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Maryland Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist | Move Up ABA

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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...
Male therapist and autistic boy lying on the floor playing chess together in a cozy living room after ABA therapy.
Starting ABA therapy is a big step, and knowing what to expect can ease the transition for both you and your child. On the first day, your ABA team will focus on building rapport, observing behaviors, and gathering baseline data. This helps therapists understand your child’s strengths, challenges,...
Autistic young boy in red shirt reading a book at his desk in a blue-walled classroom after ABA therapy.
A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a structured process used to understand why a person engages in challenging behaviors. In ABA therapy, it’s the first step toward creating an effective, individualized behavior intervention plan. An FBA identifies the function or purpose behind a behavior....
Female therapist and autistic girl playing with colorful blocks together at a white table in a living room.
Scripting is when an individual with autism repeats words, phrases, or entire dialogues—often from movies, books, or past conversations. While it may seem unusual, scripting serves important functions. It can help with language development, emotional regulation, and navigating social situations. F...
Autistic little girl sitting on a bus seat, resting her chin on the seatback, looking thoughtful after ABA therapy.
Autistic inertia refers to the difficulty some individuals with autism experience when starting, stopping, or switching tasks, even ones they want to do. It’s not laziness or defiance; it’s a neurological challenge that can affect daily routines, transitions, and independence. For example, a chi...