Latest ABA 101 Training “A prompt is an added stimulus that ensures success,” says BCBA Megan Prickel in our latest training video. When we’re prompting a client through a new skill, we move down the hierarchy from most to least intrusive prompt levels in order to slowly fade the prompting required to elicit the response. This helps our clients gain independence, which is one of our ultimate goals in ABA-based therapy! Read our latest blog on this topic and watch our training video at this link.
The Local Fire Departments Visited Edinburgh and Madison Avenue Centers In late September, the Greenwood Fire Department team brought an engine and a ladder truck to our Madison Avenue center. The Edinburgh Fire and Rescue Team brought a yellow fire truck to the center along with coloring pages, stickers and fire hats for the kids. To say the clients loved it would be an understatement. They were completely in awe of the trucks and enjoyed interacting with the firemen. For some clients, it was a dream come true for them to meet the firemen and see the trucks up close.
October Is AAC Awareness Month AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Watch our latest webinar All About AAC, featuring Speech Language Pathologist Emily Diekhoff!
In this 15 minute webinar, Emily discusses types of AAC devices, best practices, how to support AAC users, important vocabulary and communication opportunities. Whether you are new to AAC or know someone who uses one of the devices, you will benefit from listening to this very informative webinar! Click here to watch.
Thank you to these staff members for Maximizing Those Who Struggle, Embracing Those Who Love and Fulfilling Those Who Serve.
Dustin, Therapist Since coming to Cornerstone I have gotten married and earned my blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’m currently working on my Master’s degree through Purdue University.
I am inspired by those who try to make a difference in children’s lives each and every day, whether it be in the field of ABA, being a school teacher, or even a coach on an athletic team. These individuals help me strive to be the best person I can be each and every day, and hopefully make a difference in the lives of the children I work with.
My favorite memories at Cornerstone are always seeing those children who came to Cornerstone with limited skills in different areas, and watching them grow and develop to a point where they get to stand in front of the entire center wearing the cap and gown, and receiving their own Cornerstone diploma.
Sadie, Therapist One of my favorite quotes is: “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” This quote applies to so many situations and is perfect for our kiddos. Each child has their own way of learning and coping with things. It’s our job to tailor the teaching and environment that best suits our kiddos.
A Dream Manager goal I wanted to accomplish, and thankfully did in February, was to get a new vehicle!
What I like best about working at Cornerstone is that each day is different than the one before! I really never know what to expect when I start my day. Just as each day is unique, so are each of the kiddos! I get to see so many amazing talents and personalities each kid has.
Lauryn, Therapist A Dream Manager goal I accomplished was to find and adopt a dog I’m not allergic to! His name is Westley (after the Princess Bride). I have another goal to learn more sign language and I’m signed up for the classes at Cornerstone.
My favorite vacation was when my husband planned our honeymoon with a surprise location– a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Since he grew up in Africa, he forgot to account for the ice and snow in January. We drove my little old car through the mountains over very steep, winding roads. It was terrifying but also an amazing bonding experience. The cabin itself and the scenery were beautiful and relaxing, and this vacation taught me that my husband will always have my back. It also taught me that mountains are gorgeous and so fun, but next time we should wait until summer.
My favorite thing about working with my clients is the experience of pairing with them over time. It’s so cool to see us go from strangers to being able to understand and anticipate each others’ thoughts and actions. I love when a client trusts me enough to independently approach me and ask for help.
The Area IV Energy Assistance Program The Area IV Agency on Aging & Community Action provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. The next benefit season starts November 1; however, Area IV is now accepting program applications. Income guidelines by family size are listed on their website; for a family of four the income limit is $47,759. Information and the application can be found on their website.
Activity for home In addition to wearing a costume for Halloween, consider this fun craft idea! Kids can create their own ninja for fine motor practice and pretend play after they’re finished! Visit frugalfun4boys.com/pipe-cleaner-ninjas for information on materials and how to make this craft at home.
West Lafayette 10/30, 2:15 pm Medicaid Waivers This presentation will cover services available through the Waiver, how to qualify, how to apply, choosing a case manager, and the process to request specialized medical equipment and supplies. We will also answer any questions you may have. Application forms will be available and we can help you fill them out at the meeting. Please RSVP through our Facebook event, or email Sheila (sedwards@cornerstoneautismcenter.com) if you are able to attend.
All centers 10/31: Halloween parade This event is for staff and clients only. Please send a costume with your child if you would like for him or her to participate in the Halloween parade at the end of the therapy day. The therapist will help your child change into their costume in the afternoon. See our Community Events section below for family-friendly activities that you and your child can do together this season! We are looking forward to our winter family event at each center in December. Details to follow!
All centers will be closed Thursday November 28th and Friday November 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Check out these Trunk or Treat events in the community!
Greenwood 10/26, 6:30-8:30 pm Our Lady of the Greenwood, 335 S. Meridian Street. Games and activities, hot dogs, cider, and a hayride.
Fishers 10/26, 10 am – 1 pm Fishers Central Green Vendors, giveaways, corn maze, safe trick or treating, fang-tastic giveaways, bewitching live entertainment.
West Lafayette 10/26, 1-2:30 pm The Farm at Prophetstown, 3534 Prophetstown Road. Come dressed in your costume, find each station and receive a treat. Learn about how trick-or-treating came to be and see the Gibson Farmhouse decorated for a 1920s Halloween party! Several of our animals will be in costume. Free with park admission.
Columbus 10/31, 6-9 pm Lanning Automotive & Tire, 2660 Hawcreek Blvd. We’ll be passing out goodies, jammin’ to the best spooky music, and giving away prizes!
Additional events have been posted to our parent Facebook groups (CACP: Greenwood and Edinburgh center families, and CACP-WL: West Lafayette center families)
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