Maryland Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist | Move Up ABA

An autistic toddler sitting on floor beside lemons and a sign reading “Happy Easter.” during ABA therapy session in VA.
The best age to start Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is as early as possible, ideally before the age of 5. Early intervention is key in helping children with autism develop essential skills such as communication, social interaction, and daily living abilities. Research shows that the earlie...
An ABA therapist showing a paper to two autistic children during an ABA therapy session at home in Virginia..
Implementing ABA techniques at home can significantly reinforce professional sessions and help children translate skills into their daily routines. While a study from the National Institute of Health found that center-based ABA therapy achieved 100 percent more learning per hour compared to home-bas...
An autistic child in a chef hat holding up flour-covered hands in a kitchen during ABA therapy session in MD.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely recommended and research-backed therapies for autism. It focuses on teaching meaningful skills, like communication, social interaction, and daily routines, through positive reinforcement and structured learning. ABA is highly individualized, ...
An autistic boy in yellow shirt focusing on a craft activity with paper cutouts during in-home ABA therapy in Virginia.
While ABA therapy can be highly effective, not all programs are created equal. Knowing the red flags can help you choose the right provider for your child. One major red flag is a lack of individualization. ABA should be tailored to each child’s needs—cookie-cutter programs or rigid lesson plans...
A BCBA sitting by a wall holding tissues and a cup, looking emotional during ABA therapy session in Virginia.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for depression has gained traction as an evidence-based method for tackling avoidance patterns and boosting engagement in meaningful activities. In 2014, about 15.7 million U.S. adults experienced at least one major depressive episode, accounting for 6.7 perce...
A Beginner's Guide Labeling vs. Tacting Explained
How do children on the autism spectrum learn to talk and share what they want to say? ABA therapy uses clear ways to help build these important communication skills. One way is called labeling, and another is called tacting. When you know what these are and how to use them in autism therapy, you can...
In behavior analysis, extinction is when you stop giving reinforcement for a behavior that used to get it. In applied behavior analysis (ABA), the goal is to make the behavior go away slowly over time. This idea is very important for helping change bad habits while building up good ones. ABA therapy...
ABA therapy is a key part of behavior analysis. It gives real help to people with developmental disabilities. In ABA therapy, complex activities are broken down into manageable steps. This helps people learn new skills at their own pace, making skill acquisition easier and less stressful. The idea i...