Our New Wyoming Learning Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration!
Our new Wyoming, MI Learning Center had a successful grand opening! We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Wyoming!
Tag: Michigan
LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Wyoming, MI.
Ribbon-Cutting and Open House to be held March 19
Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Wyoming Learning Center with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 3-6 p.m. at 2024 Health Drive SW, Suite B in Wyoming, MI 49519. This event is open to the public.
Total Spectrum is Michigan’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of in-home and center-based autism services for children and young adults ages 2-21 years. The new Wyoming Learning Center provides key services in addition to ABA therapy, including early intervention, parent education, and social skills programs during school breaks.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the South Kent Chamber of Commerce, and attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team.
Spring-themed activities for families will be offered during the Open House, including photos taken with the spring bunny in a sensory-friendly and supportive environment.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to Kent County and beyond,” said Melissa Furman, MA, BCBA, LBA, Clinical Director of the Wyoming Learning Center. “We value being a part of the Wyoming community and look forward to collaborating with the community to help find success for every child and young adult in our care.”
Key Features of the Wyoming Learning Center:
- 4,600square-foot facility with an outdoor playground for physical and social development.
- ABA therapy, which includes social skills groups, a school readiness area, and vocational preparation.
- No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
- Serving children and young adults, ages 2-21 years old, with personalized therapy plans.
- Conveniently located off Route 131 and M-6, easily accessible for families in the region.
The center is now enrolling new clients in Wyoming, Grandville, Grand Rapids, Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, Cutlerville, Forest Hills, Walker, and Comstock Park with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
The Total Spectrum Learning Center is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, one of the nation’s leading providers of contemporary ABA therapy. Total Spectrum has been delivering evidence-based services for more than 10 years, helping children and young adults with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
For more information or to enroll a child at the Wyoming Learning Center, visit totalspectrumcare.com/locations
About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a leading provider of contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. With a nationwide network of Learning Centers, LEARN Behavioral offers comprehensive, personalized services that meet each child’s unique needs. Total Spectrum specializes in contemporary ABA therapy, helping children and young adults with autism achieve success in school and life. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.
6 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Grand Rapids, MI
It can be hard to find activities for kids who need sensory-friendly spaces. But Grand Rapids is adding more spaces to support families.
Sensory-friendly spaces are designed to be calm and quiet. They help reduce bright lights and loud sounds. These small changes create a more comfortable environment for kids who might otherwise feel overstimulated.
For children with autism, these spaces can feel like a safe haven. They help kids relax and enjoy themselves without feeling anxious or stressed. Sensory-friendly movie theaters, parks, and events all share the same goal: making the experience fun and accessible for everyone.
Here’s a guide to the best sensory-friendly activities in the area.
1. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a haven for kids craving hands-on fun. Recognizing the needs of children with sensory sensitivities, the museum hosts Sensory Toolkits that include noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys, and visual schedules to help families feel at ease. They also offer Sensory Friendly Hours with reduced noise levels and dimmed lighting to create a calming atmosphere.
Tip for Families: Visit during the sensory-friendly time slots, and bring familiar comfort items to help your child adjust to the new environment.
2. John Ball Zoo
The John Ball Zoo is a favorite destination for families in Grand Rapids, and they take extra steps to make the zoo accessible for everyone. Their Quiet Area Maps guide you to tranquil spots where you and your family can take a break if the exhibits become overwhelming. The zoo also offers sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, lap pads, and fidget toys, available for free rental.
Tip for Families: Start your visit early in the day when it’s less crowded, and plan your route to include quiet zones for breaks.
3. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Nature lovers will find peace and joy at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a sprawling park with manicured gardens and inspiring sculptures. The sounds of birds and water fountains create a soothing environment. The Children’s Garden features interactive musical instruments and spaces for quiet reflection designed to meet diverse needs.
Tip for Families: Take advantage of weekdays, as the gardens are not as crowded, and explore sensory-friendly paths that offer a peaceful experience.
4. Celebration Cinema GR North
Celebration Cinema GR North hosts Sensory Showtimes that provide a relaxed movie-going experience. During these screenings, the lights remain dim (but not completely dark), and the volume is lower to avoid overwhelming sensory input. Kids are welcome to move around or make noise during the movie, creating a judgment-free zone for families.
Tip for Families: Check Celebration Cinema’s calendar to catch the latest sensory showtimes and pick a movie your kids are excited to see.
5. The Salvation Army Kroc Center
This community hub has an inclusive environment offering sensory-friendly programming, such as open gym sessions and swimming time reserved for children with sensory sensitivities.
Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about upcoming programs or events tailored for sensory-sensitive kids.
6. The Grand Rapids Public Library
The library offers sensory support and has a kit families can use during their visit that includes a weighted vest and suspenders, noise-reduction headphones, a tangle therapy toy, emotion flashcards, fidget, bracelet, and social story guide.
Tip for Families: Check the library calendar to see when librarians offer storytimes to read books to kids.
Tips for Families Exploring Sensory-Friendly Activities
- Plan Ahead: Contact locations beforehand to confirm accessibility accommodations and plan your visit during sensory-friendly hours.
- Pack Essentials: To ease transitions in new environments, bring snacks, headphones, or sensory toys your child is familiar with.
- Pace Yourself: Plan shorter visits or include breaks to avoid overstimulation. Many venues offer quiet spaces where your family can regroup if needed.
- Talk It Through: Preparing your child by explaining what to expect at the venue can help reduce any anxiety.
For more sensory-friendly ideas, check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas.
Looking for additional support for your child in Grand Rapids, MI? At Total Spectrum, we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored exclusively to your child’s unique needs, behavior, and personality. Learn more about our services in the Grand Rapids area and contact us today!
Tour Our Portage ABA Therapy Learning Center!
Welcome to our Total Spectrum Portage, MI ABA Therapy Learning Center! To learn more about Total Spectrum, visit https://totalspectrumcare.com/
Reducing Behavior Technician Burn Out
Melissa Furman, a Clinical Director for Total Spectrum- Michigan West joins us to discuss the importance of staff retention in the field of ABA and to share her recent research that is looking to improve staff satisfaction and reduce turnover. We explore the importance of consistency for families utilizing services as well as the factors leading to burnout in the field. Melissa shared how her recent work is helping both these goals, “Implementing an incentive plan to increase positive descriptive feedback during field supervision creates a happier environment, fuels good work, and provides a space where BT’s want to come to work.”
Portage Learning Center Grand Opening
We’re open! 🎉 Check out the Grand Opening of our Portage, MI Learning Center! We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Portage.
Contact us for more information by visiting our Total Spectrum website!