Mountainside ABA

02/20/2026

Welcome to another edition of ! ✨🌈

Did you know that autistic brains take in more sensory information at one time -- like sights, sounds, textures, and movements -- and that these sensory experiences are processed more intensely or in greater detail than neurotypical brains?

That means things others may barely notice can feel very noticeable ... but it can also lead to strong attention to detail, rich perception, and deep awareness of the environment.

People with autism aren't "too sensitive" -- they simply have a different sensory system doing its job in a world that isn't always designed for it.

02/20/2026

Families, check out this survey!

Help Shape the Future of Caregiving in West Virginia!

Caregivers across West Virginia hold deep knowledge about what works, what doesn’t, and what support is truly needed. Whether you are caring for an aging family member, a person with a disability, a child with special health care needs, or working in the caregiving workforce—your experience matters.

We are developing a proposal for the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Caregiver AI Prize Competition, a national initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that explores how artificial intelligence can responsibly support caregivers while protecting safety, equity, and dignity.
To ensure this work reflects real community needs, we are asking West Virginians to complete a brief survey to share their experiences and perspectives.

About the survey:
• The survey is short and will take less than 5 minutes
• It is not a research study
• Responses will be used for planning purposes only to help guide our proposal development
• No technical or AI expertise is required—only your lived experience

Why participate
Your input will help inform ideas for tools that could:
• Reduce caregiver burden
• Support care at home and in the community
• Reflect the realities of rural caregiving and diverse family needs
• Ensure technology is used responsibly and respectfully

By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you can help shape a proposal grounded in the voices of West Virginia caregivers.

https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bfw3VNcRZvakn5A

02/20/2026

📣NOW is a great time to check out Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy for your child at Mountainside ABA -- especially in Elkins!

Our waitlist is the shortest it's been in some years, so if you're wondering whether ABA therapy could help your child, Mountainside ABA is a great place to start.

Our team focuses on practical, compassionate, child-centered support that helps kids build communication skills, independence and daily-life skills -- while honoring who they are.

We work closely with families, keep goals meaningful, and prioritize care that FEELS supportive, not overwhelming.

Call 304-801-3258 to learn more and join our waiting list!!

02/19/2026

💧🎨🧩✨Our kids at the Elkins center have been busy over the past couple of weeks, creating a 'Letter D' bulletin board, painting with dinosaur tracks, and enjoying some splashy and soap-filled moments with water play.

If you've been interested in signing your child up for Applied Behavior Analysis Services, now is a great time! Our waitlist is the shortest it's been in some time.

Message us or visit our website to learn more!!

02/19/2026

Sharing for our friends at the Randolph County FRN! Check it out!

Only 7 spots remaining for the Community Baby Shower!👶🤰

02/18/2026

⚾️🩵 Inclusive play ... we love to see it.

We're excited to help share the news that Elkins Little League Baseball is offering a Challenger Division -- a program designed for players with physical and/or intellectual challenges to experience to experience the joy of the game in a supportive environment.

Check on the registration info included on this flyer!

02/18/2026

I experience the world differently. Not the wrong way — just differently. 💚

02/16/2026

Resilience grows through safe relationships, consistency, and support. Progress doesn't require perfection -- it simply requires an encouraging presence.

02/16/2026

Hey, families! We're sharing this on behalf of our friends at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WVU. Check it out to see if it's something you or a parent you know could benefit from!

The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is back in 2026 with four sessions available throughout the year!

Each session contains three days of webinars featuring a Parent Network Specialist and Triple P practitioner from the Family to Family program along with a behavior specialist from the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program.

All webinars happen at 10 a.m. EST, with each session discussing the following topics during each three-day block:
- Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability
- Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential
- Changing Problem Behavior into Positive Behavior

2026 Triple P webinar session dates:
- Tuesday, 3/31 - Wednesday, 4/1 - Thursday, 4/2
- Tuesday, 5/19 - Wednesday, 5/20 - Thursday, 5/21
- Tuesday, 8/25 - Wednesday, 8/26 - Thursday, 8/27
- Tuesday, 12/8 - Wednesday, 12/9 - Thursday, 12/10

Register: https://cedwvu.org/families/triple-p-seminars/

WV F2F and P4P Programs
Positive Behavior Support - PBS Tips & Tools

02/13/2026

Take a look behind the scenes at our Buckhannon Center!

We've been doing some science experiments in the form of colorful, exploding "snow cone" volcanoes, shaving cream math and seasonal Valentine's Day crafts.

02/13/2026

Managing sensory sensitivities can be a challenge for some kiddos with autism. Families, check out this upcoming webinar next month on dental care for kids with special needs and see if you can pick up any helpful info!

The next Virtual Speaker Series webinar is coming up on Thursday, March 12!

Join the Family to Family program as they welcome Dr. Gina Graziani, Chair of the WVU School of Dentistry Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs. Dr. Graziani will be discussing dental care for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

This session will include tips for managing sensory sensitivities, coordinating care with specialists, and addressing common oral health issues. Tune in from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.!

Register: https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/MvJoMFi7QTO-YEm85TkjDw #/registration

WV F2F and P4P Programs
WVU School of Dentistry

02/12/2026

Check this opportunity out from the Mountain CAP Upshur County Family Support Center, Upshur County families!