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Shining Moments ABA Blog

Support starts with the right information. Explore our blog for
tools that empower your parenting journey.

autistic-spectrumABA TherapyAutismTeaching Following Directions and Compliance
February 25, 2026

Teaching Following Directions and Compliance

Teaching Following Directions and Compliance Following directions is a foundational life skill. From classroom routines to daily activities at home, children are expected to listen, process information, and respond appropriately.…
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A boy frowns at the camera against a yellow background, illustrating the stigma around autism.UncategorizedManaging Food Selectivity and Picky Eating
February 20, 2026

Managing Food Selectivity and Picky Eating

Managing Food Selectivity and Picky Eating Many children experience phases of picky eating. For some children with autism, however, eating challenges extend beyond typical preferences. Food selectivity in autism can…
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what-is-autismUncategorizedUsing Visual Schedules to Reduce Anxiety
February 15, 2026

Using Visual Schedules to Reduce Anxiety

Using Visual Schedules to Reduce Anxiety For many children with autism, uncertainty can feel overwhelming. When a child does not know what is coming next, even simple transitions can trigger…
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autism-is-geneticUncategorizedTraveling With an Autistic Child: Tips and Strategies
February 10, 2026

Traveling With an Autistic Child: Tips and Strategies

Traveling With an Autistic Child: Tips and Strategies Travel can be exciting, but for many families, it can also feel overwhelming. When you are traveling with a special needs child,…
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ABA TherapyAutismTeaching Turn-Taking and Sharing in Play
February 5, 2026

Teaching Turn-Taking and Sharing in Play

Teaching Turn-Taking and Sharing in Play Play is one of the most important ways children learn. Through play, children develop language, problem-solving abilities, emotional regulation, and social understanding. For many…
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UncategorizedSibling Support: Helping Brothers and Sisters Understand Autism
February 3, 2026

Sibling Support: Helping Brothers and Sisters Understand Autism

Sibling Support: Helping Brothers and Sisters Understand Autism When a child is diagnosed with autism, the entire family is affected, including brothers and sisters. Siblings often experience a wide range…
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UncategorizedSchool Readiness and Autism: Preparing Your Child for Success
February 3, 2026

School Readiness and Autism: Preparing Your Child for Success

School Readiness and Autism: Preparing Your Child for Success Preparing a child with autism for school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring uncertainty. Questions about classroom routines,…
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AutismADHD vs Autism in Kids: Signs, Challenges, and Support
January 22, 2026

ADHD vs Autism in Kids: Signs, Challenges, and Support

ADHD vs Autism in Kids: Signs, Challenges, and Support Key Points: ADHD and autism can share overlapping behaviors, but each condition has unique signs and developmental patterns. Understanding the differences…
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UncategorizedUnderstanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Complete Parent’s Guide
January 22, 2026

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Complete Parent’s Guide

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Complete Parent’s Guide Hearing the words autism spectrum disorder for the first time can feel overwhelming for many parents. Questions about development, communication, behavior, and…
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autism-levelsAutismUnderstanding Autism Levels: Signs, Severity & Tips
January 15, 2026

Understanding Autism Levels: Signs, Severity & Tips

Understanding Autism Levels: Signs, Severity & Tips Key Points: Autism presents on a spectrum, with levels reflecting varying degrees of support needed in daily life and social functioning. Recognizing specific…
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UncategorizedTransition Planning for Adulthood: Teenagers and Autism
January 15, 2026

Transition Planning for Adulthood: Teenagers and Autism

Transition Planning for Adulthood: Teenagers and Autism The high school years go by quickly. For families of teens on the autism spectrum, graduation brings both excitement and uncertainty. Questions about…
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autism-is-geneticAutismIs Autism Passed Down? Understanding Heritability in Families
January 8, 2026

Is Autism Passed Down? Understanding Heritability in Families

Is Autism Passed Down? Understanding Heritability in Families Key Points: Autism has a strong genetic component, but it is influenced by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Siblings of…
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UncategorizedToken Economy Systems: Making Rewards Work in ABA Therapy
January 7, 2026

Token Economy Systems: Making Rewards Work in ABA Therapy

Token Economy Systems: Making Rewards Work in ABA Therapy Motivation plays an important role in how children learn new skills and build positive behaviors. In Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA…
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autism-testAutismWhen to Test a Child for Autism: Age, Signs, and Next Steps
January 1, 2026

When to Test a Child for Autism: Age, Signs, and Next Steps

When to Test a Child for Autism: Age, Signs, and Next Steps Key Points: Early recognition of autism signs allows families to seek support that can improve social, communication, and…
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autism-spectrum-disorderAutismAutism Spectrum Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Support
December 30, 2025

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Support

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Support Key Points: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests differently in each child, affecting communication, behavior, and social interaction. Early recognition of symptoms and intervention—especially…
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A father guides his son through a movement activity at home as part of ABA therapy.ABA TherapyParent-Led ABA at Home: Everyday Strategies to Reinforce Skills Outside the Clinic
December 12, 2025

Parent-Led ABA at Home: Everyday Strategies to Reinforce Skills Outside the Clinic

December 12, 2025 Parent-Led ABA at Home: Everyday Strategies to Reinforce Skills Outside the Clinic Starting ABA at home can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming. Home-based ABA brings structured…
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A therapist guides a child through a functional communication training activity in their living room during in-home ABA therapy.ABA TherapyWhat Is Functional Communication Training (FCT): A Key ABA Strategy for Reducing Problem Behavior
December 12, 2025

What Is Functional Communication Training (FCT): A Key ABA Strategy for Reducing Problem Behavior

December 12, 2025 What Is Functional Communication Training (FCT): A Key ABA Strategy for Reducing Problem Behavior Understanding and expressing needs is a cornerstone of human interaction. Functional communication training…
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A young boy plays with toy pieces near a window overlooking snowy woodlands.ABA TherapyIs My Child Too Young for ABA? Early Signs & When to Start Therapy
December 12, 2025

Is My Child Too Young for ABA? Early Signs & When to Start Therapy

December 12, 2025 Is My Child Too Young for ABA? Early Signs & When to Start Therapy When your child is diagnosed with autism, the next steps can feel overwhelming.…
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AutismHyperfocus & Special Interests in Autism: Supporting Strengths While Managing Challenges
December 11, 2025

Hyperfocus & Special Interests in Autism: Supporting Strengths While Managing Challenges

December 11, 2025 Hyperfocus & Special Interests in Autism: Supporting Strengths While Managing Challenges Many people know the feeling of getting so absorbed in a task that hours slip by…
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Echolalia autism, a child wearing a red shirt speaking through a megaphone.ABA TherapyWhy Does My Child Script (Echolalia) And How ABA Can Help Build Functional Language
December 11, 2025

Why Does My Child Script (Echolalia) And How ABA Can Help Build Functional Language

December 11, 2025 Why Does My Child Script (Echolalia) And How ABA Can Help Build Functional Language Parents often ask why their child repeats lines from shows or echoes conversations…
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A child and therapist sit together in Floortime play, showing what supportive guidance looks like when choosing an ABA center.ABA TherapyHow to Choose the Perfect ABA Center: A Parent’s Complete Guide
December 11, 2025

How to Choose the Perfect ABA Center: A Parent’s Complete Guide

December 11, 2025 How to Choose the Perfect ABA Center: A Parent’s Complete Guide As a parent, few decisions feel more important than finding the right support for your child,…
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autism vs adhdAutismADHD vs Autism in Kids: Signs, Challenges, and Support
November 27, 2025

ADHD vs Autism in Kids: Signs, Challenges, and Support

Key Points: ADHD and autism can share overlapping behaviors, but each condition has unique signs and developmental patterns. Understanding the differences in social, emotional, and sensory experiences is crucial for…
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A group of older children sits in a bright therapy room, playing hand-clap games together during a behavioral therapy session, highlighting growing trends in social-skills play.ABA TherapyThe Rise of Advanced Behavioral Therapy: Current Trends in Mental Health
November 27, 2025

The Rise of Advanced Behavioral Therapy: Current Trends in Mental Health

November 27, 2025 The Rise of Advanced Behavioral Therapy: Current Trends in Mental Health Advanced Behavioral Therapy is changing how we help children with autism. Unlike traditional methods that focus…
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A young girl in a green shirt stands against a gray background with a frowning expression, appearing upset.AutismWhat Are the 6 Stages of an Autism Meltdown?
November 25, 2025

What Are the 6 Stages of an Autism Meltdown?

November 25, 2025 What Are the 6 Stages of an Autism Meltdown? Autism meltdowns can be challenging for everyone involved, but they’re not a choice or a sign of misbehavior.…
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autism levelsAutismUnderstanding Autism Levels: Signs, Severity & Tips
November 21, 2025

Understanding Autism Levels: Signs, Severity & Tips

Key Points: Autism presents on a spectrum, with levels reflecting varying degrees of support needed in daily life and social functioning. Recognizing specific signs and understanding severity helps parents tailor…
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autism is geneticAutismIs Autism Passed Down? Understanding Heritability in Families
November 17, 2025

Is Autism Passed Down? Understanding Heritability in Families

Key Points: Autism has a strong genetic component, but it is influenced by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Siblings of children with autism are at higher risk, though…
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autism testAutismWhen to Test a Child for Autism: Age, Signs, and Next Steps
November 12, 2025

When to Test a Child for Autism: Age, Signs, and Next Steps

Key Points: Early recognition of autism signs allows families to seek support that can improve social, communication, and behavioral outcomes. Common indicators include speech delays, limited social interaction, repetitive behaviors,…
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A young boy wearing a superhero costume poses against a dark blue background, stretching his arm with a folded fist skyward as if preparing to fly during an ABA therapy-themed activity.ABA TherapyUnderstanding ABA Therapy: How It Empowers Your Child’s Growth
November 5, 2025

Understanding ABA Therapy: How It Empowers Your Child’s Growth

November 5, 2025 Understanding ABA Therapy: How It Empowers Your Child’s Growth Everyone on the autism spectrum is different, with their own strengths and ways of seeing the world. But…
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autism spectrum disorderAutismAutism Spectrum Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Support
November 4, 2025

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Support

Key Points: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests differently in each child, affecting communication, behavior, and social interaction. Early recognition of symptoms and intervention—especially through therapies like ABA—can significantly support development.…
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extinction in abaABA TherapyExtinction in ABA: Managing Kids’ Emotional Responses
October 28, 2025

Extinction in ABA: Managing Kids’ Emotional Responses

Key Points: Extinction in ABA aims to reduce challenging behaviors by removing reinforcement, not by punishment. Emotional reactions like crying or tantrums are natural when reinforcement changes, but they can…
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aba discrimination trainingABA TherapyDiscrimination Training Explained: Tips to Support Children with Autism
October 22, 2025

Discrimination Training Explained: Tips to Support Children with Autism

Key Points: Discrimination training in ABA helps children differentiate between cues, improving attention and learning outcomes. Structured teaching, prompts, and reinforcement strategies guide children in recognizing and responding to different…
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discrete trial training abaABA TherapyUnderstanding Discrete Trial Training for Children with Autism
October 16, 2025

Understanding Discrete Trial Training for Children with Autism

Key Points: Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured ABA therapy approach that breaks skills into small, manageable steps. Children with autism benefit from DTT by improving communication, social, and…
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A young girl stands confidently at the center of a group, looking at the camera with a focused expression, demonstrating leadership skills.AutismCan You Have Autism Without Social Issues?
October 15, 2025

Can You Have Autism Without Social Issues?

October 15, 2025 Can You Have Autism Without Social Issues? Everyone on the autism spectrum is different, with their own strengths and ways of seeing the world. But here’s a…
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stimulus control transfer abaABA TherapyStimulus Control Transfer in ABA: What to Know
October 10, 2025

Stimulus Control Transfer in ABA: What to Know

Key Points: Stimulus control transfer is a core ABA technique that helps children respond correctly to cues across different environments. Effective transfer enhances learning, reduces errors, and promotes independence in…
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A young boy relaxes on a sofa, fully engaged in a puzzle game while listening on headphones, illustrating autism repetitive behavior.AutismUnderstanding Repetitive Behavior in Autism
October 8, 2025

Understanding Repetitive Behavior in Autism

October 8, 2025 Understanding Repetitive Behavior in Autism Ever noticed a child rocking back and forth or tapping fingers rhythmically while lost in thought? What may look like random motion…
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behavior analysis abaABA TherapyCan ABA Therapy Help Children with Autism? Find Out How
October 4, 2025

Can ABA Therapy Help Children with Autism? Find Out How

Key Points: ABA therapy helps children with autism improve communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors through structured, personalized approaches. Parents can support ABA progress at home using practical strategies that…
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Sensory items autism, two children play with circular sensory toys on the floor, captured from a top-view angle.AutismSensory Toys for Autism: Best Picks for Kids and Teens
October 1, 2025

Sensory Toys for Autism: Best Picks for Kids and Teens

October 1, 2025 Sensory Toys for Autism: Best Picks for Kids and Teens Buying the right toy for a child or teen on the spectrum can feel overwhelming. With so…
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Activities for autism classroom, older children sit around a table with puzzles and toy pieces in front of them during a classroom activity.blogsEffective Classroom Activities for Kids with Autism
September 29, 2025

Effective Classroom Activities for Kids with Autism

September 29, 2025 Effective Classroom Activities for Kids with Autism Teachers today see more diverse classrooms than ever before. Among their students are children on the autism spectrum who bring…
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In ABA therapy, a child looks at picture cards used as task signage while only their hands and the therapist’s hands are visible.blogsWhat Is SD in ABA Therapy?
September 26, 2025

What Is SD in ABA Therapy?

September 26, 2025 What Is SD in ABA Therapy? Imagine a signal light guiding your child through everyday challenges. That’s what happens in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) when something called…
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A young girl runs across a meadow holding balloons, her back to the camera, illustrating freedom and play in daily life for a child with autism.blogsHow Autism Affects Daily Life: Key Insights & Solutions
September 24, 2025

How Autism Affects Daily Life: Key Insights & Solutions

September 24, 2025 How Autism Affects Daily Life: Key Insights & Solutions How does autism affect daily life? That’s a question many parents, teachers, and even peers often wonder. Autism…
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A young girl with her eyes downcast speaks to a concerned counselor, reflecting the stigma surrounding autism.blogsStigma in Autism: Why It Still Happens
September 22, 2025

Stigma in Autism: Why It Still Happens

September 22, 2025 Stigma in Autism: Why It Still Happens Why does stigma in autism continue in a world that’s becoming more aware of differences? On paper, society has made…
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A young boy holding a notebook while sitting on a couch, guided by a therapist.blogsWhat to Expect from Your First ABA Therapy Assessment and Free Consultation
August 20, 2025

What to Expect from Your First ABA Therapy Assessment and Free Consultation

August 20, 2025 What to Expect from Your First ABA Therapy Assessment and Free Consultation Starting something new for your child can feel like opening a book you’ve never read.…
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A girl wearing a red beanie walks through a sunlit meadow toward a house framed by the glowing sun.blogsThe Benefits of ABA Therapy: From Communication to Social Skills
August 20, 2025

The Benefits of ABA Therapy: From Communication to Social Skills

August 20, 2025 The Benefits of ABA Therapy: From Communication to Social Skills Have you ever watched someone blossom? Maybe they found their voice, made a new friend, or learned…
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A boy running out of a sunlit forest into a meadow, wearing a plain shirt and looking happy and energetic.blogsChoosing the Right ABA Provider in Maryland and New Jersey
August 20, 2025

Choosing the Right ABA Provider in Maryland and New Jersey

August 20, 2025 Choosing the Right ABA Provider in Maryland and New Jersey Starting your search for an ABA provider can feel overwhelming. So many names, so many promises. All…
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An opened book with a blonde-haired child looking expectant in a sunlit room.blogsHow ABA Therapy in Maryland and New Jersey Builds Independence and Daily Living Skills
August 19, 2025

How ABA Therapy in Maryland and New Jersey Builds Independence and Daily Living Skills

August 19, 2025 How ABA Therapy in Maryland and New Jersey Builds Independence and Daily Living Skills Have you ever observed how much of our lives are run automatically? You…
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blogsShining Moments ABA Therapy
July 30, 2025

Shining Moments ABA Therapy

January 20, 2025 Behavior Management, Redefined Behavior is a form of communication, and we take the time to understand what your child is trying to express. Instead of simply addressing…
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