By Jocelyn Thompson, LCSW, BCBA, vice president of clinical services at LEARN Behavioral Many misunderstandings exist about autism. However, science confirms that early diagnosis is essential. Studies show that kids diagnosed with autism from age 2 to 4 often have slow speech development, lack age-appropriate play and social skills, and avoid eye contact. With early and intensive behavioral intervention, they can improve in all skill areas. Research suggests that children diagnosed in early childhood and participate in early intervention have optimal outcomes. What we know already is that ear ..read more

Arfa Alam is a senior manager at the Partnership for Public Service, a non-profit that envisions a dynamic and innovative federal government that effectively serves our diverse nation. Prior to joining the Partnership, Arfa performed labor human rights and social responsibility work in more than 40 countries in both the public and private sectors. Arfa joins us to share her experience and deep conviction for the appropriate care, and rights for all. She is the proud mother, wife, and sister of disabled and differently-abled individuals, including her two autistic sons, her husb ..read more

By Sabrina Daneshvar, Ph.D., BCBA-D, senior vice president of clinical services at LEARN Behavioral Recognizing Autism Symptoms: How to Spot Early Signs Autism isn’t always easy to spot. It’s a complex neurological and developmental disorder. It often shows up in early childhood and affects how a person interacts with others, communicates, and learns.  Since symptoms of autism vary so widely from person to person, it can be challenging to diagnose.  Recognizing early signs can be vital to getting help. If you suspect your child may be on the autism spectrum, talk to your pediatricia ..read more

Hanna Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, chief clinical officer What does science say about what causes autism? The latest research indicates that a combination of genetic and environmental factors likely causes it. There’s no simple answer, and scientists are still trying to develop better ones. “What caused my child’s autism? Was I to blame?” As David G. Amaral, Ph.D., a psychiatry and behavioral sciences professor at the University of California Davis wrote in 2017 in the journal Cerebrum, “Autism research has made tremendous progress over the last 20 years, but yet we still can’t provide definitive answ ..read more

When it comes to parenting, the unknown can be one of the hardest parts. Worries creep in if you suspect something’s wrong with your child’s development. If you think your child may be showing signs of autism, there’s no guidebook to tell you what to do next. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The process gets easier when you know what to expect. If you’ve found your way to this post, you’ve likely taken the first step: questioning whether your child shows signs of autism. Recognizing this possibility is a significant and sometimes challenging move. Rest assured, you’re not alone. This guide i ..read more

March is Women’s History Month. It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women in all walks of life. In the area of autism and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, many women have made a lasting mark. They’ve broken barriers. They’ve conducted significant research, and they’ve paved the way for better understanding and treatment of autism.   Today, we spotlight seven women who have shown us what it means to lead with passion, dedication, and commitment. They are making a difference, and their work continues to inspire future generations of women in the field. 1. T ..read more

Even though the school year is still in full swing, it’s not too early to think about how you’re going to fill your summer schedule. For parents of children on the autism spectrum, planning for summer involves more than just vacations and relaxation. You want your child to continue to make progress even during a school break. When regular routines and structured learning environments pause for the summer, children with autism can be at risk of not maintaining skills. They might lose social skills, behavior improvements, and communication. This loss can mean that skills learned over the school ..read more

Behavior analyst Genevieve Marshall, PhD, shares five tips toward terrific teeth for your children with autism ..read more

Brandon Whitfield, Sr. Clinical Director for AST, part of LEARN Behavioral has presented at several conferences including BABA’s (Black Applied Behavior Analysts) inaugural conference to share ways ABA agencies can bring more equity to the field of ABA. In this conversation, Brandon discusses his role in helping to create The Black Master’s cohort and mentorship program as well as the ongoing need to prioritize DEI advancement in ABA.    For more information:  https://learnbehavioral.com/culture  https://learnbehavioral.com/culture/dei  ..read more

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a Neurodivergent Psychologist joins us to discuss discovering her own autism in the aftermath of her child’s diagnosis and how that has inspired her passion to support the neurodivergent community. Dr. Neff describes the experience of her autism revelation in this way, “For the first time in my life, my body made sense, my experience of self made sense, and it was a powerful moment of liberation.” We also delve into helpful strategies about sensory sensitivity and self-care that are helpful for adults and parents of children with autism. For more information: neurodiverge ..read more