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!
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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!
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“I don’t think you realize you’ve lost hope until you find it again.”
-Emily Kistner
If you have been to our Brighton location of The Oxford Center or if you have visited our website, you are probably familiar with Grace Kistner. For those who are not familiar with Gracie, she is an adorable little girl who loves exploring, watching Candy Crush, watching the minnow in the Axolotl tank, and giving hugs. Gracie’s journey began long before discovering The Oxford Center, but it changed her life and her family’s life once treatment began here.
Gracie’s Beginning
Born at 5lbs 1oz, Gracie was tiny, but always happy and healthy. At 6 months old, she began missing milestones and the doctor noticed low tone. At 9 months old, she still had low tone, head lag, and was not meeting milestones. Gracie began Physical Therapy, and her parents, Andrew and Emily, were encouraged not to worry. Gracie’s parents were often told that every child is different, they grow at their own pace, and that she would probably just catch up one day.
At 12 months, the developmental delays and low tone continued, and Gracie’s parents found a new Physical Therapy clinic to try, as not much progress was made with the current PT they were in. After several months, Gracie began to make progress, eventually sitting up on her own, but it was slow, and Gracie hated every minute of Physical Therapy. Watching their baby cry through 45 minutes a week of therapy was devastating to Gracie’s parents, but they pushed on, knowing it was what she needed. Aquatic Therapy was mentioned to Gracie’s parents, and as Gracie had loved the water since she was an infant, they enrolled her. Gracie loved it from the first session, and seeing Gracie’s joy and not one tear during this new Physical Therapy brought her mom to tears.
Diagnosing Gracie
At 24 months, Gracie was still developmentally delayed, still missing milestones, and started displaying spasms and twitches. This led to a new part of Gracie’s journey, with consults to Neurology, Genetics, and Physical Medicine and Rehab. Blood tests were done and an MRI of the brain, but everything came back normal. The lack of answers to explain Gracie’s delays and spasms was frustrating but was the start of a pattern that would be repeated often throughout Gracie’s journey.
At 3 years old, Gracie was still delayed, still not speaking, and progress was slow, so a new consult was placed to a Developmental Delay Pediatrician. Within minutes of walking into the doctor’s office, Gracie was given a diagnosis of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy. As Gracie’s parents had been told for years to be patient and that Gracie may still just catch up one day on her own, this was devastating. They were told that there was no cure for Cerebral Palsy, and the only treatment was therapies. After learning this, Gracie’s parents began every therapy they could find for her, eventually adding OT, Speech, and Hippotherapy to her current aquatic and clinic Physical Therapy. Gracie began to gain strength in her core, using a gait trainer, and a reverse walker with a seat sling and pelvic stabilizer. Gracie’s parents took her everywhere to let her explore with her newfound mobility using this equipment. Gracie’s parents tried alternative therapies to help as well, including chiropractor and cranial sacral massage.
Finding The Oxford Center
In December 2019, Gracie’s parents discovered The Oxford Center after a family member heard an ad on the radio about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Cerebral Palsy. Willing to try anything that could help Gracie, a Discovery Session was scheduled, and an hour drive was made from Toledo, Ohio to Brighton, Michigan to learn more about it. From the moment Gracie’s parents walked into The Oxford Center, they were made to feel at home. Gracie connected instantly with the staff, and this was so important to her parents as they knew she needed to trust and love the people who would be working with her. After learning how HBOT could help with Cerebral Palsy, Gracie’s parents were told about Intensive Physical Therapy that used TheraSuit. Willing to try anything, appointments were scheduled, and arrangements were made to relocate for eight weeks to begin this new journey in February 2020, and oh, what a journey it was. Gracie’s parents found something they didn’t realize they had lost. Hope.
Wanting to document the therapy sessions and the progress hoped for, Gracie’s parents took pictures and videos to share with family and friends back home who were praying for Gracie. The progress that Gracie made was phenomenal, both from HBOT and TheraSuit. Cognitive improvements were seen as Gracie learned how to safely slide down the stairs, something her parents had worked on for months. Physical progress was seen as she learned to take steps with parallel bars and push from sitting to standing. Gracie’s trip was cut short due to COVID, but her parents scheduled her to return for another round of both therapies in September of 2020, and again saw much progress both physically and cognitively.
Oxford Kids Foundation
After the second trip for therapies in September 2020, Gracie’s parents wanted to schedule another trip, but as they had paid out of pocket for two rounds of each therapy already in addition to housing and living costs, they were out of money. That was when they heard about the Oxford Kids Foundation. The Oxford Kids Foundation is a 501(3)c non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers that helps provide funding and access to essential therapies that are not covered by insurance in the state of Michigan. Immediately, Gracie’s parents applied for a grant to help with costs for another trip. They were approved for a grant and with the help of a GoFund me started by Andrew’s sister, a third round of therapies began in January 2021 and eventually a fourth round in May of 2021. Gracie’s parents are so incredibly grateful for the opportunities that were made possible for Gracie through the help from the Oxford Kids Foundation.
Autism Diagnosis
Gracie made incredible progress during her therapies at The Oxford Center, but her parents noticed some things that were concerning. Gracie seemed to be very sensitive to certain sounds, was overly focused on spinning objects, would crawl or walk away from her parents, and many more. She had been evaluated for Autism at age two, but as she looked at the psychologist and reached for her, a diagnosis was dismissed, and her parents were told “Autistic kids don’t do that”. If you are unfamiliar with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it presents differently in girls than it does for boys. Girls tend to be more social naturally, while boys may not be. After learning more about ASD, Gracie’s parents decided to have her evaluated again in June of 2021. This new specialist was experienced in evaluating girls for concerns of Autism, but also separating the characteristics of Cerebral Palsy and developmental delay from ASD. After many questions and an in-person evaluation with Gracie, it was confirmed that Grace was on the Autism Spectrum. This diagnosis added a new path to Gracie’s journey in the form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Gracie is Walking!
During Gracie’s Discovery Session in December of 2019, a nurse asked her parents what their goals were for her. While they had many goals, the primary goal was for Gracie to be able to walk. While she was small at that point, they knew there would come a time when they would no longer be able to carry her, and the ability to walk would greatly change all of their lives. In the fall of 2021, Gracie began walking independently. Her parents will forever remember the “firsts” that happened at The Oxford Center. The first time she stood up from sitting, the first time she stood independently, and the first time she walked across the lobby of The Oxford Center to get to her favorite nurse, Elizabeth. So many firsts that at one point Gracie’s parents weren’t sure they would ever see, and so many “firsts” to come.
What is Gracie up to Now?
Gracie attends ABA and also has Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. While she is still nonverbal, she is learning to communicate on a “talker” and has been able to make her need and wants known this way. She is continuing to gain strength and new skills, and her parents can’t wait to see what else is in her future.
Want to Learn More About the Oxford Kids Foundation?
The Oxford Kids Foundation helps hundreds of children, like Grace, get access to the therapies they need every year! This Foundation has the power to change the life of a child, a parent, and an entire family. This mission is one that is close to the heart of us all here at The Oxford Center. That is why The Oxford Center is hosting the Oxford Kids Foundation’s 13th annual ‘Be The Change’ Fundraising Gala!
The ‘Be The Change’ Gala will take place on April 22nd at 5 P.M. Buying a ticket to the Gala will get you access to an elegant multi-course plated dinner, access to our live auction, and amazing entertainment. Plus, you’ll have a chance to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. All proceeds from the event go directly towards helping children receive the therapies they desperately need!
We’re also offering an online auction, open to the public, which includes unique and exciting baskets, vacations, experiences, and more! Even if you can’t make it to the event, you can still bid on some amazing items and help support a great cause. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to give back and have a great time doing it. Visit theoxfordkidsfoundation.org to get your tickets and access the auction today!
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. At The Oxford Center, we care about the safety of everyone in our building, so we want to make everyone is as prepared as possible if we ever had an emergency… including the police officers.
That’s why Officer Ed, our security officer for The Oxford Center, is holding a “Autism & Law Enforcement Workshop“! This workshop is open to police officers who would like to learn more about how to respond to a situation where individuals with Autism and other psychiatric conditions might be present. We have invited officers from the city of Brighton, Green Oak Township, Livingston County, and the Michigan State Police. Officers in attendance will receive training in identifying characteristics of people with autism, de-escalation techniques, techniques when responding to an emergency at The Oxford Center, interactions with a person(s) with Autism, and communication techniques.
This workshop will take place at The Oxford Center on Wednesday, May 3rd from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. If you know of any police officers who could benefit from this workshop, please direct them to register at the link below.
Welcome to CP Awareness month! CP stands for Cerebral Palsy, and all of March is dedicated to raising awareness about this condition, so The Oxford Center is going to join in this endeavor. Many of us may have a family member or know someone with Cerebral Palsy, but we might not actually know much about the condition. Thankfully, The Oxford Center is here to help you learn more and raise awareness about this condition!
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or early childhood. At this point, Cerebral Palsy affects roughly 1 in 500 children worldwide, and its severity can vary widely from person to person.
Every week, The Oxford Center will be posting different graphics, articles, and podcast episodes that will help to educate and raise awareness about this condition. Look out for our updates every week on our website and social media platforms!
ABA Academy has been busy this past month with art projects, science experiments, music, gym, reading, writing, and math lessons that follow a weekly theme. Some of our themes so far have been National Library Lovers Week, Dental Health, and Time.
During National Library Lovers Week, we learned all about books! We learned the parts of a book, the jobs of an author and illustrator, genres, and of course all about what libraries have to offer. We were even visited by two librarians from The Brighton Public Library!
During Dental Health week, we visited our very own Oxford Center Dino Dentist chair and made elephant toothpaste in a science group. We started March off with the theme of Time by making clocks, learning how to tell time, and playing What Time is it Mr. Fox? in gym.
Stay tuned for our upcoming themes and adventures for the rest of the month of March like Weather, St. Patrick’s, and The Five Senses.
The ‘Be the Change’ Fundraising 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. For more information on the Gala and how to purchase tickets, please click here.
If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the “Be the Change” gala event, please click here for more information or contact andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org to look over a sponsorship packet. The Oxford Kids Foundation is also accepting donations of any unique quality to be included in the Gala’s silent/live auction. If you would like to make any item donations to the Gala auction, please contact Andrew Kistner at andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org.
We can’t wait to be a part of the change with you!
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.
The Oxford Center is excited to say that we have successfully launched our new podcast and it 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!
The Oxford Center is thrilled to welcome Nicole Cunningham to our team as the head of our nutritional services program. Nicole is a certified Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP). Nicole offers individual and whole group nutrition classes that are highly personalized and customizable to what will best suit each individual. Our nutrition coaching seeks to help you learn more about food and how it interacts with your body, learn what foods and diets will work best for you and your specific needs, and support you on your journey to making ever-healthier nutritional choices. Clients will find that it is empowering knowing that you can change and improve your health without needing help from anything else.
Nicole’s journey with nutrition began 10 years ago with the birth of her son, Cameron. Cameron was born with over seven true food allergies and about a dozen food sensitivities that caused his body to break out in rashes and made eating exceedingly difficult. She spent countless hours poring over research, trying different foods, and tracking the effects different foods had on her and her son’s body. Eventually Nicole’s efforts paid off, and she eliminated all but one of her son’s food allergies. Through this journey, Nicole discovered a passion for nutrition and understanding the effects someone’s diet might have on their body and overall health.
Nicole has personally gone through everything a client would go through and is here to help guide every client on their way to understanding food and their body and improving their overall quality of life.
The Oxford Center is excited to launch our new podcast, “The Oxford Center Talks” (or TOC Talks for short!). Our new podcast will be released on Thursdays once a week and will be able to 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 first episode below and don’t forget to subscribe!
Any parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) knows what a challenge it can be to manage the condition at home, ON TOP of managing everything else at home. Being a parent is such a wonderful gift, but it is also a full-time job and can be exhausting at times. Adding on managing an ASD diagnosis could very easily prove to be exhausting for many parents. Thankfully, The Oxford Center can share some tips and tricks to help you manage while providing the best environment possible for your children and yourself.
Jessica Dodson, our ABA Program Director, says “At The Oxford Center, we help create routines within a successful environment to not only help the child grow, but the whole family. I have so many parents that focus on comparing how their child is doing against how another child is doing, so I always remind my parents and caregivers that everyone has their own separate path and journey. Most importantly, remember that we will all make it through our paths with a little teamwork and perseverance.”
Our COMPASS program is underway! All of our students have been working very hard this past month. Our COMPASS program is targeted towards teens and adults diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders. In this program, we help these individuals learn the skills needed to move on to the next stage of their life whether that be going to and succeeding in higher education, living independently, obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment, and more.
We talked to Matt Nivison, our COMPASS Coordinator, and he has this to say about the first class of COMPASS students. “The first class is going excellent. I am so incredibly proud of them all. You can see how hard they’re working, how quickly they’re picking things up, and just how much they want this. Every day, they’re actively taking steps to succeed and grow and it’s so cool to watch it happen in an environment where they don’t have to worry about the negative consequences that we all faced in our first jobs. They’re learning what works for them while gaining experience and confidence! It’s really, very cool”.
The program will run for approximately 6 months, 5 days per week, for 3 hours per day. If you would like to learn more about the program or ask about enrollment, please feel free to contact us at 248-486-3636.
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. For more information on the Gala and how to purchase tickets, please click here.
If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the “Be the Change” gala event, please click here for more information or contact andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org to look over a sponsorship packet. The Oxford Kids Foundation is also accepting donations of any unique quality to be included in the Gala’s silent/live auction. If you would like to make any item donations to the Gala auction, please contact Andrew Kistner at andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org.
We can’t wait to be a part of the change with you!
Any parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) knows what a challenge it can be to manage the condition at home, ON TOP of managing everything else at home. Being a parent is such a wonderful gift, but it is also a full-time job and can be exhausting at times. Adding on managing an ASD diagnosis could very easily prove to be exhausting for many parents. Thankfully, The Oxford Center can share some tips and tricks to help you manage while providing the best environment possible for your children and yourself.
Tips and Tricks to Help you Manage ASD at Home
Establish a routine: Having a structured routine can provide comfort and stability for individuals with autism. Keep a consistent schedule for daily activities, such as mealtimes and bedtime.
Create a sensory-friendly environment: Autistic individuals may have sensitivities to light, sound, and touch. Try to minimize sensory triggers by using soft lighting, avoiding loud noises, and incorporating soft textures in the home.
Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as schedules and diagrams, can help individuals with autism understand and follow routines. Use pictures, symbols, and charts to help with communication and organization.
Encourage independence: Autistic individuals often benefit from learning and practicing new skills. Encourage independence by allowing them to participate in daily activities, such as cooking and cleaning.
Provide a quiet space: It is important for individuals with autism to have a quiet space to retreat to when they become overwhelmed. A designated quiet room or corner can provide a calming environment.
Practice social skills: Autistic individuals may have difficulties with social interaction. Encourage and practice social skills at home by playing games and engaging in conversation.
Implement calming strategies: Autistic individuals may become overwhelmed and need to calm down. Implement calming strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, to help manage emotions.
Seek professional help: If necessary, seek the help of professionals, such as therapists or behavior specialists, to support individuals with autism and provide resources for managing autism at home.
Managing autism spectrum disorder at home can be a challenge, but with patience, understanding, and the right strategies, individuals with autism can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
How to Practice Self-Care While Managing ASD at Home
As parents, we love our children and always want the best for them. Sometimes, we get so focused on taking care of our children and families that we forget about taking care of ourselves too. We all know that self-care is the first step in being able to care for someone else, so let’s look at some ways to help take care of yourself first!
Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends.
Seek support: Connect with other parents in similar situations through support groups or online communities and consider seeing a therapist or counselor for individual support.
Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or yoga, into your daily routine to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
Take breaks: Make time for short breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet time.
Set realistic expectations: Be realistic about what you can accomplish and delegate responsibilities to other family members or caregivers when possible.
Use respite services: Consider using respite services to provide temporary relief and allow for some personal time.
Take vacations: Plan and take regular vacations to recharge and refresh.
Remember, taking care of yourself is crucial for being able to provide the best care for your child with autism. Prioritizing self-care can help improve your physical and emotional well-being and increase your ability to manage autism at home.
How Can The Oxford Center Help?
The Oxford Center is dedicated to providing the best possible services for each of our children and helping parents be as successful as possible. In our Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program, we place a focus on not only working with your child to ensure success, but we focus on working with you too. We know that consistency is important for a child with ASD, so we want to make sure we spend time working with parents to go over what their child is learning during ABA therapy and how parents can best support that learning at home.
Jessica Dodson, our ABA Program Director, says “At The Oxford Center, we help create routines within a successful environment to not only help the child grow, but the whole family. I have so many parents that focus on comparing how their child is doing against how another child is doing, so I always remind my parents and caregivers that everyone has their own separate path and journey. Most importantly, remember that we will all make it through our paths with a little teamwork and perseverance.”
Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your child be successful at 248-486-3636.
Some recent studies have shown that ABA therapy may have a link to PTSD in individuals with autism- but is this always accurate? How do you know what is best for your child? How can you find the best, safe, care for them? The Oxford Center can help answer some of your questions!
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, which is a scientific approach to understanding and modifying behavior. It is often used in the treatment of autism and other developmental disorders. ABA can also help in educational settings to improve academic performance and social skills. ABA therapy typically involves breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, measurable components. It uses positive reinforcement techniques to teach new skills and improve existing ones. There is a wide range of ABA programs available throughout the country, with many programs operating slightly differently from one another.
Research Study Overview
In 2018, an independent researcher named Henny Kupferstein published a research study titled “Evidence of Increased PTSD Symptoms in Autistics Exposed to Applied Behavior Analysis”. This study sent an online questionnaire to 460 respondents to measure the connection of PTSD symptoms with adults and children exposed to applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy in early childhood intervention. According to this study, “Nearly half (46 percent) of the ABA-exposed respondents met the diagnostic threshold for PTSD, and extreme levels of severity were recorded in 47 percent of the affected subgroup” (Kupferstein 2018). The type of ABA therapy used in the study were programs that force eye contact, punish self-stimulating behaviors (stimming), and force participants to work at tables without alternative seating for hours. These programs use both reinforcement and punishment procedures as a way to modify behavior.
Limitations in the Study
This study includes an account of the limitations of the research. The study acknowledges a disproportionate amount of female versus male responders. Kupferstein also writes “These accompanied significant discrepancies in reporting bias between caregivers and ABA-exposed individuals, which highlight the need for the inclusion of the adult autistic voice in future intervention design” (2018).
This study fails to note the dependency on the type of ABA program being described. ABA programs that use punishment methods, force eye contact, provide no appropriate stimulation, etc. are bound to be unsuccessful and psychologically damaging for children with autism and other developmental disorders. The quality of care given to our children matters, always. This study fails to survey respondents who attended a high-quality ABA program that does NOT use punishment and other harmful methods. The research in this study is not accurate or complete for all ABA programs.
What The Oxford Center Offers
The Village of TOC offers the best location in the country for natural environment teaching in our ABA program.
Programs at The Oxford Center are different from the programs in the study. Our ABA program provides the highest-quality care and attention for your children. At The Oxford Center, our synergistic approach to autism is unlike any other ABA center. We provide center-based ABA services and other beneficial therapies like occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, art classes, music classes and more. We usenatural environment teaching(NET) and offer the best facility in the country for NET. NET allows children to learn and grow in a real-life, simulated environment which is extremely important for a child with autism.
The Oxford Center offers The Village of TOC, the only facility of its kind in the US. This is the best location in the country for natural environment teaching. The Village features indoor sidewalks, streetlights, crosswalks, grass, park benches, and roads. Twelve fully functioning retail stores, including a dentist office, hair salon, coffee shop, grocery store, and more, surround our park setting. Our features at The Village of TOC allow individuals to learn in a safe and controlled natural environment. Our ABA program uses NET to teach real-life skills while in a simulated real-life environment. We reward with play to improve social skills all while working to ensure goals. In our park setting, children are able to ride bikes and scooters around the indoor roads to boost engagement.
The Oxford Center Difference
At The Oxford Center, we always put the needs of our children first. We promote skill acquisition with natural teaching techniques and incorporate physical activity and music to teach skills. Our ABA program encourages attending skills only to the point that allows the child to function successfully across their environments. We promote pivotal response theory, which is a child-directed reinforcement procedure that uses individual interests to reinforce positive behavior. Our program does NOT use any type of punishment procedure… EVER. We seek to create a positive, engaging, and caring environment for our children, always.
Contact our team at The Oxford Center today to discuss the learning possibilities available through our ABA and NET programs. Call us at 248-486-3636 to schedule a no-fee discovery session.
Do you find that your experiences with your child with autism are different than your friends’ experiences with neurotypical children? This monthly program is designated to connect you with parent who are experiencing child development the way that you are. Learn to navigate the world of autism and connect with local parents who understand. Develop new friendships for yourself and your children.
Monthly topics will be outlined.
October: When things don’t go as planned.
When:
6:00pm-7:00pm
Brighton – Second Tuesday of the month
Troy – Second Wednesday of the month
Location:
Brighton: 7030 Whitmore Lake Road
Troy: 165 Kirts Blvd #500
We are excited to welcome Kelly Hartigan who is launching our new speech therapy program here at The Oxford Center. Kelly received her Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and her Master’s degree from The George Washington University. Both children and adults will benefit from our speech therapy program.
Speech Programs for Children
As an additional offering for our ARTS program (Autism Recovery Thru Synergy), our Speech Therapy will be play or academic based, depending on the child’s age and specific needs. Other conditions that will benefit from this offering include children with delayed speech-language development, cerebral palsy and genetic disorders. Children going through our speech therapy program often experience an improvement in their ability to put words together, communicate their wants/needs, and initiate social interactions to engage with their family and peers.
Speech Programs for Adults
Our programs for adults will augment our offerings for stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, head-neck cancer, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological diseases. Outcomes for these patients include preparing the individual to get back to work, improving their memory skills, swallowing, to being able to manage their own medication.
Kelly holds a certification in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT-LOUD) typically used for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological diseases. This is an intensive one-on-one treatment that focuses on vocal loudness, breath support, voice quality, intonation, speech articulation and facial expression.
Types of Speech Therapy
Expressive, receptive, social language therapy
Voice therapy
Cognition-memory, reasoning, problem-solving, attention, executive function
Motor speech therapy-apraxia of speech, dysarthria
Swallowing
Fluency-stuttering, cluttering
To implement your speech program:
We will get an understanding of your background and condition
You will undergo age-appropriate assessments focusing on what is important to your family
We will establish a treatment plan
Therapy will begin To see if our program is fit for you, schedule a no-fee discovery session.
What is a Discovery Session, and why do I need one?
The purpose of the Discovery Session is for one of our team members to better understand your situation and what your journey has been like so far. From there, our team member can discuss COMPASS in more detail and how it can help give you success in your next states of meaningful employment.
Please fill out the form below if you would like our staff to contact you, answer your questions, or get you scheduled for a free Discovery Session.
