Parenting is by far the hardest job. Not only is parenting physically taxing (especially in those early years) it can be emotionally exhausting. It stretches you beyond what is comfortable and beyond what you think you can handle. You never really figure it out; by the time you think you figured out one stage, your […]
I recently had lunch with two Occupational Therapists and we found ourselves in a slightly uncomfortable moment recognizing the mutual suspicion that exists between our fields. Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) both work to improve children’s lives but through different approaches with different underlying philosophies. In my experience, OT’s bring a gentle, flexible […]
Research has made it very clear that high quality, early ABA interventions can provide huge benefits for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. With the rise of autism, intensive ABA services can be in high demand which means families may find themselves waiting for several months if not a year before beginning services. Here are some […]
Tantrums come in all shapes and sizes. All the way from short episodes of crying and whining to full-blown screaming, hitting and destruction. As a parent, it can be very difficult to know what to do during these high-intensity moments. Three important things to remember when your child is having a tantrum: Their behavior is […]
Children are expert scientists. They are constantly experimenting with what works and what doesn’t work; what gets them what they want and what does not. Many of their experiments can be very frustrating for parents; but we have to remember they are learning through trial and error. Successful scientists have many failed experiments. As parents, […]
Everything you do as a parent is shaping your child’s behavior in some way. It’s a huge and sometimes scary responsibility. Having this responsibility means learning how to teach your kids which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. Token economies are one effective and reliable strategy to encourage positive behaviors and teach new […]
If you haven’t experienced a period of sleep deprivation you probably aren’t a parent. Sleep issues are one of the most universal parenting struggles. Common issues include bedtime resistance, waking in the night, and early rising. The science of behavior can offer many solutions to these common struggles. Whether you are dealing with a serious […]
Imagine all the problems in the world that could improve if the focus shifted to prevention rather than reaction. We all know that preventative health measures (eating healthy, exercise, sleep, decreasing stress…) are beneficial and could help us avoid illness but in reality the majority of health problems are only addressed after the point […]
I am constantly inspired by mothers. When you become a mother your whole world instantly changes. I feel that motherhood can give you a deep sense of connection to those around you when you realize that we are all impacted, in some way, by the vulnerable intensity and power of motherly love. As mothers, […]