In our previous blog (read it here), we reviewed verbal behavior. In today’s, we will be diving further into the verbal operants. But first, let’s talk about how verbal responses begin! Verbal behavior (or responses), includes various forms of communication such as vocal, gestural, and picture exchange. Today, we will focus on vocal-verbal communication since […]
ABA Therapy: Understanding Verbal Behavior (VB)
There is a huge focus on verbal behavior in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and for a reason. When you hear the words “verbal behavior” you may think vocal speech. But verbal behavior is so much more than that! The formal definition of verbal behavior is a response that is reinforced through the mediation of others. […]
The MHPAEA Federal Law: A Must Read for Parents
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) was established in 2008. It is a federal law that protects individuals with disabilities by requiring commercial insurances to provide mental and behavioral health services without limitations outside of medical necessity. In other words, if an individual has a diagnosis, medical insurances must allow mental health […]
10 Facts Regarding Autism
Here are 10 facts for parents and professionals seeking to understand and learn more about autism and treatment. Please refer to our literature references below for fact-checking purposes! Fact: 1 in 54 children in the United States receives a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Boys have a 24% higher chance of receiving an autism […]
Trauma-Informed ABA Therapy: The “My Way” Approach
This blog post is written by our wonderful RBT, Cristina! Read below to learn about an approach called “My Way” and its benefits of eliminating challenging behaviors while strengthening trust and cooperation between caregiver and child. Dr. Greg Hanley (a well-known BCBA-D in the field of Behavior Analysis) developed a Functional Communication Request, FCR, and […]
5 Toys for Parents of Children with Autism
Finding common interests with a child with autism can be difficult sometimes. Below are some amazing, fun-filled, and educational toys and games that will help you build rapport with your little one! Kibbit – a bingo type game that works on developing receptive language skills. This game is competitive and keeps things interesting by using […]
Autism Resources in South Florida & Beyond
For this blog, we are sharing resources you will find in Miami, Broward, Monroe counties and beyond for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. See below! Book Recommendations: ABA Visualized: A visual guidebook for parents and teachers:https://www.amazon.com/ABA-Visualized-guidebook-parents-teachers/dp/0578472325/ref=asc_df_0578472325/ Positive Parenting for Autism: https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Parenting-Autism-Strategies-Challenges-ebook/dp/B07KMHNN2Q Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts: https://www.amazon.com/Uniquely-Wired-Story-About-Autism/dp/1944882197 Recommended Resources for Travel: […]
Autism Awareness
Autism is a disorder that affects communication, relationships, tolerance, and flexibility. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists 5 criteria to provide a diagnosis of Autism. These 5 criteria include: a) deficits in social interactions and vocal or non-vocal communication b) restricted or repetitive behavior, preferences, or routines (includes hypo- or hyper- […]
What’s the Function?
“X doesn’t listen to me. They act out for no reason.” Have you heard this as a way to describe someone’s behavior? Have you said these out loud too? By the end of this blog, you’ll better understand why individuals do what they do to create a more satisfying environment for yourself and the people […]
School Rules: Back to School Tips
About mid-way through the year, a change that affects a huge portion of the population occurs! Traffic increases, notebooks and no.2 pencils sell out, schedules are rearranged, and anxiety (symptoms may include making frantic calls, misplacing important documents, ruminating on the same question for hours on end) builds. School is now in session and there’s […]