Pivotal Response Treatment is a naturalistic intervention model derived from applied behavior analysis (ABA) approaches that is play based and child initiated. It may also be referred to as Pivotal Response Training, Pivotal Response Teaching, Pivotal Response Therapy, Pivotal Response Intervention and the Natural Language Paradigm. Pivotal Response Treatment is a highly acclaimed, research-based treatment for individuals with autism. PRT …

Technology has significantly impacted our daily lives, in some ways for the better, and some ways for the worse. Whatever your feelings may be about our increasingly digital world, there are definite advantages of incorporating technology in applied behavior analysis therapy, particularly through the use of apps for autism. Many schools now provide adaptive technology (or assistive technology) for children …

Technology is continually transforming the world around us, from the way we communicate to how quickly we consume information. Some of these changes have been positive, and other have been less so. Childhood also looks different with each generation, as children are being introduced to technology earlier and earlier. As technology is transforming many areas of childhood development and education, …

In the wide world of autism, the many acronyms can be overwhelming. ABA, ASD, BCBA, OT, RBT, SLP, and the list goes on. When you’re observing one of your child’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy sessions, you may hear the therapists use the term ‘SD’ and wonder exactly what they’re talking about. SD, or discriminative stimulus, is formally defined as …

Applied behavior analysis therapy (ABA therapy) is a widely used therapeutic method for children on the autism spectrum and children who experience behavioral issues. ABA therapy focuses on behavior, learning, and how behaviors are impacted by shifts in environment. ABA is widely used for children who have autism or behavioral issues, because evidence-based scientific studies have proven (and continue to …

Motor planning is the ability for us to receive information, organize the information and then carry out a specific sequence of skills, activities, or movements. Motor planning includes our planning of speech movements, cognitive movements, and physical movements. We receive sensory and motor information from our environment and then respond to it by execution. Once we learn motor skills, the …

As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you know that finding the right “recipe” of therapeutic methods can be life-changing. When you find strategies that work well with your child, it can also be helpful to remain consistent with therapy by regularly practicing applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies. Your child will work on building cognition, communication, and …

If you’re familiar with the world of applied behavior analysis, you’ve likely heard of both BCBAs and RBTs. What you may not know, however, is how these two credentials are different. BCBA Overview What is a BCBA? BCBA, or Board Certified Behavior Analyst, is an increasingly popular credential for professionals who work with the autism spectrum disorder. However, contrary to …

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a commonly used scientific treatment method for individuals on the autism spectrum. ABA focuses on the function of behaviors and how different environments can impact behaviors of both children and adults with a diagnosis of autism. This method has been widely used since the 1960s, since ABA can be easily adapted for different ages, …

Do you have a child on the autism spectrum who you believe could benefit from early intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy? The Early Start Denver Model, or ESDM, can be an incredibly helpful tool for children on the autism spectrum. As with any method of ABA therapy, the involvement of parents is a critical component of the therapeutic process, …