positive, Author at Positive Behavioral Connections

Food for Thought: Autism and Picky Eating

It’s a fact of life: Every parent has dealt with food preference issues at one time or another. The refrain, “This is a house, not a restaurant!” has, throughout time, become a common utterance at dinner tables around the world. But picky eating – called food selectivity – is a particularly significant hurdle for many kids with autism. If not properly addressed early on, food selectivity can develop into a lifelong issue with serious consequences. Increasingly, mainstream medicine is recognizing the connections between the stomach and the brain. (See this article for more information.) For any child, and particularly for a…

For parents coming upon autism therapy for the first time, the alphabet soup of acronyms can be disorienting. The VB-MAPP is one such acronym that plays a crucial role in ABA therapy, which is why we’ve put together this brief overview to help answer some common questions. VB-MAPP stands for Verbal Behavior Milestones and Placement Program. It’s one of the most comprehensive assessment and skill-tracking tools our field has for skills in the 0- to 48-month old level, and it helps us develop an appropriate curriculum that is tailored for that child’s specific needs. What is the VB-MAPP? The…

Few things in life feel as terrific as a really great night’s sleep. And while sleep can have an enormous impact in a child’s ability to learn, frequently, parents don’t think to bring sleeping issues to our attention. From getting to sleep to staying in bed, sleeping problems for children with autism can come in many forms. Fortunately, we can help. First, though, it’s always recommended that parents start by consulting with a pediatrician to ensure that the root of the problem isn’t medical in nature. Once we have your physician’s okay, we can try a number of tactics to…

As you begin to research options for autism treatment provider, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider as you make this incredibly important decision. What are your “must haves”? You are going to have a long-term relationship with the autism treatment provider you choose. It’s critical that this be a good match – for the both of you. Stop and take a good hard look at your child’s needs, your family’s goals and your overall circumstances. For example, you might prioritize that your child is seen at a specific time. Your circumstances…

Sending any child to school can be a stressful time for parents. How will he or she get along with the other children? How will he or she react to the order and discipline imposed by someone other than mom or dad? These questions – and many others – can loom even larger for the parents of a child diagnosed on the autism spectrum, which is why many may consider the possibility of a shadow, or helper, for their child during the school day. But is a shadow at school the right option for every child? Consider both…

When your child first starts to receive ABA therapy, you may be surprised by how many people are involved in your child’s treatment. This model, called “tiered delivery,” helps to ensure that your child’s treatment plan is developed and implemented in the most efficient, effective way possible. Here’s a look at the different service providers who may be involved: ABA Therapy Behavioral Technicians This person does the lion’s share of the work with your child, under the direct supervision of the BCBA. There may be multiple behavioral technicians involved in your child’s care. These individuals are responsible for implementing all…

When you first receive an autism diagnosis, your emotions may be all over the place. You may feel relief. Or shame. Your mind may immediately go to the worst case scenario: “Will my son ever talk?” Or you might be inclined to dismiss the diagnosis altogether: “My daughter is fine; she doesn’t need special treatment.” Or you may simply pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “Okay … What do I do now?” All of these reactions are normal. But wherever you find yourself emotionally, you’ll be in the best position to help your child if you take a…

As you begin to research Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), you may be wondering what exactly is involved in this type of therapy. Here are some of the most common Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) teaching methods that we employ at Positive Behavioral Connections. Intensive Teaching If a child is unable to work in a group, he or she will need to begin with intensive teaching. Intensive teaching is an opportunity to build language, pre-academic and other critical skills – giving the child a more solid foundation before expanding the child’s instructions into group settings or other environments. Many early learners spend…

← Prev 1 2 Page 2 of 2

All posts by positive

Food for Thought: Autism and Picky Eating

The VB-MAPP: An Overview

From A to ZZZ: Autism and Sleeping Problems

What to Look for in an Autism Treatment Provider

The Shadow Debate: Is Shadowing Right for My Child?

Overview of ABA Therapy Service Providers

My Child Has Been Diagnosed with Autism. Now What?

ABA Methods: An Overview