6 mins read

ADOS-2 Testing for Autism Diagnosis – ABA Centers of America

Who Does ADOS-2 Testing? Clinicians who conduct ADOS-2 undergo vigorous training to be qualified to perform the assessment. The clinician administering this test will be a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Speech Therapist, Pediatrician, or Board Certified Behavior Analyst. When Was the ADOS-2 developed? Dr. Catherine Lord developed the ADOS-2 along with her colleagues to provide an opportunity to observe […]

7 mins read

Autism and Eye Contact: Support for Parents

Why do Individuals with Autism Have Difficulty Making Eye Contact? Autism and eye contact: Eye contact is an essential aspect of social communication that plays a significant role in establishing connections and understanding nonverbal cues. Across cultures, people often perceive eye contact as a sign of attentiveness, honesty, and respect. However, the importance of eye […]

7 mins read

Signs of Autism in a 3-Year-Old

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts socially, and processes the world around them. It’s called a spectrum because children can present very differently—some need significant support, while others may show more subtle traits. Think of ASD less as a single […]

3 mins read

What is Elopement in Autism – ABA Centers of America

What Impact Do Elopement Behaviors Have on Families? When we talk about what is elopement in autism, we also talk about how parents live in constant fear and exhaustion, feeling they must constantly be alert. It is crucial for families struggling with their child’s elopement behavior to ensure they are working with a trained professional […]

7 mins read

Signs of Autism at 12 Months: What Parents May Notice Early

Table of Contents Should my 12-month-old be pointing or waving? It can start as a quiet worry. Your baby just turned one, but something feels different. Other toddlers at the park point at dogs or wave goodbye—your child doesn’t. You call their name, but they don’t look up. There’s little babbling, and eye contact feels […]

5 mins read

5 Athletes with Autism: Sports, Benefits, and Support

Athletes with Autism and Neurodiversity in Sports Several athletes with autism have shared their experiences of being on the spectrum, helping broaden representation in sports and offering real-world examples of different developmental paths. Below we discuss a few: 1. Breanna Clark a Paralympic gold medalist in the T20 400 meters, was diagnosed with autism at […]

1 min read

Between Structure and Freedom – Navigating Spring Break with Autism in 2026

Image credit: Freepik Spring break is often imagined as a carefree escape—sunshine, travel, laughter, and a temporary break from responsibilities. For many families, it represents pure freedom. But for families navigating autism, spring break can carry a more complex emotional landscape. The excitement of new places and experiences is real, yet so is the uncertainty […]

8 mins read

Special Interests in Autism: Examples & Benefits

What are Special Interests in Autism? Special interests in autism are intense passions for specific topics or activities that many individuals with autism develop. These interests can be integrated into education and therapy to support learning, emotional regulation, and social engagement. A parent might notice the pattern of special interests in autism early. Their child […]