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Why Play Matters for Children with Autism

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Through play, children can:

  • Explore new toys and interests. Many children naturally gravitate toward a few favorite toys or items. By introducing a wider variety of play materials, we expand their opportunities to discover new games and activities.

  • Practice sharing and turn-taking. These skills can be difficult for most children and take time to learn. Play with peers creates a natural space to practice the “rules” of sharing and turn-taking.

  • Learn to recognize and respond to social cues. Play helps children notice facial expressions, gestures, and body language, and practice responding in appropriate ways.

  • Build emotional regulation. Role play and pretend play are fun, interactive ways for children to practice managing big feelings and applying coping strategies they have learned.

  • Develop creativity and problem-solving skills. Open-ended play encourages imagination and helps children explore different ways to solve problems.

  • Build relationships. While some children prefer solitary play, engaging with peers through play creates opportunities to connect and form meaningful friendships.

What is the difference between structured and unstructured play?

Both structured and unstructured play support important developmental skills in different ways:

  • Structured play (like board games or guided activities) provides practice in skills children have already learned. With adult support, children gain confidence and experience success.
  • Unstructured play (like building with blocks or imaginative pretend play) allows creativity to flourish. It encourages independence while still giving adults the chance to enrich the experience by narrating the child’s actions and following their lead.

What parents should know

Play is more than fun — it’s a powerful way for children to learn, grow, and connect with others. Whether structured or unstructured, every type of play offers children a chance to develop skills that prepare them for school, friendship, and life.

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we believe in the power of play. That’s why it is at the heart of our Steps Ahead Day Program (ages 2-6) and Social Skills Groups (grades 1st – 5th and grades 6th – 8th). Through guided and play-based learning, children build communication, confidence, and relationships that last.

Learn more about our programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Play and Autism

Does play therapy help children with autism?

Yes. Play therapy helps children with autism build communication, social, and emotional skills in a natural, supportive setting. It provides opportunities for self-expression, problem-solving, and learning how to connect with others.

How can parents encourage play at home?

Parents can encourage play by offering a variety of toys, joining in their child’s play, and following the child’s lead. Even 10–15 minutes of daily play can help strengthen connection, boost confidence, and practice skills learned in therapy.

What is the difference between structured play and unstructured play?

Structured play includes guided activities with clear rules, like board games or puzzles, and helps children practice specific skills. Unstructured play, such as pretend play or free building, fosters creativity, independence, and imagination.

Why is play important for children with autism?

Play is essential because it teaches children how to share, take turns, read social cues, regulate emotions, and form friendships — all while having fun.

Why Early Intervention Changes the Future

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Why does early intervention matter?

Early intervention can significantly improve a child’s developmental outcomes. Research shows that children who start services early are more likely to experience:

  • Better communication and language skills.
  • Stronger social skills and emotional regulation.
  • Greater independence in daily living activities.
  • Increased readiness for school and future learning.

How does early intervention help families?

Early intervention benefits the whole family, not just the child. Parents and caregivers gain:

  • Practical tools for supporting their child at home.
  • Confidence in handling everyday challenges.
  • Strategies for creating consistent routines.
  • Support from professionals who understand autism.

What does Autism F.I.R.S.T. offer for early intervention?

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we provide the F.I.R.S.T. Steps Ahead Day Program for children ages 2-6. This program uses structured activities, play-based learning, and individualized therapy plans to help children build the foundations they need for a brighter future.

Learn more about our Early Intervention Program → 

People Also Ask –  FAQs

  • At what age should early intervention start for autism? 

Early intervention ideally begins as soon as developmental concerns are noticed, often during infancy or early toddlerhood. Research shows that services that started before age 3-6 lead to better communication, social, and developmental outcomes. In fact, a 2025 review by Simacek and colleagues found that behavioral interventions introduced in infancy and early toddlerhood significantly improve developmental trajectories. (Simacek et al., 2025→)

  • What services are included in early intervention for autism?

Common services include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and play-based social learning.

  • Does early intervention work for every child with autism?

Every child is unique, but research shows that most children benefit in areas like communication, social skills, independence, and school readiness.

  • How can parents support early intervention at home?

Parents can reinforce therapy by practicing daily routines, using visual supports, encouraging play, and working closely with their child’s care team.

  • Where can families find early intervention programs in Virginia?

Autism F.I.R.S.T offers the F.I.R.S.T. Steps Ahead Day Program (ages 2-6) in Chantilly and Herndon. Our sister-company Family Insight provides the Early Steps Program across their Virginia locations.

Check out the Virginia locations for Autism F.I.R.S.T. and Family Insight here →

 

What Parents Should Know

Early intervention helps children with autism build communication, independence, and social-emotional skills. Families who start services early give their child the strongest possible foundation for the future.

The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia Pt. 3

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From Local Impact to Statewide Reach

With 9 clinics now operating across Virginia — from Herndon and Chantilly to Roanoke and Richmond — our footprint reflects a powerful promise: every family deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care, regardless of their zip code.

And it doesn’t stop at physical locations. Through our statewide at-home services, families in rural and underserved communities can now receive support that once felt out of reach.

Whether you walk through our doors or invite us into your home, our care meets you where you are — literally and emotionally.

A Unified Team of Experts

Behind this unification is a growing, integrated team of professionals including:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
  • Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
  • Licensed Therapists
  • Care Coordinators and Intake Specialists 

By fostering internal collaboration across sites and disciplines, we ensure families receive wraparound care — not siloed services.

Innovation with Purpose

This expanded network allows us to:

  • Standardize training and best practices statewide
  • Accelerate professional development and hiring policies
  • Invest in new technologies to streamline care and communication
  • Reduce overall healthcare costs through preventative, timely intervention

The result is a more efficient, effective, and equitable system — one that benefits families, communities, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.

“Care That Grows With You”

At the heart of this transformation is a simple but powerful belief:

Growth isn’t just for children. It’s for families. For providers. For communities.

Our work doesn’t end at enrollment. We’re committed to walking alongside families — from early diagnosis to school transitions, adolescence to adulthood. This is care that adapts, evolves, and grows with every stage of the journey.

Looking Ahead

As we close this three-part series, we invite our families and partners to join us in shaping the future of behavioral health in Virginia. Together, we are building a legacy of care — one that’s defined not by boundaries, but by belonging.

The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia Pt. 2

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Why Speed Matters in Behavioral Health

When a parent is told their child may benefit from ABA therapy, every week without help can feel overwhelming. Delays increase family stress, stall developmental progress, and deepen disparities — especially in underserved areas.

Our response? A reimagined intake and access process that puts families first.

What We’ve Changed — And Why It Works

Thanks to our expanded network of 9 clinics across Virginia and the addition of statewide in-home services, here’s how we’re making care more immediate:

Streamlined Intake Process
Our team responds to new inquiries quickly, ensuring families feel seen, supported, and guided through the next steps — from insurance verification to program placement.

Flexible Service Delivery
Whether families prefer in-clinic or in-home therapy, our merged teams offer options that match family needs, schedules, and comfort levels.

Cross-Clinic Coordination
With multiple locations and shared systems, we can shift staffing and resources to open up availability — removing regional bottlenecks.

Entry Into Outpatient Services
For adolescents and adults, our new outpatient offerings open doors to consistent behavioral and mental health care — faster.

From Call to Care: What Families Can Expect

When a family reaches out today, they’re met with:

  • Prompt response from intake coordinators
  • Clear explanation of programs and eligibility
  • Assistance with insurance and paperwork
  • Fast-tracked evaluations and placements

Whether a family is in Herndon or Roanoke, our mission is the same: we’re ready when you are.

What It Means for the Future

Our system isn’t just growing — it’s getting smarter and more responsive. With data-driven planning and statewide collaboration, we’re proving that fast care can also be high-quality care.

And when families get the support they need, when they need it most, everything changes:

Communication improves.
Skills grow.
Confidence returns.

That’s what “Care That Grows With You” truly means.

Coming Next: Building a Statewide Commitment

In the final post of the series, we’ll explore how this unified team of professionals is building a sustainable, future-ready model for behavioral health in Virginia — one grounded in clinical excellence, equity, and growth.

Stay tuned for Part 3: A Statewide Commitment to Care.

The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia

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A Unified Vision for Statewide Access

Together, Autism F.I.R.S.T. and Family Insight now offer services through 9 clinics across Virginia, including expanded statewide at-home support and an exciting entrance into outpatient care.

This unification isn’t just about growth. It’s about meeting families where they are — physically, emotionally, and developmentally. By combining our systems, clinicians, and care teams, we’re building a stronger, more coordinated network that supports the whole child and the whole family.

What Families Can Expect

This collaboration brings:

  • More Locations – A total of 9 clinics statewide
  • Faster Access – Services without long waitlists
  • Expanded Services – ABA Therapy, in-clinic support, outpatient support, at-home care
  • Consistency Across Regions – A shared standard of high-quality care
  • Family-Centered Values – With every clinic rooted in trust, support, and collaboration

Behind the Scenes: Why This Unification Matters

By aligning our infrastructure and resources, Whitecap Care is creating an integrated system that does more than offer services — it ensures those services are accessible, affordable, and sustainable.

The unification opens the door to:

  • Shared expertise and cross-clinical collaboration
  • More efficient operations and reduced healthcare costs
  • Scalable solutions to better serve underserved communities

Whether a family lives in Northern Virginia or Newport News, the promise remains the same: personalized, connected care every step of the way.

A Message from Our Leadership

“This merger is more than a business decision. It’s a commitment to the thousands of families who trust us with their child’s care. We’re building something that’s both responsive and revolutionary for Virginia’s behavioral health system.”

— Jeff Shiring, Founder and Chairman of Autism F.I.R.S.T. & Whitecap Care

What Comes Next

This is only the beginning. In the next post in our series, we’ll share how this expanded network is breaking down barriers to care and delivering support without delay — including how families across the state are already benefitting from our streamlined intake process.

Stay tuned for Part 2: From Waitlists to Welcome

Building Social Confidence in Children with Autism

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Why Social Confidence Matters

Social confidence isn’t just about making friends–it’s about:

  • Feeling safe and comfortable in group settings
  • Understanding how to initiate and respond in conversations
  • Learning to regulate emotions while interacting with others
  • Building resilience when things don’t go as planned

Whether it’s during a therapy session, a birthday party, or a trip to the park, these skills help children engage with the world around them in a meaningful ways.

How We Support Social Confidence at Autism F.I.R.S.T.

At Autism F.I.R.S.T., our team of therapists uses evidence-based practices and engaging, play-based approaches to support social development. One of our favorite places to do this is during our Summer Social Skills Camp, designed for children in grades K-5.

Through carefully designed group sessions, we target skills like:

  • Turn-taking and sharing
  • Reading body language and facial expressions (non-verbal behavior)
  • Asking and answering questions
  • Cooperative play and following group instructions
  • Coping with sensory and emotional overwhelm

As one of our behavior therapists, Kiley, shares:

“My favorite peer-play activity is Magnet Tiles, because the kids get to be creative and make their own creations–then they get to play with them after”.

These kinds of activities create opportunities for learning, practicing, and celebrating social wins-big and small.

Ways Families Can Support Social Confidence at Home

Here are a few simple strategies to keep building social skills beyond the clinic:

  • Use Visual Scripts

Create visual aids that show how to greet someone, ask to join a game, or express a need. Practicing with visuals helps ease anxiety and builds familiarity.

  • Model & Role Play

Use dolls, toys, or yourself to act out common social situations like ordering food, meeting a new friend, or waiting your turn.

  • Build In Daily Practice

Game nights, cooking together, or short outdoor playdates can offer natural chances to practice sharing, following directions, or asking for help.

  • Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge efforts, not just outcomes. “You waited your turn so patiently!” goes a long way in reinforcing confidence.

Join Us at Our July Open House!

Want to see how we support social skill growth in action?

We’re hosting an Open House at our clinics on July 16 (Herndon) and 17th (Chantilly), from 5 to 7 PM. We’d love to meet you! It’s a great opportunity to tour the space, talk to our team, and learn more about our services–including our Summer Social Skills Camp.

Building Social Confidence

Building social confidence in children with autism is a journey, and one that’s built on patience, practice, and partnership. Whether in a group therapy session or a game at home, every interaction helps. We’re honored to walk alongside families through each step of that journey–and we’re here to help your child grow, one skill at a time.

Summer Transitions

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Create a Visual Schedule for the Week

Children often benefit from knowing what to expect. A simple weekly visual schedule using pictures, icons, or short words can:

  • Increase predictability
  • Encourage independence as they learn to follow steps
  • Offer visual reminders of enjoyable activities, like pool time or story hour

Even if the days aren’t exactly the same, providing structure creates a sense of safety.

Prepare for New Activities with Social Stories

If your child is starting something new—like summer camp, vacation, or a change in caregivers—create or review a social story that introduces what to expect. Social stories can include:

  • Where they’re going
  • What they’ll see or hear
  • How they might feel
  • What they can do to stay calm

When possible visit the place ahead of time or explore pictures together to increase familiarity.

Maintain Key Routines (Even When Schedules Shift)

Even if bedtime gets pushed a little later or mealtimes vary, try to maintain anchor routines—like a consistent morning or bedtime sequence. These small patterns help keep your child grounded amidst change.

Practice Communication & Coping Skills Daily

Summer is a great time to rehearse language and coping skills outside of therapy sessions. Practice:

  • Asking for help
  • Taking turns
  • Expressing big feelings (with visuals or AAC if needed)
  • Using calming strategies like breathing and movement breaks

Repetition in real-life settings helps generalize these skills.

Enroll in a Structured, Supportive Program

One of the best ways to build consistency, skill growth, and social opportunity during summer? Enroll your child in a program that understands their needs.

Join Us for Our Summer Social Skills Camp!

Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Summer Social Skills Camp is now open for registration for children in grades K-5 in Herndon, Virginia.

Camp Highlights:

  • Structured sessions focused on social communication, play skills, and emotional regulation
  • Small group formats tailored by age and ability
  • Fun, engaging activities led by experienced professionals
  • Opportunity to practice real-life social situations in a safe and supporting setting

Spots are limited, so register early to reserve your child’s place! Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Summer Social Skills Camp

Summer of Skills

Summer transitions don’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation, the right tools, and supportive programs like our Summer Social Skills Camp, your child can build confidence, practice communication, and enjoy meaningful growth—all while having fun.

Let us know how we can support your family this summer! Contact Autism F.I.R.S.T.

 

Mental Health and Self-Care: A Moment with Amber

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Mental Health and Self-Care

This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting voices from within our own team.

Meet Amber, one of our compassionate Behavioral Technicians. Amber shared one of her favorite self-care routines – and it’s something warm, familiar, and comforting: baking and cooking.

“Hi my name is Amber. I’m a behavioral technician, and something I do for self-care is cooking and baking. The process of baking and cooking is just very therapeutic. It helps me calm down, just being able to have something done for me in a sense. Like, having everything right here for me, and I just follow the steps. It just makes me feel like a kid again since that was something I always enjoyed as a child.”

Her words are a beautiful reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s the simple, nostalgic activities that gives us the peace and joy we need to recharge.

Taking care of ourselves helps us care for others.

To the caregivers, families, and professionals walking alongside children with autism: your  mental health matters too. Whether it’s five quiet minutes with coffee, a walk outside, or a recipe from your childhood – we hope you find time to take care of you, too.

From all of us at Autism F.I.R.S.T., thank you for everything you do.

Want to read next? Check out our “Mental Health Matters at Autism F.I.R.S.T.” post.

Follow Our Social Media Channels

To watch the Mental Health and Self-Care video with Amber, check out and follow Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Mental Health Matters at Autism F.I.R.S.T.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and uplift the families, caregivers, and children who work so hard every single day. Mental health is an essential piece of the puzzle — and it deserves just as much care and attention as any other aspect of development.

🌱 For Children with Autism

Children on the autism spectrum often experience the world in unique and powerful ways. With that beauty can also come challenges — like anxiety, sensory overload, and difficulty expressing emotions. At Autism F.I.R.S.T., we help children build coping tools and confidence through our compassionate, personalized services including:

By creating structured, nurturing environments, we help children feel secure, understood, and supported.

💛 For Caregivers and Families

Caregivers — we see you. Your role is one of love, resilience, and often sacrifice.
But taking care of your own mental health is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to:

  • Take short breaks for yourself when possible

  • Seek support from communities or therapists familiar with autism

  • Celebrate small wins — because they are big wins

  • Remember that asking for help is a strength

Our team at Autism F.I.R.S.T. is here not only for your child, but for you too. Together, we can create a supportive circle that honors the well-being of the whole family.

🤝 You’re Not Alone

This month — and every month — we’re committed to walking alongside you in this journey.
Let’s continue to advocate for mental health, celebrate growth, and uplift one another.

Visit www.autismfirstus.com to learn more about how our team can support your family.

Now Offering In-House Speech and Occupational Therapy Services

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Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Program Details

Our licensed therapists are specially trained in pediatric care, using progressive and meaningful treatment methods to help children:

  • Improve communication and language development

  • Enhance sensory integration and motor skills

  • Strengthen feeding and self-care abilities

All services are delivered in a safe, familiar, and supportive environment, with a strong focus on collaboration. Our Speech and Occupational Therapists work closely with families to ensure carry-over of therapy goals at home, reinforcing progress beyond the clinic.

This new in-house model reflects our commitment to holistic, individualized care—supporting every child’s journey, every step of the way.

For more information visit Autism F.I.R.S.T.’s Contact page.