The costume is ready, but what happens after we put it on? October brings plenty of excitement, and knowing what comes next can help children feel more prepared to join in.

This month, we’re highlighting transitions: moving from one activity to another. A simple visual schedule using pictures or words can show the plan, whether it’s getting ready for the Arizona Walk for Autism or heading home after a Halloween celebration.

Make the next step visible. Before an outing, preview a short sequence together: “Get dressed → travel → join the activity → go home.” Choose pictures, objects, or words that your child understands.

Ask your child’s clinical team which supports fit their needs. The goal is to help them understand the plan and participate at their own pace.

Every flag has a story, and so do the people who call it home. ABS will celebrate Hispanic heritage with an exhibition of country flags drawn by our clients throughout the month.
Clients and RBTs who wish to participate are welcome to wear clothing or accessories representing their country. Anyone can also bring something meaningful to share: a photo, a song, a tradition, a special word, or a small dish.
Add your mark to our community map to show a place connected to your personal or family story. Let’s discover the many places that bring us together at ABS!

Who’s ready to trade the daily schedule for a yoga mat and maybe a microphone?

Join your ABS coworkers for an afternoon of connection and fun! We’ll kick things off with a presentation by Cristina, stretch out with a yoga instructor, and turn up the music for karaoke. No perfect poses or pitch-perfect voices required.

Come catch up with familiar faces and get to know someone new. Whether you’re singing your heart out or cheering from your seat, we want you there. Having fun together belongs on the work calendar!

Meet us at Jardín del Lago:
2938 N 108th Ave, Avondale, AZ 85392

ABS offices will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. Enjoy the day off!

Our pumpkins are made of paper, our treats are toys, and our costume parade needs YOU!

We’re celebrating Halloween a day early with a hands-on Craft Day and plenty of playful surprises:

• 3D Paper Pumpkins: Turn flat paper into a pumpkin you can hold—complete with a leaf and curly vine!
• Treasure Bags: Special goodie bags filled with little surprises for the children.
• Costume Parade: Bring your imagination! A prize awaits the most creative team.
• Toy Trick-or-Treat: All the excitement of trick-or-treating, with toys to collect along the way.

Costumes are welcome! Children can join the fun at their own pace, with support and breaks as needed.

Craft Day: Make Your Own 3D Paper Pumpkin

Friday, October 30

Materials per child:

• 4 matching paper circles, approximately 4 inches across, in orange or yellow
• Green paper for one leaf, a short stem, and a narrow vine strip
• Glue stick
• Washable markers or crayons
• Child-safe scissors
• Pencil for curling the vine

Preparation: Have a finished example ready. Pre-cut circles and green pieces for children who need them. Use construction paper or lightweight cardstock that folds easily.

Instructions:

• Fold the circles. Fold each circle in half, lining up the edges. Keep all eight folded.
• Build the pumpkin. Glue the outside of one folded semicircle to the outside of the next, matching the straight folded edges. Continue until all form a stack.
• Add the greenery. Before closing the pumpkin, glue the base of the stem and leaf near the top. Curl the narrow green strip around a pencil, slide it off, and glue one end beside the stem.
• Close the shape. Glue the first and last outer semicircles together. Gently spread the paper sections around the center to form a rounded pumpkin.
• Make it yours! Decorate the leaf and let the glue dry before displaying or taking the pumpkin home.

Let the pumpkin patch, and the costume parade, begin!