Maryland Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist | Move Up ABA

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What questions should parents ask when their child is newly diagnosed with autism?
When your child is newly diagnosed with autism, asking the right questions can help you build a strong foundation for support. Start by asking: What therapies are recommended for my child’s needs? This helps guide early intervention. Next, ask: How do I choose the right ABA provider? Look for prog...
Autistic young girl in pink top forms heart shape with hands above head against plain white background.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum where individuals experience extreme anxiety when faced with everyday demands. Unlike typical avoidance, PDA is rooted in a need for control and a fear of losing autonomy. Children and teens with PDA may resist requests, even on...
Autistic teenager holds teal headphones outdoors on sunny day, looking down in a suburban neighborhood.
Finding the right social skills group for your autistic teen starts with understanding their goals. Are they working on conversation, peer interaction, or emotional regulation? Look for groups that match your teen’s developmental level, not just age, and offer structured, evidence-based support. A...
Autistic child shows phone after therapy to two adults on a bench in a green park; all focused on screen.
Key Highlights Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provides a structured framework for teaching self-advocacy. Developing advocacy skills is crucial for helping children with autism achieve greater independence. ABA therapy uses behavior analysis to build essential communication skills for expre...
Autistic kids lift colorful parachute fabric outdoors on grassy field under partly cloudy sky after ABA therapy.
Key Highlights Building friendships is a learned skill, and parents play an important role in teaching it. Strong peer relationships are crucial for a child’s mental health and social development. You can help your child by modeling how to be a good friend and fostering empathy at home. During ear...
An autistic teen in blue shirt using laptop at home table with phone, notebook, and earbuds nearby after therapy.
Supporting adolescents with autism through the changes of puberty poses unique challenges for practitioners and families. When designing teen aba programming puberty protocols, professionals must address intensified sensory sensitivities, evolving social boundaries, and emerging sexual awareness. By...
Two autistic young boys sitting at a table working on homework with pencils and worksheets after ABA therapy.
Key Highlights Here are the main takeaways from our discussion on skill regression: Skill regression on the autism spectrum is the loss of previously learned abilities and is a common part of the learning journey. Recognizing the signs of skill loss early allows for timely and effective intervention...
Autistic toddler in yellow sweater playing with a toy car on the floor under a table after ABA therapy.
Key Highlights Understand your legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to advocate for a free and appropriate education. Prepare for your IEP meeting by gathering essential documents, including ABA therapy progress reports and professional evaluations. Learn how App...
Autistic girl in tie-dye shirt holding a notebook and pencil, standing before a classroom board after ABA therapy.
Key Highlights A visual schedule is a powerful tool to help children with autism manage daily routines with more confidence. The benefits of visual schedules include promoting independence, supporting emotional regulation, and reducing challenging behaviors. Creating predictability and structure wit...