Brittany Shredl, M.A., BCBA, LBA, QMHP-T

Emotional intelligence, often regarded as a crucial aspect of social and personal development, is a skill set that allows individuals to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions, as well as empathize with others. For autistic children, navigating this terrain can present unique challenges and opportunities for growth. What is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence encompasses […]

Summer is a great time for learners to have family fun, personal and educational growth, and exploration of new and exciting settings and topics! For children with autism or other delays, a specialized summer camp can be a life-changing experience. Empower is dedicated to keeping our families well-informed about these programs and want to assist

When it comes to raising a child with autism spectrum disorder, their diet and nutrition play a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, understanding the impact of their diet on their diagnosis is imperative. Take a look at some of the key points below: Dietary Influences

A variety of symbols champions autism awareness, each offering a unique perspective on this multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition. Let’s explore some of the most prominent ones: 1. The Interlocking Puzzle Piece Introduced in 1963, the Interlocking Puzzle Piece, this iconic symbol, has a rich history and a lasting impact. It not only reflects the complexity and

Early intervention ABA service is a specialized treatment or therapy that begins during or at preschool age. This includes children 18 months to five years old. The brain is highly malleable in nature at this stage. This means that the brain has a large potential to learn compared to when the child is older. Due

Social skills are essential for creating lasting relationships with others. This includes family, friends, or romantic partners. For individuals with autism, social skills often do not develop naturally and require targeted interventions and support. The term ‘social skills’ involves a variety of areas, including but not limited to: Understanding and responding to social cues Verbal and non-verbal

What to look for when choosing your best fit provider A high-quality ABA practice should adhere to the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and meet BACB standards with quality programming. All programs should be supported and driven by data for meaningful end results and improvements. Some of the core qualities that parents should consider when

The holidays are here. Along with the fun and excitement comes a lot of additional stress. Emotions can run high, not only for parents but for children as well. Family visits, gift giving and receiving, large dinners, group events, extra household chores, the works. All these events can be a lot for developing minds, especially

Beginning school for children with Autism and other learning infringements can be a positive experience with careful planning, open communication, and a supportive environment. By preparing your child at home, while working collaboratively with school staff, you can help your child navigate this important milestone with confidence and ease. The beginning of school for children

ABC data – antecedent behavior consequence. This is the basics of uncovering the root of a problematic behavior.Antecedent – what happened before the start of a behaviorBehavior – the behavior being discussedConsequence – whatever occurred directly following the behavior Ex. child talks during classAntecedent – child is bored/doesn’t understand the materialBehavior – child talksConsequence – child is sent out