autism spectrum disorder

Turkey? Family? PUMPKIN PIE?! There’s a Social Story For That!

Turkey? Family? PUMPKIN PIE?! There’s a Social Story For That!

Thanksgiving comes in many shapes in sizes across families and how they celebrate the holiday, especially with Covid-19. Navigating the waters of family meals, different foods, and changes in schedule can be overwhelming for those who have difficulty with a change in routine. We want to share with you a useful tool to use when changes are coming….a social story!

A strategy to increase positive behaviors and decrease challenges

A strategy to increase positive behaviors and decrease challenges

We are big fans of preventative, proactive strategies— it’s often easier to address challenging behaviors before they even happen. One of our favorite strategies is the Premack Principle, a tool developed by and named for psychologist David Premack.

Individualization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Individualization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Individualization of services is at the core of quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and all of our work at Ability ABA with individuals, families, schools, and organizations.
What are optimal ways to achieve individualization in ABA?

What should I look for in an Early Intervention Program?

What should I look for in an Early Intervention Program?

Finding a high-quality early intervention program for your child with autism can be difficult waters to navigate. These recommendations, guided by the National Research Council and Rogers, Dawson, and Vismara (2012), can help guide you in determining if an early intervention program you are considering for your child with autism is a good fit. 

World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day

As today marks World Autism Awareness Day, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asserted the promise of the United Nations to "leave no one behind" in its commitment to full inclusion for individuals with autism. This year's observance at the UN Headquarters particularly highlights the importance of assistive technology for people with autism as a way to remove any barriers to full social, economic, and political participation in society and community.

Learning through Imitation

Learning through Imitation

Just by watching others, we can learn what to do. Imitation is a very powerful learning tool! When I see you perform an action, I am able to imitate the same action immediately or later when you are not there. Imitation is one way that we teach children without intentional teaching – children learn so much by copying others around them, whether it is picking up new language or how to navigate social interactions.

1 in 59

1 in 59

In 2018 the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) released its update on the prevalence of autism in children nationally. Its new estimate: 1 in 59 children, with a startling 15% increase since its last estimate of 1 in 68 children two years prior. As we see an increase in rates of autism documented nationally, we need to ensure that we are providing appropriate individualized services and supports for those affected by autism.

Having Fun Together

Having Fun Together

Having fun together is a key part of your child’s learning. Why is increasing smiles and laughter so important to learning? The more fun your child has with you, the more they are attending and interacting. This translates into more opportunities for learning exchanges!

Self-Management: An Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Self-Management: An Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Self-management is a strategy to increase independence and teach new skills and behaviors through monitoring, recording, and rewarding one’s own behavior. With self-management, the individual monitors his own behavior, rather than someone else doing it. Self-management can be used to address questions, such as:

Strategies for Positive Reinforcement

Strategies for Positive Reinforcement

“The way positive reinforcement is carried out is more important than the amount.” – B.F. Skinner

How do we carry out positive reinforcement to make the most impact? Although the principles of positive reinforcement may seem simple, applying them to reduce challenging behavior and increase appropriate behavior often requires a planned, systematic approach.

Let’s Get Moving! Physical Activity & Behavior

Let’s Get Moving! Physical Activity & Behavior

Running, climbing, swinging – recess may seem like it’s meant for a fun break, but there’s an educational need to get children moving. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities, physical movement during recess is even more critical.