Prompt Fading in Children with Autism

Many kids with autism or signs of autism are prompt dependent. But it’s not the child’s fault as prompt dependency is caused by well-meaning adults who are trying to help the child gain skills, but not necessarily fading prompts quick enough. This can be really detrimental to a child’s independence so today I am going […]
Getting an ABA Program Started

There are lots of ways to try to educate yourself as a parent or professional on the principles of an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program. For professionals, bringing in a knowledgeable speaker on the topic of ABA is probably the most common way to begin. This can often “jump-start” enthusiasm for ABA but will take […]
Autism Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals & Therapy Dogs | Interview with Caitlin Bird

With so many different names for service dogs, it can be hard to decide which one, if any, might be right for your family. Caitlin Bird teaches parents how to train their own service dogs, and she explains to me when a family might decide to invest the time and energy into inviting these animals into their homes.
Siblings of Autism: Interview with My Son Spencer Barbera

Dr. Mary Barbera interviews her son Spencer, sharing his experiences growing up with a brother with autism. Spencer, now entering medical school, offers valuable insights and advice for siblings of autism, highlighting resilience, compassion, and the importance of family support. Discover their journey, challenges, and decisions regarding guardianship for Lucas. A touching exploration of sibling dynamics and the strength of family bonds in navigating autism.
Teleheath and Autism | Interview with Telehealth Professional Dr. Ally Patterson

COVID-19 has caused all of us to pause and rethink how we do things. For the mental health community, it’s resulted in professionals suddenly becoming more accessible through telehealth. Dr. Ally Patterson talks about how she adapted her practice so that she could stay open during the pandemic, and she shares some tips for how to make telehealth a positive experience for professionals, parents, and patients.