Sensory seeking behavior or challenges with emotional regulation are often the most common physical symptoms in autistic children. However, there’s another physical symptom that, according to medical research, can affect…
When parents receive an initial diagnosis of autism for their child, one of the first questions they ask is about the types of ASD. How will it affect their child’s…
It’s about more than picky eating: food aversion in autism is often motivated and controlled by forces more complex than simply not liking a food. Whether it’s autism spectrum disorder…
It’s only natural for a child to cry when they’re feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or are struggling to express themselves. However, for children on the spectrum who face specific difficulties regarding…
Imagine hugging your autistic child every 15 minutes during the day, or providing them with regularly scheduled sensory breaks? In the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, this approach…
When your child’s challenging behaviors interfere with learning, their daily routines, or their basic safety, this can quickly feel overwhelming for families, especially families raising a child with autism who…
Frustration, unmet needs including hunger or exhaustion, even sensory overload, these are just some of the reasons children on the autism spectrum display challenging behaviors. That’s where functional communication training…
When a reward follows a child’s action, it’s more likely to be repeated. By comparison, if a punishment follows that same action, it’s avoided. This is the foundation of operant…
Often, parents of autistic children are searching for a better understanding or explanation of their child’s behavior. Why do meltdowns happen? Why does one small change trigger a larger reaction?…
Redirection is one of the most commonly used ABA strategies for helping autistic children move from unsafe, disruptive, or unhelpful behavior to safer, more appropriate behavior. Rather than punishing behaviors,…
Christmas holidays are synonymous with excitement, activity, and change, but together these factors can also make this time of year tremendously challenging for children with autism. With shifts in routine,…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday season. But with all the sights and sounds, it can also be overwhelming, particularly for children on the autism spectrum…
Christmas is a magical season, full of lights, sounds, scents, and activities unlike any other time of the year. However, if you have a child on the spectrum, it can…
Getting ready for autism holidays can often feel overwhelming for many families, particularly when the routines start to shift, your child’s sensory demands increase, and your family’s social expectations multiply…
Creating autism-friendly holidays doesn’t mean giving up cherished family traditions. Instead, it means adjusting them so your autistic child can feel safe, supported, and above all, included. For many families,…
Helping children on the autism spectrum develop independence and confidence takes tremendous patience, structure, and the right teaching approach. That’s where backward chaining ABA, otherwise known as backwards chaining ABA,…
Echolalia, which is the repetition or echoing of words and phrases, is often one of the first communication patterns parents notice in their child. It’s a natural part of language…
A person with context-blindness might stop in the middle of a crosswalk when the “don’t walk” signal appears, even if they are halfway across the street. Because they interpret the…
Why Understanding Escape Behavior Matters? What is escape behavior? Escape behavior refers to the actions a child on the spectrum uses to avoid, delay, or withdraw from situations that feel…
When the therapy sessions end, learning doesn’t stop for a child on the autism spectrum. It continues into the playgrounds, classrooms, grocery stores, family homes, and after-school activities. For children…
Understanding school refusal and its link to high-functioning autism School refusal is about more than merely not wanting to attend class. It’s a significant behavioral and emotional obstacle, where children…
It’s an often searched topic by many parents, caregivers, and even neurodivergent individuals themselves: “What is vocal stimming?” Families may wonder, “Why does my child hum, repeat phrases, or make…
Typically, shortly after a diagnosis, parents and caregivers who learn about ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) often have a common question: What is response cost in ABA? Simply put, it…
Children diagnosed with high-functioning autism may sometimes demonstrate resistance, outright refusal, and noncompliance when faced with demands. When the line between typical independence-seeking behavior and autism defiant behavior is unclear,…
To make eye contact with another person is one of the most powerful nonverbal ways humans can connect. Yet, for many children and adults with high-functioning autism, eye contact doesn’t…
Pivotal response training (PRT) is a naturalistic, play-based intervention rooted in applied behavior analysis (ABA). For families new to autism support services, it’s helpful to understand what is ABA therapy….
Though not an official medical diagnosis, the term borderline autism spectrum disorder is frequently used to describe individuals who demonstrate some of the traits of autism without meeting the full…
In the domain of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), therapists have at their disposal various measurement tools that allow them to understand their clients’ behavior patterns better. Among the most valuable…
From life-long intervention and social recreation programs, to supported employment and a university-based network of regional help centers, support for autism in North Carolina is thriving. As a part of…
What is head banging in autism? Head banging is a form of repetitive, self-harming behavior that’s often seen in adults or children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). From the outside,…
As used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, differential reinforcement is a behavior modification technique. What is ABA therapy? ABA is an evidence-based approach that’s centered on understanding and subsequently…
Understanding autism spectrum disorder Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has evolved enormously over the last century. Initially, it was considered a type of childhood psychosis or schizophrenia. However, over time, clinical…
What is high-functioning autism? High-functioning autism (HFA) refers to a pattern of behaviors and traits that are consistent with autism, while still allowing a person to function independently in society….
High functioning autism is a term often used to describe people on the autism spectrum who have strong language and thinking skills but still experience difficulties in areas like social…
Elopement in autism is a serious and often distressing behavior where an individual, typically a child, leaves a supervised, safe area without permission or notice. For parents and caregivers, it…
Understanding how Asperger’s and autism are connected can be confusing for many parents. Over the years, terms and diagnostic criteria have evolved, leaving families wondering what applies to their child….
What is Physical Therapy for Autism Physical therapy for autism is a supportive, evidence-based approach to improving motor skills, coordination, and daily functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)….
Masking is a concept that’s becoming more widely recognized within autism care, and for good reason. It can deeply shape how autistic people experience daily life, interact with others, and…
For many families, the most meaningful progress in autism therapy starts at home – where children feel most comfortable and understood. At Heartlinks ABA, we understand how important it is…
Accessing quality ABA therapy in Georgia provides families of children with autism with the essential support and outcomes they need. At Heartlinks ABA, we’re proud to offer personalized ABA services…
Children with ADHD face unique challenges – restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing can affect nearly every part of their daily life. For parents and therapists seeking structured, non-medication-based support, Applied…
Helping autistic students succeed in school goes beyond lesson plans and textbooks. It’s about recognizing their unique needs and providing accommodations that create a supportive, inclusive learning environment. With the…
Understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) begins with accurate, early diagnosis. One of the most widely used tools for assessing ASD is ADOS testing. Known for its structure, reliability, and observational…
Aggression can be one of the most challenging behaviors for families and professionals working with children on the autism spectrum. Whether it shows up as hitting, biting, yelling, or self-injury,…
Emotional dysregulation can make everyday life feel unpredictable for individuals with autism and their families. Mood swings, meltdowns, or difficulty calming down aren’t just “bad behavior.” They are signs that…
Children on the autism spectrum often process sensory information differently, leading to behaviors that can be confusing or concerning to parents and caregivers. One of these behaviors is auditory stimming…
The countdown is on! Summer is just around the corner, and before you know it, you’ll have children declaring, “I’m bored” and “What can we do?” It’s time to register…
Can you imagine being told that if your child on the autism spectrum doesn’t learn to speak by age four or five, they’ll never be able to communicate? It’s misinformation…
The American philosopher and neuroscientist, Sam Harris, once said, “In the age of distraction, attention is our greatest asset.” As a parent, you understand the importance of paying attention to…
With the Fourth of July approaching and Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s the season for national celebrations. These festive traditions unite people, from parades and apple pies to…
Overwhelming, intimidating, and confusing are just some of the words parents of autistic children use to describe researching state-funded autism programs in places such as North Carolina. From understanding eligibility…
Long-standing figures indicate boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Click here to learn more about Autism differences in boys vs girls and see how Heartlinks can help you today.
Long-standing figures indicate boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Click here to learn more about Autism differences in boys vs girls and see how Heartlinks can help you today.
According to statistics, 70%-95% of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have at least one co-occurring mental health condition. The most common mental health conditions observed in children…
Your autistic teenager’s symptoms used to include a range of aggressive behaviors, including pushing, shoving, and scratching others. After obtaining an official diagnosis, treatment in ABA therapy (applied behavior analysis)…
As a parent of a child with autism, you’ve likely used “Grandma’s Rule” without even realizing it. Visiting the dentist’s office with your autistic child, before stopping for ice cream,…
Out of the many forms of therapy for autism, occupational therapy has proven to be one of the most life-changing. Click here to learn how OT is beneficial to young children on the spectrum who are just beginning to develop.
Georgia’s state motto, “wisdom, justice, and moderation,” is reflected in its commitment to inclusive initiatives and policies. These include its wide-ranging autism support services, which empower individuals and families across…
Sure, it’s easy to say that North Carolina is home to a comprehensive and robust network of services and programs designed to guide individuals and families with autism spectrum disorder…
From the establishment of Indiana’s first certified autism library to the launch of the Indy Autism Project, striving to make Indianapolis a more inclusive city for those on the spectrum,…
Most babies hold their hands or fingers out in what adults consider unusual positions. This is a standard way of exploring their bodies and surroundings. As a part of their…
ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis, is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding and improving the behavior of children with autism. It’s recognized as the gold standard for…
You see them in the airport, at the local coffee shop, the mall, and even at your child’s school: dogs. But not just any type of dog, an autism service…
The feeling of hot water on your head, the sound of buzzing clippers, or the unpredictability of a loud hairdryer blasting into your ears—if you have a child who’s been…
Did you enjoy visiting the dentist when you were a child? Or did you feel a knot in your stomach as the appointment approached? Was the sight of the chair…
Manding is the foundation of communication in applied behavioral analysis or ABA therapy, widely regarded as the gold standard for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is often one of the…
Some have called it a ‘chemical straight jacket,’ while others have called it a ‘life jacket,’ however you feel about medication treatments for children with autism, everyone has strong feelings…
It’s been called “sub-threshold autism,” a form of autism that doesn’t quite meet the criteria for full-blown “classic” autism. However, in 2013, this distinction changed when Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise…
As a parent, you probably saw your baby flapping their hands rapidly for the first time when they got excited, scared, or anxious.
Click here to learn more about hand flapping and how it effects kids with Autism.
As a parent, you probably saw your baby flapping their hands rapidly for the first time when they got excited, scared, or anxious.
Click here to learn more about hand flapping and how it effects kids with Autism.
As a parent, you probably saw your baby flapping their hands rapidly for the first time when they got excited, scared, or anxious.
Click here to learn more about hand flapping and how it effects kids with Autism.
Many children enjoy spinning, whether it’s an object or themselves. Click here to learn why spinning is important for children with Autism and why kids do it.
As a parent, you probably saw your baby flapping their hands rapidly for the first time when they got excited, scared, or anxious.
Click here to learn more about hand flapping and how it effects kids with Autism.
As a parent, you probably saw your baby flapping their hands rapidly for the first time when they got excited, scared, or anxious.
Click here to learn more about hand flapping and how it effects kids with Autism.
Enhance your understanding of error correction methods in ABA therapy. Access resources and tools to improve the effectiveness of interventions for individuals with autism.
Uncover the power of shaping in ABA therapy and its effectiveness in promoting positive behavior change. Visit our website to learn more about this essential technique.
Find support and guidance for parents of children with autism on our website. Discover practical tips and resources to help you navigate this challenging journey.
Our guide provides essential information for parents of children with autism facing ABA insurance denials. Empower yourself with the knowledge to advocate for your child.
Discover expert advice and practical tips for navigating regression in autism on our informative website. Empower yourself with knowledge and guidance.
Explore our comprehensive guide to understanding PDA in autism, featuring in-depth information and resources to help you navigate this complex condition.
Discover the significance and advantages of exercise for children with autism on our website. Learn how physical activity can positively impact their development and well-being.
Discover the origins and significance of Autism Awareness Month through our comprehensive website. Explore the history of this important awareness campaign.
