As a parent, it’s common to notice that your child might be selective about food. It’s also something we are asked about all the time, as struggles with mealtime are extremely prevalent in the autism community. Many children go through a phase of picky eating, especially during their toddler years, but it’s important to recognize …
Food Aversions vs. “Picky Eating”: What’s the Difference? Read More »
Aggression in children with autism, often more prevalent than with neurotypical children, can be a distressing challenge for families. Fear of potential behaviors, and the resulting embarrassment and stress, can significantly limit family outings. As these children grow, their physical strength increases, making it more difficult and sometimes impossible for parents to manage the aggressive …
5 Steps to Take When Your Child With Autism Becomes Aggressive Read More »
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. Yet, if you have a child with autism, these occasions can also bring unique challenges. There is an abundance of sensory stimulation, a near-constant shift in routine, and people you haven’t seen in a year. As parents, we tend to shoulder most of …
4 Tips To Help Family Accommodate Your Neurodivergent Child Over the Holidays Read More »
Receiving an autism diagnosis can result in a mix of emotions. You are relieved you finally have a reason for all of the behaviors you have been noting, and you now have access to services to help them. However, it also starts the emotional journey of accepting the diagnosis. As you work to accept the …
Talking To Other Parents About Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis Read More »
Every field comes with their own set of jargon, with medical fields being notorious for complex language, and ABA is no exception. You may find yourself confused in conversations with your therapists if they drop some of ABA’s alphabet soup. Not only are there a number of mnemonics and abbreviations, but there’s also some ABA …
Parents of children with autism often state that some of the first atypical behaviors they noticed in their children were repetitive movements such as hand flapping, body rocking, or pacing. These self-stimulation behaviors, or “stimming,” are one of the key parts of an autism diagnosis. But what many people do not realize is how diverse …
So you have been recommended ABA by your doctor, but you’re not sure how your insurance will cover it. Fortunately, New Hampshire requires meaningful coverage for autism, which includes therapies such as ABA, under state regulated plans. New Hampshire’s autism insurance bill, HB 569, was enacted in 2010 and became effective on January 1, 2011.
Learning to use the bathroom is an important step for a child’s independence. This skill can often be difficult for a child on the spectrum, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be.
Social skills are the rules, customs, and abilities that guide our interactions with other people and the world around us. A neurotypical person typically learns these skills as they grow and interact with others. Someone with autism, however, may have a more difficult time developing these skills, and may require more explicit instruction, which is …
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a mode of therapy in which behavior is modified using positive reinforcement. A therapist will set goals for a skill or behavior for the child and use a rewards and consequence system to help them achieve it. ABA is one of the most recommended therapies for children diagnosed with Autism …