Paper Lantern Therapies LLC

02/22/2026

Here to start a riot in ABA.

I’m open, if I’m wrong I want to know an alternative perspective. What do you think?

02/21/2026

🌟 Yesterday I made a connection with a learner when we found a song we both enjoyed (Yes, it was Encanto). I saw their eyes light up. It made the entire session a different experience than if we hadn’t found common ground.

Because of this the child was interested in learning new things, and motivated to communicate more.

What are some of your wins this week? Do you write them down and remember them when you’re feeling discouraged? It can make such a difference in your perspective. Keep those wins in your sight line and you’ll increase your own motivation. 🌟

02/20/2026

After a week of meeting new partners in the community local and global, and cheers to Friday and to new beginnings.

02/19/2026

If one of our goals in therapy is to support a child to increase flexibility; we cannot demonstrate rigidity.

This means we will be adapting our plans to the readiness of the learner
We will be letting go of the “script” when a new idea pulls the child elsewhere
We will observe and follow the curiosities and interests of the learner

Flexibility is one way to demonstrate acceptance.

PRACTICAL TIP: when you are feeling tense to triggered stop wherever you are, pause and open your hands. Remind your self “I can accept what comes.” Show your learners that flexibility is possible.

02/19/2026

Join us Saturday, March 21st for an engaging and hands-on Sensory & Regulation Workshop designed especially for families.

Location: Grand Blanc Pediatric Dentistry
7185 Fenton Road Grand Blanc Twp

This interactive experience will provide practical tools and easy-to-implement strategies that you can take home and begin using the very same day. Through guided activities and play-based learning, you’ll gain a better understanding of sensory processing and effective regulation techniques to support your child’s success at home and beyond.

✨ Practical strategies
✨ Interactive learning
✨ Tools you can use immediately
✨ A fun, welcoming environment for families

We’re excited to learn, connect, and play together — and we can’t wait to see you there!

REGISTER >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

www.paperlanterntherapies.com

02/18/2026

02/18/2026

I was trained to clear the environment, remove distractions, and wait for eye contact before teaching.

But here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes that ‘clean slate’ strips away the very things that make a child feel safe. For some kids, taking away their favorite item or demanding eye contact doesn’t open the door to learning—it shuts it.

Real connection isn’t forced. It’s earned. If I want their attention, I have to earn their trust first. I have to show them I’m a safe place, and meet them where they already are. That’s where the learning really begins.

02/17/2026

🌟 QUICK INTRO 🌟

I’m Elise, a BCBA, teacher, mom of 2, and wife to a good man!

I am a believer in ABA that is not coercive or distressing;but a journey of growing and becoming.

I also am also a musician, avid reader, and runner (when it’s above 45 degrees only!), and enjoy nerdy board games.

I’m a nature lover, and believe we could all listen more, and love more.

02/16/2026

Messy creativity lets kids drop the pressure to be “right” and just exist in the experience. When their hands are in paint, clay, or sand, their nervous system gets the sensory input it’s been asking for. I’ve often observed a measureable shift where breathing slows, muscles loosen, and responsiveness increases. What looks like chaos is actually their system organizing itself. The textures, the movement, the unpredictability, it all helps discharge tension and bring their body back into a regulated state. From a behavior analytic lens art can provide a functional regulation response, an adaptive way for a child’s body to access calm, and re-engage with their environment purposely.

02/14/2026

When a family reaches out for ABA they typically bring me a list of areas the hope for support. They fill out forms and answer endless questions about their child’s development. Sometimes they may feel unsure about what the future holds. At the end of our first meeting I leave them with one message.

Your child is enough just as they are.

02/12/2026

When I say “they go low” I’m not referring to children. I am referring to interventions that fail to protect the core being of neurodivergent children.

The frame we use to observe and interpret behavior can drastically change our response to it. As BCBAs, we have the training and skill set to provide environmental changes, communication adaptations, procedural accommodations to create a space where children can learn. We do not have to work to change the children we serve. We can find ways to provide them with the support and tools they need to meet their goals.

We can work hard to communicate acceptance and joy while overcoming challenges together.
We can go high.

11/24/2025

The process of observing, interviewing, and engaging to define assent for an emerging speaker is complex and nuanced. Every child deserves their own individualized definition of assent. There are some universal signs of assent: reaching, smiling, nodding yes. However, assent can change just as quickly as an activity can become challenging or confusing.

I try to gather as much information as possible from caregivers before engaging in therapy to give the child the most ideal environment for engagement. Additionally, the more I know about their behavioral cues, the more effectively I am able to demonstrate compassion and responsiveness.

How do you define and measure assent or assent withdrawal?