Heartwise Support

Autumn brings a world of sensory experiences for children and teens with autism. To make the most of the season, try these four fun activities: ? Nature's Playground: Explore nearby parks, forests, or nature preserves. Collect colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones for sensory play or creative projects. We love Peterson Park in Gretna or Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland. ? Indoor Retreats: Create cozy autumn-themed crafts inside using leaves, twigs, and other natural materials. Build forts or read fall-inspired stories. ? Sensory Exploration: Set up sensory bins with autumn-colored items like leaves, pine needles, or mini pumpkins. Add a touch of cool or warm water for added stimulation. ? Cozy Evenings: Enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa, apple cider, or a pumpkin spice latte. Watch a fall-themed movie or read a favorite book together snuggled up in a cozy blanket. Remember to adapt these activities to your child's individual needs and preferences and enjoy the beauty of autumn together. What fall activities work best for your family? Share in the comments below! #AutismOmaha #SensoryFriendly #SensoryPlay #Parenting #HeartwiseSupport #AutumnActivities #FallFun

At Heartwise, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to form meaningful friendships and develop strong communication skills. Our programs are designed to nurture social connections, empower children with autism, and support their families on this journey. Let's work together to create a world where every child feels valued, included, and empowered to reach their full potential. #BuildingConnections #HeartfeltSupport #AutismOmaha #HeartwiseSupport

As a local Omaha resource, we offer personalized holistic care for children with autism. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to providing the support you and your child need every step of the way. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TaNvTB

We’re excited to share more about the amazing people behind Heartwise Support. Today, let’s get to know Lauren Baak, one of our dedicated BCBAs in Omaha, a little bit better. Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt commitment to her role, with a strong background in ABA, Special Education, Speech, and Elementary Education. What she loves most about her job? The time she gets to spend building meaningful relationships with our kids, their families, and our team members. Lauren is passionate about early intervention and communication, which she finds essential in her work with younger clients just starting in school or navigating everyday challenges. Her dedication to individualized care is evident in how she collaborates with other service providers to create holistic, personalized plans that truly support each child’s unique needs. Fun fact: Lauren moved to the Midwest from Arizona 8 years ago and now calls Omaha home, where she enjoys going on family walks with her husband, son, and two dogs. In her own words: ? On her role at Heartwise: “I work directly with our technicians to support our kids and their families. It's all about understanding each child's unique needs and creating a plan that works for them.” ? On staying motivated: “I’m always seeking out new learning opportunities like webinars and trainings. Staying up-to-date keeps me passionate about my work.” ? On advice for parents: “Trust your intuition and don’t settle. If something doesn’t feel right, keep searching for the support that meets your family’s needs.” Join us in celebrating Lauren and her dedication to supporting children with autism and their families. We’re grateful to have her as part of the Heartwise team! #AutismOmaha #AutismSupport #HeartwiseSupport #GetToKnowOurTeam

Curious about ABA Therapy? Let's chat! As parents learn more about their children with autism, ABA therapy often becomes a hot topic of conversation. It's a science-based approach that has been transformative for countless families. So, what exactly is ABA therapy? Think of it as a toolkit designed to help you understand why certain behaviors occur and how to encourage positive behaviors while addressing challenging ones. It's a powerful tool for addressing a wide range of behavioral challenges common in autism, including communication deficits, social skills difficulties, and repetitive behaviors. Have questions or want to learn more? Drop a comment below or reach out to us directly. We're here to help! #AutismTherapy #ABATherapy #HeartwiseSupport

We're proud to be part of the amazing autism support community here in Omaha, and we love to celebrate businesses making a difference! Our Clinical Director, Jeanine, recently took her sons to Sensory Suite Spot , an inclusive salon suite catering to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Jeanine's boys have been working on getting haircuts comfortably for years, and they were previously happy clients of HAIR BY CARLI. When they learned Carli joined the Sensory Suite Spot team, they decided to give it a try! This new experience was a huge success. Jeanine shared, "They are so accommodating. My kids were able to run around, play on the furniture, vocally stim, and I didn't have to stress about it. It's what we can only dream about as autism moms." Huge thanks to Sensory Suite Spot and Hair by Carli for creating such an inclusive and welcoming environment for our community! Learn more about them here: https://lnkd.in/ezFA9J8G And Hair by Carli: https://lnkd.in/ea8c45TT #AutismSupport #SensoryFriendly #Omaha #HeartwiseSupport

We believe in the incredible potential within each child with autism. At Heartwise, we address all aspects of your child's development, from communication and social skills to emotional well-being. We understand a diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don't have to walk this path alone. That's why we're here to guide you and your family every step of the way with heart. #AutismSupport #HeartwiseSupport #AutismOmaha #HolisticApproach

Throwback to a great evening when Kate and Jeanine joined Autism Action Partnership's "Build the Guild" event in Papillion! It was a night filled with inspiration, connection, and a shared passion for supporting the autism community here in Omaha. We learned more about the incredible work AAP does to provide resources, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by autism. Jeanine was already an active member of the AAP Guild, and Kate was inspired to join that night! We're incredibly proud to have team members who are committed to making a difference in our community through these important volunteer opportunities. #AutismActionPartnership #BuildTheGuild #AutismAwareness #CommunitySupport

Want to know more about the great team behind Heartwise Support? Let's get to know them better, starting with Jeanine Amaro, our dedicated Clinical Director in Omaha. Jeanine brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience to her role. As a mom to two boys on the autism spectrum, Jeanine deeply understands the challenges and triumphs our families face. This firsthand knowledge fuels her passion for providing comprehensive, compassionate care for every child. At Heartwise, Jeanine ensures that our services address all aspects of a child's life, coordinating support plans that are truly holistic. Fun fact: She's also raising two golden retrievers, Louie and Stan, who are training to become service dogs for her sons. These pups have already brought incredible joy and comfort to her family. In her own words: ? On her role as Clinical Director: “As Clinical Director, I oversee all aspects of treatment, ensuring ethical and moral care, developing personalized treatment plans, and providing direct support to clients." ? On her approach to therapy: “We emphasize individualized treatment plans, ongoing support, and a focus on the whole child and family. We go beyond traditional therapy by offering additional resources and services." ? On advice for parents: “Remember to take care of yourself, as you are your child's best advocate. Seek support from other parents and professionals. Research different providers and find a team that aligns with your values and goals. Most importantly, be patient and advocate for your child's needs." #AutismOmaha #AutismSupport #HeartwiseSupport #GetToKnowOurTeam

Sensory sensitivities can be challenging for kids with autism. Here are some tips for educators to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable: ?Designate quiet spaces for breaks ?Make sensory tools available like fidgets or noise-canceling headphones ?Offer patience and support ?Communicate with parents By working together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can focus and learn. #AutismAwareness #SensorySensitivies #Inclusion #AutismOmaha