What are the 7 Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Home Get to Know ABA – The 7 Dimension Written By: Karina Sharma, RBT, BCBA Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is considered the gold standard of autism treatment. Utilizing a structured system of rewards and consequences, behavioral therapists can teach desired behaviors to learners and reduce problematic behaviors.  A quality ABA program will encompass these seven […]

How To Do Speech Therapy at Home: Creating Communication Opportunities with Strategies

Home How To Do Speech Therapy at Home: Creating Communication Opportunities with Strategies Written By: Michelle E. Sisto, MS CCC-SLP TSSLD S Typically, children begin speaking around 1-2 years of age, however, some children develop faster or slower than others.  If your child seems to not be hitting milestones, speech and language therapy is one […]

How to Talk to Someone with “High-Functioning” Autism

Home Written By: Farrah Coppolino, BT How to Talk to Someone with “High-Functioning” Autism I would like to preface this blog post with an explanation of why I chose certain terminology to refer to people within the ASD Community: The professional and research community generally prefer to use person-first language – “child with autism” – […]

What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder?

Home What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder? Written By: Natalie Roberts, RBT Reviewed By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), also known as Heller’s syndrome or disintegrative psychosis is a rare condition in childhood. CDD is characterized by late onset, typically around 3 or 4 years of age, and affects development in various areas […]

How To Do Speech Therapy at Home: Play Activities

Home How To Do Speech Therapy at Home: Play Activities Written By: Michelle E. Sisto, MS CCC-SLP TSSLD S The best forms of therapy happen all around us. Children learn best when they are engaged and enjoying the activity.  Communication is at the heart of every activity and interaction that involves your child.  By using […]

What is High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Home What is High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder? Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA The way autism spectrum disorder is classified changed in recent years. In 2013, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was updated and revised, in which the terms Asperger’s syndrome, autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified are […]

What are the different types of Autism?

boy playing with blocks

Home What are the different types of Autism? Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include social communication and behavioral challenges. These challenges can be mild, severe, moderate and they exist across a spectrum. A diagnosis is based on the level of support needed (Level 1, 2 or 3). Early diagnosis means […]

Navigating Autism Through the COVID Pandemic

boy playing indoor with face mask protection

Home Navigating Autism Through the COVID Pandemic Written By: Gina Ballone, MS, BCBA As we all adjust our daily routines due to the pandemic, it sometimes can be more challenging when you have a child who struggles with change. After all, just think about the numerous changes that children had to endure at the very […]

What is Rhett Syndrome?

Home What is Rhett Syndrome? Written By: Melanie Bren, BCBA, LBA Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder often misdiagnosed as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, or non-specified developmental delay (PDD_NOS). RS is caused by a known defective regulatory gene (MECP2) found on the X chromosome exclusively in females. the vast majority of cases […]

How Antecedent Interventions is Use for Preventing Problem Behaviors

Using Antecedent-Based Interventions for Preventing Problem Behaviors Home Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could prevent the occurrence of all problem behaviors? This would be a powerful feat. Well maybe we can’t prevent them all from occurring but we can definitely decrease the likelihood of many problem behaviors by making changes to the environment proactively. […]