The Magic of Fidget Toys for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder

two people playing with a fidget toy

The Magic of Fidget Toys for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder   What Are Fidget Toys? Fidget toys are small, handheld objects designed to help individuals focus and manage stress by providing tactile, visual, and auditory input. These toys range from simple items like stress balls and spinners to more complex gadgets with various textures […]

Yes, I Sent Him to the Grocery Alone

a first person perspective of a man pushing a shopping cart through a grocery store aisle

No, I don’t mean my son, he’s only 6. I mean my husband. And by alone, I meant without me, he did have the kids. All five of them. The one who doesn’t stop talking, the one who doesn’t stop touching, the one who doesn’t stop tripping, the one who gets overwhelmed by stimuli, the […]

Can I “Lemonade” it?

a lemonade stand with cups of lemonade and a sign on top

Oh, the things kids say! I brought my kids to work with me on a Sunday morning (yes, it happens when you have your finger in too many pots) so they can “help” me at work. I had my 4 year old testing a couple of new materials I’d prepared to work on visual perception […]

Why I am Walking Around Like It’s My Birthday

a girl laying down while playing with colorful arranging toys

Oh, the things we take for granted! I was supervising in the classroom when I overheard this simple exchange between Judy, an ABA therapist, and Olivia, a 6-year-old with ASD: Olivia: “Where is the iPad, Miss Judy?” Judy: “Check the drawer, see if it’s in there” Olivia goes to the drawer at the other end […]

Musings of a BCBA Mom

a mom holding a baby while drinking a cup of coffee

BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The one who assesses, plans the course of treatment, supervises the therapists, does parent training, coordinates care among various providers, provides feedback, trains therapists…. Mom: The one who does everything! This includes: Teacher, maid, chef, personal shopper, therapist, boo-boo kisser, vending machine, handywoman, speech therapist, jungle gym (ask any boy […]

Welcome Gracie

a child playing with colorful blocks on a table

On September 27, 2007 After 16 hours of labor and a c-section, I gave birth to a 9lb 10 oz baby girl. Due to the c-section I was asleep when Gracie was born. I met my daughter for the first time about 2 hours after her birth. I recall the experience as if it was […]

Welcome to The Puzzle Place!

six arms holding up puzzle pieces in the sunlight

Hello! My name is Ricky Teichman and I am the BCBA Clinical Director at The Puzzle Place Center for Autism. Some of the other hats I wear are devoted wife, busy mom to 5 little kiddos, in-house chef, chief cleaner upper and laundry folder, and RBT course instructor (not in any order whatsoever:)). In this […]