Every parent of a child with autism knows what it’s like to watch their child get “stuck” — whether repeating a phrase, replaying a memory, or looping through the same question again and again. This is called perseveration, and while it can be frustrating or confusing to witness, it’s not defiance or obsession. Perseveration is how some autistic minds process information, emotions, and experiences. When we understand why it happens [...]
Autism is often described as a different way of processing information — and one of the most important concepts that helps explain this is bottom-up thinking. This approach to understanding the world is not about disorder or deficit; it’s about perception, detail, and pattern recognition. For parents, teachers, and beginning ABA professionals, understanding bottom-up thinking offers new insight into how autistic individuals interpret the world, make decisions, and experience learning [...]
One of the most fascinating and often misunderstood aspects of autism is monotropism — the tendency to focus intensely on specific interests or experiences. For many autistic individuals, this single-minded focus is not just a quirk; it’s the lens through which they see and interact with the world. Understanding monotropism helps parents, teachers, and therapists appreciate that what may look like “obsession” or “rigidity” from the outside is actually a [...]
Understanding Screaming Fits and Outbursts in Children with Autism Every parent or caregiver of a child with autism knows that some days can feel unpredictable. A quiet morning can suddenly turn into a whirlwind of tears, screams, or even physical outbursts. These moments are emotionally draining for both the child and the adults around them. But here’s the truth: behind every outburst is communication — a message that the child [...]
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy begins with understanding where a child is — their strengths, needs, and the skills that require development. This understanding doesn’t come from guesswork; it comes from carefully designed ABA assessments. These assessments provide the roadmap for individualized therapy and progress tracking, ensuring every goal is based on objective, measurable data rather than assumptions or generalizations. For parents, these assessments can seem confusing at first — [...]
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is designed to help children with autism build and maintain important life skills. However, progress in therapy is not always linear. Children may sometimes lose previously learned skills or demonstrate a decrease in performance. This is known as regression. While it can be discouraging for both parents and therapists, regression is a common occurrence and does not mean that therapy is failing. Understanding why regression [...]
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the world can sometimes feel unpredictable and overwhelming. One of the most effective tools parents, caregivers, and educators can provide is a structured daily routine. Routines and schedules create a sense of safety, help children anticipate what comes next, and foster opportunities for learning essential life skills. This article explores why routines are so vital, how they support growth, and practical ways to [...]
Screens are everywhere—from smartphones and tablets to televisions and computers. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), screen time can play a unique role in both learning and leisure. While technology can provide educational opportunities and calming activities, excessive screen use may interfere with development, social interaction, and overall well-being. Finding the right balance is essential for supporting healthy growth. Why Screen Time Matters for Kids with Autism Children with [...]
Separation anxiety is a common challenge among children, but for those on the autism spectrum, the experience can be significantly more intense and disruptive. Children with autism often rely on predictability, secure attachments, and familiar environments to feel safe. Being apart from parents or caregivers can therefore provoke heightened stress, fear, and behavioral challenges. Understanding the root causes, recognizing the signs, and learning effective strategies can empower families to help [...]
For many families of children with autism, seizures and epilepsy add an additional layer of complexity to daily life. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, and epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent seizures. Research has shown that there is a strong relationship between the two, with seizures being more common in people with autism than in the general population. Understanding this connection, recognizing symptoms, and knowing [...]
What Is Discrimination Training in ABA? Discrimination training is a core teaching method in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that helps children learn to tell the difference between different stimuli and respond appropriately. In simple terms, it is teaching a child to recognize what’s happening in their environment and then act in a way that matches the situation. For example, learning that a green light means “go” and a red light [...]
For many parents, one of the most concerning moments is realizing their child is having difficulty speaking, forming words, or expressing thoughts clearly. Sometimes these difficulties are temporary and linked to typical language development. Other times, they may be related to specific speech and language disorders such as dysarthria or aphasia. Understanding what these conditions are, how they differ, and how they affect children can provide clarity, peace of mind, [...]
What Are ABA Prompts? Prompts are supports or cues used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help a child successfully perform a skill or behavior. They act like stepping stones—temporary assistance that guides the learner toward independence. Without prompts, some children may struggle to understand what is expected or how to complete a task. With prompts, skills can be taught step by step until the child is ready to perform [...]
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience the world in ways that are profoundly different from their neurotypical peers. One of the most common and challenging features of autism is hypersensitivity—an intense reaction to ordinary sights, sounds, textures, tastes, or smells. For some children, the hum of fluorescent lights or the feel of a shirt tag can be as distracting or distressing as loud noise or physical discomfort. Understanding [...]
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shapes not only how individuals process the world around them, but also how they communicate. One unique and sometimes misunderstood communication style is “info dumping.” Many autistic children and adults are passionate about their interests and want to share their knowledge in depth—sometimes all at once. For families, therapists, and educators, understanding info dumping can foster better communication, strengthen relationships, and celebrate neurodiverse strengths. What Is [...]
Elopement, also known as wandering or bolting, is a serious safety concern for many families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Elopement refers to a child leaving a safe area or supervised setting unexpectedly, often without notice and sometimes traveling significant distances. While all children may wander at times, elopement in autistic children tends to be more frequent, impulsive, and dangerous, creating significant stress for families and educators. Understanding [...]
Supporting children with autism in managing their emotions and behaviors is a cornerstone of effective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Emotional regulation skills help children cope with stress, transitions, and daily challenges. Two key concepts in this area are co-regulation and self-regulation. While closely connected, each plays a unique role in development and long-term independence. Understanding the difference—and how to support both—empowers families, therapists, and educators to help children reach [...]
What Is ABA Prompt Fading? Prompt fading is a fundamental strategy in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy that supports children with autism as they learn new skills or behaviors. The core goal of prompt fading is to help children become more independent by systematically reducing the level of assistance or cues provided during learning tasks. In ABA, prompts are temporary supports—such as verbal instructions, physical guidance, or visual cues—that help [...]
What Is Behavior Shaping? Behavior shaping is a foundational technique in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that involves teaching new skills and behaviors by reinforcing small steps, or successive approximations, toward a larger goal. Instead of expecting a child to achieve a target behavior all at once, shaping breaks the learning process into manageable stages. Each time the child demonstrates a closer approximation to the desired behavior, positive reinforcement is provided. [...]
What Is Articulation Disorder? Articulation disorder is one of the most common childhood speech challenges, affecting the way children produce specific sounds. For many parents, it can be difficult to know whether their child’s speech errors are typical for their age or indicate a need for specialized help. Articulation disorders specifically involve trouble making particular sounds correctly due to issues with the movement or placement of the tongue, lips, or [...]
