Teaching Functional Play with ABA Techniques
Step-by-step ABA strategies—DTT, chaining, prompting, and reinforcement—to teach autistic children functional, symbolic, and cooperative play at home.
Welcome to the Guiding Growth blog, we’re so glad you’re here!
As a parent of a child with autism, you already wear so many hats—caregiver, advocate, and everything in between. This blog is here to support you with practical advice, expert insights, and real stories from families just like yours.
Whether you’re looking for tips to make daily routines smoother, ideas to support your child’s development, or answers to questions you’ve been pondering, you’re in the right place. Our goal is to make your journey a little easier and to help you feel confident every step of the way. Let’s grow together!
Step-by-step ABA strategies—DTT, chaining, prompting, and reinforcement—to teach autistic children functional, symbolic, and cooperative play at home.
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Evidence-based, practical strategies to expand an autistic child’s diet—food chaining, texture adjustments, visual supports, calm mealtimes, play-based exposure, and tracking.
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Homeschool strategies that prioritize sensory needs—create calming spaces, routines, tools, and multisensory lessons to help children focus and regulate.
Learn expert strategies to parent a child with autism, manage burnout, and create a balanced, supportive environment for your family.
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Learn how to identify early autism signs and explore actionable home therapy techniques for your child’s development.
Complete Guide to Early Autism Detection and Home Therapy Read More »
Discover 5 practical daily habits to help autism parents lead, thrive, and support their child’s journey with confidence and clarity.
5 Daily Habits for Autism Parents to Lead and Thrive Read More »
Explore engaging outdoor sensory activities tailored for autistic children, promoting sensory development, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
Navigating medication management for young adults with autism is complex due to polypharmacy, side effects, and communication challenges. Learn essential strategies.
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Explore DIR/Floortime therapy, a play-based approach that nurtures emotional and social development in autistic children through meaningful interactions.
Streamline autism care with a guardianship checklist that enhances communication, organization, and teamwork for better outcomes.
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Learn effective strategies to help autistic children develop consistent hygiene habits through visual aids, routines, and positive reinforcement.
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Effective parent-teacher collaboration significantly enhances academic and social outcomes for autistic children, despite common barriers.
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Learn about the autism evaluation process, including steps, preparation, and how to support your child after diagnosis.
Explore the impact of sleep challenges in autistic children on parental stress and discover effective strategies for better sleep and well-being.
Explore how peer support programs enhance social skills and build connections for autistic children, fostering belonging and acceptance.
Learn effective resume strategies for autistic teens, focusing on strengths, clear organization, and tailored experiences to stand out to employers.
Organizing autism records streamlines evaluations, reduces stress, and ensures your child receives the necessary support for development.
Understand the hidden costs associated with IEPs for autism support, and learn how to effectively plan and advocate for your child’s needs.
Explore the complex role of supplements in managing autism symptoms, highlighting potential benefits, safety concerns, and the importance of professional guidance.
Structured play provides a supportive environment for autistic children, enhancing communication, social skills, and emotional regulation.
Learn how touch cues can enhance communication and emotional regulation for children with autism through safe and effective techniques.
Learn how to create and maintain a collaborative autism care team that supports your child’s development through coordinated efforts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) can significantly improve sleep quality in autistic children, enhancing family well-being.
Explore how social services provide crucial support during autism crises, ensuring safety, family assistance, and collaboration with professionals.
Explore common medications for sleep issues in children with autism, including their uses, benefits, and potential side effects.
Learn how to build a secure attachment with your autistic child to enhance their emotional and social development.
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Explore effective crisis planning for autistic students in schools, focusing on prevention, personalized strategies, and collaboration between families and educators.
Explore how technology-assisted CBT is transforming therapy for high-functioning autism, enhancing emotional regulation and social skills.
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Learn how to effectively track sleep and health for autistic kids to improve their well-being and enhance caregiving strategies.