Blog
As a parent, you know your toddler better than anyone. You’re tuned into their daily moods, routines, and little quirks. But sometimes, certain patterns—things that may seem like “just a phase” can be early signs that your child needs extra support. This is where occupational therapy (OT) comes in.
If you’re the parent of a child who’s been diagnosed with autism or shows signs of developmental delay, chances are you’ve come across the term ABA therapy. It’s often recommended as one of the most effective treatments—but what exactly is ABA, and how do you know if your child really needs it?
Let’s break it down in a clear, compassionate, and practical way—so you can make the best choice for your family.
When a child is diagnosed with autism or developmental delays, families are often introduced to a world filled with new terminology, therapy appointments, and emotional challenges. While early intervention and therapy are crucial, one key element often overlooked is the power of parent behavior support. At My Empower Therapy, we believe parents are not just part of the team—they are the heart of it.
Evidence-based guidance to help your child rest better and feel empowered
Why Sleep Hygiene Matters
Children with autism are more likely to experience sleep difficulties such as insomnia, night waking, or early morning waking. Research shows that 40–80% of children with ASD have sleep disturbances (Cohen et al., 2014), which can intensify hyperactivity, anxiety, and challenges with learning or behavior.
A deep dive into how sensory sensitivities affect children with autism and ways to support them.Children with autism often experience the world in a unique way, largely due to sensory processing differences. These challenges can significantly impact their daily lives, influencing their behaviors, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Children with autism often experience sensory processing challenges that affect how they interact with their surroundings. Sensory-friendly activities can provide a structured way to help them feel more comfortable, improve focus, and enhance engagement. This guide explores three key types of sensory activities: tactile play, proprioceptive exercises, and vestibular activities, all of which can contribute to a child’s overall well-being.
Many children with autism face difficulties with body awareness, also known as proprioception, which affects their ability to perceive and control their body movements. These challenges can lead to issues with coordination, balance, and motor skills, making everyday tasks more demanding. Incorporating body awareness exercises into autism therapy can significantly enhance movement control, alleviate anxiety, and improve sensory processing.
Sensory therapy plays a crucial role in helping children with speech and feeding challenges, particularly those with sensory processing difficulties. Many children struggle with speech development or feeding issues due to sensory sensitivities, affecting their ability to communicate and eat comfortably. By engaging in sensory-based interventions, therapists and caregivers can help children overcome these challenges and develop essential skills for everyday life.
For children with sensory processing challenges, the right environment can make a significant difference in their comfort, focus, and ability to engage in daily activities. Whether at home or in school, creating a sensory-friendly space helps reduce overstimulation, promotes self-regulation, and supports learning and social interactions. This guide explores key strategies for designing an environment that meets the sensory needs of children.
Behavior therapy is one of the most effective approaches for helping children with autism develop essential life skills, improve communication, and manage challenging behaviors. By using structured interventions, behavior therapy provides children with autism the tools they need to navigate daily life more independently and successfully
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely recognized and evidence-based therapies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is designed to improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. ABA is used in various settings, including homes, schools, and therapy centers, to help children and adults with autism develop essential life skills.
Behavior therapy is a widely used psychological approach that helps individuals modify their actions and responses to improve their overall well-being. One of the most fundamental principles in behavior therapy is reinforcement, a technique that encourages desirable behaviors by offering rewards or positive outcomes. Reinforcement plays a crucial role in shaping behavior, making it an effective tool in treating various conditions, including autism, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges.
Helping children with autism develop essential life skills requires patience, consistency, and the right therapeutic approach. One of the most effective techniques in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is shaping, a method that encourages gradual learning by breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps. By reinforcing each small achievement, shaping helps individuals with autism reach bigger milestones and gain confidence in their abilities.
Communication and social interaction are essential skills for daily life, yet many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle in these areas. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a research-backed approach that helps individuals with autism develop and strengthen these critical skills. By using structured interventions, positive reinforcement, and gradual learning techniques, ABA therapy enables children to communicate effectively and engage in meaningful social interactions.
