Nestled along the banks of the Catawba River, Belmont, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and a rapidly growing support network for neurodivergent individuals. For families navigating the path of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, this community provides a close-knit environment where local advocacy and specialized programs are often just a […]

The relationship between a family and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is one of the most critical components of a child’s success in applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). When things are going great, this relationship is a collaborative partnership built on mutual respect and a shared goal of helping your child reach their full […]

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 has been navigating the […]

Communication is one of the most complex skills a child will ever learn. While talking is often thought of as the primary goal, communication begins long before a child utters their first word. For many neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), gestures such as pointing, reaching or leading a caregiver by the […]

Finding the right support and local resources is an essential step for families navigating an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. In a growing city such as Charlotte, North Carolina, there is a wealth of community-based programs, educational centers and recreational activities designed to help children with autism thrive. At Blue Gems ABA, we understand that […]

Everyone gets bored from time to time, but the way it is felt and expressed can vary significantly from one person to the next. For neurotypical children, boredom often looks like a vocal complaint, restless wandering or seeking out a new toy. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), boredom doesn’t always follow this recognizable […]

Building a supportive network is one of the most impactful steps a family can take after an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. While specialized applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is a cornerstone of progress, having a localized toolkit of community resources helps ensure that children with autism can generalize their skills in real-world settings, from […]

In applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), one thing parents commonly ask is whether their child is refusing to do a task or whether they don’t have the ability to do it. This distinction between avoidance and inability is crucial for determining how to best support a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When a child […]

Being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present many unique challenges. One minute you may feel happy and proud, and the next, you could feel lost, angry and confused. It takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes, and that’s especially true when you have a child […]

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 […]