6 Halloween Tips for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The feeling of Halloween elicits excitement for most kids. It means showing off new costumes, staying up late and enduring a sugar overdose at the end of the night! 

While having a child with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may offer challenges during this time of year, the same feeling of enthusiasm doesn’t have to be lost. 

Neither Autism Speaks, nor Kathryn Smith, RH, DrPH, of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles want you, or your family to miss out on the fun. Here are some highlights of Smith’s tips that our patron, Avita Nova Academy, believe you should be most aware of:

If You Get the Message, It's Already Too Late: 7 Tips to Protect Yourself from Credit Card Fraud

by Albert Bustos

I fortunately live in a community that maintains its own highly-active social media site.

A quick scroll through my neighbors’ messages reveals a slew of helpful information; who’s hosting the next bbq, who found someone’s missing pet and that traffic is jammed so leave for work early.

I have to thank my neighbors for giving me the idea for this next article. Because of them, I read thieves infiltrated the local gas station and installed a credit card reader; they stole thousands of dollars.

As of July 2014, 10% of Americans have been victims of credit card fraud. The total amount is at $5.55 billion worldwide. 

6 Scheduling Tips that'll Keep You Organized

Tip# 1: Establish Time-slots 
Here is an example: 

- Morning (8:00 a.m. -10:59 a.m.)
- Mid (11:00 a.m. - 1:59 p.m.)
- Afternoon (2:00 p.m. - 4:59 p.m.)
- Evening (5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) 

Stick to these as much as possible; clients should be scheduled in one of them.

Tip# 2: Create Mock Schedules

This is strictly for planning purposes, base it on authorized hours, locations (if home-based), and time-slots. Propose the schedules to the families and confirm with staff start date and schedule.

Tip# 3: Getting there

If home-based, plan for drive time.

Tip# 4: Lunchtime

Plan for legal, 30 minute unpaid lunches for hourly staff when working six or more hours in a day. To be completed by the end of the 6th hour.

Tip# 5: NPAWorks Recurring Schedules

Use recurrences when scheduling appointments and update recurrences when making changes.

Tip# 6: Until the End

If using NPAWorks practice management software, recur appointments through the end of the contract.

ABAI and CodeMetro Team Up to Give You 5 (actually more) Tips for Successful Conference Exhibiting

by Albert Bustos

Showcasing the value of your organization is essential for growing your business or hiring top-notch staff. 

There are many strategies in the marketing tool box to help you spread the word; it’s just a matter of which you’ll choose. Since you already have an effective website and being the networking expert you are, you decide to exhibit at an industry conference. 

Why is this a great choice?