autism

TOP STRATEGIES EXPERTS USE TO CHANGE BEHAVIOR (AND HOW YOU CAN USE THEM!)

Autism, Behavior basics /

Whether you have a special needs child or a typically-developing child, these top parenting strategies for changing and directing behavior are key! We already know that guiding behavior is hard, but as we learn the science behind behavior, top parenting strategies emerge. The following strategies are used every day with ABA therapists and can be

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signs of depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for kids: Is it right for my child?

ADHD, Autism, Depression and anxiety /

Also known as a type of ‘talk therapy’, cognitive behavioral therapy for kids can be a really useful tool for children who have depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD, and autism. Because CBT focuses on thoughts and behaviors, it’s actually great for anyone, and I’ve benefited from it alongside my children. When you recognize unhelpful thoughts

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bribing your kids

The danger of inconsistent reinforcement (and how to avoid it)

Autism, Behavior basics, Parenting strategies /

Inconsistent reinforcement sounds like a big concept, but I promise it’s not! A child–whether atypically developing or typically–will repeat behaviors that are reinforced or rewarded (this is positive reinforcement) and will most likely not repeat behaviors that are not reinforced or punished. We all understand this concept as human beings; after all, we see it

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punishment

Five lessons I learned about special needs parenting from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

ADHD, Autism, Depression and anxiety, Parenting strategies /

Parenting is hard. Special needs parenting is harder. If you’ve been there, you know that it can get intense. And serious. And it takes a lot of reading, research, and dedication. But you know what? Special needs parenting doesn’t have to be a totally serious endeavor all the time. Sometimes, we can take a lighthearted

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Purposeful play: The seven things you must do with your infant that have an impact on autism

Ages and stages: 0-5, Autism /

Could I have prevented autism in my son at an early age? Probably not. Could I have boosted his development positively through purposeful play? Absolutely! An easy baby. A VERY easy baby, you might say. He slept predictably, kept a very rigid schedule, and didn’t really seem to need a lot of interaction. In fact,

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