for neurodivergent kids!

Change in any routine can confuse and even frustrate a child, no matter their learning abilities.

It's totally natural for kids to get cranky when it gets dark because...that's what their bodies are used to!

So now, when the sun goes down earlier and you're still serving dinner when it's now dark outside....It's no surprise your child is already thinking it's bedtime.

Shifting the routine to feel more normal and predictable is a sure fire way to avoid the crankies.

Want more support for parenting a child with a behavioral learning challenge? Check out our Calming the Chaos Parent Coaching Program! Link in bio to apply!

Life is bright beyondan autism diagnosis. Empowering neurodivergent children and their familiesto confidently take on the world with independence. JOIN THE OB FAMILY A space designed with your child in mind. Come visit one of our two locations, with over 24k square feet,to experience the OB Differen...

09/15/2025

Meet OB's Founder and CEO, Dr. Dana!

Dr. Dana believes in the small, doable shifts above perfect routines to create real change in the lives of the families who come to OB.

She's always reminding our clients and team to "Keep it simple!"

What she loves most is seeing how those manageable shifts turn overwhelm into confidence and stress into more laughter and connection at home.

Dr. Dana always tries to bring a balance of warmth and humor (and an endless supply of dad jokes) to the office because while raising a child with unique needs is serious, life doesn’t have to be.

And in case you’re wondering, she can’t go a day without connection, coffee, movement, and growth (with a healthy dose of dad jokes thrown in for good measure).

If you haven't met her yet, say, "Hey, Dr. Dana!" in the comments!

Life is bright beyondan autism diagnosis. Empowering neurodivergent children and their familiesto confidently take on the world with independence. JOIN THE OB FAMILY A space designed with your child in mind. Come visit one of our two locations, with over 24k square feet,to experience the OB Differen...

09/12/2025

Does your child dream of becoming a community helper?

Many people with autism and neurodivergence can have rewarding careers in fields like law enforcement and education.

The first person ever diagnosed with autism by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943, Donald Triplett, went on to have a successful career as a banker in Forest, Mississippi.

And Evan Pauley, a 23-year-old with autism, achieved his dream of becoming a firefighter in Huntington, West Virginia.

Introducing children to the concept of community helpers—such as firefighters, doctors, and teachers—through the lens of autism can:

- Promote self-advocacy
- Enhance social skills
- Build confidence
- Encourage future aspirations

What does your child want to be when they grow up??

09/10/2025

To our OB parents,

Thank you for being such an important part of our community and helping us create calmer, brighter futures!

We (and your children) couldn't do this without you.

You are a key part in supporting their growth in independence and we see the love, care and commitment you bring to make the success of each and every client possible.

Thank you again!

- OB Team

09/09/2025

So often, the focus is on teaching kids everything outside themselves...

The world around them and how it works.

But it's important to let them get to know the one thing that helps them learn about those things: themselves.

Learning about themselves helps them discover and understand:

- Their likes and dislikes
- Their attributes and what they like about themselves (eye color, hair color, freckles)
- Better self-awareness of their emotions and feelings
- Their body and what it's capable of (5 senses and beyond)!

This week, we learned "All About Me" and it was so amazing to see the confidence and self-love each child gained from these activities.

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09/08/2025

BCBAs and Parents can relate...

Independence wins come in all shapes and sizes.

For some, it's putting their shoes on the right feet.
For others, it's keeping their teeth to themselves.

And you know what? We celebrate ALL of them!

A day like this for one of our clients means:

- More self-control
- Better social connections
- More patience and confidence to handle delays, transistions and group activities

And to clients like ours, that is huge!

Want a space that celebrates your childs independence growth with personalized ABA and speech therapy under one roof? Apply to OB today - Click here: https://www.optimalbeginning.com/

09/01/2025

We hope everyone has a safe Labor Day full of family and fun!

08/30/2025

Parenting a neurodivergent child making you second-guess everything you're doing?

You're not alone.

Access to support for parents with a neurodivergent child is hard to come by.

And traditional parent groups don't always "get" what you're going through.

We give parents both the support AND the tools to confidently help their child succeed and feel like they're doing all the right things.

Because parents deserve to know how impactful their role is in their child's growth and future - especially when raising those who have behavioral challenges.

Our Calming the Chaos Parent Coaching program is 10 weeks of real-life solutions and strategies (and the reassurance that you can do it) needed to navigate challenges,
support your child’s growth, and create more ease in your daily life.

You already have the most important role – Let us support you in becoming the parent you want to be.

Apply for the program on our website now!

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/for-kids/

08/29/2025

Need activities to help make the back-to-school transition smoother?

School is a huge transition.

For children with autism, the sudden change in routine can trigger anxiety, dysregulation, or challenging behaviors.

That’s why easing them back in with small, autism-friendly activities now can help them walk into that first day feeling more confident, calm, and ready!

Here's what we did with our clients this week to get them into the mindset of back-to-school schedules.

What's your child's favorite thing about school? Tell us in the comments!

08/28/2025

Consistent routines are often a must-have for children with autism or behavioral learning disabilities.

This can make the transition from summer schedules to back-to-school a bit overwhelming for your child.

To make the upcoming days a little less stressful for both of you, here are some of our best routine-building tips for preparing your child to go back to school with confidence and consistency.

At OB, we’re always here to create the best possible learning environment for our clients so they can achieve their milestones and gain independence while in a comfortable and safe space.

If you’ve been looking for an experience for your child that offers growth and behavioral (ABA and speech) support under one umbrella, we’re now accepting new client applications for our VA office.

Apply today and get started with your child’s optimal beginning: APPLY NOW!

https://www.optimalbeginning.com/for-kids/

08/24/2025

Our parent coaching isn’t just for moms or dads.

It’s for ANYONE raising or supporting a neurodivergent child!

Finding consistent guidance and community can be tough, especially when your child is already receiving ABA, speech therapy, or other services.

That’s why our Calming the Chaos Parent Coaching program brings it all under one roof so your child continues to get the therapy they need, and you get the practical tools and support you deserve.

In 10 weeks, you'll leave feeling more confident and in control as you navigate challenging behaviors with evidence-based strategies.

Our coaching program is for:

• Parents or guardians of a diagnosed neurodivergent child aged 6–12
• Caregivers seeking guidance and community
• Dual-income or single-parent families
• Teachers or care providers
• Parents in underserved communities
• Grandparents or extended family members
• Any parent interested in skill-building

It’s a win-win: your child’s therapy stays consistent, and you gain confidence, strategies, and a supportive network — all in one virtual place.

Want info on how you can join the Calming the Chaos Parenting Coaching Program? Apply on our website today!