Holiday Chaos: A Behavioral Therapist’s Guide to Success As holiday season approaches, a familiar anxiety settles in for many of the families I work with. While the rest of the world is anticipating festive lights and family gatherings, parents of children with behavioral needs are often bracing for impact. You have spent months working hard…
The holiday season is often marketed as the most wonderful time of the year. We see commercials featuring smiling children unwrapping gifts in perfect harmony, extended families gathering around bountiful tables, and twinkling lights that seem to promise pure joy. For many parents, however, the reality looks quite different. The holidays often bring a chaotic…
As a parent, you’ve likely watched your child get completely lost in play. Whether they’re stacking blocks, hosting a tea party for stuffed animals, or simply running around the backyard, these moments are more than just fun and games—they are the first steps in building essential social skills. Play is your child’s first language—it’s how…
For decades, the prevailing wisdom in autism therapy has been “more is more.” Many parents and providers have operated under the assumption that a higher intensity of therapy—more hours per week—directly translates to better outcomes for children on the spectrum. While well-intentioned, this belief often places immense pressure on families, stretching their time, finances, and…
Navigating the world of autism therapy can be overwhelming for any parent. With so many different approaches and recommendations, it’s easy to feel lost. A common concern is whether a particular therapy model will be too rigid or fail to recognize a child’s unique personality and needs. This worry is valid; the idea of a…
Recent genetic research has revealed something remarkable: children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at different ages may have distinct genetic profiles. This groundbreaking discovery is reshaping how we understand autism and, more importantly, how we approach treatment plans for children across the spectrum. The timing of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis has always been…
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has long been recognized as an evidence-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but recent research is shedding new light on how these programs can be optimized for social and emotional development. A groundbreaking study examining ABA program training has revealed significant improvements in social, emotional, and daily life…
Recent headlines linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to autism spectrum disorder have left many expectant parents worried and confused. Social media feeds are flooded with alarming claims, while concerned families search for clear answers about medication safety during pregnancy and how to access autism spectrum disorder support when needed. The intersection of pregnancy, medication…
When parents first consider Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for their child, one of the most common questions they ask is: “How will we know if it’s working?” This concern is completely understandable. You want to see meaningful progress, and you deserve clear answers about your child’s development. At Asteri Treatment Center, we believe that…
When parents receive an autism diagnosis for their child, one of the first questions they ask is: “What can we do to help?” The answer often points to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, particularly when started early. Research consistently shows that early intervention ABA can dramatically improve a child’s developmental trajectory, creating benefits that last…
