Since 2021, every US state has required certain health insurance plans to cover autism-related services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. With the benefits of ABA therapy being so significant, this is a tremendous win for the families and more than two million children and adolescents in the US who are diagnosed with autism today. […]
Does autism skip a generation? This question – and similar ones like, “Does autism run in families?” and “Which parent carries the gene for autism?” – implies that there is an easy-to-identify “autistic gene” we can test for. This is not at all the case: autism is a complex, polygenic condition. This means autism is […]
Do autistic babies smile and laugh? This frequently asked question stems from the fact that how and when a child smiles and exhibits other developmental milestones can be early indicators of autism. Of course, differences in smiling and other social gestures alone are not diagnostic signs of autism – but they are worth exploring. In […]
The hair salon and the dentist office are often sites of significant anxiety for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Between the unfamiliar sounds, sensations, and smells, and having to sit still for an extended period – these environments can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common triggers that learners with […]
The United States is the country with one of the highest reported rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the world. Estimates from a 2023 study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggest 1 in 36 children are autistic. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that autism is more prevalent here than in other countries. […]
Autism levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) are used as a framework to describe the varying support needs of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Level 1 learners require some support, learners with Level 2 autism need more substantial support, and Level 3 learners need very substantial support. These levels have no correlation […]
Parents and caregivers often experience a range of emotions when seeking an autism assessment for their learner. Many feel nervous or anxious beforehand, worrying about what the assessment might reveal and what it could mean for their learner’s future. Some feel overwhelmed by researching which practice should do the assessment and the logistical demands of […]
Pursuing an autism assessment for an autism diagnosis is a significant decision that reflects a deep commitment to understanding and supporting an individual learner. For some families, it can be an emotional journey that comes with cultural, generational, and logistical hurdles. The process can also be time-intensive and, depending on insurance coverage, financially burdensome. But […]
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as the name implies, exists on a scale. Learners along the spectrum differ in the levels of support they need to reach their highest potential and lead fulfilling lives. On one end are those who require “very substantial” support, and on the other are those who require a lesser degree of […]
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to teach meaningful skills and reduce challenging behaviors. It’s a proven treatment for people with a variety of diagnoses, and is widely considered to be the most effective therapy modality for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Learners experience maximum gain from ABA therapy interventions […]
