Blogs

Blue Gems ABA Names Patty Quan Director of Outcomes

Blue Gems ABA is proud to announce the appointment of Patty Quan as Director of Outcomes, a key leadership hire that reflects the organization’s continued investment in clinical excellence, accountability, and meaningful progress for the children and families it serves.  As the ABA field continues to evolve, Blue Gems ABA is committed to not only delivering care, but […]

Columbia MD Local Autism Resources

Being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present many unique challenges. One minute you may feel happy and proud, and the next, you could feel lost, angry and confused. It takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes, and that’s especially true when you have a child […]

What Triggers ‘Shutdowns’ Instead of Meltdowns?

Parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often familiar with meltdowns, highly visible, externalized outbursts. Yet, there’s another equally significant response from children on the autism spectrum that’s often misunderstood or overlooked, and it’s called the shutdown. A meltdown is often compared to a volcano of emotion, but a shutdown is […]

What Happens if a Child Bonds Too Strongly with One Therapist?

Consistency is often the foundation of progress for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Building a trusting relationship with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a vital aspect of the success of applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). When a child feels safe and understood, they are more likely to […]

What Does ‘Pairing’ Look Like in the First Weeks of ABA?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) can be an overwhelming experience for families. Many parents expect to walk into a clinic or open their doors to a therapist and immediately see intensive work on communication, academic tasks or behavior reduction. However, if you observe a session during the first two weeks, it might look a lot […]

What Are the Earliest Social Signs Parents Tend to Overlook?

Every parent eagerly awaits the time when their child takes their first steps or speaks their first words. These milestones are critical, of course, but the developmental journey begins much earlier through social and emotional cues. In many cases, the earliest indicators of neurodevelopmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aren’t the presence of […]

What Behaviors Are Often Mistaken for Autism in Toddlers?

The toddler years are filled with personality shifts, rapid growth and many firsts. This period is also a time of heightened observation for parents. With increased awareness of neurodevelopmental milestones, it is natural for caregivers to look closely at their child’s actions. Sometimes, a specific behavior, such as a delay in speaking or a preference […]

How BCBA Decision-Making Evolves with Experience

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) serve as the overseer of children’s progress toward their goals in applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). They are responsible for assessing needs, designing interventions and analyzing data to ensure that every hour of therapy is moving a child toward their goals. The art of being a BCBA is not something […]

Why Supervision Quality Matters More Than Hours

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) is a data-driven field, often defined by the number of hours a child spends in therapy. While the quantity of hours is an important factor in children reaching their milestones and goals, it is only one part of the equation. It is the effectiveness of those hours that is directly […]

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