Video games, bugs and kickball: celebrating Autism Awareness Month with Logan
by Bob
Logan is one of the “one in every 110” children diagnosed with autism. He is very special to us here at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin, because he’s one of the first participants in our new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program.
Logan is an energetic eight-year-old boy with a great smile. He loves video games, bugs, kickball, singing and reading books with his older sister. Logan has a new activity he really likes: playing with Easter Seals autism staff members.
The therapy Logan had before coming to Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin was not as productive or enjoyable. Frequently he would resist or have “melt downs” before daily therapy sessions. His parents, Bridgette and Bryan, knew that they needed to find a new approach.
From their first conversations they sensed that the Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin staff was knowledgeable, professional and passionate about supporting families. “Easter Seals is different from most providers, they have a different approach and they really care about families,” Bryan told me.
After only a few weeks of ABA therapy, their little boy is “coming out of his shell.” Logan is more sociable, more outgoing and more willing to follow directions. But most importantly, Logan is learning behaviors in a fun way.
Mom and Dad both agree that Logan is having lots of fun and working hard for his therapists. His parents attribute this sudden change in his attitude to the relationships he has built with his team. He has bonded with each of the five who provide the in-home therapy sessions. They help to make therapy more relaxing and productive through a play approach. New behavior modification techniques are introduced gradually, on Logan’s terms, and reinforced with fun activities. Bridgette and Bryan believe that it is through this “new” approach that Logan is improving.
Logan’s story is one we need to remember during April, Autism Awareness Month. If autism is diagnosed early and followed by the right treatments, tens of thousands of Logans across the country can increase their independence and future opportunities.