Newsletter

Back to School

Bright Steps Forward’s Therapeutic Learning Center is Now in Full Swing!

After a relaxing summer, students of Bright Steps Forward are enjoying reading, writing, math, science, social studies, music, art and circle time at our Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines facilities.
Each student is taught a customized curriculum to meet their individual needs. Our student population is varied – some are on the autism spectrum and others have neurological impairments such as cerebral palsy.
During this transition, we have enjoyed watching each child blossom as they become adjusted to the school day and all their new friends.

With our climbing enrollment, we have made plans to move both learning centers into bigger facilities starting in October. Stay tuned for more exciting news as we grow!

Autism Spectrum Disorder

An Old and Trusted Drug Provides New Hope for Kids on the Spectrum

Many children on the autism spectrum take antipsychotic medications to help relieve symptoms of irritability and agitation – however weight gain from these drugs is often an unwanted side effect – not to mention the complications that come with the weight gain such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
A research study published last month in the Journal of American Medical Association – Psychiatry, found that children who were on anti-psychotic medications such as Abilify or Risperdal who ALSO took the diabetes drug Metformin, showed less weight gain than those taking the placebo.
Metformin, first discovered in the 1920s, is FDA approved for use in children with diabetes. The findings provide new hope for children who potentially may be on the psychotropic drugs for a lifetime.