Beginning an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) program is an empowering step for families navigating an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. However, before targeted interventions can begin, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) must establish a clear understanding of your child’s unique communication capabilities, social skills and learning style. One of the most trusted and […]
Updated September 2026 People who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face many challenges in life. Just like the name of the neurodevelopmental disorder suggests, the signs and symptoms as well as severity certainly spans a wide spectrum, with people affected in significantly different ways. Some of the most common challenges that people on the autism […]
Communication is a fundamental part of how children learn, build relationships and express their thoughts and feelings. However, not every child develops language in the exact same way. While many children learn language by building from individual words to complete sentences,2 some clinicians use the term Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) to describe a proposed pattern […]
Communication takes many forms. For children on the autism spectrum, expressing thoughts, needs and emotions doesn’t always follow a predictable path. Parents often notice their child repeating phrases, sentences or entire dialogues heard hours, days or even weeks earlier from a favorite cartoon, a parent’s gentle reminder or a classroom instruction. This pattern of speech […]
Understanding developmental healthcare trends begins with looking at the numbers. As awareness surrounding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) grows, data collected at both national and state levels provides crucial context for families, clinicians and educators. In Utah, tracking autism prevalence helps healthcare providers and community leaders better understand the needs of local children and allocate key […]
Selective mutism (SM) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two distinct conditions that can significantly impact a child’s ability to communicate and interact with the world around them. While they share overlapping features such as social difficulties and communication challenges, they stem from different underlying causes and require specialized support strategies. For parents, educators and […]
Tracking developmental care data gives families and healthcare providers a clear picture of the growing needs across local communities. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by unique differences in social communication, behavioral patterns, sensory processing and learning styles1. Over recent decades, autism prevalence rates have risen across the United States due to […]
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) […]
Successfully navigating a developmental diagnosis begins with clear, grounded information. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shapes how individuals experience the world, process sensory input, connect with peers and express themselves. Over the past several decades, reported rates of autism have continued a steady upward trajectory across the nation, a shift largely driven by refined diagnostic criteria, […]
Receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child can bring both relief and a wave of new questions. Among the terms you will hear from clinicians, pediatricians and specialists are “autism levels.” When the American Psychiatric Association updated the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it consolidated previously separate diagnoses – […]
