Archive for May, 2020

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is widely recognized as the gold standard therapy for autism. More than 600 scientific studies have proven its effectiveness in helping children on the spectrum learn age-appropriate behavior, communication, and social skills. ABA is also the only autism treatment endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Yet parents looking into ABA will quickly find adults with autism who criticize their childhood experiences with it. Common complaints include ABA using punishment, teaching every child the same skills regardless of his or her needs, not providing real-life learning, and trying to make children…

As written for Autism Parenting Magazine, Issue 95 Author: Erica Crowley, BCBA, is the Manager at Invo Behavior and Therapy Services’ Belfort Oaks Therapy Center in Jacksonville, Florida. (a sister-company to PBC) Parents often worry that friends and extended family don’t spend enough time getting to know their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and tend to overlook them at gatherings and parties. Many adults aren’t sure how to engage with a child who isn’t verbal or doesn’t respond to social cues. They might be uncomfortable when a child vocalizes, jumps or flaps his/her arms. As a result, adults often…

Special guest blog by Kim Caifano, writer, speaker, life coach, and special needs mom. Learn more about Kim at kimcaifano.com Every once in awhile I’m out in public and there is a child who catches my attention. Perhaps for a gross motor tic or a behavior that differs from his peers or an interesting use of language. Immediately after that my gaze goes toward the mom. Because while I may not know specifically what is going on with the child, I often know that there is “something” and that the child is quite possibly a special needs child. And I…