Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) looks different for every person who has it. Because of this, the interventions and support that is provided to individuals with autism and their families needs to be specifically tailored to their unique needs. This is one of the reasons why applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is considered the leading treatment […]
The most typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are deficits with communication and social interaction, coupled with sensory sensitivities, restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors. Some children on the autism spectrum may additionally exhibit other challenging behaviors as a result of their neurodevelopmental disorder. Common examples include self-stimulatory behaviors — with some being self-harmful — and hoarding. […]
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) thrive on structure. Generally speaking, they do much better when things are in order — whether that’s following a predictable daily routine or having everything in its place in their room. Organization is great for any child, as it helps them find what they’re looking for and teaches them important […]
Turn taking is an important skill that children first start to learn when they are young. While the skill may seem trivial, it’s an important building block for lifelong learning, social relationships and professional opportunities. It’s not easy to teach children how to take turns, as they are often impatient and have trouble sharing. Doing […]
The arrival of a new child is a wonderful event for families. A new baby in the household brings a lot of joy, but also a lot of change and challenges, especially if you have another child who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). So much of daily life needs to be altered when a new […]
When parents first hear that their child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they likely experience a wide range of emotions all at once. This can range from shock and surprise, to sadness, anger and everything in between. It can be quite overwhelming to receive an autism diagnosis, even for those who were […]
Holistic approaches to well-being have become commonplace today, as the benefits of an all-encompassing plan are immense. The same is true of children who have developmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is considered the leading treatment for children on the autism spectrum, but it doesn’t just treat patients […]
The holidays are an exciting time of year. Extended families and friends get together, celebrating traditions that have been passed down for generations. With so much being different during these celebrations, though, holidays can prove to be very challenging for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The change in routine, the noisy environments and the […]
Parental and caregiver involvement is a key driver of success in applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). The reason for this is quite simple: Parents and caregivers spend the most time with their children, so they need to know the strategies that ABA therapists use during sessions so they can best support their children outside of […]
Studying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a unique challenge to researchers, since many children with autism face deficits in social interaction and communication. In other words, unlike with other groups of people, researchers may not be able to get accurate information from children on the autism spectrum by asking them questions. Yet, advanced research has […]
