SEPTEMBER 2026

The Honeymoon Is Over:

When Back-to-School Challenges Start Showing Up

The backpacks are packed. The first-day photos have been posted. Everyone has figured out the morning routine, at least somewhat.


And then September arrives.


For many families of children with autism, ADHD, or other developmental needs, the first few weeks of school can feel surprisingly manageable. Your child may be excited about a new classroom, new teacher, or simply the novelty of a different routine. But once that newness wears off, parents may start noticing things they did not see during the first week.


Maybe mornings are getting harder. Your child is exhausted after school. Behaviors that seemed to improve over the summer are showing up again. Or perhaps the teacher is reporting challenges that you are not seeing at home.


If that sounds familiar, September is a good time to pay attention to what your child may be communicating.


Why Behavior Can Change After School Starts


Think about how much your child is processing during a typical school day.


There are new expectations, classroom rules, transitions, noise, other children, academic demands, social interactions, lunchrooms, buses and constantly changing activities. Even something adults barely notice, like a fire drill or a substitute teacher, can completely change the rhythm of a child's day.


Some children may hold it together throughout school and release that stress once they reach a familiar, safe environment.


That can look like crying, refusing requests, becoming unusually quiet, seeking sensory input, struggling with bedtime or having a meltdown over something that normally would not cause such a strong reaction.


Rather than immediately asking, "How do we stop this behavior?" it can be helpful to first ask, "What is my child trying to tell me?"


When School and Home See Two Different Children


One of the most confusing conversations for a parent can be hearing, "We don't see that behavior at school."

The opposite can be just as confusing. A teacher may report challenges that rarely happen at home.

Neither necessarily means someone is wrong.


Behavior is influenced by the environment. A child may have different communication demands, sensory experiences, expectations and access to breaks at school than at home.


This is where communication between parents, teachers and the child's therapy team becomes especially valuable. Instead of focusing only on whether a behavior happened, look for patterns.


When does it happen? What happened immediately before it? Is your child hungry or tired? Is a certain transition particularly difficult? What happens afterward?


Those details can tell us much more than the behavior alone.


September Is a Great Time for a Check-In


By September, teachers have had more time to get to know their students, and parents have had several weeks to observe how the new school routine is affecting life at home.

This makes it a good time to compare notes.


If your child receives ABA therapy, talk with your therapy team about what you are noticing. Something happening at 4:30 every afternoon may have very little to do with 4:30 and much more to do with everything your child has navigated since 7:30 that morning.


The goal is not to eliminate every difficult moment. The goal is to better understand what your child needs and build skills that can make those moments easier to navigate.


Progress Doesn't Disappear Because You're Having a Hard Week


Parents sometimes worry that a difficult transition means their child has lost progress.

A rough September does not erase the skills your child worked hard to build.

New environments simply create new situations in which those skills need to be practiced. Your child may need additional prompts, more breaks or extra support while adjusting.


Give the new routine time. Keep communicating. Celebrate the things that are working, even if they seem small.

Sometimes progress in September looks less like a perfect school day and more like your child finding a new way to tell you, "Today was hard."


And learning to hear that message is progress, too.

Se Acabó la Luna de Miel:

Cuando Empiezan a Notarse los Retos del Regreso a Clases


Las mochilas están listas. Ya tomamos la foto del primer día. Y, más o menos, todos nos estamos acostumbrando otra vez a la rutina de las mañanas.


Y entonces llega septiembre.


Para muchas familias con niños con autismo, TDAH u otras necesidades del desarrollo, las primeras semanas de clases pueden ser más tranquilas de lo esperado. Tal vez tu hijo está emocionado por su nuevo salón, su maestra o simplemente por tener una rutina diferente. Pero cuando pasa esa emoción inicial, los padres pueden empezar a notar cosas que no vieron durante la primera semana.


Quizá las mañanas se están complicando. Tu hijo llega agotado de la escuela. Algunas conductas que habían mejorado durante el verano vuelven a aparecer. O tal vez la maestra está observando situaciones que tú no ves en casa.


Si algo de esto te suena familiar, septiembre es un buen momento para prestar atención a lo que tu hijo podría estar tratando de comunicar.


¿Por Qué Puede Cambiar la Conducta al Regresar a Clases?


Piensa en todo lo que tu hijo procesa durante un día normal de escuela.


Hay nuevas expectativas, reglas, transiciones, ruido, otros niños, trabajo académico, interacciones sociales, la cafetería y actividades que cambian constantemente. Incluso algo que para un adulto parece pequeño, como un simulacro de incendio o tener una maestra sustituta, puede cambiar por completo el ritmo del día de un niño.

Algunos niños logran manejar todo esto durante las horas de escuela y liberan ese estrés cuando llegan a un ambiente conocido y seguro.


Esto puede verse como llanto, resistencia a ciertas actividades, estar más callado de lo normal, buscar más estímulos sensoriales, tener dificultades para dormir o presentar una crisis por algo que normalmente no provocaría una reacción tan fuerte.


En lugar de preguntarnos inmediatamente, "¿Cómo detenemos esta conducta?", puede ser más útil comenzar con otra pregunta: "¿Qué está tratando de comunicarme mi hijo?"


Cuando la Escuela y la Casa Ven Dos Niños Diferentes


Para un padre puede ser muy confuso escuchar: "Nosotros no vemos esa conducta en la escuela".


También puede pasar lo contrario. La maestra puede reportar dificultades que casi nunca ocurren en casa.

Esto no necesariamente significa que alguien esté equivocado.


La conducta puede cambiar dependiendo del ambiente. En la escuela, un niño enfrenta diferentes expectativas, necesidades de comunicación, experiencias sensoriales y oportunidades para tomar descansos.


Por eso es tan importante la comunicación entre los padres, maestros y el equipo de terapia. En lugar de enfocarnos solamente en si ocurrió o no una conducta, podemos buscar patrones.


¿Cuándo sucede? ¿Qué pasó justo antes? ¿Tu hijo tiene hambre o está cansado? ¿Hay alguna transición que le resulte especialmente difícil? ¿Qué sucede después?


Esos detalles pueden decirnos mucho más que la conducta por sí sola.


Septiembre es un Buen Momento para Revisar Cómo Van las Cosas


Para septiembre, los maestros ya conocen un poco mejor a sus alumnos y los padres han tenido varias semanas para observar cómo la nueva rutina escolar está afectando la vida en casa.


Es un excelente momento para comparar lo que cada uno está observando.


Si tu hijo recibe terapia ABA, habla con su equipo sobre los cambios que estás viendo. Algo que sucede todos los días a las 4:30 de la tarde quizá tenga muy poco que ver con las 4:30 y mucho más con todo lo que tu hijo ha tenido que manejar desde las 7:30 de la mañana.


La meta no es eliminar cada momento difícil. La meta es comprender mejor lo que tu hijo necesita y desarrollar habilidades que le ayuden a manejar esos momentos.


Una Semana Difícil No Borra el Progreso


A veces los padres se preocupan porque una transición difícil parece indicar que su hijo ha perdido avances.

Un septiembre complicado no borra todas las habilidades que tu hijo se ha esforzado por desarrollar.


Un ambiente nuevo simplemente presenta situaciones diferentes donde esas habilidades necesitan practicarse. Quizá tu hijo necesite más apoyo, descansos adicionales o recordatorios mientras se adapta.


Dale tiempo a la nueva rutina. Mantén la comunicación y celebra lo que sí está funcionando, aunque parezca pequeño.


A veces el progreso en septiembre no se ve como un día perfecto en la escuela. A veces se ve como un niño encontrando una nueva manera de decirte: "Hoy fue un día difícil."


Y aprender a escuchar ese mensaje también es progreso.

< Older Post

JUNE 2026

June 22, 2026
Summer Routines: Helping Your Child Thrive During the Summer Months

MARCH 2026

By Alexander R Li • March 17, 2026
Spring Forward: Helping Your Child Navigate Change and Growth This March By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 4 minutes read March brings a shift in energy. The days get longer, the weather warms up, and families across Houston begin preparing for spring break, new school schedules, and outdoor activities. For children receiving ABA therapy, these changes can be exciting but also challenging. Transitions are a big focus in ABA therapy because change can feel overwhelming for many children. March is an ideal time to practice flexibility and build skills that help children adapt with confidence. Why Transitions Can Be Hard Transitions require children to stop one activity and start another, often without knowing exactly what comes next. This can lead to anxiety, frustration, or challenging behaviors. ABA therapy helps children learn strategies to manage these moments, such as using visual timers, clear expectations, and consistent routines. Preparing for Spring Break and Schedule Changes Spring break is a big change for many families. School routines shift, therapy schedules may adjust, and days can feel less structured. Preparing ahead of time can help ease these transitions. Talking about upcoming changes, using visual schedules, and keeping familiar routines in place can make a noticeable difference. Growth Happens Outside the Clinic Too March is a great time to take therapy skills into the community. When the days become longer, trips to the park, grocery store, or local events around Houston provide opportunities to practice communication, social skills, and emotional regulation in real-life settings. These experiences help children generalize skills and build confidence beyond the therapy environment. Looking Ahead With Confidence Spring represents growth, and growth is rarely linear. There will be great days and harder ones. Both are part of the journey. As the season changes, remember that your child is constantly learning. With the right support, patience, and collaboration, transitions can become opportunities rather than obstacles.

FEBRURARY 2026

By Alexander R Li • March 17, 2026
More Than Love: Building Stronger Communication Skills This February By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 4 minutes read February often centers around love and connection. While Valentine’s Day fills stores with hearts and candy, it also offers a meaningful reminder for families receiving ABA therapy. At the heart of everything we do is connection. For children with autism, connection may look different, but it is just as powerful. It can show up through eye contact, gestures, AAC devices, signs, or shared activities. February is a perfect time to focus on strengthening communication in ways that feel natural and supportive for your child. Communication Is More Than Words One of the most important things parents learn through ABA therapy is that communication is not limited to speech. Many children communicate through pictures, devices, signs, or behaviors before they ever use spoken words. Recognizing and honoring these forms of communication builds trust. When a child feels understood, frustration often decreases, and confidence grows.  Everyday Moments Matter You often do not need special tools or elaborate plans to encourage communication. Some of the most meaningful learning happens during everyday moments like: Mealtime Getting dressed Playing with siblings Running errands around Houston These routines create opportunities for your child to make choices, express preferences, and practice skills in real-world settings. Supporting Emotional Regulation February can also bring emotional challenges. Changes in routine, school expectations, or sensory overload can impact behavior. ABA therapy focuses not only on communication but also on emotional regulation and coping skills. Teaching children how to ask for a break, express discomfort, or transition between activities can make daily life smoother for the entire family. Love Looks Like Support Love is not about pushing a child to meet milestones on someone else’s timeline. Love is meeting your child where they are and giving them the tools they need to succeed. This month, celebrate connection in all its forms. Every shared moment, every attempt to communicate, and every small step forward is worth recognizing.

JANURARY 2026

January 23, 2026
A New Year, A Clearer Understanding: What ABA Therapy Really Is By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 3 minutes read January has a way of making us pause. A new year often brings fresh questions, new goals, and a desire to better understand the choices we are making for our families. For many parents, especially those who are new to autism services, January is when one big question comes to the surface: What exactly is ABA therapy, and how does it help my child? If you have heard the term but still feel unsure about what it truly means, you are not alone. ABA therapy can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you are already navigating diagnoses, school meetings, and daily routines. The start of the year is a perfect time to slow down and gain clarity. What Is ABA Therapy? Applied Behavior Analysis, often called ABA therapy, is a research-based approach that focuses on helping children learn meaningful skills while reducing behaviors that may interfere with daily life. At its core, ABA therapy is about understanding how behavior works and using that understanding to help children succeed at home, school, and in the community. ABA therapy does not follow a one-size-fits-all model. When it starts, a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) determines your child’s treatment plan. Every child’s treatment plan is individualized, based on their strengths, needs, and goals. Therapy sessions are structured but flexible, designed to meet children where they are and help them grow at a pace that feels supportive. They should be conducted by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under the supervision of a BCBA or by the BCBA themselves. What Does ABA Therapy Actually Look Like? Many parents imagine therapy as something that only happens at a table or in a clinic room. In reality, ABA therapy often looks like play, conversation, routines, and everyday interactions. Parent involvement is key to this process. Your child might be learning how to: Communicate wants and needs Follow simple instructions Transition between activities Build social and play skills Increase independence in daily routines In Houston, where families are always on the go, ABA therapy also helps children apply skills in real-life settings, whether that is at home, in school, or out in the community. Why January Is a Meaningful Time to Learn About ABA The beginning of the year brings fresh routines and new expectations. School schedules reset, therapy plans are revisited, and families often feel ready to try something new. January is an ideal time to reflect on what support your child needs and how ABA therapy fits into your family’s goals. Understanding ABA therapy can help parents feel more confident and empowered. When you know why strategies are being used and how skills are taught, you become an active part of your child’s progress. ABA Therapy Is About More Than Behavior One common misconception is that ABA therapy is only about correcting behavior. In reality, it is about teaching skills that improve quality of life. It focuses on helping children feel understood, capable, and supported. Progress might look like better communication, smoother mornings, fewer frustrations, or increased independence. These changes often happen gradually, and that is okay. Small steps lead to meaningful growth. Starting the Year With Knowledge and Support A new year does not require having all the answers right away. January is simply an invitation to learn, ask questions, and explore options that support your child and your family. If ABA therapy is part of your journey, know that you are not alone. With the right team, clear communication, and realistic goals, this year can be one of growth, understanding, and progress.

DECEMBER 2025

December 17, 2025
Finding Joy in the Routine: Making the Holidays Work for You By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 3 minute read The holidays are filled with excitement, but all the lights, sounds, and schedule changes can be tough for children with autism. At All For One Therapy, we encourage families to approach the season with balance and flexibility. Tending to your child’s interests makes a big difference at this time of year. It’s possible that taking a picture with Santa at the mall would be challenging, but driving by a neighborhood full of Christmas lights, while holding their favorite blanket, would be more enjoyable. When Christmas shopping for your child, notice what toys they gravitate towards. If you feel stuck, ask their teacher, speech therapist or favorite RBT what toys they seem to enjoy the most while in school or therapy. We also recommend building a “holiday toolkit”—include noise-reducing headphones, favorite snacks, comfort items, and a photo book with pictures of the people and places they’ll see. This small bag can be a lifesaver during overstimulating outings. Keep in mind that skipping events is okay. What matters most is that your child feels safe and supported. The best memories might come from quiet moments at home, baking together, or looking at holiday lights with a cozy blanket. You don’t have to do it all. Celebrate your pace, your child’s growth, and the joy in progress. We’re here for your family every step of the way.

NOVEMBER 2025

November 30, 2025
Gratitude and Grounding: Supporting Our Kids During Thanksgiving By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 3 minute read Thanksgiving often brings together family, food, and tradition, but for families with children on the autism spectrum, it can also bring sensory overload, unpredictability, and emotional challenges. At All For One Therapy, we help families prepare for these moments by introducing tools and strategies that build confidence and reduce stress. A visual schedule of the day helps your child know what’s coming next. This can be as simple as printed pictures or drawings showing each activity—breakfast, car ride, grandma’s house, playtime, meal, then quiet time. Giving your child a quiet corner or sensory-friendly space to take breaks helps manage emotions in busy environments. Some families even create a social story ahead of time to explain what to expect on Thanksgiving Day. Practicing gratitude is powerful. During the holiday season, many of our families find joy in taking a picture or a video of a new skill their child has learned to share with family. When looking at your day or week, think of the wins, even if they are small, and share them with those closest to you. These moments help kids feel seen and give families a chance to pause and reflect. We know the holidays aren’t always easy, but they can still be meaningful. Whether your child tries a new dish, stays at the table a few extra minutes, or simply makes it through the day, those moments are worth celebrating. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.

OCTOBER 2025

October 15, 2025
Understanding What Causes Autism: Insights from an ABA Clinician Supporting Families in Texas By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 4 minute read As a clinician that has spent my career working with children on the autism spectrum, I am frequently asked what causes autism. When answering this, I am clear that there is a lot we do not know yet but I always point families to what the current research is showing. We know that there is a strong genetic component to autism, as having one child on the spectrum increases the likelihood that a sibling is also diagnosed with autism. Additionally, boys have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with autism than girls. However, we also know that there are environmental factors that can contribute to an autism diagnosis. Some of the more researched environmental factors are advanced parental age, prematurity and birth complications where babies are deprived of oxygen. We have also learned that for the vast majority of people worldwide, vaccines are safe and effective. There are some studies that found a link between acetaminophen use and autism and just as many studies that found no link between the two. The tricky part is that we don’t currently know every environmental factor associated with autism. To make matters more complicated, autism is a complex disorder that presents differently in every person diagnosed, which suggests that one person’s environmental trigger may not be another’s. I long for the day that we have answers for all these questions, because then we can have better prevention, intervention and treatments. I am glad that, as a country, we are having these conversations so that we can increase funding and awareness for autism research and support. These conversations are long overdue. Lastly, while we don’t have all the answers for a cause, we know that once a child is diagnosed, early intervention and support is critical to help children thrive. It is my life’s calling to help families and children get the support they need through ABA therapy. All for One Therapy exists to give children and families impacted by autism helping hands for their journey.

SEPTEMBER 2025

September 25, 2025
Helping Kids with Autism Navigate Change: Why Routines and Transitions Matter By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 3 minute read  Transitions can be hard. If you're parenting a child with autism, I know you see this every day. Switching from playtime to dinner, going from home to school, and even turning off the tablet can lead to a burst of anger you did not mean to provoke. I want you to know that for many children on the spectrum, any type of transition can be a trigger for outbursts and tantrums. At All For One Therapy, we work with families every day who face these moments. While we can never predict what new transitions will cause stress in our lives, we can do a couple of things to reduce stress for the predictable everyday transitions our little ones may face. As a BCBA and mom to three kids, I’ve learned over the years the comfort that structure and routine brings, not just for children on the spectrum, but for all of us. When a child knows what’s coming next, they feel safe. Since autism affects the ability to communicate vocally for some children, we may use visuals to help them know what’s next. A visual schedule where you can point to what is next in the day, helps increase cooperation for many children. Visual timers also help children know how much time is left before an activity is over. Amazon has many visual timers but a simple search of “visual timer” on YouTube gives you a huge variety of fun visuals to work with. If your child is more tactile or sensory seeking, letting them hold a preferred object or a sensory toy may provide the stress relief needed to make it through the next transition. It may be beneficial to have a bag in your car with a few sensory toys that you can save for those extra tough transitions. Lastly, remember the power of your community. However you decide to help your child with transitions, share your plan with your family and those that make up your village. The more consistency across people in a child’s life, the more successful they will be. At All for One Therapy, we’re here to walk with parents, not just through sessions, but through the moments in between. If your child struggles with change, know that you’re not alone. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. With the right support, even the toughest transitions can become smoother.