communication strategies

Building Communication Skills in Kids with Autism

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Tools and Techniques for Improved Communication

Communication tools and techniques can significantly support individuals with autism in improving their social interactions, self-expression, and overall well-being. People on the autism spectrum often face various communication barriers, from delayed speech to trouble interpreting social cues. Early intervention plays a vital role in developing communication and social skills, which can help speech abilities and tackle developmental delays. 

communication skills

Communication methods 

Visual aids, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), and speech-generating devices (SGDs) are great resources for helping communication abilities in people with autism. A speech therapist or pathologist can evaluate a person’s language capabilities and help create an intervention plan, recommending effective methods to help their communication skills. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment that uses reinforcement techniques to help social, communication, and learning skills.

Visual supports 

Several tools may be used as visual supports for kids with autism–tools like symbols, pictures, and physical items. These visuals assist in learning language, understanding information, and self-expression. Using communication books or boards filled with images and words allows individuals to understand the meanings of words and express their needs by pointing to the relevant pictures. 

Application of visual supports

Visual aids can help create daily or weekly schedules by visually dividing time into blocks, outlining the steps of tasks such as a bedtime routine, or showing different units of time. These visuals can enhance communication for those who may not speak as much, allow learners to express their feelings, and facilitate social interactions. Additionally, they can be effective at easing transitions between activities. 

Functional Communication Training (FCT) 

Functional Communication Training, or FCT, is a technique designed to help people develop their communication skills through the use of words, signs, or images to express their wants and needs. This approach can also minimize disruptive behaviors by providing simpler ways for individuals to communicate their needs. A therapist will find something that excites the child and then teach them a sign or picture representing that thing. 

Extra Techniques and Approaches 

When it comes to communication for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are some helpful strategies to consider. These include promoting play and social interactions, emphasizing nonverbal cues, and using more direct language. Caregivers should allow children the time to express themselves and engage with their interests to build relevant vocabulary. Establishing routines and schedules can create both independence and communication skills. Being straightforward and clear in your language is key. 

 

References

7 Autism Behavior and Communication Strategies | NU. (2021). https://www.nu.edu/blog/7-autism-behavior-and-communication-strategies/

Stephanie Alvarez, RBT, is in the BCBA Apprentice Program at BrightPath Behavior and works at the clinic in Katy, TX. Upon her initial introduction to the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), she confessed she had little understanding of the subject. However, with the guidance of an exceptional mentor, Stephanie quickly became acquainted with the principles of ABA. This experience ignited a passion in her, mainly because she recognized the profound impact that being an ABA therapist can have on clients.

Celebrating the New Year: Setting ABA Goals for Your Child

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Establishing significant and attainable objectives for an autistic child in the upcoming year is essential for their growth and overall well-being. Setting goals typically necessitates thoughtful planning and an understanding of the child’s individual strengths, requirements, and aspirations. The following is a comprehensive outline of effective strategies and methods for formulating these goals alongside your child’s BCBA.

Key factors to remember when establishing ABA goals for your child in the coming year.

Consider your child’s developmental appropriateness when setting goals. Confirm that the objectives align with the child’s abilities and developmental milestones. Objectives should focus on key aspects of a child’s growth, which can significantly improve their overall quality of life. These aspects may encompass: 

    • Social Skills: Encouraging peer engagement, recognizing social signals, and building friendships are vital for individual development. 
    • Communication: Improving verbal and nonverbal communication skills enables children to articulate their thoughts and requirements effectively.
    • Independence and Life Skills: Instructing on self-care and daily routines is crucial for fostering long-term success and self-sufficiency.

Integrating both short-term and long-term objectives into ABA goals.

Setting goals is very important for helping autistic children grow. Goals give clear guidance, allowing children to concentrate on particular skills, which boosts their confidence and motivation. 

Short-term goals act as quick steps leading to more extensive, long-term goals, creating a structured learning process. Therefore, finding a good balance between these goals is essential for overall success. 

Short-term goals help with the following: 

  • Boosting Independence: Within a set time, the child can work on performing self-care tasks, such as brushing their teeth, independently. 
  • Developing Communication Skills: The child can set a goal to start and keep a conversation going with a friend for at least five minutes during planned activities. 
  • Improving Social Skills: The child is encouraged to join group activities, emphasizing taking turns and playing together.

Long-term goals help with the following: 

  • Life Skills: Teaching crucial daily living skills like personal hygiene, cooking, and managing money to promote independence in adult life. 
  • Social Relationships: Improving social skills to build strong connections with friends throughout their lives.

Concentrating on constructive behaviors when setting ABA goals. 

Caregivers can facilitate significant advancements in their children’s lives by concentrating on constructive behaviors. When setting goals for positive behaviors, it’s important to customize them based on the person’s strengths and challenges. This personalized method can include:

  • Recognizing Strengths: Find out what activities the person enjoys and is good at. These can help encourage positive behavior. 
  • Setting Realistic Goals: Goals should be practical and doable, allowing for steady improvement. The SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) help keep goals clear and focused. 
  • Using Visual Aids: Adding visual tools like charts or pictures can clarify expectations and improve understanding of tasks.

Establishing meaningful and achievable goals for an autistic child is vital for their growth and overall well-being. Goals should be developmentally appropriate and focus on key areas such as social skills, communication, and independence. It is essential to strike a balance between short-term goals, such as having a five-minute conversation or mastering self-care routines, and long-term objectives, like developing life skills and nurturing meaningful relationships.

Concentrating on positive behaviors through personalized strategies can significantly enhance progress. By aligning these strategies, caregivers can empower children to thrive while boosting their confidence and independence.

References

Effective IEP Goals for Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2024). https://www.totalcareaba.com/autism/iep-goals-for-autism

Positive behaviour for autistic children and teenagers. (2024). Autism: understanding behaviour | Raising Children Network

 

Stephanie Alvarez, RBT, is in the BCBA Apprentice Program at BrightPath Behavior and works at the clinic in Katy, TX. Upon her initial introduction to the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), she confessed she had little understanding of the subject. However, with the guidance of an exceptional mentor, Stephanie quickly became acquainted with the principles of ABA. This experience ignited a passion in her, mainly because she recognized the profound impact that being an ABA therapist can have on clients. 

visual schedule autism

Navigating Daily Routines with Autism

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Individuals with autism often engage in some form of repetition during their day or exhibit rigidity in their routines (such as stimming, lining up toys, repeatedly turning lights on and off, etc.), so it makes sense that a routine would be beneficial. 

If you think about everyday living, we all have some daily routine: wake up, go to work or school, come home, eat dinner, and sleep. Like neurotypical individuals, autistic people thrive on routine, schedules, and consistency. We all rely on knowing what our day will look like to an extent, and we get a sense of comfort knowing that it won’t change much. 

visual schedule for kids with autism

Finding a routine that works for your child with autism

Here are some tips and tricks for creating a unique schedule for your child: 

  • Write out the specific activities that make up your family’s day (work, school, therapy)
  • Make a fun reminder for your child, such as a calendar or visual schedule, to aid in providing a visual reminder and help to identify each task (“on Mondays we go to school, therapy, grocery store (list store), then home”)

Even in the home, having a routine to help your child move through specific tasks and activities is helpful. Visual reminders can still be provided within the home to reference when it’s time to move on to the next task. 

You can create daily routines for your child with autism for any number of tasks, including:

  • Waking up
  • Mealtimes
  • Bathtime
  • Bedtime 

A morning routine example may look something like this: 

  • Wake up your child with a fun morning song
  • Remind your child it’s a school day and what activities are planned
  • Get dressed in clothes that were laid out the night before 
  • Sit at the kitchen table and eat breakfast
  • Brush teeth and hair
  • Put on shoes and get your backpack
  • Look over the daily calendar and discuss the various activities occurring during the day

Navigating changes in routines with autism

Change isn’t easy for anyone, and while none of us enjoy change, it may be harder to grasp when you rely on those set schedules and preplanned activities. Talk about any change happening in the day with your child; communication is vital. If you have advanced notice of schedule changes, such as a doctor’s appointment or family trip, plan the specific days with the new activities in place. “Not all changes are equal, and not all ASD patients react the same way.” (AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEdu), so ensure you’re prepared to assist your child in working through their emotions in an empathic and supportive manner.

ABA can be a helpful tool when setting a person with ASD up for success when changes occur. If significant changes to the routine are coming, discuss those with a BCBA and collaborate to find ways to help them navigate and accept those changes to ease any challenging behaviors that could arise.

Reaching out to a primary care physician about obtaining ABA services for a person with autism is another way to improve undesirable behaviors that may result from routine changes. As previously said, a common trait of autism is rigidity and repetitive behaviors; ABA therapy can use a play-based teaching method to teach and help children understand a routine and that routines change within a clinical setting. Examples of using ABA to teach tolerance to changes in routines include following a schedule to transition to different rooms within the clinic setting with different schedules occurring on different days. An example of this may look like:

  • Monday’s schedule: Sensory gym, breakfast, bathroom, group game, gross motor play
  • Tuesday’s schedule: Breakfast, group game, bathroom, gross motor play, sensory gym 

Within the clinic setting, there are many activities to engage in, with other children around who might play with items differently than what is preferred by your child. Exposure to other children and differences in their environment provides the ABA therapist opportunities to teach strategies to help with rigidity and to tolerate when someone is doing something differently than how they would play. For example, working with the child to allow a difference in play for short durations of time and increasing the duration of different play as they’re able to tolerate it or teaching the child that variations in play can be fun by making silly sounds or incorporating play the child enjoys (such as tickles or singing). 

A variety of strategies can be implemented during ABA therapy to aid in both teaching your child daily routines as well as how to tolerate changes to their routine.

What questions and comments do you have about your autistic child’s daily routine, and what has helped them deal with schedule changes?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, please like, share, and follow us for more insightful content on autism and ABA therapy.

If a positive, play-based approach to ABA appeals to you, we invite you to reach out to BrightPath Behavior. The friendly team at BrightPath is always ready to help answer your questions.

 

References 

 

Applied Behavior Analysis Edu – https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/why-is-routine-so-important-to-people-with-asd/

Autism Specialty Group – https://www.autismspecialtygroup.com/blog/importance-of-consistency-in-autism

Applied Behavior Analysis as Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder – https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wayne-Fisher/publication/285517351_Applied_behavior_analysis/links/5ddc2e4c458515dc2f4db9e1/Applied-behavior-analysis.pdf

 

Tatum Kaiser always knew she wanted to work with kids. However, it wasn’t until her daughter began showing early signs of autism that she developed an interest in ABA. The experience of working closely with children with autism, coupled with the support and positivity from supervisors and coworkers, solidified her passion for the field. She finds joy in practicing play-based teaching and positive reinforcement strategies, which benefit her clients and kids. 

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University, Tatum balances her studies with motherhood. She uses her real-life experience to enhance her academic assignments and practical applications in the clinic. Her involvement with her daughter’s autism journey has provided her with unique insights that she shares with other parents, helping them navigate behavioral challenges with empathy and compassion.

ABA provider

How to Find the Right ABA Provider for Your Family 

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How to Find the Right ABA Provider for Your Family

As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, finding the right Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider can be a daunting task. There are many providers, and choosing the best option for your child can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you find the proper ABA fit for your family.

ABA provider

Realize not all ABA providers are the same.

Each ABA provider has a different approach to ABA. Though the research-based principles of antecedent, behavior, and consequence (ABC) apply to most providers, their approach to delivering therapy may be different. 

ABA began in a classroom-type setting where therapists sat down and worked on repetitive drills with the clients. Many clinics offer this intensive therapy approach. While repetition is essential to learning, so is playing. 

Other providers, like ABA Connect, take a play-based approach to therapy. This philosophy is rooted in the belief that play is therapeutic work for a child. When a child is playing, developmental progress occurs with the guidance of a trained Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Play can be incredibly motivating for a child. Once a therapist can leverage that motivation, your child’s progress will take off. 

  • During a tour or phone consultation, ask the staff about their approach to ABA. 

Look for an ABA provider with experience and expertise.

Finding one with experience and expertise in ABA therapy is essential when searching for an ABA provider. This suggestion may seem obvious. However, it can be challenging for providers to recruit, train, and retain Registered Behavior Therapists (RBTs) and Behavior Therapists (BTs). Look for providers with BCBAs on staff who are trained and certified to design and supervise ABA therapy programs. Consider asking about the leadership style of the BCBA and how they address challenges. Also, ask about their experience working with children with autism and their success rates. It will shine through if they are passionate and have seen incredible results through their practice. 

  • Ask if the RBTs and BTs working directly with your child are under the close supervision of an experienced BCBA. 

Consider the ABA provider’s location and availability. 

ABA therapy requires regular and consistent sessions, so it is important to find a provider that is conveniently located and has availability that fits with your schedule. Consider how far you are willing to travel for therapy sessions and whether the provider offers flexible scheduling options. 

Many providers, like ABA Connect, also offer in-home therapy. In-home therapy may be a good option for you, depending on your child’s and your family’s needs.

  • Ask about convenient clinic-based locations as well as in-home and community-based treatment options. 

Look for an ABA provider that offers individualized treatment plans. 

Each child with autism is unique, so finding a provider to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs is crucial. Ask about their assessment process and how they design treatment plans. A good provider will work with you to identify goals for your child and create a program focused on evaluating and achieving those goals. 

  • Ask how the assessment process works and if you can contribute to providing the therapist with information about your child as well as your own goals.

Consider the ABA provider communication and collaboration style with parents. 

A good ABA provider will value open communication and collaboration with parents. At ABA Connect, parents are our partners. Look for providers who respect your role as a parent or caregiver and will work with you to set goals and regularly update you on your child’s progress. You should also feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback to the provider. 

Caregiver training is vital to a successful ABA program, so look for providers that include regular caregiver training opportunities. 

  • Ask about their communication styles and how they involve parents in therapy.

Research the ABA provider’s reputation and reviews. 

Research the potential provider’s reputation by checking their website and online reviews. Look for positive reviews from other parents of children with autism. You can also ask for references from the provider and contact other parents who have used their services. 

  • Ask for references from current client families. 

Finding the right ABA provider for your family can take time, but it is worth it, in the long run, to invest in finding a provider that meets your child’s needs and makes you feel comfortable. By following these tips and doing your research, you can find the right ABA provider for your family and set your child up for success in their therapy journey. 

Call us to schedule a free consultation with ABA Connect to discuss how we can meet your child’s treatment needs. 

At ABA Connect, we are passionate about helping children with autism thrive, and our experienced team is ready to guide your child toward remarkable progress using a play-based approach.

You Can Start the Process TODAY!

  1. Complete our Online Start Services Form
  2. Call ABA Connect at 833- 225-9393 to Schedule an In-Home Consultation
  3. Conduct an Assessment, Develop a Treatment Plan, and Start Services

If you found this post helpful, please like, share, and follow for more content on autism or ABA therapy.

The 5 Big Benefits of ABA Therapy

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The 5 Big Benefits of ABA Therapy

As a devoted caregiver of a child with autism, you constantly seek ways to help your child flourish and lead their best life. We understand the challenges you face. 

As Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), we work with families like yours daily. Many kids come into our clinics with significant challenges due to their autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Yet over and over, we are encouraged by the progress they make. 

When you find the right provider, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can transform the lives of children with autism and their families.

ABA Therapy: The Path to Progress 

ABA therapy is a specialized approach that focuses on improving specific behaviors in children with autism, backed by impressive scientific results. 

At ABA Connect, we combine research-based ABA therapy with a playful, positive, and nurturing environment so your child can succeed, whatever success looks like for your child. 

The impact of ABA therapy goes beyond the therapy room. We teach you how to take the skills your child is learning in the clinic and generalize them to whatever environment they find themselves in — home, school, and the community.

The skills we teach at ABA Connect are incredibly relevant to the challenges they are facing now. We want to know what your child is struggling with, so we develop a customized plan based on your child’s and your family’s needs.

But it doesn’t stop there. 

We want to ensure that the lessons they are learning now as a child greatly benefit them in the future as well. ABA is about setting a solid foundation and empowering your child with the skills they need to shine, both now and in the future. 

ABA is unique because it establishes a framework for you and your child to build on and adapt as needed. We are excited you are exploring ABA as an option for your child. 

Let’s look at some key ways your child may benefit from ABA therapy. 

Key Benefits for Your Child 

 

ABA Benefit #1 – Improved Social Skills

Building lasting friendships and meaningful connections is a precious gift for any child. ABA therapy can help your child learn essential social skills, like initiating conversations and turn-taking, equipping them to thrive in social settings with newfound confidence.

Many of the friends your child makes in the clinic become life-long friends for them. Not only will your child be able to hang with their peers while they’re in therapy, but many parents can also find support and community through the commonality of parenting a child with autism. Beautiful relationships begin to emerge from our therapy centers. 

ABA Benefit #2 – Better Communication

Effective communication is a powerful tool, and ABA therapy can help your child unlock the ability to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and succinctly. Strong communication skills foster deeper connections with family, friends, teachers, and classmates.

Keep in mind communication looks different for everyone. Behavior is a form of communication. The role of our therapists at ABA Connect is to find a way for your child to functionally and appropriately communicate their needs and wants. 

Many children begin with a picture exchange system (PECS) or an augmentative and alternative Communication device (AAC). There are many ways to learn to communicate, and we embrace all of them in a total communication approach. Over time, you will be astonished by how your child communicates and connects with you. 

ABA Benefit #3 – Reduced Problem Behavior

Tantrums, aggression, and self-injury can be incredibly challenging for you and your child. With ABA therapy, your child will learn alternative behaviors and coping strategies, leading to a calmer and more peaceful home environment.

Problem behaviors can be such a difficult thing for families. They can be dangerous for your child and other family members and emotionally wear you down. You are not alone. ABA providers, like the BCBAs and RBTs at ABA Connect, are here to support you each step of the way. Our therapists can handle severe problem behaviors down to redirecting inappropriate behaviors. We want to help your child and provide you with hope for improved outcomes. 

ABA Benefit #4 – Increased Independence 

Witness your child blossom into a confident and independent individual with the help of ABA therapy. From self-care routines to household chores and following daily routines, your child will gain invaluable life skills that boost their self-sufficiency.

We love seeing kids in our clinic become more independent. Learning life skills like hand washing, choosing what they want to play with, and putting away toys are not only incredibly helpful for the efficiency of the task, but your child will become so proud of their achievements. 

ABA Benefit #5 – Improved Academic Performance

Education can be a cornerstone of your child’s future. ABA therapy can offer targeted academic support, helping your child grasp new concepts, excel in the classroom, and develop a strong sense of achievement.

Many of our RBTs and BCBAs are teachers at heart. They thrive in teaching your child new concepts that translate to other environments like home and school. Our job is to create a foundational skill set that will enable your child to navigate a classroom when ready. 

Evidence That Shines: The Impact of ABA Therapy 

As a parent, we understand that you seek proven and effective solutions for your child. Countless studies attest to the benefits of ABA therapy. In one remarkable study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, children receiving ABA therapy demonstrated significant improvements in communication skills and reduced problem behaviors.

Another study, featured in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, highlighted the long-lasting effects of ABA therapy on improving social skills in children with autism, even after therapy had concluded.

Embrace the Possibilities with ABA Therapy! 

At ABA Connect, we are passionate about helping children with autism thrive, and our experienced team is ready to guide your child toward remarkable progress using a play-based approach.

You Can Start the Process TODAY!

  1. Complete our Online Start Services Form
  2. Call ABA Connect at 833- 225-9393 to Schedule an In-Home Consultation
  3. Conduct Assessment, Develop a Treatment Plan, and Start Services

References:

Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 55(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.55.1.3

Reichow, B., & Wolery, M. (2009). Comprehensive synthesis of early intensive behavioral interventions for young children with autism based on the UCLA young autism project model. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 39(1), 23–41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0596-0

If you found this post helpful, please like, share, and follow for more content on autism or ABA therapy.

 

Debunking Some Common Myths and Misconceptions about ABA Therapy 

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As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, you may have heard about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Unfortunately, not all of the information you come across is true. In fact, some of it can be harmful and lead to misconceptions about ABA therapy. 

Let’s debunk some of the most common myths and misconceptions about ABA therapy: 

Myth #1: ABA therapy is just about compliance and obedience. 

Truth: ABA therapy is not about forcing a child to comply or obey. Instead, it is a scientifically proven therapy that focuses on teaching skills, reducing problem behavior, and improving the overall quality of life for children with autism. 

Myth #2: ABA therapy is only effective for young children. 

Truth: ABA therapy can be effective for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. When done right, ABA is customized to meet each child’s individual needs and goals, regardless of age. 

Myth #3: ABA therapy is only for children with severe autism. 

Truth: ABA therapy can benefit children with autism of all levels of severity. Research shows that children with mild to moderate autism can benefit greatly from ABA therapy, just as children with severe autism can. 

Myth #4: ABA therapy is robotic and doesn’t take individuality into account. 

Truth: ABA therapy is a highly individualized therapy that considers each child’s unique strengths, needs, and interests. That said, not all ABA providers practice this way. Look for a clinic or home-based team that is tailored to your child’s needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Myth #5: ABA therapy is harmful and involves punishment. 

Truth: ABA therapy does not involve punishment. Instead, it focuses on positive reinforcement to teach new skills and behaviors. ABA therapy is safe and effective for children with autism. 

By debunking these common myths and misconceptions, we hope to provide you with a clearer understanding of what ABA therapy is and how it can benefit your child with autism.  

autism myths bustedAt ABA Connect, we focus on creating a positive experience for the children we work with. Our aim is that when our clients are grown and reflect on their experience with ABA Connect, their memories of their learning are positive and were a time of play and joy working with teachers who respect them and care for their needs.

References: 

  • Dixon, D. R., Burns, C. O., Granpeesheh, D., Amarasinghe, R., Powell, A., Linstead, E., & Cajal, L. S. (2017). A review of the role of occupational therapy in the management of autism spectrum disorder. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 47(8), 2519-2533. 
  • Smith, T., & Iadarola, S. (2015). Evidence base update for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of clinical child and adolescent psychology, 44(6), 897-922. 

Behavioral Treatment for Specific Fears and Phobias

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Fears and phobias are increasingly common in children, but behavioral treatment can help. A fear of needles is a particularly common fear that usually starts in early childhood and can result in significant avoidance of medical procedures in general.

What Research Says

A recent NPR story describes a research study published in 2012. The researchers surveyed over 800 parents and 1000 children. In the study, 24% of the parents and 63% of the children reported a fear of needles! This is concerning because specific fears and phobias can lead to avoidance of health-related procedures.

Cognitive Behavior Treatment

Luckily, there is behavioral treatment for specific fears and phobias. Behavior therapy or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help children overcome their fears. The most effective behavioral treatment for specific fears and phobias is called graded exposure therapy. In graded exposure therapy the child is introduced to the feared situation or object in small steps until they are able to participate in the situation on their own.

For example, if a child has a fear of going to the dentist, the treatment can start out with the child reading a book about the dentist, looking at a picture of a dentist’s office, and observing a parent participate in a dental visit. Then the situations are gradually increased until the eventual goal of participating in a dental procedure is achieved. The same is true for getting haircuts or doctor’s offices. Kids with specific phobias and fears benefit from parent participation in the treatment process.

Practice at home will provide faster progress. Depending on the age and learning history with the feared object or situation, treatment can progress quickly or may take more time to break down the situation into smaller steps. Either way, behavior therapy or cognitive behavior therapy can help a child overcome their fears and phobias.