Flipping the Script on Food Tolerance: Why We Want Kids to Play with Their Food
“Don’t play with your food!” It’s a phrase almost all of us heard growing up. It’s impolite. It isn’t good manners. But what if playing with food is actually the secret key to overcoming food aversion? For so many families in the autism community, mealtime isn’t just stressful, it can feel like a daily battleground. […]
Translating a Foreign Language: Picking Apart the Jargon of ABA for Caregivers
When you first dive into the world of ABA to see if it’s the right fit for your family, it can feel completely overwhelming. Sifting through the jargon and trying to make sense of the clinical methods described can feel a bit like trying to learn a foreign language overnight. As behavior analysts, we believe […]
Leadership, Mentorship, and Training: Building Quality Care Through Investments in People
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to train and mentor professionals across a variety of settings. Before joining Autism & Behavioral Spectrum, I provided professional development for large school teams, presented continuing education trainings for behavior analysts, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams serving students with diverse needs. I have experienced many different training […]
Reggio ABA, Assent, and the Environment: Why Our Space Matters
When people think about progress in ABA therapy, they often think about treatment plans, goals, and data. While those are all important, one of the most powerful tools we have at Autism & Behavioral Spectrum is something much simpler: the environment itself. I joined AB Spectrum as a BCBA in April 2021. Before that, I […]
How ABA Therapy Supports Children With Down Syndrome
Receiving a Down Syndrome diagnosis often brings a wave of emotions and a multitude of questions about what the future may hold. As a parent, you have likely adapted to teaching and connecting with your child in ways you never previously anticipated. From developing creative methods for daily tasks like brushing teeth to sharing a […]
How Our Spaces Shape Learning: The Reggio Emilia Influence
As a member of the ABS team, I have the unique opportunity to witness the impact of our therapeutic approach every day. One of the aspects of ABS that I value most is our commitment to creating enriched learning environments that support meaningful growth for both our clients and our staff. While Applied Behavior Analysis […]
Autism & Behavioral Health Paved by Collaboration
Imagine a single virtual meeting where your child’s entire care team-from their physician, OT, and SLP to their favorite babysitter, schoolteacher, and even Grandma or Grandpa-all gather together at a time that works for you. At Autism and Behavioral Spectrum, this isn’t just a dream; it’s our collaborative reality! We champion open communication with every […]
The Third Teacher and the Science of Joy: Building a Revolutionary Model with Reggio ABA
Reggio ABA is more than a therapeutic model; it is a philosophy-a long-term commitment to systems change that is redefining early intervention for children with autism. Born from a fusion of the time-tested science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the creative, humanistic principles of the Reggio Emilia educational approach, our model is dedicated to […]
The Twist and Turns of the Diagnostic Process: Finding Clarity in the Chaos
There is a moment in the autism journey that almost every caregiver remembers with vivid clarity: the moment you receive the official diagnosis. For months and sometimes even years, you’ve known in your gut that your child experiences the world differently. When the diagnosis is finally written on paper, it often brings many feelings, perhaps […]
From First Call to Graduation: Walking the Autism Journey Together—As a Director, and as a Mom
When a parent first calls ABSpectrum, I can often hear it in their voice before they even say a word. It’s a mix of exhaustion, hope, and an overwhelming sense of being lost in a maze of medical lingo. They are looking for answers about diagnostics, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and clinic schedules. But beneath […]