What Parents Misunderstand Most About ABA Data Graphs

Data is the foundation of applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). As a science-based approach to learning and behavior, ABA therapy relies heavily on the collection and analysis of data so informed decisions can be made based on fact rather than conjecture. This approach to treatment helps effectuate positive outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder […]

How Early Motor Delays Relate to Later Autism Diagnosis

Struggles with communication and social interactions are two of the most well-known symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, these signs often don’t present themselves in children until they are out of the infant stage and would start to interact and communicate with others. Because of this, many children aren’t diagnosed with autism until they […]

Supporting School Fire Drills with ABA Strategies

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face many challenges in school environments that their neurotypical peers may not. In addition to social and communication deficits, they may also struggle with repetitive behaviors, restrictive interests and sensory sensitivities. With well-thought-out plans and approaches, inclusive classroom environments can be created to better support children on the autism […]

Why Some Autistic Toddlers Prefer Adults Over Children

Children spend the early parts of their life surrounded by adults. Even if they have other siblings in the house, adults are the ones they have meaningful interactions with every day — for feeding, changing, comforting and playing. At some point as the child gets older and begins to become more aware of their surroundings, […]

The Difference Between Speech Delay, Language Delay and Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that children are born with and that affects them for their entire lives. One of the hallmark symptoms of autism is a deficit in communication. Yet, autism is not the same thing as a child experiencing a delay in speech or language. In fact, speech delay, language […]

Why Imitation Skills Matter So Much in Early ABA

In the early stages of development, children will often imitate what they observe others doing. Smiles, glances and early gestures are usually all imitations of their parents, caregivers, siblings and others they are around a lot. Imitation is actually a building block for cognitive and social skills. It has a profound influence on a child’s […]

Does Insurance Pay for ABA Therapy in Arizona?

When children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), doctors usually recommend that they receive specialized applied behavior analysis treatment. Also known as ABA therapy, it’s a science-based approach to learning that helps children with autism build the social, communication and daily life skills with which they tend to struggle. As the leading treatment option […]

Early Signs of Autism That Appear Only During Play

Spotting the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are key to providing children with the help and the support they need. The earlier these signs are identified, the earlier children can undergo full autism evaluations by a trained professional. Studies have shown that the earlier interventions can be started, the more effective they can […]

What Delayed Joint Play Can Indicate About Autism

Joint play is a major opportunity for development in children, as it fosters the building blocks of social skills and communication. Children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though, can struggle with joint play because they have trouble with joint attention. This is defined as the ability to share focus with another person on an […]

Understanding Regression vs. Plateau in Autistic Toddlers

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is the gold standard of treatment options for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a science-based approach to learning, ABA therapy helps children gain the social, communication and daily life skills with which they often struggle, while also helping them with negative and/or harmful behaviors. Using targeted […]