Entries by Jill Vaught

ASA (Autism Society of America)

As “the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization,” the Autism Society’s mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They increase “public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.” […]

The benefits of an early autism diagnosis

By Dr. Breanne Hartley, BCBA-D Senior Clinical Director Children are being diagnosed with autism earlier and earlier. Some children are as young as 18 months when they receive an autism diagnosis. Identifying an autism diagnosis at an early age can result in better future outcomes for a child, that is, if steps are taken to […]

Meet the Little Star clinical team at our May 3 Newburgh Center open house!

Little Star is proud to invite the community and prospective Little Star parents to tour our newest center in Newburgh. On Wednesday, May 3, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., we welcome you to come check out our latest ABA therapy center, meet our clinical team and learn how you can enroll your child to […]

Establishing good sleep habits for children with autism

By Dr. Breanne Hartley, BCBA-D Senior Clinical Director Approximately 25 percent of children have sleep problems. For children with autism, this percentage significantly increases to approximately 45-80 percent.  It is extremely important for all children to get proper rest. A child who is not well rested will often demonstrate irritability, problem behavior, and potentially impaired academic […]

Staff Spotlight: Married couples at Little Star Center find work-family balance

Personal relationships in the workplace can be challenging, but the five couples at Little Star Center who mix work and marriage are finding a healthy balance. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, two of our couples share their stories of work-family balance. Casey and Maggie Moore, married five years. Casey is program and clinical project specialist in […]

Winter months mean getting creative with social and play skills

By Dr. Breanne Hartley, BCBA-D Winter is upon us, as the leafless trees and cool temperatures will not let us forget. The cold winter months require different kinds of leisure activities for everyone, including children with autism. Children are no longer able to enjoy summer activities such as swimming in the local pool, or playing […]

Little Star Center clinical director selected to serve on BACB committee

Congratulations to Dr. Breanne Hartley, senior clinical director at Little Star Center, who will serve as a coach on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Code Compliance Committee (CCC). Dr. Hartley was selected to serve on the committee, which helps certificants who could benefit from consultation, experience, and/or educational information to address less egregious alleged […]

Staff Spotlight: Jeremy Cole, Lafayette West, Program Manager Apprentice

As a program manager apprentice, Jeremy is responsible for assisting the program managers at Little Star Center Lafayette West with daily clinical activities, including generalization testing and graphing. Jeremy also is responsible for coordinating our staff volleyball leagues. Here’s more information about Jeremy: What do you most enjoy about your job at Little Star Center? […]

Little Star Center creates wish list for #GivingTuesday

Please consider helping Little Star Center gather much-needed supplies on our wish list on #GivingTuesday, an annual campaign to encourage communities to give back to charities and causes they support. Parents, businesses and others in the community can help us meet the needs of our wish list on or before #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29. Items […]

Trick-or-Treating: Yes, They Can!

By Dr. Breanne Hartley, BCBA-D With Halloween coming next week, many parents who are affected by autism may be hesitant to have their children participate in the traditional trick-or-treating festivities. Many parents I work with at Little Star Center have shared that they want nothing more than for their children to “just be a kid” […]