Anna Crumpecker - BCBA

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Anna Crumpecker is a BCBA and writer from the Midwest. She began her career in 2010 as an ABA paraprofessional in St. Louis and fell in love with the field. After earning her MS at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, she continued to work in clinics, schools, homes, and residential living centers. She also spent time as part of the crisis team with the Illinois Crisis Prevention Network. Following her passion for writing, she earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Hollins University in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, writing, and savoring a cup of coffee with friends.
  • 5 Key Coping Strategies That Children with Autism Can Learn

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    coping

    For many children with autism, the world can feel physically louder, brighter, and more unpredictable than it does for neurotypical children. Things that seem small to others, like a change in routine or a noisy room, can feel overwhelming very quickly. When the world outside turns chaotic, your child’s intelligent nervous system figures out ways…

  • Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in Maryland? A 2026 Guide

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    Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in Maryland

    Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate information regarding Maryland insurance mandates as of 2026, coverage varies significantly between individual plans, employers, and providers. We make no guarantees regarding specific claim approvals. Always verify your specific benefits, exclusions,…

  • How to Deal With Insurance Denials for ABA Therapy in 2026

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    ABA Insurance Denials

    Behind every child’s ABA success story there’s a web of complex administrative processes, the bureaucratic mess of the modern healthcare system, and a family’s hope that their child will benefit from services.  When things go smoothly, families don’t see much of the insurance side, and the bulk of the administrative work falls to the ABA…

  • Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in North Carolina? A 2026 Guide for Parents

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    ABA Therapy in North Carolina

    Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate information regarding North Carolina insurance mandates as of 2026, coverage varies significantly between individual plans, employers, and providers. We make no guarantees regarding specific claim approvals. Always verify your specific benefits,…

  • Functional Communication Training (FCT) in ABA Therapy

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    FCT in ABA therapy cover

    When a child engages in challenging behaviors such as head-banging, physical aggression, or prolonged tantrums, caregivers may struggle to manage them safely and productively. Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a widely used, evidence-based ABA intervention that aims to reduce challenging behavior by teaching the child an alternative, effective way to communicate. Teaching functional communication reduces…

  • Parent Training in ABA Therapy: Why Parent Role Matters

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    Parent training in ABA therapy article

    When your child starts Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, you’re probably excited and eager to see your child’s progress during ABA sessions. You might not realize that your lead therapist, usually a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst—an expert trained to design and oversee ABA programs), will also offer parent training as part of your child’s…

  • Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales: A Parent’s Guide

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    Vineland Adaptive Behavior Assessment

    When parents realize they need to have their child evaluated for autism, developmental disabilities, or other conditions, one of the most common assessments they’ll encounter is the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, or VABS. While other assessments might test academics, speech, hearing, developmental, or cognitive functioning, the VABS is meant to provide a snapshot of adaptive…

  • Assent-Based ABA Therapy: A Parent’s Guide

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    Assent based ABA

    ABA, or applied behavior analysis, is a branch of psychology that encourages positive behavior changes. In therapy sessions, the therapist focuses on developing important skills, such as communicating needs, using the bathroom independently, having conversations, and expressing preferences. ABA isn’t just for autism, but doctors often recommend it for children diagnosed with autism due to…

  • Is Autism Considered Special Needs? A Guide For Families

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    Is Autism considered special needs? Your questions answered

    If you’ve come across this article, chances are your child has recently been diagnosed with autism. You might be wondering – what’s next? Hearing the words that your child has been diagnosed with autism can bring up all sorts of emotions – confusion, anxiety, grief, or even relief. It’s important to give yourself time to…

  • Priming in ABA Therapy Explained for Parents & Teachers

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    Priming in ABA Therapy

    In ABA therapy, “priming” means preparing learners for upcoming events, new environments, transitions, or tasks. When used correctly, priming helps learners focus on tasks, everyday activities, or expectations. Priming can also play a role in helping prepare a child for unfamiliar environments or events, which in turn may alleviate anxiety about the future while simultaneously…