ABLE Pathways

09/21/2025

Functional Learning in the Kitchen

Cooking and "science" activities in our sessions are more than just fun—they're packed with opportunities for learning and growth.

Through simple, hands-on recipes, our learners work on a variety of functional skills, including:

* Following multi-step directions
* Requesting ingredients and tools
* Identifying and labeling foods
* Measuring and counting
* Fine motor skills (pouring, stirring, spreading)
* Turn-taking and working alongside peers

These meaningful tasks help promote independence and real-world skill use in a natural way.

09/03/2025

We have been busy!

Last week several of our learners were transitioning back to school and getting used to new routines and schedules. This is hard work! Our RBTs worked hard to provide our learners meaningful opportunities to work on their goals, building skills through fun, hands-on activities!

1. They practiced requesting needed ingredients and identifying prices while following simple, accessible recipes—ending with a tasty treat. Music made the baking even more enjoyable!

2. Using visual recipes, learners made sensory bottles tailored to different needs. They used language for requesting, labeling, and giving directions like "put in!" and "shake it up!". We also explored how and when to use this tool to support emotional regulation.

3. Don't forget the after school snacks! This month we are learning simple snack recipes to increase communication and independence--while refueling after a long day of hard work! Popcorn is a favorite around here.

4. With puffy paint and a back-to-school bus craft, learners practiced requesting colors, ingredients, and following simple instructions. AAC devices helped us talk about the bus and enjoy reading "Wheels on the Bus."

Each activity supported communication and social skill development in a way that promotes success across home, school, and community settings. Together we are learning how ABA can be part of our everyday lives, having fun and meeting goals!

08/20/2025

This week, we’re supporting our learners as they begin their first week back at school!

A typical school day involves many small but important tasks—some of which are often overlooked. These moments are opportunities for our learners to build independence, boost confidence, and connect with others socially.

Here are a few daily skills we’re focusing on together:

1. Following a simple visual schedule

2. Understanding and following safety rules for bus rides

3. Greeting teachers, aides, and peers—no matter the communication method (adapted AAC buttons featured here: "Hello!" and "My name is...")

4. Carrying a breakfast or lunch tray—this can be more challenging than it seems!

Practicing these skills both in the clinic and at school helps ease the transition and reinforces learning. As our learners grow more confident and independent, new academic and social opportunities become possible.

Together, we can do hard things.

Wishing everyone a great first week back—we’re proud of you. You’ve got this.

08/11/2025

It’s that time of year again—backpacks, supply lists, and snacks... oh my!

At ABLE Pathways, we're here to support you and your child as the new school year begins.

This week, we’re focusing on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process—offering helpful tips and resources for parents and caregivers. Understanding your child's educational rights (and yours as their advocate) can make the IEP process feel more manageable and approachable.

Stop by our clinic or visit these resources online to explore tools, insights, and support to guide you through the IEP journey.

🔗 Helpful Resources:

Missouri Parents ACT (MPACT) – A fantastic parent/student advocacy organization
Website: https://www.missouriparentsact.org

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) – Official source for state education information
Website: https://dese.mo.gov

Let’s make this school year a successful one—together!

08/08/2025

At ABLE Pathways, we believe learning should be meaningful and fun!

Our early childhood sessions are thoughtfully designed to support learning readiness, cooperation, and communication. Our team works hard to create hands-on, sensory-rich activities that young learners love!

Here’s a peek into some of our favorites from this week:
🖌️ Pudding painting (increasing joint attending, motor imitation, tactile exploration, etc.)
❄️ Ice cube painting to cool off (labeling/requesting and exploring early cause-and-effect)
🤸‍♂️ Bounce box to crash pad obstacle course (motor planning and heavy work input) - this is a learner favorite!
🚜 Graham cracker “dirt” digging with construction vehicles, paired with a simple book/song (increase engagement, promote language, reciprocal play and motor imitation)

Each activity is part of a structured, intentional program that targets their individualized goals—all within natural play-based routines. Whether a child is using vocal speech, gestures, signs, or AAC, we focus on building skills through modeling and embedding opportunities to use language in a fun, meaningful way!

Because every child deserves the opportunity to grow, connect, and have fun while doing it.

07/24/2025

It’s not every day you get to have your cake and eat it too.
Here at ABLE Pathways, we were lucky to do both today!

Learning is sweetest when it’s meaningful. Through a naturalistic approach, our learner practiced real-world skills like:

* Creating a personalized grocery list to complete their "favorite cake"
* Following a visual recipe
* Learning functional communication skills such as requesting needed items to complete the recipe and directing others
* Creating a list and asking everyone if they would like to try their cake! (Yes, please!)
* And then, serving it up! Our learner even took care in selecting “the perfect piece” for each team member on the list.

And let me assure you, our pieces were perfect(ly delicious)!

06/23/2025

Thank You for an Incredible Grand Opening!

What an unforgettable day! Our Grand Opening at ABLE Pathways was everything we hoped for and more — and it’s all thanks to the amazing turnout from our community. We were honored to welcome so many families, friends, professional partners, and supporters who have been part of our journey from the very beginning.

We truly could not have made it here without you. Your encouragement, collaboration, and belief in our mission have been the foundation of ABLE Pathways, and we’re filled with gratitude for each and every one of you.

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us. We are so excited to now open our doors and begin serving the incredible clients and families who inspire everything we do. Here's to the start of something truly meaningful — together.

06/11/2025

We’re thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of ABLE Pathways, and we’d love to celebrate with the community that made it possible!

We would appreciate if you could RSVP to this Facebook Event if you do plan to drop by for this open house-style event! This is for everyone who has supported our journey: families of our amazing clients, our own families and friends, fellow professionals, and service coordinators dedicated to the Autism/disability community.

We know this is short notice, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and support as we pull this special event together on a quick timeline. It wouldn’t feel right to open our doors without celebrating with the people who helped make it all happen, and the community of amazing professionals we collaborate with.

Send a message to learn more

05/07/2025

The Autism Information Blast 2025 blast was such a wonderful event, as always! So thankful The Arc of the Ozarks & The Arc of the Ozarks Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center puts this event on each year and we got to participate with a booth this year! So great to see many familiar faces and connect with many other providers and wonderful community resources.

05/03/2025

Come by and see us! The Autism Blast is going until 3:00, so you still have plenty of time. We are all set up in the Battlefield Mall near Zales, Great American Cookie and H&M stores.

04/03/2025

Autistic individuals possess unique strengths that enrich our world, such as:
~Focus & Attention to Detail: Deep concentration, catching what others might miss.
~Creative Problem-Solving: Innovative and out-of-the-box thinking.
~Passion for Interests: Dedication that leads to expertise.
~Honesty & Authenticity: Clear and genuine communication.
~Fresh Perspectives: Inspiring creativity with unique viewpoints.

Let’s create a world where everyone’s talents are valued!

03/12/2025

Thank you all for the incredible shares and the amazing interest in our services! We truly appreciate the support. We will be working through all the inquiries and will begin reaching out to everyone next week!

Have some questions or want to reach out?
Message us on Facebook, or find more at: http://ABLE417.com
Call or text: (417) 221-6656
Email: info@ABLE417.com