Resources For Parents - Step It Up ABA

Client Intake Form

Kindly fill out the Client Registration Form to ensure we gather all the necessary details to evaluate how we can best assist you.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapy Provider for Your Child

Is the program evidence-based?

Look for therapy programs designed by professionals holding a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or BCaBA credential. These individuals have the expertise to develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs.

Who is responsible for designing and implementing the treatment plan?

Pay attention to the qualifications of the individuals delivering the therapy. Ideally, they should have or be pursuing a degree in psychology or a related field. Certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is also a valuable credential to ensure high-quality implementation.

Do you feel included as part of the team?

The most effective therapy outcomes are achieved in a team setting, with parents as critical members of the team. Choose a provider that values your input, treats your family with respect, and understands the challenges parents face daily.

Signs of Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents in a variety of ways, and no two children with ASD will have the exact same set of symptoms. The number and severity of symptoms can differ significantly from one child to another. If you notice your child is not meeting developmental milestones or have concerns about their progress, it’s crucial to act early. Don’t wait—consult your doctor to discuss your observations and potential next steps. Early indicators of autism can often be identified in infants as young as 6 to 18 months. Early intervention is key to providing the support your child needs to thrive. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your child receives the best possible care and support tailored to their unique development.

Early Warning Signs

Behaviors Your Baby May Not Be Doing

1. Does not maintain eye contact: Avoids looking at you during feeding or does not smile back when you smile.
2. Does not respond to sounds: Fails to react to their name or the sound of a familiar voice.
3. Does not follow objects or gestures: Does not track moving objects with their eyes or look at things when you point to them.
4. Does not use gestures: Does not wave goodbye, point, or use other hand movements to communicate.
5. Does not make noises for attention: Rarely vocalizes or tries to get your attention through sounds.
6. Does not seek physical connection: Does not initiate cuddling or reach out to be picked up.
7. Does not mimic actions or expressions: Fails to copy your movements, gestures, or facial expressions.
8. Does not engage socially: Avoids playing with others or showing interest and enjoyment in shared activities.

Additional Warning Signs to Watch For

Engages in repetitive behaviors: Rocks, spins, sways, twirls fingers, walks on toes for extended periods, or flaps hands (known as “stereotypic behaviors”).
Prefers strict routines: Shows a strong preference for routines, order, and rituals, and has difficulty coping with changes.
Fixates on specific activities: Becomes overly focused on a few or unusual activities, repeating them frequently throughout the day.
Plays differently with toys: Focuses on parts of toys rather than the entire toy, such as spinning the wheels of a toy truck.
Displays unusual pain response: Appears to have a reduced sensitivity to pain or doesn’t react to injuries as expected.
Sensitivity to sensory input: May be overly sensitive or not sensitive at all to smells, sounds, lights, textures, or physical touch.
Unusual visual behavior: Looks at objects from unusual angles or uses their vision in atypical ways.
Loses developmental milestones: May experience regression, losing language or social skills, typically between 15 and 24 months of age.

Developmental Red Flags

The following delays warrant an immediate evaluation by your child’s pediatrician:

By 6 months

Lack of big smiles or warm, joyful expressions

By 9 months

There is little or no back-and-forth exchange of smiles, sounds, or facial expressions with others.

By 12 months

Your baby may not react when you call their name.

By 16 months

Your baby has not started using spoken words.

By 24 months

Your child does not form two-word combinations unless they are imitating or repeating.

Early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is crucial, as an earlier diagnosis often leads to significantly improved outcomes.

Helpful Websites

Accredited Schools Online – How to support students with ASD

Association in Science of Autism Treatment

Autism and Sleep

Autism and Sleep: Empowering Children with ASD for Better Sleep

Autism Resource Center

Autism Speaks

Autism Society of America

Autism Society of Ohio

Autism Society of Mahoning Valley

Autism Society of Mahoning Valley (Facebook) Page

Autism Society of NW Pennsylvania

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism: The Continuous Push for Awareness

Caring for the Eyes of Children with Special Needs

Children’s with Special Needs Planning Guide

CDC Autism Page

Creating an Autism Friendly Home

Financial Planning for Parents of Children With Learning Disabilities

Guide to Better Sleep for Kids with Autism

Guide to Dental Care for Children with Autism

Guide to Lighting and Designing Play Areas for Kids with Special Needs

Guide to Paying for College with People With Disabilities

**The above pages are meant to be a resource for parents and caregivers. Step It Up ABA does not specifically recommend or endorse any of the organizations or information contained within these web pages.

Homeowner’s Guide to Creating a Sensory Friendly Place for Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders

How to Create an Autism Friendly Sensory Garden

How to Help Your Autistic Child Learn at Home

How to Overcome The Difficulties of Getting a Driver’s License With Autism

Learning Accommodations and Online College

Managing Sensory Overload for Children with Special Needs

Medical Guide to Autism

Moving with Children with Disabilities

National Autism Institute

Navigating Healthcare for Children with Autism

Ohio Autism Legal Resources

Parent’s Guide for Children With Special Needs in the Dental Office