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 the greatest reminders of why we do this work. It is not about teaching skills in a therapy room alone. It is about helping young people participate fully in life. It is about helping them create memories that are full of pride, happiness, and connection.
We are so incredibly proud of our teens for their bravery, their resilience, and their spirit. We are honored to walk beside them on their journey, and we are excited to continue creating more opportunities for growth, adventure, and belonging.