World Autism Day is April 2

World Autism Day is observed annually on April 2. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness and promote acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder (A.S.D.). It also presents an opportunity to tear down misconceptions and false notions about disability.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Social communication and interaction skills can be challenging for people with ASD. According to the CDC, examples of social communication and social interaction characteristics related to ASD can include

• Avoids or does not keep eye contact
• Does not respond to name or show facial expressions by 9 months of age
• Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake or use gestures by 12 months
• Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age
• Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
• Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months
• Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months
• Does not pretend to be something else during play by 48 months
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months

People with ASD have behaviors or interests that can seem unusual such as:

• Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
• Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
• Gets upset by minor changes
• Has obsessive interests
• Must follow certain routines
• Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
• Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Exercise has shown to be an effective treatment for autism by reducing maladaptive behaviors, regulating emotions, and improving communication skills and academics. No matter the class or program, Bio Ability staff will evaluate everyone’s challenges and goals and design a program specifically to meet these individual needs and goals.

For more information go to Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC.

April is Stress Awareness Month

April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding the impact of stress on our lives and exploring ways to manage it effectively. This initiative has been observed since 1992 and aims to encourage open conversations about stress and mental health. Caring for a special needs child is an incredible journey, filled with love and challenges, and it’s so important to prioritize your own well-being in the process. Here are some ways to manage stress:

What’s happening?

Bio Ability Class Locations and Availability

The month of March was quite the transition.  We transitioned class locations, scheduling and billing systems as well as payroll systems for our staff. I want to take this time to thank all of the Bio Ability families and staff for your patience and flexibility during this transition and while we continue to search for our new permanent home.  If you are aware of any spaces available for rent in the Cumming area please let me know. We have looked at several spaces that were just not the right fit due to space, location and traffic.

We are currently offering classes Saturday mornings at Kidz Therapy Network in Suwanee where owners Chris and Meghan have been so welcoming.  There are only a couple of spots left so reach out if you are interested as soon as possible.  We are offering classes Monday through Friday evenings at Building Bridges Therapy, right down the street where owners Marla and David have been so amazing. We have some 7PM time slots available if you are interested.

Please do not hesitate to call and leave a message or text our Bio Ability number or email dawn.koch@bio-ability.com with any questions.

Class Locations

Building Bridges Therapy

1389 Weber Industrial Drive; Cumming, GA. 30041

Kidz Therapy Networks

5000 Research Court #450; Suwanee, GA. 30024

Staff Highlight

Coach Anna joined us in February and is the newest member of our coaching team. She is very well liked by our students who respond so well to her. She was training as a behavior therapist and preparing to sit for her RBT when she found us and we are so glad she did. She has a background in gymnastics, boxing, swim and much more and lives right in Cumming. We are thrilled to have her on our team.

Exercise of the Month: Autism

Bio Ability incorporates a variety of exercises into each class no matter the class format chosen.  Some examples of exercises that benefit those with Autism include: 

• Motor Planning Exercises: Enhance coordination and body awareness.
• Functional Strength Training: Build muscle strength necessary for daily activities.
• Balance Training: Improve stability and confidence.
• Yoga: Foster relaxation and mindfulness, reducing anxiety.

Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled and deveined cooked shrimp, coarsely chopped
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
• 3 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed
• Bibb lettuce leaves
• Lime wedges

Directions

1. Place first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix lime juice, vinegar, oil and adobo seasoning; stir into shrimp mixture. Refrigerate, covered, to allow flavors to blend, about 1 hour.
2. To serve, gently stir in avocados. Serve over lettuce or in lettuce leaves. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup avocado mixture: 252 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.