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The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is expanding rapidly. From the development of ABA therapy telehealth delivery platforms, to the development of apps aimed to help caregivers manage challenging behaviors through use of behavioral skills training (BST), the landscape is changing quickly. And while these advancements have a real chance to positively impact outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum

Research, support, and conversations regarding children with autism often center on the child with the diagnosis. However, research also shows us that an autism diagnosis can impact the entire family unit. Quatrosi et al. (2023) remind us of the importance of understanding this research and attending to the experiences of siblings in particular in order to support them individually and the greater family. Their review examined studies of siblings of individuals with autism a

A study was recently published in JMIR Research Protocols (An Individual Music Intervention for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behavior: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial) to examine if music interventions can help adults with intellectual disabilities to regulate their emotions and decrease challenging behavior. The findings were positive. Adults with intellectual disabilities can have difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse control, p

Many times, in our field we will encounter an individual in crisis and may be responsible for guiding through the situation. According to Puleo and McGlothlin (2010), a crisis occurs when a situation exceeds an individual's ability to cope with their current resources, resulting in a temporary loss of control. The Anger Arousal Cycle below outlines the stages someone may go through during a crisis (e.g., trigger, escalation, crisis, recovery, and post-crisis). Understanding e

Social cognition is a complex, multi-faceted construct that includes mechanisms for ways in which people perceive, interpret and respond to social information. Recognizing emotions, empathy, Theory of Mind (ToM), and social awareness, are all important components of social cognition. Social challenges are common in Autism, and have been an area of focus in research. In a recent comprehensive review, Sven Bölte explores this challenging topic, critically addressing the need to

According to Emery 2020, muscular dystrophies (MD) are inherited myogenic disorders characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness of variable distribution and severity. This diagnosis is most common in males and continues to progress as time goes on, increasing its effects on the individual, their caregiver, and their family. An individual living with (MD) may follow a daily routine that looks similar to what many experience. What may be different is the level of

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological developmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, behavior, and learning. There are currently no medications approved by the FDA to specifically treat autism, meaning physicians rely on medications approved to treat other conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For individuals with ASD who exhibit sudden behavioral dysregulation a

Over the past several decades, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) research has focused primarily on children and young adults, despite autism being a lifelong condition. There is a gap in our understanding of how autism evolves from young adulthood into older adulthood. In fact, only 0.4% of research on autism since 1980 has focused on the population that is in midlife or older (approximately 40 and above). In a comprehensive review of the current literature, Stewart and Happé sy

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) came about in the 70’s as a tool for educational equality for students with disabilities. This tailored plan is meant to meet the unique academic needs of the learner, with specific educational goals agreed upon by the caregiver, general education teacher, special education teacher, local education agency representative, and an individual who can interpret evaluation results (additional members may be required depending on the needs of

The prompting hierarchy is a systematic and standardized approach that organizes prompting strategies from “least intrusive” to “most intrusive.” It is an essential component of effective skill acquisition training in that its proper utilization establishes the balance between client needs and independence. As client skills increase, the intrusiveness of the prompts should decrease, leading to higher levels of skill mastery and independence. At the top of the hierarchy, the

This newsletter discusses the connection between cannabis, autism, and psychosis. Many of our clients use cannabis or products like CBD and THC to help with all sorts of health issues, and for some, it brings real relief. That's why it's so important for us to understand what the science says about the risks, especially when it comes to mental health and the developing brain. Here’s what the research is telling us: people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) seem to be more se

Emotional Regulation (ER) is a foundational developmental skill that supports adaptive functioning and goal-directed behavior. Mazefsy et al. (2013) defined ER as the automatic or intentional modification of an individual’s emotional state that promotes such adaptive or goal-oriented behavior. For children with Autism, difficulties with ER are common and may result in behavioral responses such as tantrums, aggression or self injury, in response to emotional stimuli. Understan

How Applied Behavior Analysis Turns “I Can’t” Into “I’m Learning” Executive function (EF) skills, such as planning, organization, time management, emotional regulation, task initiation, and persistence, are essential for independence. A lack of these foundational skills often results in chronic frustration, avoidance, missed assignments, emotional outbursts, and complete shutdowns at home, in school, and later in life (Dawson & Guare, 2018; McClelland et al., 2018). Applied

Families that include an individual with disabilities are often shaped by strong bonds, shared experiences, and meaningful opportunities for growth. Siblings frequently develop empathy, adaptability, and a heightened awareness of others from an early age. These relationships can be deeply enriching and play an important role in how siblings understand connection, responsibility, and advocacy across their lifespan. At the same time research emphasizes that when looking at fami

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is quickly redefining the diagnostic process related to identifying disease-causing mutations in the human genome, including developmental disorders. Recently, a new tool has been developed by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at St. Sinai in New York that looks to not only identify disease-causing mutations, but also predict the type of disease those mutations may trigger. This method is known as V2P, or Variant to Phenotype, and it

A good night of sleep is crucial to a person's ability to regulate emotions, learn, and manage their daily life. For individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the impact of sleep on their behavior is particularly important. Chronic sleep difficulties are highly prevalent in the ASD community, affecting an estimated 70–80% of individuals. These issues include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and maintaining consistent routines (Richdale & Schreck, 2009)

Parenting can be a challenging and rewarding journey for everyone, including individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs). In 2006, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirmed in Article 23 that “ States Parties shall take effective and appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities in all matters relating to marriage, family, parenthood and relationships…”. Despite this commitment, Lightfoo

Augmentative and Alternative communication devices (AAC) are an evidence-based practice based on applied behavior analysis. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) incorporates a wide range of processes that augment, complement, or replace the speech of individuals with complex communication needs (Elsahar et al., 2019). Those with complex communication needs encompass approximately four million people within the United States. Due to the increasing prevalence of Aut

Functional communication can be a powerful and universal skill when supporting individuals across all diagnoses, ages, and ability levels. Strengthening functional communication means strengthening a person’s ability to meet their needs safely. Whether a person communicates through speech, gestures, sign language, AAC devices, eye gaze, communication boards, or emerging vocalizations, the ability to express needs effectively can dramatically decrease challenging behaviors and

Behavioral Skills Training (BST), is an evidence-based teaching approach that is based on applied behavior analysis. It helps to enable people with acquired adaptive behaviors or practical adaptive skills that can be viewed as healthy alternatives to unsafe or maladaptive actions. The process occurs in the four structured phases of the learning-instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback-to guarantee consistent learning, generalization, and long-term change in the behavior