Ascend Behavior Partners

Happy Juneteenth!

Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Let’s take this moment to reflect on our shared history and commit to fostering a more inclusive future. 💚

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives it’s so important to unplug, breathe, and embrace the beauty of the present.

Let's prioritize our mental well-being by disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us. Remember, the most profound connections often require no Wi-Fi. 🌿

🟢 1 in 4 people live with a mental health condition.

Let’s use this month to take time and reflect on all the great progress that has been made and reignite the conversation on how we can continue to create a safe space for all who have mental health struggles to know they are not alone. 💚

Meet Lily Dicker, our Clinical Director at our Denver Center, who just joined our team in April. 🌟

She's been diving deep into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2013 when she started as a behavior technician in an early childhood ABA center. That's where her love for the science of ABA sparked. Lily's passion grew, leading her to go back to school for her Master’s in Early Childhood Education, getting an Endorsement in Special Education and a certificate in ABA along the way.

Fast forward to 2018, Lily became a BCBA and began working with individuals aged 3 to 21 affected by autism or other developmental disabilities. She's done her fair share of in-home care, but her heart truly lies in early childhood centers. Lily's all about teaching in a natural, preschool-like environment, and she can geek out big time on ABA terminology. So, if you're up for some ABA discussions, she's your go-to person!

Welcome to the team, Lily!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact? Join our People Support team as a People Support Specialist! 🌟 Help us empower and support a dedicated and passionate team.

Apply now to be part of a supportive community committed to transforming lives of families living with autism. 💙

Shoutout to this dynamic duo at our Center in Denver, CO! 🌟🎉 Nicole Scott (Senior RBT) and Denise Rife (RBT) demonstrate outstanding dedication and teamwork and put Ascend values in action each day.

🎉 Thank you for being shining examples of excellence and for making the Denver Center an incredible place to work. Keep up the fantastic work! You rock! 👏

Diversity knows no bounds within the autism spectrum—race, age, and gender each paint a unique picture. Embracing this richness fosters understanding and inclusivity. 🌈

The rising numbers of diagnoses among minorities reflect the progress and destigmatization of ASD allowing kiddos access to the resources and guidance they require.

Early detection is key in building strong foundations for those affected and here at Ascend, we are ready to help every step of the way with our Diagnostic Evaluations and ABA Therapy options. 🔑💙

To all the families embarking on a new chapter with a recent autism diagnosis: You’re not alone. At Ascend, we’re here to empower you every step of the way.🌟

Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support tailored to your child’s unique needs through the following services:

- Diagnostic Evaluations
- In-Home Home and Center-Based ABA Therapy
- Family Mental Health Services 

When you choose Ascend, you choose personalized, supportive, and effective care. 💙

Here at Ascend we understand that each family is unique and should have a treatment plan that reflects just that! 🌈Diversity is something to be celebrated so let’s turn up the volume and dance to the beat of inclusion for Austism Awareness Month!💙🧩

Nature's healing touch: for children with autism, the gentle rustle of leaves, the warmth of sunlight, and the earth beneath their feet offer not just tranquility, but a pathway to sensory exploration, connection, and growth. Celebrate Earth Day 2024 by stepping out with your kiddo and enjoying our beautiful planet! 🌎

Are you passionate about autism advocacy and support? 🌟 We're looking for dedicated licensed Clinical Psychologists in the Tucson and Phoenix, AZ areas to join our team.

Requirements include possessing an active Arizona state license, holding a Doctoral Degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, and having experience with diagnostic evaluations with a pediatric population (ADOS preferred).

Apply now to be part of a supportive community committed to transforming lives of families living with autism. 💙

Join our team of dedicated Ascenders committed to making a difference each and every day. Together, we are transforming lives and creating brighter futures. ⭐

April is Autism Awareness Month! 💙 Let's spread understanding and acceptance. Share your journey with autism diagnosis: What was your experience like? How did it impact your family? Your story could inspire others.

Happy ! This month, we are going to focus on our Code of Honor Statement Sunshine Your Mistakes!

It can be hard to own up to a mistake, no matter how big or small. But like Mr. Rogers always said, everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes are part of being human. Mistakes help us learn and grow. They are an opportunity for us to reflect and in turn ensure that we do better in the future because of our past experiences.

What’s a lesson you learned from a mistake? Big or small, silly or serious - let’s find the value in learning from our missteps and looking forward by putting a little sunshine on an otherwise difficult topic to tackle!

Is anyone else extra sleepy and tempted to hit snooze on a Monday morning, or is it just us? Sleep is something we all know we need but sometimes struggle to get enough. In fact, did you know that 1 in 3 adults do not get their recommended amount of nightly Z’ssss? On today’s , we want to promote the importance of healthy sleep habits. Lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression, not to mention increase our risk for heart problems or cause a lack of focus, concentration or a slowed response time.

What did you do today, or what will you try to do to improve your sleep habits? Share a tip or commitment below.

What does this month’s theme “Diversity Makes Us Stronger” mean to you?

Happy ! I hope everyone had time to relax this weekend. Even though it’s time for another work week, we don’t have to stop finding ways to help ourselves relax and manage our stress.

Taking a nap or a long walk are two popular ways to unwind, but did you know there are many ways to relax your body and mind that take under 5 minutes? Check out the American Institute of Stress’s list of 18 ways to instantly relax, then share an emoji or tip for your favorite way to reset and relax during your workday!

18 Quick Ways To Relax Instantly, According To Science Do you feel overwhelmed? Are your days full of stress and anxiety? Then it’s important you learn how to relax and de-stress yourself immediately with these simple and effective relaxing techniques. Why do you need to relax? RELATED: 10 Best Arts & Crafts To Do When You're Stressed Out

Welcome back from the weekend - it’s ! Did you know that there is a link between our diets and our mental health? Studies show that a nutrient-rich diet can help improve mood, decrease physical symptoms of anxiety, and even improve concentration.

Drop an emoji, recipe, or share your favorite healthy food. This week, let’s focus on fueling ourselves for a productive and positive week!

Ascend has grown in so many unique and incredible ways; one of those ways is by embracing our diversity. We have so many people joining us at Ascend from different countries, cultures, and places all over the United States. It's fun learning and hearing about where people are from and seeing them embracing the cultures where they are now.

We would like to open the conversation for you to share something you embrace about your culture! Do you have a favorite tradition, food dish, song, or dance that represents your culture?

We believe that diversity makes us stronger! We celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each of you brings to the team. Our diverse team members enrich our work environment, making it a dynamic melting pot of ideas and creativity!

Each month, we will highlight different roles within Ascend called Living Out Loud. Kicking off this month's edition of Living Out Loud is our Community Outreach Team!

Happy ! Does anyone ever tell you to “think positive” on a crummy day? It sounds obvious, but it can be hard when we are feeling stuck. Select a quote, mantra, song lyric or personal saying that you can repeat to yourself on those tough days. Thoughts are behaviors, and by changing your thoughts and repeating positive statements to yourself, you can actually help reverse how you are feeling when negative thoughts creep in.

What is your favorite positive affirmation, quote or mantra? Comment to share it below and let’s start our Mondays off with a chain of positive thoughts!

It's time for our boost! Let's take care of our minds with a little fun check-in.

Emoji Check-In 😍
Reply with an emoji that best represents how you're feeling today! Let's share the joy, excitement, or even the challenges – we're in this together!

Gratitude Bonanza 🌻🙏
Share one thing you're grateful for today. It could be big or small – let's celebrate the good stuff and boost our happiness! 🌈

Remember, mental health matters, and we're here to support each other. Let's keep those positive vibes rolling, stay connected, and take care of ourselves. 💪

"Whether you need to take the time for a vacation or make a call to a therapist or simply go for a walk, prioritize yourself - fill up your cup so that you can be the best version of yourself not only for you, but for those around you: our kiddos, our partners, and the community around us." - Rachel, Ascender

Read more here:

You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup | Ascend Behavior Partners We’ve all been through the airplane pre-flight safety demonstration: “In the case of an emergency, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling. You should always fit your own mask on before helping any person.” While we often tune out this admonition because of its frequency, it has a powerful app...

We asked a few of our Ascenders to share how they fill their cup! Here is what they said:

Filling your cup isn’t always about doing the fun things in life, but recognizing your own needs and giving yourself the same level of care you may give to family and friends. Give yourself the care you DESERVE, even when it isn’t always the self care you want. Self-Care is MORE than ordering takeout or taking a bubble bath- it means doing the activities that nurture yourself physically, spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. It may not always be glamorous or fun, but paying attention to the things that keep YOU healthy inside and out is the most important thing you can give to yourself before you even think about giving to others. The less glamorous side of self-care may look like:
-Taking social media breaks (especially before bedtime!)
-Exercising or incorporating meaningful movement into your daily routine
-Working with a therapist
-Writing, meditating, breathwork or reading scripture

According to the National Institutes of Health, 54% of individuals in helping professions experience excessive emotional burnout. When we give to others all day, we may not have much to give to ourselves by the end of the day, and that takes its toll overtime. The phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is part of Ascend’s Code of Honor because a burned out individual may have little to give others despite their best intentions. By setting time aside to do activities that keep us healthy and fulfilled, we can fulfill our duty to serve others by making sure we serve ourselves first. How does your cup get refilled after a day of giving?

What kind of skills will my child work on in an ABA program?

ABA is an approach to learning that uses positive reinforcement to gradually teach new skills and behaviors. Our mission to build a strong foundation means that your treatment team will target any skills your child needs to succeed. Whether your child’s goals are about focused on school readiness , language, social skills or daily self-care, we have a program model designed to fit your child’s unique needs!

Our work is play! Play is the greatest teacher in early childhood, which is why we incorporate your child’s favorite ways to have fun into everything we do. These ordinary looking toys could be your child’s key to learning through our play based approach to skill building. Our RBT’s are always prepared to make everyday filled with learning, laughs, and fun!