Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often faced with challenges associated with intense emotional responses their children have when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Known as meltdowns, they can happen for a number of reasons, and they’re not always easy to prevent. Children with autism commonly experience challenges that their neurotypical peers do not. […]

For many parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a sudden behavioral meltdown or a period of irritability can sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. Their child may look happy, content and engaged in play one moment and then become overwhelmed and frustrated the next. When this happens, parents may want to look […]

Learning patience and how to wait is hard for any child, yet they are essential skills for daily life. Not only are these skills vital for social interactions, they can affect a child’s safety as well. There are many times when children will have to wait and be quiet and behave appropriately while doing so. […]

Family support is critical in raising a child, no matter what that child’s development abilities are. It becomes even more critical, though, when a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents of children with autism may need more help and support — both physical and emotional — than those of neurotypical children. This is because […]

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 […]

Advanced technology is changing the way things are done in multiple aspects of our lives. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, for instance, are helping enhance lives, providing valuable tools that are transforming different industries. In applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), AI technology is now providing therapy teams new ways to track and analyze data […]

One of the hallmark symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a deficit in communication. Many children on the autism spectrum develop their language skills at a slower pace than their neurotypical peers, while some will always remain non-verbal. Since language development is such an important part of living independently, building a child’s vocabulary and […]

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly face challenges when transitioning from one activity to the next. If they know what’s coming up next, they are more likely to navigate the situation successfully, without reacting negatively. This is why setting up clear routines is so beneficial to children with autism. It helps them feel comfortable, […]

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) is highly regarded for its proven ability to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) gain the communication and social interaction skills they often struggle with. While every child’s ABA therapy goals will differ depending on their unique strengths, challenges, needs and preferences, a general objective is to help them […]