Counseling & ABA Services and Testing in Tacoma, Eastside, Bellevue, Redmond, Duvall and other areas nearby

Summer 25' Conclusion

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:12:00 -0700

Building Connections and Confidence: A Summer with Our Autism Teen Social Group

This summer has been an incredible journey for our teen social group. Week after week, our teens showed courage, growth, and joy as we explored new places, learned new skills, and built meaningful connections with one another. The goal of our group has always been to create opportunities for teens on the autism spectrum to practice social skills in real-world settings, and this summer gave us plenty of chances to do just that.

From day one, our outings were filled with energy and curiosity. We visited the zoo and the aquarium, where teens not only learned about animals but also practiced conversation skills by sharing their favorite exhibits with peers. At mini golf, we worked on patience, turn-taking, and celebrating each other’s successes. We even braved the skating rink, where some teens tried ice skating for the very first time. Watching them encourage one another as they gained confidence on the ice was a highlight for everyone. One of the most meaningful parts of the summer was taking public transportation together. For many, riding buses or trains was a brand-new experience. Navigating routes, reading maps, and practicing travel etiquette gave teens real-life skills that they can use far beyond the group. We also made it a point to try new foods and visit new cities, helping teens step outside their comfort zones and discover new favorites along the way.

Of course, challenges were part of the experience too. Some outings brought moments of frustration, sensory overload, or uncertainty. But with support, encouragement, and problem-solving, our teens showed resilience and learned strategies for coping in real-world...Read More

Teen Group Goes to Universal Studios

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 19:36:35 -0700

This week, we had the privilege of taking a group of our social skills group members on a trip to Universal Studios. It was not just a vacation or a break from routine. It was a moment of growth, courage, and important first experiences.

For some of our teens, this was their first time ever stepping onto an airplane without their parents by their side. For others, it was their first time walking through the gates of a theme park, hearing the music, feeling the energy, and navigating a brand new world. These experiences, which many people take for granted, were powerful milestones for our teens. They were moments filled with pride, bravery, and excitement.

At Kids and Family Counseling, we believe deeply that our autistic teens deserve meaningful, joyful, and adventurous opportunities. Experiences like this are about so much more than riding roller coasters or buying souvenirs. They are about expanding comfort zones. They are about building friendships. They are about practicing flexibility, advocating for themselves, and discovering that they can succeed in new environments.

Applied Behavior Analysis, when practiced thoughtfully and with compassion, has been a foundation that helped make this trip possible. Through careful preparation, social stories, small practice steps, and coaching in self-advocacy, our teens were ready. They managed sensory challenges, navigated crowded spaces, waited patiently in lines, asked for help when they needed it, and supported one another with so much kindness and encouragement.

Watching our group share laughter, overcome their fears, and celebrate their victories was one of...Read More

KAFC + UC Davis

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:44:25 -0800

Our agency is proud to announce our partnership with the UC Davis MIND Institute as we participate in the PALMS (Partnership for Adaptive Learning and Multimodal Support) Project. This collaboration allows us to integrate cutting-edge research into our practice while contributing valuable data and insights to the field of autism and developmental disabilities. As a community-based agency, we recognize the importance of bridging research and real-world application, ensuring that the latest evidence-based strategies are accessible to the populations we serve. Through our participation in PALMS, we are actively engaged in advancing knowledge, refining interventions, and shaping best practices that enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism and related conditions.

By embedding research into our agency’s framework, we are not only supporting innovation but also reinforcing our commitment to improving outcomes for our clients and their families. Our partnership with UC Davis MIND Institute strengthens our role as a leader in the field, allowing us to contribute meaningful findings that inform both practice and policy. As we move forward with PALMS, we look forward to sharing our experiences, learning from fellow researchers and practitioners, and continuing to advocate for inclusive, evidence-based approaches that empower individuals across the spectrum.

2025 Autism ConferenceNew Orleans

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 13:36:06 -0800

KAFC in New Orleans: Learning, Bonding, and Southern Hospitality

At KAFC, we believe that professional growth and team connection go hand in hand, and our trip to the New Orleans Autism Conference was the perfect blend of both. Andy and Maura attended the conference to stay at the forefront of research and best practices in autism support, engaging with experts, attending insightful sessions, and bringing back valuable knowledge to strengthen our work with families. Beyond the learning, this trip reinforced one of our core values—building meaningful connections within our team. By traveling together, we not only expanded our expertise but also had the chance to reflect on our shared mission in a new and inspiring setting.

Of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without embracing the city’s rich culture. Between conference sessions, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant energy of the French Quarter, took a ghost tour to explore the city’s legendary history, and enjoyed incredible Southern cuisine. These experiences weren’t just about having fun—they were about creating memories, strengthening our team, and fostering the kind of camaraderie that makes KAFC special. We are committed to providing our staff with opportunities to learn, grow, and enjoy their work, and we look forward to more adventures that blend education, travel, and team bonding in the future.

KAFC Research in China, 2024

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 13:26:51 -0800

KAFC recently had the honor of presenting at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) AI and Education Conference in China. Our presentation focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and specific learning disabilities, highlighting how AI can enhance accessibility and individualized learning for neurodiverse populations. In our commitment to advancing research in this space, we emphasized the need for cross-cultural collaboration in AI applications to ensure that technological advancements are inclusive and reflective of diverse learning needs. Our work was well received, and we were proud to have our research recognized with an award, reinforcing the importance of this emerging field.

At KAFC, we are dedicated to bridging our science across cultures, understanding that cultural competency is not just a principle but a necessary practice to truly support families in our communities. Presenting at NUIST allowed us to engage with international scholars, share insights, and refine our approach to AI-driven interventions in special education. By fostering these global discussions, we strengthen our ability to serve individuals with learning disabilities in ways that are both scientifically rigorous and culturally responsive. Our experience in China reaffirmed our belief that meaningful innovation in education must be globally informed, ensuring that advancements in AI benefit all learners, regardless of geographic or cultural background.

Vegas Autism Conference, 2023

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 13:29:20 -0700

KAFC at the 2023 Autism Conference: Investing in Learning and Growth

At KAFC, we recognize that continuing education is essential for providing the highest quality support to the families we serve. In 2023, we proudly sponsored a trip for four of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to attend the Autism Conference in Las Vegas, ensuring they had the opportunity to engage with the latest research, interventions, and best practices in the field. This conference allowed our team to connect with leading experts, explore innovative approaches, and bring back valuable knowledge to enhance our work with individuals on the autism spectrum. By investing in our staff’s professional development, we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a science-driven, evidence-based approach to care.

Beyond the conference itself, KAFC believes that learning should be accompanied by meaningful and enjoyable experiences. This trip was not just about education—it was about fostering camaraderie, networking with like-minded professionals, and creating lasting memories as a team. We are dedicated to ensuring that our staff feels valued, supported, and continuously inspired, and we will continue to provide enriching opportunities that blend professional growth with engaging and fun experiences. Our investment in our team is an investment in the communities we serve, and we are excited to build on this tradition in the years to come.

KAFC leads workshop In India: Pratidihwani

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:34:15 -0800

KAFC’s 2023 Trip to India: A Cross-Cultural Exchange in Autism and Developmental Disabilities

In 2023, KAFC had the privilege of traveling to India to lead multiple workshops focused on autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and best practices for supporting individuals with diverse needs. Over the course of our visit, Vidya and Andy conducted trainings and consultations across three different locations, engaging directly with families, educators, and professionals dedicated to improving support systems for neurodivergent individuals. These sessions provided a space for collaboration, where we shared evidence-based strategies while also gaining insight into the unique challenges and cultural perceptions surrounding mental and behavioral health in India. By fostering these international discussions, we strengthened our commitment to global learning and culturally responsive care.

This trip was not just about providing education—it was also about listening, learning, and deepening our understanding of the Indian community’s perspectives on disability and support services. We witnessed firsthand how cultural values shape approaches to diagnosis, intervention, and family advocacy, broadening our awareness of the systemic and societal factors that influence care. KAFC believes that true cultural competency is an ongoing process, and our time in India reaffirmed our dedication to serving our Indian communities in Washington with greater sensitivity and effectiveness. By integrating the knowledge we gained, we aim to make our services more inclusive, accessible, and attuned to the diverse backgrounds of the families we support.