The word “Controversy” highlighted in pink with the text “What is ABA and Why is It Controversial?” overlaid.

What is ABA and why is it controversial?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is widely recognized by medical professionals, educators and insurance providers as the gold-standard treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Decades of research have shown its effectiveness in helping children build foundational skills, improve communication and foster independence.123 At the same time, parents navigating an autism diagnosis often encounter […]

Person in a thoughtful pose above the text, “What is ABA Therapy Used For?”

What is ABA Therapy Used For?

When a child receives a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parents are often introduced to a wide range of therapies, medical jargon and treatment options. Among these, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) is widely recognized as the gold standard for supporting individuals on the spectrum. However, many parents initially ask a fundamental question: What […]

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) in ABA graphic featuring a target and arrow with the words “strategy,” “plans” and “goals.”

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) in ABA Therapy

Receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child often comes with a detailed roadmap of therapeutic options. Among these, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) stands out as the gold standard of care, helping children sharpen communication, build social skills and foster everyday independence.1 15 However, when a child engages in challenging behaviors such […]

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) title graphic with a three-box checklist and a red check mark.

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

When a child exhibits challenging behaviors such as severe tantrums, aggression, elopement or self-injury, it is often a sign that they are struggling to communicate their needs. For parents of children on the autism spectrum, watching a child experience distress without knowing how to help can be overwhelming. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy), behavior […]

ABA intake checklist with a hand checking boxes on a form, illustrating the intake and evaluation process before starting ABA therapy.

ABA Intake Checklist

Starting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for your child is a major milestone. It marks the beginning of a dedicated, highly personalized journey toward building meaningful life skills, improving communication and fostering independence.⁸ ¹¹ ¹² However, before sessions officially begin, families must navigate the intake process. For many parents, taking those initial steps can feel […]

Teen sitting in a waiting room with text reading ‘ABA Waitlists: Why They Exist.

ABA Waitlists: Why They Exist

When a child receives an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, parents are often eager to begin early intervention as soon as possible.1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) is widely recognized as a gold-standard treatment for children with autism, offering structured, evidence-based care tailored to each learner’s unique needs.2 However, after securing a diagnosis and receiving […]

Sensory Processing Disorder vs autism with child playing with sensory sand

Sensory Processing Disorder vs Autism

Understanding how a child processes the world around them is one of the most important aspects of supporting their growth. When a child experiences intense reactions to sights, sounds, textures or movements, parents often wonder what might be driving those behaviors. Two terms that frequently come up in these conversations are Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) […]

Learning How to Respect Others’ Belongings with ABA

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 […]

Learning Appropriate Greetings with ABA

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 […]

Learning How to Take Turns with ABA

Taking turns is a fundamental part of daily life. From waiting in line at the grocery store to playing a board game or participating in a classroom discussion, sharing moments with others requires patience and social awareness. It is challenging enough for neurotypical children to master the concept of waiting. For those with neurodevelopmental challenges […]