Receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child can bring both relief and a wave of new questions. Among the terms you will hear from clinicians, pediatricians and specialists are “autism levels.” When the American Psychiatric Association updated the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it consolidated previously separate diagnoses – […]

For young children, understanding the boundary between “mine” and “yours” is a natural developmental milestone that takes time and guidance to master. It is completely normal for kids to want to play with a shiny toy they see in a friend’s hands or grab an interesting object off a counter without asking. However, for children […]

When a child receives an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, parents are suddenly faced with navigating a new world of therapy options, specialized care and insurance policies. Among the various therapeutic approaches available today, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) stands out as the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for children on the autism spectrum.1 Designed to enhance […]

Identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood is becoming increasingly common1. Many adults grew up at a time when autism awareness was limited, or their symptoms were misunderstood, overlooked or misattributed to anxiety, ADHD or introversion. For many individuals, receiving a late diagnosis or simply gaining an understanding of neurodivergent traits brings immense relief, clarity […]

Greeting others is one of the most fundamental social skills we use every day. Whether it’s saying a quick “hello” to a teacher, waving to a neighbor or offering a handshake to a new acquaintance, greetings help set the tone for positive social interactions. They signal friendliness, acknowledge others and serve as the entry point […]

Understanding developmental healthcare trends begins with looking at the numbers – and behind every statistic is a child, a family and a community seeking the right care and resources. In recent years, data surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has evolved rapidly across the United States, and Nebraska is no exception. For parents, educators and healthcare providers […]

Understanding the landscape of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) starts with looking at the numbers. For parents, caregivers and educators in Missouri, state-specific statistics offer far more than simple data points – they reveal how early screening is improving, how access to care is expanding and where families can find crucial community support. Data from the Centers […]

Receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child brings a whirlwind of emotions. As you navigate next steps, finding the right resources and understanding the broader community around you is incredibly empowering. If you live in the Bay State, you are far from alone. In fact, local and national data consistently show that […]

Blue Gems ABA has announced the promotion of Greg Scott to Regional Clinical Director, expanding his clinical leadership responsibilities across Nebraska, Missouri, and Maryland. The promotion reflects Greg’s continued growth within the organization and Blue Gems ABA’s continued investment in clinical leadership as the organization grows.  Greg joined Blue Gems ABA in 2023 as a Board […]