Early identification is the first step to providing meaningful support.

What to Look For:

• Communication delays (e.g., limited speech, lack of babbling by 12 months)
• Lack of eye contact or not responding to their name
• Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects
• Intense reactions to lights, sounds, or textures (sensory sensitivities)
• Difficulty with social interactions (e.g., limited interest in peers, playing alone)

What You Can Do:

• Start journaling your observations (include when/where the behavior occurs)
• Compare developmental milestones (CDC or WHO growth charts can help)
• Reach out to your pediatrician or an early intervention provider for next steps

Remember: Every child develops at their own pace. Early signs are not a diagnosis, but they are a reason to take action.

A formal diagnosis helps unlock access to vital support services.

Who Can Diagnose Autism:

• Developmental Pediatricians
• Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists
• Neurologists
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) with diagnostic experience
• Multidisciplinary Teams (school or hospital-based)

What’s Involved:

• A series of assessments including observation, interviews, and standardized tests (like ADOS-2 or Vineland)
• Rule-outs of other developmental or medical concerns
• Feedback session with next-step recommendations

Benefits of a Diagnosis:

• Access to ABA, speech, and occupational therapy
• Support with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) in schools
• Insurance coverage for therapies
• Peace of mind through clarity and direction

The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner we can help your child reach their full potential.

A strong, collaborative support system is the foundation of meaningful progress.

Who Should Be Included:

• ABA Therapists (BCBAs & RBTs) – Provide behavior therapy and ongoing supervision
• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) – Support language development and communication
• Occupational Therapists (OTs) – Help with fine motor skills, daily routines, and sensory integration
• Developmental Pediatricians – Offer medical guidance and referrals
• Educators and School Staff – Help implement strategies in the classroom
• Family Members – Parents, siblings, and caregivers are active partners in daily growth

Why It Matters:

• Everyone on the team works toward common goals
• Communication across disciplines reduces confusion and strengthens care
• Families feel supported, heard, and involved at every step

You are not alone—your support team is here to walk this journey with you.

Once the support team is in place, it’s time to build a roadmap.

What the Care Plan Includes:

• Personalized Goals

Based on your child’s assessment results, preferences, and developmental needs

• Strengths-Based Approach

We focus on what your child can do—and how to build from there

• Service Recommendations

Identify which therapies will be most effective (e.g., ABA, speech, OT)

• Family Priorities

We listen to your concerns and align goals with your values and routines

• Measurable Milestones

Track progress with clear targets (e.g., increase verbal requests, reduce meltdowns)

Ongoing Adjustments:

• BCBAs review and update care plans regularly
• Families and therapists provide feedback
• Plans evolve as your child grows and gains new skills

A strong plan brings clarity and confidence—so every step has purpose.

Now that the care plan is ready, therapy officially begins!

What Happens:

• A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is assigned to your family, supervised by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Therapy sessions are scheduled (often 10–40 hours/week based on your child’s needs and insurance approval)
• Services take place in the home, allowing for real-life skill building (e.g., brushing teeth, sharing toys, transitions)

What to Expect:

• Consistent sessions with the same therapist(s)
• Play-based and structured teaching methods
• Use of reinforcement to build skills and reduce problem behaviors
• Parent participation (observation or active involvement) as appropriate

This is the heart of the journey—where your child begins learning, practicing, and growing through play, interaction, and guided instruction.

Ongoing progress monitoring ensures therapy stays aligned with your child’s growth.

How It Works:

• RBTs collect daily data during sessions
• BCBAs review data weekly or bi-weekly and adjust strategies if needed
• Progress reports are shared with families regularly
• Goals are updated as your child masters new skills

Key Metrics Tracked:

• Communication improvements (e.g., using words, signs, or devices)
• Behavior reduction (e.g., fewer tantrums, less aggression)
• Functional skills (e.g., dressing, eating, transitions)
• Social and play development (e.g., turn-taking, joint attention)

Data doesn’t just show numbers—it tells your child’s success story, one skill at a time.

Therapy is most effective when families are empowered to reinforce it at home.

What Parent Training Includes:

• Weekly or bi-weekly sessions with your BCBA
• Hands-on coaching and modeling
• Guidance on managing challenging behaviors
• Help with creating structure and routines
• Answering any concerns you have about school, daily life, or your child’s future

We believe parents are the most powerful therapists in a child’s life. We’ll help you feel confident every step of the way.

As your child makes progress, we begin preparing for the next chapter.

Possible Transitions:

• From home to school: Collaborate with teachers and IEP teams
• From early intervention to school-age ABA: Adjust hours and goals
• From intensive therapy to maintenance: Fewer hours, more independence
• From ABA to social or life skills programs: For older children or teens

What We Do:

• Re-assess your child’s strengths and needs
• Prepare for transitions early (typically 3–6 months ahead)
• Coordinate with external providers (schools, doctors, other therapists)
• Support parents with advocacy and planning

Progress isn’t just about the present—it’s about preparing your child for the future.