Groups and Resources for Families of Children with Autism
The journey of parenting a child with autism is unique and filled with both challenges and profound joys. While in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provides critical, individualized intervention, it is the community support network that often provides the emotional backbone and shared understanding that families need to thrive. Across Austin and beyond, numerous local […]
Self-Care Tips for Parents and Caregivers in the Austin Autism Community
Caring for a child with autism, especially while managing the intricacies of in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, is a profound commitment that requires immense emotional and physical energy. While the focus is often on the child’s progress, the well-being of the parents and caregivers is equally crucial. Burnout is a genuine risk in the […]
Balancing ABA Therapy with Other Family Activities and Routines
Integrating in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy into the dynamic flow of family life can be a delicate but rewarding balance. The goal is to weave therapeutic strategies into the fabric of everyday activities, promoting consistent progress without overwhelming the household’s natural rhythm. This approach maximizes learning and skill generalization, helping children with autism thrive […]
Using Natural Environment Training (NET) for Skill Acquisition
Natural Environment Training (NET) is a powerful, child-led instructional approach rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Unlike traditional, structured methods often conducted at a table (Discrete Trial Training or DTT), NET moves learning into the child’s everyday environment, using their natural interests and ongoing activities as the basis for teaching. The primary goal of NET […]
Fostering Social Skills: Turn-Taking and Sharing
Fostering social skills is a critical component of a child’s development, particularly for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While many social interactions happen in school or community settings, the home is a primary “social lab” where foundational skills like turn-taking and sharing are first learned and practiced with siblings and peers. Applied Behavior Analysis […]
Essential Self-Help Skills: Toileting, Dressing, and Mealtime Etiquette
Self-help skills, also known as adaptive or daily living skills, are the fundamental abilities individuals need to care for themselves independently. For parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental differences, teaching these skills is a priority, yet it can also be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting. By applying […]
Building Communication Skills in a Natural Environment: Austin-Specific Ideas
Communication skills are vital for every child’s development, especially for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While structured therapy sessions build foundational skills, true mastery comes from generalizing those skills into everyday, natural environments. This approach, known as Natural Environment Teaching (NET), leverages a child’s intrinsic motivation and interests to create meaningful, functional communication opportunities […]
Routines to Ease Transitions in Your Austin Home
Transitions—moving from one activity or location to another—can be challenging for many children, and especially so for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The unpredictability of these changes, the shift in sensory input, or the need to stop a preferred activity often leads to anxiety, resistance, and challenging behaviors. In Austin homes and beyond, implementing […]
Proactive Behavior Management Strategies for the Home Environment
Creating a positive and predictable home environment is essential for effective behavior management. While reactive strategies address challenging behaviors after they occur, proactive strategies aim to prevent issues before they start. For parents of children with autism in the Austin area and beyond, integrating proactive ABA-based techniques can significantly reduce stress, enhance learning opportunities, and […]
Understanding the “Functions of Behavior”: A Key Skill for Every Austin Parent
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), every behavior, whether positive or challenging, serves a purpose or a function. Understanding this fundamental principle is crucial for parents, caregivers, and professionals. It allows us to move beyond simply reacting to behaviors and instead proactively address the underlying need that drives them. The core idea is that behavior is […]