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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Language is a bridge to culture, heritage and identity. In the United States, millions of households are bilingual or multilingual. When a child in a bilingual home is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parents often must decide whether they should stick to one language to avoid confusion or continue speaking both. In the past, […]
Being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present many unique challenges. You can feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster at times, rotating between feeling proud and happy to confused, worried, sad, angry and even lost. Whether your child was just recently diagnosed with ASD or was diagnosed a while […]
