Respecting When a Child Says ‘No’

Autonomy is an important part of development. Being able to make your own decisions and control your own actions are vital aspects of learning to navigate the world and live independently. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), achieving autonomy might be more complicated, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important than it is […]

Strategies for Regaining Instructional Control

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) has long been considered to be the best treatment option for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a wide range of strategies and tools, therapists can help children address deficits with communication and social interactions, build essential life skills, manage their emotions and sensory sensitivities, and modify behaviors. As […]

Teaching Children to Say ‘I Need a Break’

Everyone needs a break from time to time. Being able to step away from what one is doing if it’s causing stress and anxiety or if it’s becoming overwhelming and confusing is essential in calming down, centering oneself and allowing your body and brain to refresh. Many people have the ability to recognize when they […]

ABA Techniques to Teach Map Reading and Directions

Physical maps may not be nearly as important and prominent as they once were, but learning how to read them to navigate directions is still an essential skill. Even though smartphones provide step-by-step visual and spoken directions, there are many other ways in which reading a map and knowing directions can help a person navigate […]

Reinforcement for Teaching Abstract Reasoning

Abstract reasoning is a key aspect of overall cognitive development. It plays a crucial role in adaptive functioning, reasoning, problem-solving and more. Thinking in abstract terms can be challenging for children, especially those who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Being able to understand a concept that they’re not able to observe directly can be hard […]

What Happens in Your First ABA Session?

When children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) begin receiving applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) treatment, it represents a significant milestone — not only for them but for their families. After receiving their child’s autism diagnosis, it’s natural for parents to feel a range of emotions. Taking that next step to provide the help your child needs […]

Inter-Response Time (IRT) in ABA

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is an evidence-based approach to learning and behavior. As it’s rooted in scientific principles, there is real-world data that shows how effective it can be at treating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA therapy is a targeted, personalized and structured approach to treatment. It involves collecting a lot […]

Guide to a Letter of Medical Necessity for ABA Therapy

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is considered the leading treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is why a prescription for ABA therapy often follows an ASD diagnosis. Luckily, awareness, understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism has increased substantially in recent years, and that has led many states to pass legislation requiring […]

Can ABA Therapy Help Treat Anxiety?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is prized for its ability to provide treatment and support to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One of the reasons why it’s considered the leading treatment option is because of its versatility. ABA therapy can be used to treat many of the common signs of autism, including deficits with […]

Reviewing Data on Long-Term ABA Outcomes

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) has long been considered the leading treatment option for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s especially effective when children are able to start receiving it from an early age. That’s because research has shown that the earlier ABA therapy can begin, the more impactful the outcomes can be for […]