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Imagine your child is thirty minutes into an ABA therapy session. You are in the kitchen making dinner while the therapist practices turn-taking with your child in the other room. All of a sudden, you hear it: the tell-tale, high-pitched whine that precedes a meltdown. Your grip on the spoon in your hand tightens, and…

When parents first hear the recommended number of hours of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, they are often quite taken aback. Hearing that your young child needs 20, 30, or even 40 hours a week feels overwhelming. For many families, just squeezing four or five hours out of their schedule per week seems impossible. Parents may…

The world of applied behavior analysis can be a strange one if you are new to it- and I say that as a practitioner of applied behavior analysis. Your child gets a new diagnosis, maybe autism or ADHD, and suddenly a healthcare professional is telling you they need 15 hours of therapy a week, and…

Unless you already have personal or professional experience in pediatric therapy, an Applied Behavior Analysis session can be a peculiar experience. Depending on the client, their specific program, and the skill being addressed, sessions may seem- well, boring, to be blunt. Parents and caregivers watching home sessions can feel like the therapist is stuck on…

The process of Applied Behavior Analysis relies on the last word of the term: analysis. While perhaps not the most riveting topic for most people (unless you’re a scientist or a behavior analyst), the analysis of data is the cornerstone for effective behavior therapy. ABA practitioners collect and analyze data so that the decisions we…

Before starting my career in behavior analysis, I was sweeping p-ways and helming a naval ship. I’ve lived a lot of lives. There were many popular quotes thrown around and heard while I was in the U.S. Navy, one of which I am reminded of pretty often now that I’ve put down the binoculars and…

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…

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,…

Families who receive news of an autism diagnosis suddenly face a world in which everything feels unfamiliar: the terminology, the recommendations, and the “What if?” questions can be overwhelming.  Then, on top of a life-changing diagnosis, many parents are told their child will likely need 40 hours of therapy a week. Immediately, the overwhelm multiplies…

Whether you are a parent looking into therapy options after your child has received an autism diagnosis, an advocate for neurodiversity, or a prospective practitioner of Applied Behavior Analysis, you will come across articles and research on the ethics of ABA.  A quick search will surface passionate arguments on all sides, some praising ABA as…

Manding is often one of the first skills targeted in early intervention programs because it gives a reliable way for a child to communicate wants and needs. For many learners with little to no language, manding may be the first time they discover an easier way to connect with caregivers. When a child reaches out—through…

Telling people that I work with children on the spectrum often triggers their need to share opinions on how kids should be raised. Many people think that gentle parenting is the cause of everything wrong in the world and that discipline is the golden standard for raising children. The “back in my day” lectures that…

We spend our days noticing, processing, and then responding to countless cues and signals in our environments. We pick up a vibrating phone to answer whoever is on the other end, press our foot on the brake when the light is red at an intersection, and open the front door when the doorbell rings. All…

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…

One thing I’ve learned over the years while working in the field of applied behavior analysis is that I have been engaged in it my whole life. When you learn the basic principles, you quickly start recognizing them at work. Speeding tickets, red lights, my maps search to the closest Taco Bell after I hear…

Have you ever watched a toddler interact with something they haven’t seen before? Last week, I dropped a roll of tape on the ground, and my 15-month-old picked it up. She held it in both hands, gently turning it around, picking at the loose end, looking through the center of it. Soon, she was sliding…

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…

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is an evidence-based approach to understanding and changing human behavior. It can be used in a home, clinic, school, and community settings. School-based ABA focuses on applying these principles in a student’s educational environment. When a student struggles to succeed at school, the family or school team may bring in…

A token economy is a structured system in which a learner earns tangible “tokens” when they perform a specific behavior. One of the first well-documented uses of a token economy occurred in a classroom in the early 1800s. In the early 1800s, educator Joseph Lancaster used a token economy to motivate large groups of students…

The building blocks of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are the environmental events surrounding an individual’s behavior. Antecedents, or the events that occur immediately before an individual’s response, and consequences, or the events that occur immediately after an individual’s response, set the stage for behavior to be modified. A schedule of reinforcement is a set of…

Parents in ABA therapy often face challenges like school issues, buy-in, and burnout—but clear communication and teamwork can help families stay on track. It’s no secret that I am a believer in applied behavior analysis. I have my bachelor’s in psychology and my master’s in ABA. I started as a behavior technician years ago and…

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…

Tacting is really just a fancy behavioral term for labeling things, actions, or events in an environment, but it is one of the most important verbal skills targeted in ABA therapy. When a child says “dog” after seeing a dog, or “wow, it’s raining” when looking outside, those are two perfect examples of tacting in…

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…

ABA therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for autism, with decades of research showing strong success rates when therapy is consistent and individualized to each child’s needs. ABA can also be used to address a variety of other unique needs: developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, mental health conditions, etc. In this article, we’ll explore…

BCBA salaries in North Carolina average $80K–$90K in 2025, and can generally earn more by switching city or employer type, adding experience & credentials. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional, graduate-level supervisor who is credentialed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To become a BCBA, the candidate requires a higher education…

Soon after a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, pediatricians will often give parents a range of treatment options, one of which is applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA therapy is one of the most widely recognized and empirically backed treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Still, it is also relatively unknown to those who are…

After an ASD diagnosis, one of the most important steps parents can take is to begin considering behavioral interventions for their child. Behavior therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can improve learning, communication, and adaptive skills in children with ASD. ABA is highly effective at reducing challenging behaviors and replacing them with more functional…

Applied behavior analysis is one of the most commonly recommended behavioral therapies for children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. But what makes it so popular? How can it be so easily trusted when there is so much misinformation out in the world relating to autism, its causes, and its treatment? Many hail it…

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) sounds… intense. If I had never heard of anything related to behavior analysis and someone told me that my child needed EIBI, I would probably panic.  As someone who has worked in applied behavior analysis (ABA) for many years now, I can say that EIBI is much, much less scary…

Receiving a diagnosis of Autism for your child comes with a flood of different emotions and may make you feel overwhelmed or unsure of what the future will hold. However, there are many different resources available to help you through this time.  Acting on a diagnosis early is very important to improve outcomes, but this…

Errorless learning is a type of teaching commonly used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). An errorless learning procedure is designed to ensure that when a child is learning a new skill, they make no mistakes along the way. To do this, therapists will initially use prompting for every step for the student to respond correctly,…

Many ABA sessions focus on building social skills, learning to communicate, completing activities of daily living, and other foundational skills essential for learning. For some children, there may also be a bit of focus on behaviors that others may find unsafe or otherwise concerning. This is where Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) come into play. A…

Data collection is the backbone of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Behavior analysts rely heavily on data to do, well… everything! Data and data collection help to guide treatment, understand behaviors, evaluate progress, make informed decisions, determine if goals are met, ensure teaching is effective, pretty much every step of a behavior analyst’s job requires looking…

I recall sitting in my psychology statistics class years ago, stressing over experimental types and the complex math involved in calculating p-values. All of the focus in my undergraduate statistics classes was on group experimental designs, and professors typically glazed over single-case designs (SCEDs), because they were “not as common” and that we weren’t likely…

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), operational definitions are key to any successful program. A reliable and precise definition results in accurate data collection, which is the driving force behind the development of effective and ethical interventions.  In this article, we’ll discuss what operational definitions are, why they are important, and how to write concise, clear…

Parents of newborns often learn to recognize the small differences in their baby’s cry. One cry might mean that they are hungry, another cry might mean they want to be held. They can interpret their baby’s behavior to determine why the baby is engaging in a particular behavior.  Similarly, behavior analysts are trained to “listen”…

After a series of appointments, evaluations, and assessments with various doctors and developmental professionals to get an autism diagnosis, parents may be a bit confused as to why an ABA therapy assessment is necessary.  However, this specific assessment is a very important step in creating a treatment plan for therapy that is unique to each…

If you have been considering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, you’ve likely heard of Behavior Technicians (BT). But what exactly do they do, and how do they support your child’s development? BTs play a crucial role in implementing ABA therapy, helping children with autism build essential life skills, improve communication, and manage challenging behaviors. Knowing…

So much of our life is measured. When I drive to work, my speed is measured by my car. When I have a doctor’s appointment, they check my weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. My smart watch measures my daily steps and notifies me if I’ve been sitting for too long. While in school, my…

Stimulus control is a key concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that explains how behavior can be influenced by the presence or absence of specific stimuli. When a behavior consistently occurs in the presence of a particular stimulus and not in its absence, that stimulus has “control” over the behavior. In ABA, the goal is…

In the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one concept plays a vital role in understanding and shaping behavior: Motivating Operations (MOs). Whether you’re a parent looking to better support your child or an aspiring ABA practitioner seeking to deepen your knowledge, understanding MOs can significantly enhance your approach to behavior change. Let’s explore what…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely implemented and empirically-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder. It can help to improve social skills, daily living skills, adaptive behaviors, and more. Whether therapy sessions are conducted within the client’s home or in an autism clinic, ABA has been shown to make significant changes…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of the most commonly used interventions to treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental issues. ABA is based on behavioral science and examines how the environment can affect learning and behavior. An ABA therapist will help examine why a child’s behaviors occur, under what circumstances, and…

There are two main types of ABA Therapy professionals: Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Both play important roles in supporting individuals with autism and work very closely with the families they serve. However, there are significant differences in their responsibilities, education, and scope of practice. I have practised as both a…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA), as its name suggests, focuses on behavior. It is a therapeutic approach that utilizes science and behavioral principles to enhance the lives of others. Children with autism are the most common recipients of ABA therapy since it is one of the most common and empirically backed treatments for autism spectrum disorder.…

Arizona Medicaid, managed by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), provides coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for eligible members, particularly for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other diagnoses where therapy is deemed medically necessary. Recently, there have been updates in Medicaid coverage of ABA treatment in Arizona. One such…

Texas Medicaid began covering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in February 2022 for children and young adults under 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To qualify, the child must have a recent ASD diagnosis and a physician’s referral. ABA therapy is offered in various settings, including homes and clinics, and is part of a larger…

In autism care, behavior is everything. It’s the main indicator for diagnosis and one of the main areas of focus for treatment. Autistic children engage in many different behaviors, and we as professionals take note. Indirect assessments in ABA therapy (and outside therapy) also play a key role in this process. They offer a way…

I remember my first virtual Telehealth appointment. I was breaking out, and my skin seemed extra sensitive, so I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist. It felt awkward at first, as most social interactions did in 2020, but I quickly realized how easy and helpful it was. There are benefits to in-person appointments, of course,…

Indiana Medicaid’s policy on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is designed to support children and young adults with autism and other behavioral conditions, but it has seen recent updates that could affect access to care. These updated policies have raised concerns due to specific changes to reimbursement rates, which could mean limited access to therapies…

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is usually known by parents as a whole package, but its value is most certainly the sum of its parts. It’s an overall practice that uses many methods and principles to achieve its aims. While parents don’t necessarily always need to know the intimate details of the theories and practices…

There are two main teaching methodologies used in ABA therapy: Discrete trial training (DTT) and Naturalistic teaching, also called Natural Environment Teaching (NET). Where DTT is a highly structured approach, typically table-based, during which targets are presented in a fast-paced, repetitive manner, NET is more flexible, focusing on play and naturally occurring situations to teach…

The short answer is yes. ABA therapy is scientifically proven to help with speech and language development in children with ASD. In this article, we will go in-depth into how ABA therapy can help develop and expand language and communication skills in children with autism, including how it integrates with other therapies and how parents.…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is most known for its treatment in autism spectrum disorder. That’s not surprising, considering how commonly it is recommended to families with children who have been diagnosed and how established ABA research is in the field of autism. The truth is, ABA can be (and has been) applied in many, many…

Applied Behavior Analysis, known as ABA therapy by most, is a highly researched and widely used method for helping individuals learn important skills and behaviors. Most commonly, ABA is used in treating autism spectrum disorder, but it also has applications in fields such as sports, medicine, education, and workplace efficiency. In the treatment of autism,…

Nearly 91% of children with autism have a co-occurring condition, such as epilepsy, ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, intellectual disability, etc. In this article, we are going to focus on anxiety, which estimates predict is present in 11%-84% of children and adolescents with autism. In a study using parental reports, most parents felt that their autistic…