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Author: Andrew Kistner

Can Neurofeedback Therapy help my Anxiety/Depression?

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Specific Therapies.

In recent years, people have been much more open in their conversations surrounding mental health and it is clear we are in a mental health crisis. For those struggling with their mental health such as anxiety/depression, the options may feel limited. Most commonly, these individuals turn to psychiatric medications that may or may not help, therapy, changes in diet or exercise, or they may not be able to explore any options. Recent studies have shown that another type of non-invasive therapy is effective in alleviating anxiety and depression: neurofeedback therapy.  

What is Neurofeedback Therapy?

Neurofeedback therapy is a neurological therapy that can identify dysregulated brain waves and train your brain to function optimally. Firstly, a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) will observe and measure brain waves. This test reveals target areas of the brain that are over or under active and can contribute to developing a plan of action. Following a qEEG, the therapy will use stimulus such as an image or music to help train the brain to operate correctly. When the brain is not operating properly, the stimulus will be unclear, and the brain will naturally want to correct itself in order for the stimulus to appear/sound clearly. As therapy sessions progress, the brain will naturally learn to function optimally for the stimulus to appear/sound clearly. This therapy, in turn, helps train your brain to self-regulate, cope, and manage correctly.  

Can Neurofeedback Therapy Help with Anxiety/Depression?

With neurofeedback being able to help train the brain to regulate itself and learn to maintain healthy brain wave patterns, it becomes a great tool to help improve mental health. In particular, neurofeedback can help alleviate anxiety and depression in these ways:  

Regulate Brain Patterns 

Firstly, anxiety and depression are often associated with abnormal brainwave patterns, such as excessive activity in the beta frequency range (linked to anxiety) or insufficient activity in the alpha or theta frequency ranges (linked to relaxation and emotional regulation). Neurofeedback aims to train individuals to modulate their brainwave activity by rewarding desired patterns and discouraging undesired ones. Through repeated sessions, this process can help individuals achieve a more balanced and regulated brainwave state. 

Promote Self-Regulation 

Secondly, neurofeedback empowers individuals to take an active role in their mental health by providing them with real-time feedback on their brain activity. By gaining awareness of their brainwave patterns, individuals can learn to recognize and self-regulate their emotional states. This newfound ability to modulate their brain activity promotes a sense of control and self-efficacy, crucial factors in managing anxiety and depression. 

Target Specific Symptoms 

Finally, neurofeedback can be tailored to address specific symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. For example, for individuals experiencing excessive rumination and negative thought patterns, neurofeedback protocols can focus on increasing regulated brain wave activity associated with relaxation and positive mood. By customizing the training to target individual symptoms, neurofeedback offers a personalized and targeted approach to mental health. 

Neurofeedback Therapy for Anxiety/Depression at The Oxford Center 

Neurofeedback can help anxiety/depression.

Here at The Oxford Center, we want to help you in every way we can. That’s why our experienced team can help guide you through Neurofeedback Therapy sessions to reach optimal brain patterns and improve your mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, etc.). This therapy is non-invasive, and the best part? All the progress you make in our sessions is yours to keep forever! If you are interested in learning more about how The Oxford Center can help you improve your mental health, contact us today!  

Start Your Journey Today!

May 2023 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

We are now Offering Pilates!

The Oxford Center is excited to share that we are now offering Pilates! Our unique approach combines state-of-the-art equipment, personalized instruction, and a commitment to your overall well-being. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our program is designed to help you achieve your fitness and health goals with precision and grace.

Most Pilates programs are classes of 10+ people to one instructor… but not us! Our Pilates program is fully individualized! Sessions can be one-on-one for yourself and our instructor, or you can bring a friend or partner to do sessions with! Our Pilates sessions are only $65/hour for one, or $100/hour for two! Check out our new Pilates ad here! 

Discover the benefits of Pilates for yourself – increased muscular strength, improved posture, enhanced body awareness, and a renewed sense of vitality. Take the first step towards a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle today!

Learn More About our Pilates Program!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Throughout this month we are releasing new podcast episodes and articles that give great tips on how to improve your mental health and how The Oxford Center can help you along the way! 

We offer multiple services and ways for you to address mental health concerns in natural and noninvasive ways! Our nutritional services can help you discover natural ways to health your gut and learn more about the way food is affecting your body and neurofeedback therapy can help to alleviate anxiety and depression. If you are interested in improving your mental health, contact us today! 

Learn More About Your Diet and Your Mental Health

Try Our Nutritional Services!

Did you know we offer nutritional services? Nicole is our Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP) and she is ready to help guide you on your way to making ever-healthier choices! 

Through our nutritional services you have the option to work with Nicole through a group program or one-on-one nutrition coaching. Our group class program combines the simple elements of an up-to-date nutrition education and a guided 3-week sugar detox (aka Real Food Challenge) with small group support into a powerful way to kickstart a new healthy lifestyle. The program focuses on how to use REAL FOOD to boost your energy, reduce inflammation, and get rid of sugar and carb cravings. It’s truly an empowering combination!

An individual program with Nicole offers a highly personalized and customized plan for your nutrition. Typically, this program will usually start with gut (GI) testing and food sensitivity testing. Following your tests, Nicole will sit down with you to discuss the results and cultivate a specific personalized plan that will work best for you and your body. An individualized program with Nicole is completely customizable and you will receive Nicole’s undivided attention and support.

Take the first step in your nutrition journey today!

Learn More

Toleration Meals are Here!

Young mother and her daughter having breakfast together

We are now offering toleration meals for those in our ABA lunch program! Our toleration meals work with your child to help them expand the food they accept and eat during mealtimes. The toleration meal is a smaller portion of our lunch that allows for clients to be exposed to new foods without needing to buy an entire lunch. These are clients who might be working on taking just a bite of food, touching it/licking it/bringing it to their lips/etc., or even just accepting the food on their plate. 

Step one is usually just tolerating a single piece of something novel – the next step would be the toleration meal which gives you more of a feel for what a real meal should be like because it is plated, and the client gets a little bit of every component of a dish. 

Interested in learning more about our lunch program and all we have to offer? Click the link below!

Learn More

Autism and Law Enforcement Workshop

Our Autism and Law Enforcement Workshop was a great success! Our CEO and founder, Tami Peterson, PhD, worked alongside Officer Ed, our security officer, to educate local police departments on autism, our facility, and what to do in case of an emergency! Although law enforcement is tasked with keeping the public safe, interactions between first responders and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other psychiatric conditions can be contentious, and in some cases, deadly.

Tami helped to educate the officers in attendance on autism and why it is important for the officers to understand autism when they interact with someone with autism. Officer Ed took the officers on a tour of the building to go over the layout and all entrances/exits and protocols if there happened to be an emergency at The Oxford Center. 

Officers received training in identifying characteristics of people with autism, de-escalation techniques, techniques when responding to an emergency / active shooter at The Oxford Center, interaction with a person(s) with autism, and communication techniques. Officers were encouraged to come back and spend time at the center so they can get to know the kids and help the kids get more familiar with them. 

We thank all of the officers in attendance for taking the time to come out and learn more about our important community! 

TOC Talks Episode 12: “Who is Officer Ed?”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in TOC Talks Podcast.

In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Officer Edward Blackburn, The Oxford Center’s security officer! Together, they discuss Officer Edward’s background, some of his prior experiences, and what he does at The Oxford Center. Listen to find out who Edward is, how he found The Oxford Center, the ways he is improving the safety of The Oxford Center, and why Edward loves what he does!

Check It Out!

Want to learn more about some of our other security features at The Oxford Center? Check out our security video!

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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Food & Your Mood: How Your Diet Could Affect Your Mental Health

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Nutrition, Specific Conditions.

According to new studies by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder while about 20 million adults in the United States suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. Currently, about 1 in 4 adults suffer from a mental illness in the United States. These numbers don’t take into account the many individuals who go undiagnosed, so most likely those numbers are actually much higher. The United States is truly in a mental health crisis. 

Whan adult is diagnosed with a mental illness, they may begin to see a therapist, but most will begin taking a prescribed medication. It is no secret that the field of psychiatric medications is far from perfect, so most that begin taking these medications spend years trying to find a medication that actually helps them, if they ever do, and in the meantime the medication might make them feel worse. What if something as simple as your gut health and the food you eat is the reason you are suffering from a mood disorder like anxiety or depression?  

How Can Food Affect Your Mood Disorder and Mental Health?

We all know that food is essential to survival. When we break it down, the reason humans eat food is to receive nutrients, aka vitamins and minerals. So, if the body isn’t receiving the correct amount or variety of nutrients, then the body naturally starts to feel the effects of some deficits. While the effect your diet has on your body can be extremely complex, and mood disorders can be very complex, there are some simple aspects that we can all learn more about to help improve mental health:  

Serotonin

serotonin helps mental health

Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that carries messages between nerve cells through your body and is an important factor in regulating body functions such as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, and more. The gastrointestinal tract produces about 90% of serotonin from the foods you eat. With serotonin playing such a key role in mood, sleep, and digestion, having a low amount of serotonin in your body can induce symptoms such as mood changes, depression, anxiety, memory issues, sleep problems, and more! Foods rich in tryptophan (an amino acid) can boost serotonin levels and in turn, help you to improve your mental health. Foods rich in tryptophan include turkey, salmon, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate! 

Blood Sugar & Mood Swings 

blood sugar affects mental health

Your blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in your body and is typically the main source of energy. Having a blood sugar level that is not stable throughout the day will in turn affect your energy levels and leave you feeling anxious, lethargic, and weak. Simply put, blood sugar affects your mood stability. It is important to eat a meal of balanced healthy protein, fats, and carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar within range and not spike our insulin levels. Think “sugar high.”  

Simple carbs like sugary snacks or refined grains (“empty” carbs like pasta, white bread, rice, etc.) and even complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables, can make our blood sugar levels spike suddenly, then crash. After that crash we feel irritable, fatigued, and crave more sugar to bring back that initial spike. Meanwhile, prioritizing fat and protein alongside complex carbohydrates will slow down digestion and release a steady amount of glucose into the bloodstream, which in turn helps us to maintain a balanced blood sugar level and consistent mood.  

Omega-3 Fatty Acids & the Brain 

omega 3 helps mental health

Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of important healthy fats that are important for a number of bodily functions. Emerging research has shown a strong link between omega-3 fatty acids and improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for regulating mood. A diet that is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids may lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and/or depression so boosting the omega-3 fatty acids in your diet might just help you boost your mental health! Healthy fats are present in fatty fish like salmon or sardines, beef liver, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds. 

Gut Microbiota: The Gut-Brain Connection 

gut health affects mental health

Your gut microbiota is the bacteria that lives in the human digestive system and helps to harvest energy, digest food, and supports a strong immune defense. New research shows the bacteria in your gut can affect mood and behavior. So, if the “good” and “bad” bacteria in your gut is out of balance, then your gut is not able to do its job correctly in regulating your mood and behavior. Aim for a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods to help promote a diverse and healthy gut microbiota. These beneficial bacteria produce neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids, which positively impacts your mood.  

Micronutrients & Mood Disorders/Mental Health

mental health and vitamin deficiency

Micronutrients, which are more commonly known as vitamins and minerals, are essential to maintain a functioning and healthy body. If your body is not able to adequately digest the foods you are eating or you may not be eating a healthy, balanced diet, then it is likely that your body may not be getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals to support your body operating at its best and may prompt symptoms similar to anxiety and depression.

Deficiencies in micronutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and folate have been associated with depression and anxiety and could have a very simple solution that does not include trying different psychiatric medications. Consuming a variety of nutrient dense foods like leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and properly raised meats can help to ensure you are getting plenty of these mood-supporting nutrients. Optimizing your digestion to get all the nutrients out of your food is equally important and may require some help from a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.  

Nutritional Services at The Oxford Center for Mental Health 

No matter what is going on, The Oxford Center is here to help! Our nutritional services offer you the option to gather support in group classes as you learn all about food and the way food interacts with your body, or you can sign up for more personalized one-on-one support! Our functional nutrition therapy practitioner and restorative wellness practitioner is familiar with everything to do with food and your body, and she has personally gone through everything she asks clients to do!  

Contact us to learn more

TOC Talks Episode 11: “Is Your Gut CAUSING Anxiety/Depression?!”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in TOC Talks Podcast.

In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Nicole Cunningham, a Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), to discuss mental health and how our diet is affecting… or even CAUSING anxiety and depression! Listen in to find out how your diet affects your body, your mood, and how the bacteria in your gut might be CAUSING symptoms of anxiety and/or depression! Don’t miss out on this interesting and informative episode! 

Check It Out!

Want to learn more about our nutritional services? Check out what we have to offer! Nutritional Services – The Oxford Center

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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NPS

The Oxford Difference: How One Medical Center’s Unique Approach Earned a World-Class NPS Score

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, Blog Posts, Events, Informational, News.

We have all had moments when trying to find a new doctor or medical center and have some trouble. You want to find a center you can trust and one that will be as invested in your health as you are, but it’s hard! We might dive deep into reading reviews of the center or doctor, look at their credentials and degrees, etc. But what if there was a score from patients that showed their satisfaction? That way, you could see an unbiased score that accurately shows how consumers feel about the business. Thankfully, with an NPS score- there is.  

What is an NPS? 

NPS stands for ‘Net Promoter Score’. The NPS is a widely recognized customer loyalty metric that measures a customer’s satisfaction and willingness to recommend the company to others. It is something we have all probably filled out at one point but may have been unaware of what the score was lending itself to. An NPS survey is very simple: One question that asks how likely you are to recommend the business to others within a rating range from 0 to 10. Every business has an NPS, even though most of us are unaware. Scores range from –100 to (+)100 with ‘good’ scores ranging from 1-29, ‘great’ scores ranging from 30-70, and an ‘excellent’ score ranging from 71-100. For example, Amazon’s NPS is 51. Walmart’s NPS is 12. Starbuck’s NPS is 35.  

The average NPS in the medical field is 38. The famous John’s Hopkins Hospital, which has been ranked the number one healthcare facility in the nation, has an NPS of 34. Mayo Clinic’s NPS is 24. Cleveland Clinic’s NPS is 29. These are all widely, highly regarded medical centers. In comparison, The Oxford Center is a very small medical center. Yet, the NPS of The Oxford Center is 78.33 and our average for the 2023 year so far is 100. According to global NPS standards, any score of 70 and above is considered ‘world-class’ and a part of the top percentile.  

The Oxford Difference 

NPS

At The Oxford Center, we devote ourselves to doing our best to serve every client that comes in our door. We know firsthand what it is like to lose hope and feel lost and unheard in the healthcare system. That’s why we focus on The Oxford Difference. We may do things a little differently than some other healthcare facilities, but we believe that is what makes us better… and now, it is clear our clients think so too.  

The Oxford Center offers a long list of services, all under one convenient location. We offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Neurofeedback Therapy, primary care, Physical Therapy, Intensive TheraSuit Therapy, Speech Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Occupational Therapy, nutrition services, and more. We offer a 60,000 square foot facility that offers the largest area in the nation for Natural Environment Teaching complete with twelve functioning retail stores that include a smoothie shop, café, coffee shop, hair salon, pet store, and more. Our largest interest is in doing what is best for our clients and patients, which is why we seek out the best possible resources and materials for every aspect of our facility.  

Unlike most other facilities, we offer a synergistic approach in almost everything we do. For example, if someone comes to us after having a stroke, we will assess their individual needs and recommend all of our services that may be helpful to them rather than just focusing on a single treatment or therapy. Possibly the biggest reason we are different, though, is that you will not just be another patient or client, you’ll be family.   

The Oxford Family  

NPS

Coming to The Oxford Center is not like walking into just any medical center. It’s like walking into a family. So many of our staff have joined the team after being a client here first, so they personally know how the individuals and families walking in our doors feel. That understanding is why we believe we are more dedicated to helping than other healthcare facilities. We understand.

Our CEO and founder, Tami Peterson, created the company after being told there was nothing more to be done for her daughter and refusing to accept that. The Oxford Center’s functional nutrition therapy practitioner (FNTP) joined the team after suffering through a car accident and feeling that the medical system failed her. Our marketing director joined the team after losing hope that his daughter with Cerebral Palsy would be able to learn to walk. Many of our BCBA’s, therapists, and front desk staff grew frustrated with the limitations of other facilities and have children in our Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program. The list of staff members who have joined the team as a result of their own medical ventures goes on and on.  

This is why we often refer to ourselves as the Oxford family. Family is something that should be there for you in your hardest times, and ready to celebrate with you during your times of achievement. That is what we have all done with each other, and what we are devoted to doing with all of the clients that come in search of our help. A large family is a blessing, and thankfully, ours seems to just keep growing. 

How Can You Help?  

Our mission is, and has always been, to spread hope and healing as widely as possible. We know there are countless individuals and families out there that could use our help, and oftentimes the best form of marketing is word-of-mouth! If you thought of anyone while reading this article that has been struggling to remain hopeful or find the results they need, tell them about us! No matter what the case or condition is, we are here to help, listen, and support.

We have so many clients and patients who come to us with stories of losing hope after going from doctor to doctor for their child or condition, and we don’t think it has to be that way. While we don’t perform miracles, we can guarantee that we will do everything in our power to care for you and won’t stop fighting because that’s what family does. Meanwhile, we will do everything we can to provide hope and healing while we welcome others into our Oxford Family.  

Contact Us

April 2023 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Camp ABA is Coming Soon!

The Oxford Center’s Camp ABA combines traditional ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy with all the best parts of a summer camp! This program features Natural Environment Teaching and a one-to-one child to behavior technician ratio. Kids will get to meet targets, develop skills, practice modified behaviors, and play with others their age! Every day, they will participate in fun camp-themed activities that are accompanying targeted skills and engaging lessons. 

If you want to learn more about our Camp ABA program, click here! Camp ABA runs Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and is insurance covered with an autism diagnosis! Camp will begin around mid-June so make sure you sign up soon! We understand how challenging summer months can be for you and your child, so we are eager to help! Click the link below to contact us or call us at 248-486-3636 and ask about signing up for camp! Don’t wait to transform your child’s summer break- space is limited! 

Learn More About Camp ABA

More Ways to Give!

If you are interested in helping with the Oxford Kids Foundation, we are looking into adding even more ways to make that possible! For years, we were a proud partner of Amazon Smile, which allowed a portion of proceeds to be donated to the Oxford Kids Foundation every time you shopped. Regrettably, Amazon is closing its’ Amazon Smile program to focus on other philanthropic ventures. 

Thankfully, there are still ways to give! We are happy to share that we are partnered with Kroger to make giving easy and convenient for you every time you shop. You can now link your Kroger card to The Oxford Kids Foundation! You can help provide life-changing therapies to children that need them, and Kroger will donate funds based on the shopping you do every day. There’s no cost to you and all you have to do is enter your Kroger Shoppers card at checkout!

Link your card to The Oxford Kids Foundation today by clicking the link below. 

Link Your Kroger Card

2023 Be the Change Gala is Fast Approaching!

Don’t forget The Oxford Center will be hosting the 13th Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction for the Oxford Kids Foundation on April 22nd! This event is a longstanding and beloved tradition in raising funds to support children with disabilities, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries.  

Tickets for the Gala are available for purchase now. Tickets will feature fine dining, access to our silent/live auction, and drinks will be available. If you can’t attend, you are in luck! Our online auction is open to the public and opens at 9 AM on April 14th! For more information on the Gala, how to purchase tickets, and access the auction click here.  

If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the “Be the Change” gala event, please contact andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org to look over a sponsorship packet. 

We can’t wait to be a part of the change with you! 

Buy Your Tickets Now!

TOC Talks Podcast

The Oxford Center is excited to say our new podcast is going great! Our new podcast is released once a week and is released every Thursday. Our TOC Talks podcast can be found on all streaming platforms with a video podcast on our Facebook and YouTube page. Every week, follow our Marketing Director Andrew Kistner as he dives into different issues and stories here at The Oxford Center with a new special guest every week! In our podcast, you can hear the personal stories of some of our patients and their journey with The Oxford Center, learn more about how some of our services can benefit different conditions, learn more about some of our staff here at The Oxford Center, discover new techniques and tips to help improve your life, and more!

If you have any topics or ideas you’d like to hear about in our podcast, let us know! You can submit any thoughts, suggestions, or questions by emailing our podcast host himself, Andrew Kistner, at andrew@theoxfordcenter.com.  

Check out our episodes below and don’t forget to subscribe! 

Pandora

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

IHeartRadio

Stitcher

TuneIn

TOC Talks Episode 9: “The Future of Mental Health?”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in Specific Therapies, TOC Talks Podcast.

In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew continues his discussion with JeAnnah Powell, our Director of Neurofeedback! Together, they go into how neurofeedback works and looks for clients, how it is different in other facilities, and all the possibilities neurofeedback has to help anything from mental health to cognitive injuries! Tune in to find out if neurofeedback therapy really is the future of mental health! 

Check It Out!

Want to learn more about Neurofeedback Therapy? Check out what we have to offer! Neurofeedback – The Oxford Center

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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Camp ABA: Transforming Summer Break for Children with Autism

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, Autism/ABA Therapy, Blog Posts.

For many, summer is a time of relaxation. Children are out of school on summer vacation, parents are planning trips and looking forward to their vacations. But for parents of a child with autism, they might not view summer as such a relaxing time. Suddenly, they need to find care for their child, and they may be worrying about the loss of learning and progress their child will have over the summer. Thankfully, The Oxford Center is offering a one-of-a-kind program that offers these children and families a solution- Camp ABA.  

What Makes Camp ABA Different?

The Oxford Center’s Camp ABA combines traditional ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy with all the best parts of a summer camp! This program is run by BCBA’s in addition to fun weekly activities planned by behavior technicians who have experience in at least two or more of these areas: camp counseling, event planning, teaching, and of course, ABA. These technicians collaborate with the ABA director, Jessica Dodson, as well as a team of BCBAs to integrate principles of ABA into camp activities. Kids are divided into groups for matching ages, skill level, and specific abilities.

Group activities are planned and organized with modifications for each individual group so all kids can participate. Kids can work on the following skills during activities: Receptive and expressive identification, meaningful hand raising, purposeful questions, memory retention, collaborative/competitive play, waiting, standing/walking in lines, group-specific social goals, relationship building, and much more… All through the avenue of play! 

What Can We Expect?

This is not your typical ABA program… Kids in our Camp ABA program benefit from traditional ABA while feeling the excitement of being at summer camp! This program features Natural Environment Teaching and a one-to-one child to behavior technician ratio. Kids will get to meet targets, develop skills, practice modified behaviors, and play with others their age! Every day, they will participate in fun camp-themed activities that are accompanying targeted skills and engaging lessons. 

Last year’s campers had themed weeks like beach week, nature week, space week, camping week, farm week, and more! Every day had fun activities tied to engaging lessons like building a beach ecosystem in a jar tied to a lesson about water safety, planting lima beans in soil tied to identifying safe and dangerous plants, making clay dinosaur fossils while learning how fossils form, making avocado art while learning how to garden, and more!  

How Do I Learn More?

If you want to learn more about our Camp ABA program, click here! Camp ABA runs Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and is insurance covered with an autism diagnosis! Camp will begin around mid-June so make sure you sign up soon! We understand how challenging summer months can be for you and your child, so we are eager to help! Click the link below to contact us or call us at 248-486-3636 and ask about signing up for camp! Don’t wait to transform your child’s summer break- space is limited! 

Contact Us for More Information

TOC Talks Episode 8: “Can Your Brain Run More Efficiently?”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with JeAnnah Powell, our Director of Neurofeedback! They discuss JeAnnah’s history and journey with viral encephalitis that inspired her mother to open The Oxford Center, what neurofeedback therapy is, and how neurofeedback can help just about anyone with a brain! Tune in to find out why everybody with a brain could benefit from neurofeedback therapy and if your brain can run more efficiently! Spoiler alert- it probably can!

Check It Out!

Haven’t heard the full story of how The Oxford Center was formed? Read about it here!

Want to learn more about Neurofeedback Therapy? Check out what we have to offer! Neurofeedback – The Oxford Center

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

TOC Talks | RSS.com

TOC Talks – Can Your Brain Run More Efficiently? TOC Talks EP:8  | RSS.com