Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapists utilize prompts during sessions to support their client in performing a specific task. The term ‘prompting’ means to provide cues or assistance to help encourage…
This time of the year, is a special one for families no matter what holiday is celebrated. Families and friends to together physically or virtually, decorate, and share special moments.…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SRrRmpV8bk
Reward systems or reinforcements are used daily in Applied Behavior Therapy, also known as ABA therapy. Rewards are used to help build skills and behaviors in children who have an…
Very often, children on the autism spectrum will display behaviors at a very young age (generally 18 to 24 months) that are consistent with autism. The videos below provide some…
It’s that time of the year again when Halloween is just around the corner. This can be a such an exciting time for kids where they can dress up and…
Gastrointestinal (“GI”) disorders have been proven to be eight times more likely to be experienced by individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) diagnosis than those of their peers (Autismspeaks.org)…
Science has shown that the earlier the intervention the better the growth and development of skills for children diagnosed with autism. Many therapists have seen children who obtain early intervention…
Milestones, specifically developmental milestones, are skills that a child does before a certain age. We use milestones to navigate our child’s developmental health and to determine if they are developing…
Some of the most effective treatment options for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. These treatment options work to minimize…
Parenting in 2020-2021 is unlike anything we have experienced before. We are constrained to our homes, we have limited interaction with the outside world, our kids are socially secluded, and…
Anxiety is not a feature of the diagnosis of autism. However, many individuals with autism experience anxiety. Children with an autism diagnosis express anxiety in many of the same ways…
Parent involvement in ABA therapy is an extremely powerful way to make progress in meeting goals. When your child completes their therapy session for the day with their ABA instructor…
Every child is different. They have different food preferences, different playing methods, different personalities, they also all have different behaviors and reactions. One thing for sure that is the same…
The term Verbal Behavior is a way to teach communication to individuals who have not yet learned language. Verbal behavior therapy uses the basic principles from applied behavior analysis therapy…
Many children with an autism spectrum diagnosis have some difficulty with the development and understanding of communication. Often times even the nonverbal communication skills, such as facial expressions, eye contact,…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdT-Ps0Uq_o Play is a big part of child development. It is where social skills and language can be learned. Self- esteem and friendships are created. Cognitive development, emotional skills, and…
Breaking down the ABCs of Behavior https://youtu.be/iV61q2EOuyE Every behavior has something that comes before it and something that comes after it. Some behaviors we want to encourage more of, like…
https://youtu.be/Px0hYQYu_Lo (Take a look at this video from Autismspeaks.org for information and real life examples of positive reinforcement). “When you finish all of your vegetables you can get your dessert.”…
Children who have received an autism diagnosis are referred for ABA therapy. As a parent, when you first hear that your child is in need of ABA therapy, it is…
LEGO has announced that it is co-sponsoring a new program with Play Included to promote an inclusive, play-oriented initiative for children on the autism spectrum. As described in Forbes: "The LEGO…
I am not sure about you, but to me the word data is intimidating. The first time I was shown a data collection chart from a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior…
Let’s talk about haircuts. For many adults and children with autism, getting a haircut can be a traumatic experience. The buzz of the clippers fading in and out in the…
Summer is almost here, a time many families decide to pack up the kids and visit somewhere new. Travelling can be a hurdle for any family, but it can be…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exLaPr22u7A
Restricted diets, sensitivities to foods, behavioral tendencies, and gastrointestinal problems are all examples of some nutritional challenges individuals with autism can be affected by. Having a nutritious diet plays a…
Nearly half of children with autism have tried to elope or run off. Elopement is when an individual is attempting to leave the safety of a safe area or a…
Please visit the link below, which will take you to an amazing, insightful, heartfelt video from a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. It is a wonderful explanation…
April is World Autism Awareness Month! Creating awareness among and throughout our communities is a valuable catalyst for bringing additional commitment and resources to autism families worldwide. With greater awareness…
Technology guides our everyday lives. We wake up to a programmed alarm clock, check our emails regularly, use apps to direct us to a driving destination, speak to friends with…
The cdc.gov reports that on average children with autism have sleep difficulties up to 80% of the time, compared to typically developing children at thirty percent of the time. Not…
As a parent/caregiver we all want our children to be healthy and happy. We hope that our parenting and guidance pushes our kids to grow and learn. We work hard…
Challenging behaviors can sometimes accompany an autism diagnosis. Navigating these behaviors can be one of the most stressful characteristics for family members and caregivers to manage and can cause burnout…
Most siblings have moments when they are fighting for attention from you or each other. They might argue, bicker, and disagree but, having a brother or sister to share and…
What is ABA Therapy? Many professionals believe ABA Therapy is the gold standard treatment to use with children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA Therapy, or…
You are a parent of a child who has received an autism diagnosis. Very understandably, you feel shocked, lost, frightened and unsure of what exactly is the set of challenges…