Behavior Advocates

10/30/2026

Is Your Child Ready for Toilet Training?

Toilet training is a big milestone, but how do we know when someone is ready to begin?

At Behavior Advocates, we recognize that toilet training isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Before jumping into a toileting program, it's important to look at the whole picture.

Communication, mobility, sitting tolerance, dressing skills, medical considerations, and even the family's daily routine can all play a role in developing a successful plan.

And here's something important to remember: Not having all the traditional readiness skills doesn't necessarily mean someone can't begin toilet training. It means we may need to teach those skills along the way, make accommodations, and adjust our approach to meet their individual needs.

Our goal isn't just getting someone to use the toilet. It's building independence, confidence, and skills that can be maintained over time.

Comment below if you would like our Readiness Checklist to see what we consider before developing an individualized toileting plan!

Behavior Advocates | Advocates in Action

📞 201-300-3737
www.behavioradvocates.com

10/28/2026

Come Join our Team!!

10/27/2026

🎃👻 TRICK-OR-TREATING FOR ALL AGES & ALL ABILITIES! 🧡💜

Halloween should be about making memories, not meeting expectations! ✨

For some individuals, Halloween brings excitement, costumes, and candy. For others, unfamiliar routines, crowded sidewalks, loud decorations, and unexpected interactions can make the evening a little overwhelming.

At Behavior Advocates, we believe a little preparation can go a long way!

🍬 For our little pumpkins (Preschool): Practice trick-or-treating through play, use pictures to show what to expect, and start with just a few houses.

🎃 For our school-age superheroes: Review the route beforehand, offer choices, and build in opportunities for movement, communication, and breaks (and snacks!).

👻 For our teens: Collaborate on a plan! Preview the schedule, identify comfortable activities beforehand, and encourage independence with supports when needed.

🧙‍♀️ For our adults: Honor personal preferences! Whether it's trick-or-treating, handing out candy, attending a gathering, or enjoying a quiet evening, participation should be meaningful and self-directed. Practice! Practice! Practice!

✨ A LITTLE ABA MAGIC: Proactive strategies such as visual supports, antecedent adjustments, choice-making, and reinforcement can help individuals develop skills and navigate activities more successfully.

And remember...

💜 Communication doesn't have to be verbal.

🧡 Costumes don't have to be worn.

💚 Breaks are always okay.

💜 Age should never determine someone's right to participate.

Success isn't measured by how many houses you visit or how long you stay. It's about meaningful participation, comfort, connection, and choice.

From all of us at Behavior Advocates, we wish you a safe, inclusive, and BOO-tiful Halloween! 🎃

📞 201-300-3737

10/26/2026

Pick up hours 2-4 weekends a month!
Schedules are flexible.

10/23/2026

NEEDED:
Long Branch Every Other Weekend
Marlboro Sat/Sun/Mon
Jackson M-F after School and Weekends

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

🎃👻 NO TRICKS, JUST SKILLS! ✨

This October we're sharing a little ABA info with our families!

Have you heard of DRI — Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior?

It's a research-supported strategy that focuses on teaching and reinforcing a helpful behavior that cannot happen at the same time as another behavior.

🧡 Instead of focusing only on what we want to stop, we can teach and celebrate what we want to see!

For example, when a child is holding a Halloween craft with both hands, those hands aren't available to grab decorations!

The secret isn't magic. It's thoughtful teaching, meaningful reinforcement, and individualized support. 💜

At Behavior Advocates, we're all about building skills, supporting families, and celebrating progress.

🍬 Save this tip and share it with another parent!

10/20/2026

🎃 No tricks—just connection! 👻

Wondering what it means to “model AAC”? It can be as simple as pointing to a few words on your child’s communication system while you talk, play, or decorate a pumpkin! 🧡

Swipe for easy examples from Behavior Advocates. You don’t have to be perfect—start small, pause, and enjoy connecting.

🔖 Save this for later and share with a family who uses AAC!

10/10/2026

How fun is this?!?!?
We spotted staff in Lyndhurst, New Jersey!!!