Little Green Thumbs ABA

11/14/2025

Help your learners build strong scissor skills with this free printable! This easy-to-read handout outlines the typical development of scissor skills for children ages 2–6, including milestones from simply holding scissors to cutting complex shapes.

Get your free download here > https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/free-scissor-skill-development-handout?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

11/12/2025

Have you ever watched your child reach across their body to grab a toy or draw a big line across a page? That simple movement—called crossing the midline—is actually a big deal for brain development!

When children use one side of their body to cross over to the other (like reaching with the right hand to the left side), both sides of the brain must work together. This helps strengthen communication between the left and right hemispheres, building the foundation for:
✅ Better coordination and balance
✅ Reading and writing readiness
✅ Improved focus and problem-solving
✅ Smooth, efficient movement patterns

Kids who struggle to cross midline might switch hands during tasks, have trouble following a line of text, or avoid movements that cross their center.

The good news? You can build this skill through play!
Try activities like:
*Painting big rainbows on paper
*Passing a ball from side to side
*Playing “Simon Says” with cross-body motions
*Gardening tasks like scooping soil and watering across the body

Every scoop, toss, and scribble strengthens the brain’s ability to connect and coordinate. Crossing the midline truly helps children grow from the inside out!

There are many ways to work on crossing midline through play: https://www.theottoolbox.com/crossing-midline-march-gross-motor/

11/12/2025

10/21/2025

We love to work on fine motor skills using everyday objects in play. Here are some additional ideas: https://www.theottoolbox.com/tripod-grasp-fine-motor-skills-everyday-items/

10/15/2025

The Porter County Health Department is now offering Autism Elopement Kits to families with children on the spectrum who have a history of elopement.
The kits are free of charge and include an Autism elopement prevention tips fact sheet; exterior door locks and window alarms; tile tracking device and wearable tile band; social stories and visual aids and emergency response cards.
Applications are available via the QR code on their attached flyer or on the department's website at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dd057390aa68485b97008058b1c58f2c?portalUrl=https://PorterCoGov.maps.arcgis.com

Fore more information, contact Carrie Honeycutt, care coordinator, County Health Department at 219-465-3525 or via email at Carrie.Honeycutt@portercountyin.gov

08/29/2025

Window clings, for families with children on the autism spectrum, are now available at all police stations in Porter County.
The program was initiated by Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy to raise awareness of autism and assist families and first responders.
Each family may receive up to three clings free - one for each vehicle and one for their homes. They are to be placed on a window or door which would be readily seen by a first responder in case of an incident to which first responders would respond.
The clings alert the first responders that a child on the spectrum lives in the home or may be in the vehicle.
Clings are available at:
County Sheriff's Office
Portage Police Department (Indiana)
Harbor Police Department
Town of Porter Police Department
Chesterton Police Department
Hebron Police Department
Kouts Police Department
Police Department

08/21/2025

07/15/2025

We've shared this resource before, but it's worth highlighting again. It's an excellent safety guide for children swimming in both lakes and pools. One key takeaway is how the color of a swimsuit can significantly impact visibility in the water—some colors make it much easier to spot a child, while others can blend in and become harder to see.

This serves as an important reminder: no matter where kids are swimming, active adult supervision is always essential.

07/14/2025

We’re proud to sponsor Touch of Dutch again this year! Only 8 of us could be there in person for the photo, but the rest of our team joined in spirit (and on Google Meet 😄). Grateful to be part of such a fun and community-centered event! Stop by our booth on August 9 for bubbles, free sensory toys, and to say hello!

🌱 A BIG thank you to our BRONZE sponsor — Little Green Thumbs ABA! 🌱

They’re growing more than just gardens — they’re growing confidence, skills, and smiles for kids across the region! 💚 Through their unique Pediatric ABA therapy and Social Skills Groups, Little Green Thumbs helps children bloom — all while getting their hands dirty in the garden! 🪴👧👦

We’re so grateful to have their continued support at the Touch of Dutch Festival this year. From the tiniest sprouts to our tallest sunflowers, thank you, Jennifer and staff for helping our community grow! 🌻💚