As parents, you’re often juggling advice, recommendations, and reports from so many different professionals. It can feel like you’re carrying the weight of coordinating everything—speech therapy, occupational therapy, medical appointments, school supports, and behavior goals—all while trying to simply be “mom” or “dad.” I see this all the time in my work as a BCBA, and I want you to know: you don’t have to do this alone. When professionals work together—not just alongside each other—your child gets consistent, compassionate support across all areas of their life. That’s the heart of interdisciplinary care, and it can be a true game-changer for families.
Why Transitions Are So Hard for Autistic Kids (and What Helps)
Transitions can be tough—for any child. But for autistic kids, even small shifts in routine can feel overwhelming and lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, or refusal. As a BCBA who works closely with families, I see this every day—and I want you to know you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll explain why transitions are so hard for autistic children (it’s not just “bad behavior”), and share simple, compassionate strategies that actually help.
Step-by-Step Toilet Training Autism: 7 Easy Steps Guide
Explore friendly tips and an ABA potty training schedule for autism success. You’re not alone in this journey!
How to Use ABA at Home: Visual Schedules and Routines That Improve Behavior
Spring is the perfect time to reset your child’s daily routine. In this post, learn about practical ABA strategies—like visual schedules and behavior momentum—to reduce challenging behavior and build positive habits at home.
Reinforcement vs. Bribery: A BCBA’s Guide to Encouraging Positive Behavior with Compassion
Many parents wonder whether rewarding their child is reinforcing positive behavior or simply bribery. While both involve incentives, reinforcement strengthens desired behaviors over time, whereas bribery often reinforces problem behaviors in the moment. In this guide, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) breaks down the key differences and offers practical strategies to use reinforcement effectively, helping parents foster long-term success and intrinsic motivation in their children.
ABA Parenting Breakthrough: Transform Everyday Struggles into Powerful Learning Moments
Parenting a child with autism comes with its unique challenges, but every difficult moment holds the potential for learning and growth. In this post, I’ll share evidence-based ABA strategies to help transform everyday struggles—like grocery store meltdowns, bedtime battles, and social skill difficulties—into powerful learning moments. With a compassionate approach and the right techniques, you can foster independence, emotional regulation, and positive behaviors in your child while reducing stress for both of you. Let’s turn challenges into opportunities together!
Effective Routines for Kids: Foster Independence and Avoid Power Struggles
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), one of my favorite tools to empower families […]
Self-Stimulatory Behaviors: What it Means and Why It Matters
Ever wonder why your child hums, flaps, or spins? These self-stimulatory behaviors, or “stimming,” are more than just quirky habits they offer insights into your child’s emotions and sensory needs. In this blog, a BCBA unpacks the reasons behind stimming, when to address it, and how to support your child compassionately. Discover how to celebrate these behaviors as part of your child’s unique world.
ABA Therapy 101: What Parents Need to Know About This Approach
ABA therapy is a proven, evidence-based approach to help children with Autism build essential life skills, improve communication, and manage challenging behaviors. Discover how ABA works, why it’s effective, and how it can empower your child to thrive in daily life.
Practical Applications of ABA and the Use of Reinforcement
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a transformative approach for supporting children with autism, helping them develop essential skills and manage challenging behaviors. A key component of ABA is the use of reinforcement, which encourages positive behavior changes by rewarding desired actions. Whether you’re teaching a child to tie their shoes, improving social interactions, or addressing challenging behaviors, reinforcement plays a crucial role. In this blog post, we’ll dive into practical ways to apply reinforcement in everyday situations, offering parents actionable strategies to support their child’s growth and development.