As a BCBA, one of the most common questions I hear from families is: “Is this behavior?”,“Is this a speech delay?”,“Is this sensory?”. And the honest answer, most of the time, is: it’s connected. One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the idea that behavior, communication, and emotional regulation are separate systems. In reality, they are deeply intertwined. When one area is struggling, the others are almost always involved.

Sometimes, finding ways to connect with your child may seem difficult or even impossible, especially when your child may not play or engage with the world in ways children typically do. Your child may have a limited number of interests, may avoid interaction, or may spend most of their time engaged in repetitive or solo activities. How can you enter their world and build true connection in ways that speak to your child? In ABA, therapists utilize a tool called pairing to help

Selecting the right Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) setting is one of the most important decisions families make when beginning autism services. The choice between in-home ABA therapy and center-based ABA therapy can feel overwhelming, but understanding the strengths of each can help you make the best decision for your child.

Burnout is more than feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional exhaustion, reduced sense of accomplishment, and increased detachment from work. For ABA professionals, it is important to be mindful of the signs of burnout which can show up as:

Parenting a child on the autism spectrum is one of the most meaningful roles a person can take on. It’s a journey full of love, learning, growth, and deep connection. But for many parents, it’s also a journey marked by long days, emotional investment, complex decisions, and the constant balancing act of meeting their child’s needs while keeping up with the rest of life’s demands. In the midst of therapies, school meetings, behavior plans, medical appointments, sensory plannin

Thanksgiving is often centered around food, tradition, and big family gatherings. But for many of our kids, especially those with autism, sensory sensitivities, feeding challenges, or dietary restrictions, the holiday meal can be overwhelming instead of exciting.