Rising Stars ABA

05/29/2025

04/23/2025

Transitions can be tough — but with the right support, they get easier. Here are 4 tried-and-true ABA-based strategies we use to help kiddos move from one task to the next with zero or minimum meltdowns. 💡See slides 😍
Which one have you tried?

04/18/2025

Positive reinforcement means adding something rewarding after a behavior to increase the chances of it happening again.
Example: Your child cleans up their toys, and you say, “Great job!” and give them a high five — that praise is reinforcement. 💪
Small rewards lead to big changes. 💙

04/08/2025

We are still in April, but beyond April we will continue to shine the light in helping children with autism attain their highest individual capacity. However we believe that more awareness about what autism is would aide a more wholesome result in our collective effort. Autism spectrum impacts the nervous system, it is a development disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.

04/02/2025

World Autism Day 2025- Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

04/02/2025

Autism Awareness Month!

02/24/2025

🔄 The Power of Redirection in ABA 🔄

Redirection is a simple yet effective ABA strategy used to guide behavior in a more appropriate direction. Instead of focusing on what not to do, redirection helps shift attention to a preferred or more functional activity.

🔹 How Does Redirection Work?
✔️ Offer an alternative – If a child is engaging in an inappropriate behavior, provide a different, acceptable option.
✔️ Use engaging prompts – A fun or exciting activity can naturally capture interest.
✔️ Stay positive – Keep your tone encouraging to reinforce the new behavior.
✔️ Pair with reinforcement – Reward appropriate behavior to increase its likelihood.

🔹 Why is Redirection Important?
✅ Helps reduce problem behaviors
✅ Encourages positive choices
✅ Maintains a supportive learning environment
✅ Promotes independence and self-regulation

Redirection works best when used proactively and consistently! Instead of saying “Stop that”, try guiding the learner toward what they CAN do—creating learning moments and building new skills in the process. 💡

02/24/2025

🔥 Understanding Extinction Bursts in ABA 🔥

Ever noticed a behavior getting worse before it gets better? That’s called an extinction burst—a temporary increase in the intensity, frequency, or duration of a behavior when reinforcement is removed.

🔹 What Happens?
When a previously reinforced behavior no longer gets the expected outcome, the individual may try harder to get the reinforcement back. This can look like louder crying, more frequent tantrums, or an increase in repetitive requests.

🔹 Why Does It Matter?
Extinction bursts are a normal part of learning but can be challenging to manage. Consistency is key! If reinforcement is given during an extinction burst, the behavior might become even stronger.

🔹 How to Support Through It?
✔️ Stay consistent with the extinction process
✔️ Reinforce alternative, appropriate behaviors
✔️ Use visual supports or coping strategies
✔️ Ensure the intervention plan is ethical and supportive

Extinction bursts can be tough, but with patience and the right strategies, they lead to meaningful behavior change! 💡

02/04/2025

🌟 Let’s Break Down Extinction in ABA 🌟

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the term extinction doesn’t mean what you might think—it’s not about “eliminating” behavior. Instead, extinction is a strategy used to reduce behaviors by removing the reinforcement that previously maintained them.

What is Extinction?
Extinction occurs when a behavior that was previously reinforced no longer receives that reinforcement, leading to a decrease in the behavior over time.

For example:
➡️ If a child receives attention when they shout and the attention is removed (no reaction or redirection is provided), shouting may decrease.
➡️ If a learner used to receive a toy every time they cried, and the toy is no longer given for crying, this behavior may reduce.

The Extinction Burst
When reinforcement is first removed, the behavior might initially increase in intensity, frequency, or duration. This is known as an extinction burst. While it can feel challenging, this is often a sign that extinction is working—stick with the plan!

Why Use Extinction?
✔️ Effective Behavior Reduction: By addressing the root cause of the behavior (reinforcement), extinction targets behaviors in a meaningful way.
✔️ Teaches Alternative Behaviors: Extinction is often paired with reinforcement of more appropriate replacement behaviors, making it part of a balanced strategy.
✔️ Prevents Escalation Over Time: Addressing behaviors consistently prevents them from becoming more ingrained or difficult to change.

Key Considerations
🔹 Extinction is not ignoring the child but rather the reinforcement of a specific behavior.
🔹 Always pair extinction with teaching appropriate, functional behaviors.
🔹 Be patient! Behavior change takes time and consistency.

Extinction is a powerful tool in ABA, but it requires careful planning and understanding to ensure it’s used ethically and effectively.

💡 Interested in learning more about ABA techniques? Let’s connect!

02/03/2025

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Meet Dewayne! 🌟

For the past 3.5 years, Dewayne has been an incredible part of the ABA community, dedicating time and passion to making a difference! Outside of work, Dewayne enjoys working out, traveling, and spending quality time with his wife.

Looking ahead, he aspires to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to continue supporting the neurodiverse community in meaningful ways. His commitment to empowering others and making a positive impact is truly inspiring! 💙✨

Join us in celebrating Dewayne and his amazing contributions! 🎉

02/03/2025

🌟 Honoring Black History Month Through the Lens of ABA 🌟

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, culture, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we recognize the importance of cultural awareness, diversity, and inclusivity in our practice to create meaningful and effective interventions for all individuals.

Why Cultural Awareness Matters in ABA
Understanding and respecting a client’s cultural background, traditions, and values is essential for effective ABA therapy. Every learner brings unique experiences, and acknowledging cultural differences helps in developing interventions that are meaningful, respectful, and person-centered.

How ABA Can Support Diversity & Inclusion
✔️ Culturally Responsive Therapy – ABA professionals must ensure that goals, reinforcers, and teaching strategies align with the individual’s cultural and familial values.
✔️ Representation in ABA – Increasing the presence of Black professionals in the field strengthens advocacy and ensures more diverse perspectives in behavior analysis.
✔️ Breaking Barriers to Access – Historically, many marginalized communities, including Black families, have faced obstacles in accessing autism and ABA services. Promoting awareness, affordability, and accessibility is crucial for equity in care.
✔️ Empowering Families – ABA professionals can uplift families by educating, listening, and collaborating to ensure therapy aligns with their unique needs.

Moving Forward Together
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s continue to work toward a more inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive ABA field. By fostering diversity and honoring the experiences of all individuals, we can strengthen our impact and improve the lives of those we serve.

Who are some Black pioneers in the field of psychology, education, or ABA that inspire you? Share in the comments!

01/24/2025

🌟 Join Our Team: Making a Difference in ABA! 🌟

Are you passionate about creating positive change in the lives of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities? Do you thrive in a supportive, collaborative environment where your skills as a Behavior Analyst can truly shine? If so, we’d love to have you join our growing team!

✨ What We Offer: ✔️ A chance to work alongside experienced BCBAs and RBTs ✔️ Ongoing professional development and mentorship ✔️ A positive atmosphere focused on compassionate care ✔️ Opportunities to make meaningful impacts in the lives of our clients

💼 Whether you’re an experienced BCBA, RBT, or just starting your career in Applied Behavior Analysis, we want to hear from you!

🚀 Ready to take your career to the next level? DM us or click the link in our bio to apply today!