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 pediatrician. A medical ..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 answe ..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 is ..read more

Why does early diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) matter? Dr. Genevieve Marshall explains early signs of autism, how to receive an evaluation, and what to do after a diagnosis. Be sure to subscribe for more helpful tips and discover more resources by checking out our blog here: https://lrnbvr.com/Blogs The post Why Early Diagnosis Matters For Children With Autism appeared first on Behavioral Concepts (BCI ..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. Temple Gr ..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. The post 5 Tips Toward Terrific Teeth For Children With Autism appeared first on Behavioral Concepts (BCI ..read more

Written by Dr. Ashley Williams, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, Vice President National Social Justice Day is a time to reflect on the progress made in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. At LEARN Behavioral, this commitment goes beyond the confines of our therapy rooms; it extends into the heart of public policy advocacy. Our dedication to social justice is evident through our active involvement in various organizations and our continuous efforts to champion policies that support the autism community. 1. Advocating for Autism Services Nationwide LEARN Behavioral is proud to be an activ ..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 The post The Advances and Challenges of DEI I ..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