Stages Connect
Katie Vena
ContributorKatie Vena is a licensed professional counselor, certified school counselor, and registered play therapist. She began working with children on the spectrum in 2004 as an ABA therapist. For the last 16 years, she has been in the school system, working with all types of exceptionalities and children! She also teaches continuing education courses in areas such as Autism and PBIS. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time outdoors with her family.
Articles by Katie
Emotions & Social Skills Celebrate Six Fall Holidays You Didn’t Know Existed!
...And learn ways to adapt any holiday to help your child with autism have fun!
Katie Vena
Nov 5, 2022 · 4 min read
Language & Communication The Five Best Ice Breakers to Use for Autistic Students
Helping Autistic Students Connect with Other Students Autistic students can sometimes have challenges related to social interactions, communication, and lack of social reciprocity. Due to these challenges, it is sometimes difficult for children with autism to easily meet and con
Katie Vena
Sep 10, 2022 · 5 min read
ABA & Therapy What Does It Mean to Be on the Spectrum?
Explaining Autism to Neurotypical Children
Katie Vena
Sep 4, 2022 · 5 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Helping Your Autistic* Child Develop Emotional Intelligence
Children with autism are often lacking in the area of emotional intelligence. The good news is that scientists now better understand the biological reasons behind why autistic individuals face challenges in this area. By understanding the science, and understanding that emotiona
Katie Vena
Jul 30, 2022 · 7 min read
Language & Communication Show Love to Your Autistic Child… and Yourself!
Work Smarter, Not Harder Did you know that we all have primary ways in which we tend to show love and affection to others around us? We also have preferences on how we like to have others reciprocate and show their love to us. However, autistic children may struggle with social
Katie Vena
Jul 30, 2022 · 6 min read