Health and Wellness

Building strength, confidence, and smiles! Stretching Routine: Shoulder Stretch Have Benji stand with his feet shoulder-width apart. Assist him in extending his right/left arm straight out in front of him. Use alternate hand to encourage Benji to hold arm in place. Hold for 10–20 seconds for each arm. Hamstring Stretch Have Benji sit on the floor with legs straight out in front. Encourage him to touch his toes and hold. If difficult, place an object in front as a target. Hold

Creating structure, smooth transitions, and predictability. We support Benji and Giulietta in developing independence, predictability, and smooth transitions through structured schedules and routines, while also prioritizing their autonomy. We have weekly schedules and goals that guide our program, but these are not set in stone. Our approach allows Benji and Giulietta to feel in control of their day, make choices, and have input into how activities unfold. As educators, we u

Encouraging and Maintaining Friendships We support Benji and Giulietta in building and maintaining meaningful friendships by creating regular opportunities for positive social experiences. We make sure to set up time for them to see their friends so that these relationships can grow and strengthen. During outings, we help them practice important social skills such as taking turns, sharing, starting conversations, and responding to their peers using their iPad or PECS binder w

Integrating Physical Activities into Daily Routines Benji and Giulietta follow daily routines that include structured physical activities tailored to their individual abilities and interests. These activities are regularly adapted through observation to ensure they remain enjoyable, effective, and supportive of confidence, motivation, and physical fitness. Strength and Balance Gym sessions incorporate bodyweight exercises, free weights, and resistance machines. The focus is o

We encourage Benji and Giulietta to complete daily living tasks as independently as possible while recognizing that they may need our support along the way. Through consistent routines, we incorporate skills such as hygiene, chores, and self-care into their everyday activities. Our goal is to help them build confidence and responsibility. This approach allows Benji and Giulietta to experience success, develop independence, and understand that seeking support when needed is an

Supporting teamwork, planning, and following routines. Benji and Giulietta engage in collaborative meal preparation as a meaningful way to build teamwork, planning, and communication skills. During these activities, they practice important functional life skills while using their iPad or PECS binder to make a meal together. Meal preparation provides daily opportunities to make choices, follow directions, and take pride in contributing to a shared meal. Our goal is for Benji a

We make grocery shopping a fun, engaging, and educational for Benji and Giulietta, with a focus on building leadership, independence, and practical life skills. Grocery shopping is a meaningful real world activity that provides ongoing opportunities for Benji and Giulietta to build independence, communication, and life skills. By involving them in the process from planning to checkout, we intentionally turn a routine task into a shared learning experience. Each step encourage