Comprehensive Autism Diagnostic Evaluations (Multidisciplinary Assessments)
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Shelton, CT, many families across New Haven County seek clarity when developmental differences first become noticeable. A comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluation, often conducted by a multidisciplinary team, is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of a child’s strengths, challenges, and developmental profile. Unlike brief screenings, these assessments go […]
Teaching Personal Safety Skills to Children with Autism
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Shelton, CT, families throughout New Haven County often ask how to effectively teach personal safety skills to children with autism. Personal safety is a broad concept that includes understanding boundaries, recognizing unsafe situations, responding to emergencies, and knowing how to seek help. For children on the autism spectrum, […]
IEP Support and School Advocacy for Autism-Related Services
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Shelton, CT, families throughout New Haven County often have questions about navigating the school system after an autism diagnosis. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document developed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate educational support. […]
Parent and Caregiver Autism Screening Questionnaires
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Shelton, CT, families across New Haven County often have questions about the first steps in identifying autism. Parent and caregiver autism screening questionnaires are structured tools designed to identify early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These questionnaires are typically completed by those who know the child best […]
Understanding Autism Diagnostic Evaluations
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Shelton, CT, families across New Haven County often have questions about autism diagnostic evaluations and what the process involves. An autism diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment designed to determine whether a child meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These evaluations are conducted by trained professionals and […]
How to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) at Home
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Shelton, CT, families throughout New Haven County often seek practical strategies to support their child’s communication at home. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools and strategies that help individuals express themselves when spoken language is limited or developing. AAC may involve picture exchange systems, communication boards, speech-generating […]
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) for Behavioral Challenges
When a child displays ongoing behavioral challenges, it can be overwhelming for families and educators to determine why those behaviors are occurring. Behaviors such as aggression, tantrums, refusal, self-injury, or withdrawal often serve a purpose, even if that purpose is not immediately clear. A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a structured process designed to identify […]
Behavioral and Functional Assessments for Autism Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective autism support. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents differently in every child, with variations in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior. Because of this variability, no single observation or screening tool can provide a complete picture. At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Shelton, CT, families across New […]
The Future of Autism Therapy: New Innovations and Treatments
Autism therapy has evolved significantly over the past several decades, moving from generalized behavioral models to more individualized, developmentally informed approaches. As research expands, so does the understanding that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents differently in every individual. This growing awareness has fueled innovation in assessment methods, treatment delivery, and therapeutic tools. At Solstice Behavioral […]
The Benefits of Social Skills Groups for Kids with Autism
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience differences in communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction. These differences may affect how they initiate conversations, interpret nonverbal cues, share interests, or respond to peers in group settings. While every child with autism has unique strengths and needs, many benefit from structured opportunities to practice social engagement […]