No, bad parenting does not cause autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is primarily linked to genetic and biological factors—not parenting style or emotional upbringing. This myth originated decades ago with the now-debunked...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is officially classified as a developmental disorder, not a mental illness. It affects how individuals perceive the world, communicate, interact, and process sensory input. Symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can vary widely in severity....

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a proven treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the cost can be a significant concern for many families.  In North Carolina, there are several avenues to help manage these expenses. The cost of ABA...

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is often misunderstood — especially when it comes to its causes. While there’s no single reason a child is autistic, scientists have identified several key factors that contribute to it. Understanding these helps remove stigma and allows for...

High-functioning autism (HFA), often considered part of the autism spectrum, refers to individuals with autism who have an average or above-average IQ but may still struggle with social communication and behavior.  So, how is it diagnosed? 1. Early Signs and Symptoms...

Focus looks different for every child, but for many kids on the autism spectrum, staying on task can be tough — especially in busy or unpredictable environments. That doesn’t mean they aren’t trying. Often, it means their brain is processing more information than others might...

Key Highlights The 7 dimensions of ABA guide behavior analysts in designing effective, ethical intervention plans for meaningful behavior change. Developed by Baer, Wolf, and Risley, these dimensions form the foundation of modern applied behavior analysis, especially in autism...

Key Highlights Parental presence during ABA therapy sessions is shaped by clinic guidelines, home-based ABA settings, and individual child needs along the autism spectrum. ABA therapists stress the importance of parent training to help reinforce positive behaviors and ABA...

Key Highlights ABA therapy is most effective when guided by a certified behavior analyst with the right credentials and background checks. Your ABA therapist should create therapy plans tailored to your child’s unique needs. Positive reinforcement, data collection, and...

When people hear “autism,” many still assume it means a child doesn’t talk at all. But that’s a myth. In reality, only about 25-30% of children with autism are nonverbal, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). That means the majority of autistic kids...