Developing a successful treatment plan is one of the most important elements of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. This can also be one of the most difficult aspects of the ABA therapist job description, as every child is different, and treatment methods are never one-size-fits-all. Throughout the course of ABA therapy, it can be helpful to incorporate multiple methods of …

The Early Start Denver Model is a method used in ABA therapy that targets joint attention and actively encourages kids to communicate with others. Joint attention routines involve two or more partners effectively carrying out an activity. In joint attention routines, the theme of the activity is decided together and is then played out until one of the partners is no …

There are many different ways to apply ABA therapy for children. Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET) are just two of those teaching techniques. Discrete Trial Training (DTT) This is widely used today and probably best known within the field of ABA therapy. It’s a form of ‘unnatural’ highly structured teaching. The ‘unnatural’ environment of this method comes …

As children, we learn the value of asking questions early on. Questions help us to learn about the world around us, as well as communicate and engage with other people. “WH” questions, meaning, “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how,” can be especially important to learn from an early age. These questions allow us to build a foundation for learning …

One of the greatest gifts that you can offer a child with autism is understanding the function of their behaviors. Every child is unique, and this uniqueness extends to the function of their behaviors. Imagine you’re a teacher, and two of the children in your class are experiencing simultaneous meltdowns. While their behaviors may appear the same from an external …

All children develop unique ways of communicating and interacting with others. While some children thrive on the social aspects of school, there are others who find social settings to be anxiety-provoking and overstimulating. Children with autism spectrum disorder can become especially stressed by social settings and require additional support with developing appropriate interactions. Throughout the course of applied behavior analysis …

The M-CHAT (or M-CHAT-RTM) is an important screening resource for parents who believe their child may be on the autism spectrum. M-CHAT-RTM stands for Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised. This questionnaire, which can be found online, is used to assess risk for autism spectrum disorder in children who are between 16 and 30 months old. Why screen so …

From an early age, we learn that differences make the world go round, from the way we dress to the way we think and process information. As we continue to learn more about the characteristics of autism, we have found that individuals who are on the autism spectrum communicate and process information in a unique way. In order to help …

Proprioception is the concept of knowing where your body is in space and the ability to maneuver it around your environment, which is also known as (subconscious) body awareness. This concept is important in your child’s development, as it helps them to develop a sense of self, to self-regulate, and to build motor skills (fine and gross). Proprioception also helps …

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy does not have one set formula, which is why some many therapists utilize this method for children on the autism spectrum. ABA therapy can look different for every child, including the skills being targeted during treatment. If a young child is behind in development of their imitation and play skills, ABA therapy may be used …