Journey Therapy Center

06/02/2026

There are just a few more days left in our summer kickoff travel series, and we're super excited about this one: Camping season is finally here!

There is something magical about sleeping under the stars, waking up to birds singing their morning songs, and spending a slow day with nowhere particular to be.

Camping can be a big expedition to someplace far away, or it can be a tent pitched in the back yard or a nearby campground. The whole point is dialing down the noise and enjoying something a bit more primitive.

No matter where you're camping, it's always fun to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire and go for a walk after dark to catch fireflies or listen to owls. The excitement of doing something out of the ordinary can really create special memories that last.

Don't forget to pack favorite snacks, comfy pajamas, flashlights, and bug spray. Glow sticks are a fun idea, too, and they can offer a little comforting light that shines softly all night in a child's sleeping bag without disturbing the whole family.

Some kids come home talking about the campfire. Others remember the frog they found, the cool rock they kept in their pocket, or the chipmunk that stole a cracker right off the picnic table. That's the beauty of camping. There is no wrong way to enjoy it, and the simplest pleasures are often the most memorable.

Embrace the fresh air, dirty feet, sticky marshmallow fingers, don't-care camp hair, and all the Michigan summer memories waiting to happen.

Happy trails to you!

05/31/2026

June starts tomorrow, and beach days are upon us!

If you're heading out to enjoy the Great Lakes (or smaller lakes) this summer – and we hope you are – remember that there are about a hundred different ways to enjoy a beach day.

Some kids can't wait to jump in the water, while others would rather hunt for interesting rocks, collect shells, dig giant holes, build drip castles, fly a kite, or bury Mom's feet in the sand. One of the best parts of the beach is that it’s easy to enjoy it in your own way, but all be in the same place at once.

A few things that can make the day go a little more smoothly:
• Bring favorite snacks and plenty of water.
• Pack sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.
• Don't forget dry clothes for the ride home.
• Water shoes can be a game changer for kids who don't love sand between their toes, or if the beach is rocky, like many here in Michigan.
• Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler and less crowded.
• Bring a beach tent or umbrella for a shady break.

And here's a little secret: you don't actually have to stay all day. Sometimes the perfect beach trip is just for an hour or so, a bucket full of treasures, a few splashes in the water, and an ice cream cone on the way home.

Whether your child spends the afternoon swimming, shell collecting, people watching, or simply sitting by the water eating Goldfish crackers, it all counts as summer fun.

Be safe and have fun, everyone!

05/31/2026

Flying can be stressful for anyone, and for kids on the autism spectrum, airports bring on a lot of stimulation all at once with the crowds, loud announcements, long lines, and constant waiting in an uncomfortable place.

A little preparation won’t take away all the discomfort, but it can go a long way toward giving kids a better idea of what to expect.

Looking at airport photos ahead of time, talking through the steps of the trip, packing favorite comfort items into the carry-on, and allowing plenty of extra time can all help make the experience feel more predictable and less overwhelming. And if your child covers their ears, stims, needs a quiet corner, or becomes upset, remember they're not giving you a hard time. They're having a hard time.

Let’s face it, stepping onto a plane, feeling it lift into the air on takeoff, and seeing the clouds out the window are pretty awesome – and sometimes overwhelming – experiences, and every little success from stepping on the plane to using that tiny bathroom during the flight is something to be celebrated!

You've got this. One step, one gate, one flight at a time.

Watch for more tips to help with your summer travel in the coming days!

05/29/2026

Can you believe it? Memorial Day has come and gone, it’s almost June, and that means we are heading into summer vacation season. Over the next few days, we’ll give some insight into ways to ensure those trips will lead to a scrapbook full of wonderful memories!

Summer road trips can be so fun when there is somewhere exciting waiting at the end of the drive, but for many people, including autistic children, travel can also be exhausting.
Long stretches in the car, disrupted routines, unfamiliar places, and sensory overload can turn even a relatively short trip into something stressful.

A few things that can help:
• Talk about the trip ahead of time and explain what to expect. Create a checklist of notable places you’ll pass, or potential spots to stop along the way, so your child can follow along as the trip progresses.

• Pack a car bag for each child with familiar comfort items like favorite snacks, books, blankets, fidgets, or headphones. Sometimes it’s fun to have something new for the trip, too – a travel-friendly game, a small toy, or a stuffed animal that can be posed for a photo at all the places you visit.

• Most of all, let go of the idea that your vacation has to look like everyone else’s Instagram.

Maybe your family travels better at night. Maybe you skip the more crowded attractions. Maybe your child wears the same outfit for three days straight because it helps them feel safe and regulated. So what? That’s not failure. That is smart, thoughtful parenting, and keeping the itinerary loose allows you to go with the flow.

Sometimes the best travel memories are the smallest, silliest ones anyway. Imagine competing to be the first one to spot a cow on the trip. Staying up late and eating ice cream at sunset. Visiting shops to find the perfect souvenir or buying ridiculous matching hats or sunglasses.

Remember, the point of the whole thing is to enjoy each other’s company and explore a new place!

Stay tuned for more travel tips as we wrap up the month of May and head full force into summer!

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Something exciting happened this week: The teenage son of one of our team members landed his first summer job!

That inspired our latest blog post full of tips for neurodivergent teens to help them feel more confident in their first job interview.

Check it out here: https://journeytherapycenter.com/some-tips-for-teens-on-landing-that-first-summer-job-authenticity-rules/

05/16/2026

Thank goodness it's Friday!

We wish you a wonderful weekend ahead, and encourage you to claim JOY! This weekend, give yourself permission to say YES! to something fun.

Silly is good for the soul!

05/12/2026

We all use our senses to experience the world around us, and certain inputs can feel amplified, or even painful. Sometimes, though, relief is waiting just outside the door.

The goal isn’t Instagram-worthy perfection. It’s connection.

Now that the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, and the trees are getting their leaves, it’s a perfect time to find a little peace in the Great Outdoors. (Plus, science shows that regular immersion in nature supports the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt!)

Find some ideas on our latest blog post:
https://journeytherapycenter.com/discover-peace-in-the-great-outdoors/

(Also peep the little guy in the image! We found him on a recent rock walk at Lake Huron! You never know what you’re going to find when you spend some time outside!)

05/10/2026

We are wishing a heartfelt Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there who are doing the most important job of all -- raising the next generation.
Whether you're a new mom, your kids have left the nest, or somewhere in between, we want you to know you are appreciated for everything you do, yesterday, today, and always.

May your Mother's Day be as beautiful as you are!

With love, from Journey Therapy Center 🩷

05/05/2026

However you choose to mark today, even if you don't celebrate, we hope it is filled with color, warmth, and a lot of fun!

Happy Cinco de Mayo from all of us at Journey Therapy Center!