Frequently Asked Questions

Developmentally, children using our products are able to focus on one activity for a maximum of 15-20 minutes at a time. While we recognize that each child’s ability to attend to tasks will vary, we advise that you do not exceed this time limit per activity. The only exception to this rule is if your child initiates or expresses the desire to keep going. When this occurs, be attentive so you can recognize your child’s need to take a break. Some observable behaviors can include signs of over stimulation (e.g. excessive laughing and stimming), using the activity materials in an inappropriate way (e.g. throwing or destroying the contents) or an increase in unresponsiveness. To make it easier for you and your child, we've labeled each activity with the approximate amount of time that it will take to complete. 

We have customers with children ranging in age from 2 to 18 years old. This is because children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorders can display a wide range of behaviors and skills. Some behaviors and skills may be identified as age-appropriate while others may be considered developmentally-delayed. For example, a child may be unable to recite the alphabet, but at the same time, might excel in non-verbally identifying words in written text. Given that discrepancies can occur between a child’s chronological age and developmental age, we cannot say that our products are intended for a particular age range. Our products are created to engage and benefit a range of skill-levels that young children to adults may have.

We can say that our activity boxes are designed to help parents differentiate each activity towards for his/her child’s varying abilities while also having fun, learning and connecting with one another. For example, one parent can encourage her child to verbally read the written text from our Interactive Story while another parent can read the same story with his non-verbal child and assist him in locating the picture card that corresponds to each page. Though one child is verbal and reading and the other child is non-verbal and not yet reading, both children and parents are interacting with the story together and bonding. If you experience trouble differentiating an activity for your child after reading through our instructions, email us! We can provide extra guidance and tips to help make the activity more beneficial and fun for both of you.

Don’t give up and do not feel like you have to complete an entire activity in one sitting. Try breaking it down into smaller steps for your child. And remember, children learn through repetition. Once you have completed an activity, try doing it again at a later time to allow your child to practice the steps and further enjoy the experience. We are here to support you! Email us with any particular questions or challenges you may have so we can offer some helpful suggestions to make your experience with our activity boxes more enjoyable.

It is well known that children with autism typically think in pictures and that verbal directions without visual support can easily overwhelm them. Even if your child does not use the PECS system, the visual support that we incorporate can help increase your child’s understanding, verbal language and ability to independently complete each activity. This translates into a more fun experience for both you and your child.

Yes! We recognize the importance of relationships between children with autism and their siblings. We offer a set of extra activity box materials (extra set of Sensory Exploration fine motor tools, extra craft materials to make a second Creative Craft and an extra Reward System) that parents can purchase to promote this relationship. At check-out, just click the "Sibling Add-On" option. This add-on option also serves as a great way to provide structure for playdates and promote positive social interactions between children with varying levels of development.  

Absolutely! All children learn and grow by exploring the world around them and by using their senses. Our products allow young children to learn through a multi-sensory approach. We provide visual, auditory and tactile input to promote active learning and positive social interactions. All children also take pride in being independent. The picture supports our products provide can increase all children’s ability to independently complete our educational activities while having fun.

Here are some testimonials from parents of typically-developing children who enjoyed our products:

"I just wanted to say how awesome your Exploring Colors activity box is and how great it has been for Emma. She cannot grasp colors for the life for her so I try to find as many new ways to teach them to her as possible and keep it fun, and this box did the trick!" ~ Eileen Armbrecht

"Wow, I have never seen my three year-old son sit for this long! Cayden does not stay with one activity for very long and constantly moves from toy to toy, but he has been playing with the Exploring Colors Sensory Exploration activity for a half hour! He loves it!" ~ Kerri Halleran

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely endorsed and scientifically-proven approach to autism therapy. It helps shape and/or modify an individual’s behaviors and skills to produce lasting improvements. Typically, children between the ages of 2 and 8 years old begin ABA therapy. The application of ABA is continued through adulthood to shape behaviors and improve skills. Given the large amount of scientific research that supports the efficacy and use of ABA treatment for children with autism, ABA is widely endorsed by many experts and institutions, including: the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Surgeon General, the New York State Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are some helpful links to learn more about ABA: Autism Speaks, New York State Department of Health and The Center for Autism and Related Disorders.

Our products are based on the teaching methods of Applied Behavior Analysis. You can learn more about our direct lineage to Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas, the world renowned pioneer of ABA therapy for children with autism, by reading about our company and our Scientific Advisory Board.