ABA

New York City is packed with opportunities for children and adults to learn, explore, and play. For families navigating autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities, though, outings can feel…

The best gifts do more than entertain. They build everyday skills—attention, turn-taking, communication skills, fine motor skills, and problem solving skills—while keeping play fun. For children with autism, choosing toys…

Holidays can be fun and meaningful—and they can also feel overwhelming. New places, loud rooms, and long meals can trigger sensory overload for children with autism. With simple, practical tools…

For many children diagnosed with autism, Halloween can be both fun and exciting and overwhelming. Costumes, crowds, and Halloween decorations can trigger sensory overload, especially with flashing lights and loud…

When school is busy and time is short, families and educators need a simple plan for using ABA in the classroom. The goal is not to add more work. It’s…

Written by Amanda Mentzer, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, QBA As I began writing this post, I recalled my first undergraduate psychology course where we explored the concept of “Nature versus Nurture,”…

  Every April, Autism Awareness Month—now more commonly recognized as Autism Acceptance Month—offers an opportunity to elevate the voices of the autism community, challenge misconceptions, and work toward a more…

Restraint collapse refers to the emotional release children experience when they come home after a full day at school. At school, children often do their best to behave, suppressing their frustrations, fears, and anxieties.

Masking is a complex behavioral phenomenon that involves concealing or suppressing one’s true self in order to conform to societal expectations.

Extreme demand avoidance, a dimension of the autism spectrum, presents a distinct set of complexities. At its heart lies an overwhelming sense of anxiety triggered by perceived demands or expectations, no matter how trivial they may seem.