When children with autism sometimes have difficulties communicating their wants and needs, frustration at the lack of connection and understanding can be expressed in challenging behaviors.
These behaviors can hinder a child’s ability to make friends, connect with family, succeed in school, and learn independence. They can also create feelings of helplessness for parents searching for ways to understand and help their child.
For the Kozlowskys, their daughter’s behavior in the classroom prompted multiple calls from the school requesting she be picked up and exacerbated feelings of frustration among the family. “It was terrifying to get that call all the time from [her] teacher or principal and I was very concerned,” said Chelsea Kozlowsky, Inner Circle parent. “It was really hard for her to express the feelings she was having, and the biggest struggle for us was not being able to help her.”
Inner Circle’s ABA programs teach children communication skills and adaptive behaviors that empower them to express themselves and better regulate their emotions.
“We look for different ways to help clients express themselves so others can better understand them,” said Crystal Lissuzzo, BCBA, Inner Circle Treatment Director – NWOKC. “Our goal is to improve communication so every child can be understood and become more independent.”
After starting ABA at Inner Circle, new communication and emotional regulation skills completely transformed the Kozlowskys’ daughter’s ability to express herself. Today, she more fully participates in the classroom, doing her work alongside her classmates and effectively communicating her needs and feelings with her teacher and classmates. At home, the Kozlowsky’s quality of life improved as they experienced a deeper level of connection and understanding with their daughter.
“The way [Inner Circle] helps us communicate with her and helps her communicate with us is amazing,” said Kozlowsky. “Our quality of life has changed dramatically.”
Watch the video to hear more about the Kozlowskys’ experience at Inner Circle and see why 96 percent of iCAN families say Inner Circle ABA therapy improved their child’s quality of life.