Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact socially. Many children with autism also have restricted interests, exhibit repetitive behaviors and/or have sensory sensitivities. At the same time, many children on the autism spectrum experience difficulties with motor skills. This includes gross motor skills including gait, coordination and balance, as […]
Getting a child to learn how to properly hold a pencil is an important developmental milestone. It’s something that a child must figure out first so they can hone other fine motor skills such as drawing and writing precisely. It’s so important, in fact, that it even has a name — pencil grip. It’s common for […]
Applied behavior analysis, also known as ABA therapy, is commonly considered the leading treatment option for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a science-based approach to learning, it helps children with autism acquire new social, communication and daily life skills, while also helping them modify negative and/or harmful behaviors. Each ABA therapy treatment plan […]
Despite the many advances that have been made in research in recent years, there’s still many stigmas that exist around autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how it affects people who have it. One of those stigmas is that individuals with autism don’t have empathy. While it’s true that people with autism may not display empathy […]
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically face deficits in communication and social interaction skills. This can stand in the way of a number of common things in life, such as making and maintaining relationships, and attending school. The communication deficits that children with autism face can affect even more basic skills, too. For instance, […]
Managing screen time can be a big challenge for parents today, especially since they are found everywhere. TVs, smartphones, computers and tablets are omnipresent and a critical part of everyday life. These technologies help make our lives easier, whether it be doing work, learning or communicating with others. They can also be great sources of […]
Parental and family involvement is key to the success of applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy. When parents, caregivers, other family members and support personnel understand the needs of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as strategies to help support them, they will be able to reinforce the skills learned during sessions […]
Positive reinforcement is a core principle of how applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is administered. Studies have proven that when a child is rewarded with something they like for successfully attempting or completing new tasks and/or modifying behaviors they’re being taught, the more likely to remain engaged in the therapy and motivated to keep […]
A hallmark symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is sensory sensitivity issues. Some children with autism face hypersensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, while others face hyposensitivity. This could mean that they either have an aversion to certain stimuli (such as not liking the feel of certain textures) or they are drawn to it (such as […]
It’s well-known that applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) build the communication and social skills they may face deficits with. The science-based treatment plan can also help children modify certain negative and/or harmful behaviors into positive ones. ABA therapy’s impact can go well beyond that, too. It has […]
