Stepping Stones Behavioral Health Services

12/09/2025

AuDHD is the intersection of Autism and ADHD, and many people live with this unique neurotype without ever receiving the understanding or support they deserve. AuDHD individuals often experience both incredible strengths and real challenges in daily life, from creativity and deep focus to sensory overwhelm and executive functioning struggles. When schools, families, and communities offer clarity, predictability, and sensory-safe environments, AuDHD individuals can thrive. Awareness is the first step toward inclusion and compassion. Let’s keep learning, supporting, and celebrating neurodiversity.

12/09/2025

PDA is often misunderstood, yet it reflects a deep, anxiety-driven need for autonomy and safety. When we recognize that avoidance is not defiance but a stress response, we can offer support that is flexible, collaborative, and calming. Understanding PDA allows us to reduce pressure, build trust, and create environments where students feel safe enough to learn and connect.

12/09/2025

This poster can be displayed in classrooms, study areas, resource rooms, or used in individual student intervention plans. It is also ideal for teaching executive functioning skills, supporting IEP goals, and collaborating with families who want practical techniques to reinforce routines at home.

12/09/2025

This poster can be displayed on classroom walls, teacher planning boards, student resource corners, or used as part of professional development training on ADHD-friendly instruction. It provides a practical reference that helps educators maintain inclusive, supportive, and well-managed classrooms.

12/05/2025

When screens feel like the safest place
For many autistic young people, the digital world offers something the real world rarely does: predictability. Screens reduce the sensory and social demands that can overwhelm an already hardworking nervous system.

When the world is too loud, bright or fast
Real-life environments are full of unpredictable sounds, movements and social cues. Screens give autistic children control — over brightness, volume, pace and interactions — helping their sensory system settle rather than overload.

When communication becomes easier
Online spaces often feel more manageable because they remove the pressure to interpret facial expressions, tone or fast back-and-forth conversation. Screens offer clarity and time, reducing social anxiety and supporting genuine connection.

When 'special interests' come alive
Autistic passions are powerful regulators. Screens allow uninterrupted exploration of these interests, offering joy, comfort and identity-building in a world that often misunderstands them.

When understanding creates compassion
Seeing screen engagement through an autistic lens shifts us away from fear-based narratives.

When you want the full picture
If you missed our earlier ADHD & Screens visual, take a look — it explains the dopamine side of screen regulation and why ADHD transitions can be so intense. Together, these posts give a complete, brain-based understanding.

12/01/2025

Autism in girls often presents differently from boys, sometimes leading to them being overlooked, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed later in life. While they may still experience social and communication deficits and repetitive behaviors, these can be more subtle. Girls with autism may also hide their symptoms through a process called masking, have more social anxieties and depression, and possess socially acceptable special interests, such as animals or celebrities, making them blend in more easily.

Visual .au❤️

12/01/2025

Sensory Friendly Hockey Game – January 25th!

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits are hosting a Sensory Friendly Game on Sunday, January 25th at 3:05 PM at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and we’re excited to share this inclusive opportunity with our community!

This game is designed to support individuals with sensory sensitivities by creating a more comfortable environment for all fans.

During the event:

🎵 Music will be played at low volume

🚫 No goal horn

💡 Reduced lighting effects

🧘‍♂️ Sensory-friendly spaces will be open to any fans who need them

🤝 Staff will be ready to welcome and assist families to ensure a positive game-day experience

With many groups and organizations planning to attend, we encourage families to arrive early to get settled and comfortable before puck drop.

📅 Date: Sunday, January 25
🕒 Puck Drop: 3:05 PM
📍 Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, SC

We’re grateful to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for creating an inclusive event where everyone can enjoy the excitement of hockey in an accessible and supportive environment.

11/26/2025

Interested in Employment? Our Job Seekers program is accepting participants for all three levels! Please Email Faith at FAvery@SOSCareSC.org if interested in joining us. Level 1 is for high school students (16 and older), Level 2 and 3 is for high school graduates or GED holders. Program length varies between 4 and 8 weeks.

11/03/2025

Free "Find Your Path" Downloads for National School Psych Week! Free tools, free webinar, all FREE99!!!!

🧡 www.thrivingstudents.com/nspw2025
🧡 NSWP is November 3-5th!

11/03/2025

10/27/2025

No one would ever suggest withholding a wheelchair from a child who cannot walk.

Yet, other types of disabilities require different supports, adaptive equipment and tools, and accommodations.

A child may have a formal diagnosis of dysgraphia or may struggle with the skills required for efficient handwriting. Accommodations enable children to access curriculum and complete academic work.

Interesting and important research from 2018 out of Michigan State University show that 1- students feel that they are not supported often enough with use of their accommodations and 2- teachers often intentionally restrict accommodations for various reasons, including that they feel accommodations prevent kids from learning to do tasks "the traditional way".

Please share this visual with your teachers and explain that students benefit from USING their IEP accommodations and that they are NEVER something to phase out.

What are your feelings on this topic?

Do you see accommodations being withheld?