Preventing Autism Meltdowns During Challenging Times
How to prevent meltdowns when routines break: stack preferred items early, cut demands, and save skill-building for after the crisis.
Nov 21, 2024 · 2 min read
Autism and ABA Resources for Families
Autism and ABA resources from the Orchid Academy team: guides on diagnosis, IEPs, insurance, therapy hours, and everyday parenting for Washington families.
Surviving Power Outages with a Child with Autism
A practical power outage plan for autistic kids: what to pack in a kit, how to keep routines going, and how to prevent meltdowns when the lights go out.
Nov 21, 2024 · 3 min read
A Guide to Trick-or-Treating for Kids with Autism
Trick-or-treating with an autistic child: costume tolerance, house-to-house practice, communication cards, sensory Plan B, candy sorting, and visibility.
Oct 20, 2024 · 1 min read
Why a Diagnosis Is Needed for ABA Therapy
Why insurance needs an autism diagnosis before ABA, what the report must include, how to shorten WA waitlists, and what to do while you wait.
Oct 31, 2024 · 4 min read
ABA Insurance Denial? Appeal Steps for Washington Families
ABA insurance claim denied in Washington? Save the letter, check the deadline, build a record, appeal, and request an external review when eligible.
Oct 28, 2024 · 6 min read
Your Child's ABA Insurance Coverage: Terms Explained
Plain-English ABA insurance terms: deductible, copay, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum, EOB, prior authorization, and reauthorization.
Oct 29, 2024 · 4 min read
Designing Your Ideal Holidays When Your Child Has Autism
A five-step holiday planning exercise: list traditions, decide what to keep or drop, rank your top events, and tell your ABA team what to practice.
Oct 21, 2024 · 3 min read
Stuck on an Evening ABA Waitlist? Consider Daytime Sessions
Evening ABA waitlists are long because every family wants them. When daytime sessions during school hours, plus a hybrid IEP plan, is the better fit.
Oct 22, 2024 · 2 min read
Supporting Special Education Teachers: A Principal's Guide
For school administrators: why supporting special education teachers takes up so much of your time, and what kind of support actually reduces that load.
Sep 12, 2024 · 4 min read
Working with Paraprofessionals: Advocating for Yourself
How special education teachers can set clear expectations with paraprofessionals, raise safety concerns, and build a working classroom team.
Sep 11, 2024 · 4 min read
Financial Help for Autism Care in Washington State
Washington autism financial help: private insurance, DDA, SSI, Apple Health, ABLE accounts, and grants like Ben's Fund.
Feb 17, 2024 · 2 min read
Critical Reminder: Keep Your Insurance Info Updated
Keep ABA insurance info current: what to send when a plan changes, birthday-rule exceptions after divorce, and why a same-carrier swap still breaks claims.
Jul 17, 2024 · 5 min read
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