Read how our behavior techs use their own creativity to inspire and nurture the innate creativity in our clients... then read 6 pointers from our techs for how to build creativity in kids.
Creativity finds value in the overlooked.
Creativity elevates the mundane.
Creativity brings beauty to solutions.
When you look at a cardboard box, what do you see?
Sometimes our clients see a vast landscape for roaming dinosaurs and friends (specifically their ABA techs and peers) beneath and active volcano.
Sometimes our clients see an alien face mask.
No matter what our clients see when working to let their creativity flow, our behavior technicians see kids with so much unique potential, and they work to nurture that potential and help it grow.
Just like the creativity of our clients, their techs' creativity comes in many forms and flavors.
Some techs are experts at using materials in novel ways, and others use their artistic abilities to makes cartoons or other characters come to life.
For others, creativity stretches beyond just the visual. Creativity fuels their flexibility in how they engage with clients. It is so meaningful to clients when their tech matches their energy in the moment and find a wealth of activities for each level - whether that's zipping around and helping the client fly like an airplane or quietly building a craft.
Creativity combines things together in new or insightful ways. We love seeing our techs constantly thinking of ways they can tie in what each client is interested in with ways to teach them new skills or activities. Connecting with the client's interests helps them feel comfortable and valued as they work on something new that may feel challenging. Seeing their interests incorporated in new ways gets clients excited and motivates them to try new things, too.
All of this inspires both clients and other techs. A little creativity expands everyone's horizons.
Some clients are more naturally creative than others, but this opens up another way for our tech's creativity to shine. Patience and thinking outside of the box do wonders to draw creativity from clients who may not like to stray from their usual day to day expectations.
Creativity thrives on diversity. Different perspectives, different skills, and different interests come together to multiply potential ideas, strategies, and solutions.
By lifting up creativity, our ABA behavior techs also demonstrate that each person's contributions have value and are necessary - both inside the clinic and outside it.
Our Tech's 6 Pointers for building Creativity in Kids (and maybe yourself!)
Make a comfortable environment
Keep sensory needs in mind. It's hard to be creative if you're distracted by discomfort. Consider textures, lighting, sounds, smells, temperature, and placement in daily routine.
Get up and move
Movement is both healthy and refreshing. It can be soothing and centering. As blood flow increases, so does alertness and cognitive function.
Read books
Whether reading fiction or non-fiction, books can be inspiring. Stories let our brains practice imagining other worlds. Non-fiction books can give us factual fuel for creativity.
Make materials accessible
This means both usable and available. Make sure materials are suited to the age and skill level of the user. Keep some recycled materials around for spontaneous inspiration or a challenge activity.
Invent challenges
Ask "What if?" Try combining opposites - make something with buttons that are smooth and bumpy, imagine what would happen is a turtle was fast, etc. Try making a craft without one of the typical materials - what would be a good substitute?
Learn about something new...connected to something old
Dive into existing interests. Expand the depth of what you know about that topic. Then branch out and see where you land!