SPARKS - ABA

06/19/2026

One of our families shared this incredible feedback about advanced technician (AT) Diondre A.: "Finding the right support for a child with autism isn’t always easy, but Mr. Diondre was truly exceptional. He built trust and created a safe, supportive space where meaningful growth could happen. Through his patience, consistency, and genuine care, we saw incredible progress. Most importantly, our child loved working with him. There’s no greater comfort than knowing your child is understood, encouraged, and in capable hands."

We’re so grateful to Diondre for the care, consistency, and dedication he brings to his work each day and for the meaningful impact he makes for the families we support! - nominated by Dayan T., Lead Technician

06/19/2026

Summer is in full swing, but “summer slide” can quietly happen has academic skills loosen up a bit over the break. This Parents article shares 7️⃣ easy ways to keep learning tucked into the fun. 😄

Backyard bird watching 🐦 can turn into noticing and naming. Planting something together 🌺 can bring in counting, measuring, and patience. Making up stories 📖 or putting on a talent show 🎤 can give kids a reason to create, plan, and share.

That’s the sweet spot: keeping skills fresh while making more room for family time. 💛

Explore all seven ideas here: https://bit.ly/4a4MHIu

Summer offers kids a well-deserved break from the structure of school, but there are still simple activities that will boost your kids' creativity and encourage them to use their imagination.

06/18/2026

Happy Autistic Pride Day! ♾️

Today and every day, we’re celebrating the autism community and the many ways each person thinks, connects, and shines.

Here’s to honoring self-expression and creating spaces where every mind is valued. 🌈

06/18/2026

The balloons 🎈 say YAY, and our Waldorf Learning Center team couldn’t agree more. 🎉

Congratulations to Brittany P. on passing her board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam! 👏

We surprised her by decorating her desk to celebrate a moment that reflects so much hard work, dedication, and perseverance. ✨

Brittany, we’re grateful for the passion and care you bring to your work, and we’re so excited for all that’s ahead.

Congratulations on this incredible achievement! 🌟

06/17/2026

Some of the best summer play starts with what’s already around the house. 🏡

Autism Speaks rounded up 10 DIY sensory activities, from colored beans 🌈 and rainbow ice 🧊 to pool noodle boats. ⛵

Every child engages with play differently. Families can start with what feels safe, realistic, and fun, then adjust from there. 💛

Try one this week: https://bit.ly/3QnJwFg

Click here for 10 fun DIY sensory activities and games that will give children great new sensory experiences and improve motor skills!

06/16/2026

Less summer slide. More summer stride! ☀️

When school routines pause, children with autism may have fewer built-in chances to practice communication 💬, connect with peers 🤝, and build independence. 💛

Our blog below shares how summer social skills programs can add structure, play, and connection, so a different routine can still leave room for growth. 🌱

See where a little summer support can take your kiddo: https://bit.ly/4vU6eDX

Enroll your child in a summer social skills program to prevent regression and reinforce learning, ensuring a smooth transition back to school.

06/16/2026

Planning a family vacation can bring a lot of excitement 🤩 and a lot to think through 💭.

For families of children with autism, a little extra preparation can make the trip feel more manageable before it even begins.

We’re sharing five autism-friendly vacation ideas, from flying ✈️ and road trips 🛣️ to cruises 🚢, theme parks 🎢, and staycations close to home. 🏡

Every family’s needs are different. More options can make planning feel a little less manageable. 💛

Read more here:

Discover how to plan a successful vacation for your child with autism. Autism-friendly destinations can make your trip fun for the whole family.

06/15/2026

Summer break is here ☀️, and for many families 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦, the change in routine can bring both excitement and a few extra adjustments.

This Child Mind Institute article shares practical ways to bring a little more structure 🗓️ into summer days while still keeping things fun and flexible. 😀

It includes ideas for:
✅ Creating visual schedules
✅ Planning activities ahead of time
✅ Keeping familiar routines in place
✅ Supporting smoother transitions
✅ Making room for adjustment time

Small shifts can help the season feel steadier for the whole family. 💛

Read more here:

Tips for managing your kids' downtime to help make it relaxing for everyone. Here are some strategies for a successful summer break.

06/12/2026

Backpacks may be tucked away 🎒, but skill building can still show up in everyday summer 🌞 moments.

For families of children with autism, that might look like adjusting routines️, retaining existing skills, or trying something new with a little extra encouragement. 😀

We’re sharing ideas to help families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 keep the season playful, purposeful, and full of ways to grow. 🌱

Read our full blog here: https://bit.ly/3PXM5h9

Maximize your child’s summer break by building essential skills. Try these strategies to foster growth, social interaction, and to prevent “summer slide” in children with autism.

06/12/2026

A new chapter begins in Virginia! 🤩

We were honored to celebrate the ribbon cutting of our Fairfax Learning Center alongside community leaders, partners, and supporters who share our commitment to helping families access high-quality autism services.

As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: creating opportunities for children with autism to build meaningful skills, gain confidence, and achieve success in school and life. We're excited to bring those services to even more families throughout the Fairfax community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special day ❤️, including Jennifer Rose, executive director of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Fatima Malik, senior district aide for Rep. James Walkinshaw, Rose Lumpkin, district director for Senator Saddam Azlan Salim, and Fairfax City councilmember Anthony Amos.

We appreciate your support and look forward to becoming a trusted resource for local families!