Autism Blog: Stay Informed & Aware

If your child is about to begin ABA therapy, or you’re still deciding if it’s the right fit, you’re not alone. Many caregivers have questions at this stage, and that’s completely normal. Starting something new can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves your child.

If your child has started autism therapy, you might be wondering: Should we keep speaking our home language? Will it confuse my child or slow their progress?

Autism is a natural difference in how people think, communicate, and experience the world. Today, about 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism. While autism is more often diagnosed in boys, it’s often missed in girls.

When you become a parent, it is equal parts exciting and terrifying. Many parents have broad or specific hopes and dreams for their children. Yet, at the end of the day, all you want is the best for your child and their future. Therefore, when a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can feel like your hopes and dreams have been dashed.

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. If something feels different about your child’s development, do not hesitate to reach out for support. Your instincts about your child and their needs can have a profound impact on their long-term well-being. The benefits of early intervention for autism have become more apparent as access to better diagnostic tools and awareness has grown

Roxana Rabadi, PsyD, LCP

There is no greater joy than watching your baby develop as a little person, hearing them laugh and babble, and seeing them explore their surroundings. Some babies take a little longer than others to achieve expected milestones, from crawling to feeding themselves, and that’s not necessarily a problem; children develop at their own pace. But there are specific behaviors that can be indicative of a developmental disability such as autism.

Iris Chiang, M.Ed., BCBA

Social skills are important to everyone to get along and be happy. But socializing can be particularly challenging for kids with autism and other developmental disabilities. Fortunately, help is available. The benefits of social skills training are immediate and long-lasting, especially when group training complements individualized behavioral therapy.

Kate Sheldon-Princi, M.Ed., BCBA

People with developmental disabilities including autism can connect face-to-face with their healthcare providers using phones, tablets and computers. This approach is called “telehealth” and it offers benefits including increased supervision and communication between healthcare providers and clients, expanded access to care, and better outcomes.

April MacPherson, MA, BCBA

It’s hard to know how a child with autism will react to a new sister or brother. There could be immense joy or serious stress, or a reaction somewhere in between. Preparing the child for a new sibling starts with recognizing what his or her challenges are, so you can plan to address them head on.

Maria Sanchez, MA, BCBA and Crystal Herrera, MA

A child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) growing up in a bilingual home faces challenges. There are opportunities, too, but culture, care coordination and access to resources can be difficult, especially if the primary caregiver doesn’t speak English well.