# LLMs.txt - Sitemap for AI content discovery # Learn more:https://achievement-balance.com/ai-sitemap/ # Achievement Balance, LLC. > --- ## Pages - [AI Sitemap (LLMs.txt)](https://achievement-balance.com/ai-sitemap/): What is LLMs. txt? LLMs. txt is a simple text-based sitemap for Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and... - [Resources](https://achievement-balance.com/resources/): Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX encouraging, nurturing and growing the potential within autistic children. - [ABA Therapy Flower Mound](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-flower-mound/): ABA Therapy Flower Mound offers a powerful approach to difficult behaviors. Learn more about that, CBT Flower Mound, and our Day Camp services. - [ABA Therapy DFW](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-dfw/): Achievement Balance provides ABA therapy to kids with autism throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area. Find an ABA service near you. - [ABA Therapy Grapevine](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-grapevine/): ABA Therapy Grapevine offers a powerful approach to difficult behaviors. Learn more about that, CBT Grapevine, and our Day Camp services. - [ABA Therapy Trophy Club](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-trophy-club/): ABA Therapy Trophy Club offers a powerful approach to difficult behaviors. Learn more about that, CBT Trophy Club, and our Day Camp services. - [Pay Your Bill](https://achievement-balance.com/pay-your-bill/): Please use the form below to pay your bill and ensure that you enter both your account number and your... - [Employment Opportunities](https://achievement-balance.com/employment/): Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX encouraging, nurturing and growing the potential within autistic children. Work with us. - [Insurance](https://achievement-balance.com/insurance/): Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX encouraging, nurturing and growing the potential within autistic children. We accept most insurance. - [ABC'S Therapy Approach](https://achievement-balance.com/therapy-approach/): Achievement Balance, the leading ABA therapy center in Frisco, TX, offers accredited ABA therapy to bring hope and positive change to families. Call us Now! - [Locations](https://achievement-balance.com/locations/): Find a Local Achievement Balance Center Near You - [Services](https://achievement-balance.com/therapy-services/): Therapy Services at Achievement Balance include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Learn more about ASD therapy services here. - [Contact](https://achievement-balance.com/contact-us/): Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX. We want to hear from you. Please contact us. - [About](https://achievement-balance.com/about-abc/): Our goal is to provide quality, efficient and effective autism pediatric therapy services to ensure positive outcomes for your child. - [Blog](https://achievement-balance.com/blog/): %%page%% Stay up to date with the latest news and information from Achievement Balance. Learn more about our various therapy services as well as great insights. - [Home](https://achievement-balance.com/): Achievement Balance provides autism therapy throughout the North Texas area, promoting dignity, self-respect & independence through ABA, CBT, PT, OT & Speech therapy. - [Privacy Policy](https://achievement-balance.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy Who we are Our website address is: https://achievement-balance. com What personal data we collect and why we collect... ## Posts - [Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces at Home: A Guide for Flower Mound Parents ](https://achievement-balance.com/creating-sensory-friendly-spaces-at-home-a-guide-for-flower-mound-parents/): Discover simple ways to make your home a more sensory-friendly space for children with autism in Flower Mound. - [Building Daily Routines: Enhancing Structure for Autistic Children ](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-behavioral-therapy-daily-routines-flower-mound/): Learn how autism behavioral therapy helps build daily routines that reduce anxiety and boost independence in children. - [Myths About ABA Therapy in Flower Mound – And the Truth You Need to Know ](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-in-flower-mound-myths-debunked/): Get the facts about ABA therapy in Flower Mound. Learn how this flexible, supportive approach helps children with autism succeed. - [Why Combining Speech Therapy and ABA Therapy is a Game-Changer for Autism in Flower Mound ](https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-aba-autism-flower-mound/): Discover how combining Speech Therapy and ABA Therapy in Flower Mound boosts communication and behavior for children with autism. - [5 Ways ABA Therapy Supports Your Child’s Independence ](https://achievement-balance.com/5-ways-aba-therapy-supports-your-childs-independence/): Help your child gain independence! Discover the benefits of ABA therapy in improving life skills, decision-making, and social development. - [10 Questions to Ask Your ABA Therapy Providers Before Starting Therapy ](https://achievement-balance.com/10-questions-aba-providers/): Discover the top 10 questions to ask ABA therapy provider to ensure the best therapy and lasting progress for your child. - [Finding the Top Autism Therapy Resources in Grapevine, TX ](https://achievement-balance.com/top-autism-therapy-resources-grapevine-tx/): Top autism therapy resources in Grapevine, TX. Get personalized ABA, speech, OT, and social skills training for your child's growth. - [What to Expect During Your Child’s First ABA Therapy Session ](https://achievement-balance.com/what-to-expect-during-your-childs-first-aba-therapy-session/): Discover expert insights for your child's first ABA therapy session. Learn what to expect and how to support lasting progress. - [Why Grapevine Families Trust Our Applied Behavior Center for Autism ](https://achievement-balance.com/why-grapevine-families-trust-our-applied-behavior-center-for-autism/): Families in Grapevine searching for quality autism therapy need a provider they can trust. The Applied Behavior Center for Autism... - [Top ABA Therapy Techniques Every Parent Should Know](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-techniques/): Learn key ABA therapy techniques to help children with autism improve communication, behavior, and social skills. - [The Benefits of Speech Therapy for Children: A Parent’s Guide ](https://achievement-balance.com/the-benefits-of-speech-therapy-for-children-a-parents-guide/): Every child deserves the ability to communicate effectively. For some, speech and language development happen naturally, but for others, it... - [How Early Intervention Makes a Difference for Children with Autism ](https://achievement-balance.com/early-intervention-autism-benefits-aba-therapy/): Early autism intervention boosts communication, social, and life skills. Discover how therapies like ABA can support your child's growth. - [Speech Therapy for Toddlers: 5 Signs Your Child Could Benefit  ](https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-for-toddlers-5-signs-your-child-could-benefit/): Is your toddler struggling with speech? Learn 5 key signs they may need speech therapy for toddlers in Grapevine and how early intervention can help. - [How to Choose the Best ABA Providers in Grapevine, TX  ](https://achievement-balance.com/best-aba-providers-in-grapevine-texas/): Discover how to choose the best ABA therapy providers in Grapevine, Texas with our comprehensive guide and things to watch out for - [What Does a Behavior Analyst Do? Understanding Their Role in Grapevine](https://achievement-balance.com/what-does-a-behavior-analyst-do-understanding-their-role-in-grapevine/): What does a behavior analyst do? Learn how they use ABA therapy, assessments, and personalized plans to support behavior change and developmental growth. - [Applied Behavior Analysis: Understanding the 7 Dimensions and Functional Assessments](https://achievement-balance.com/applied-behavior-analysis-understanding-the-7-dimensions-applied-behavior-analysis/): Explore the 7 dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis and their role in effective therapy. Learn how ABA services apply these principles for meaningful outcomes. - [ABA Therapy Techniques: Helping Children Thrive in Grapevine ](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-techniques-helping-children-thrive-in-grapevine/): Explore ABA therapy techniques in Grapevine, designed to empower children, improve communication, and foster independence through tailored strategies. - [ABA and Speech Therapy: A Combined Approach to Child Development in Grapevine](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-and-speech-therapy-a-pediatric-slp-grapevine/): Discover how Pediatric SLP and ABA therapy together support autism in Grapevine, improving communication and social skills for children. - [Speech Therapy for Toddlers in Grapevine: Early Intervention That Works](https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-for-toddlers-in-grapevine-early-intervention-that-works/): Discover expert pediatric speech therapy for toddlers in Grapevine. Early intervention can enhance your child's communication skills. Schedule a free consultation today! - [ABA and Speech Therapy: A Combined Approach to Child Development in Grapevine](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-and-pediatric-slp-a-combined-approach-to-child-development-in-grapevine/): Discover how combining ABA therapy and Pediatric SLP enhances communication and social skills for children with autism in Grapevine. Get expert support today! - [Understanding The Difference: CBT Vs Talk Therapy](https://achievement-balance.com/cbt-vs-talk-therapy-differences/): Learn the key differences between CBT and Talk Therapy. Explore which approach suits your child’s needs for emotional and behavioral support. - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises: Managing Anxiety with Proven Techniques](https://achievement-balance.com/cbt-exercises-anxiety-management/): Discover proven CBT exercises for anxiety. Learn practical techniques like mindfulness, thought reframing, and exposure therapy to build resilience. - [Signs of Autism in 3-Year-Olds: What to Look for and How to Get Help](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-signs-3-year-olds/): Learn early autism signs in 3-year-olds, from social challenges to speech delays. Early detection leads to better support and developmental outcomes. - [A Guide to the Different Levels of Autism Explained](https://achievement-balance.com/levels-of-autism/): Read about the different types or levels of autism spectrum disorder in our blog. Also learn how parents and caregivers can support children with Autism. - [What Is ABA Therapy? A Practical Guide for Parents](https://achievement-balance.com/applied-behavioral-analysis/): Discover what ABA therapy is in this practical guide for parents and caregivers, covering its methods, benefits, and how it supports children's development. - [CBT for Childhood Depression](https://achievement-balance.com/cbt-for-childhood-depression/): Discover how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can effectively treat childhood depression by addressing negative thought patterns and improving emotional well-being. - [Understanding Autism and Co-occurring Conditions](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-co-occurring-conditions/): Identifying co-occurring conditions can help providers tailor treatment strategies that address both health issues leading to better outcomes. - [Splinter Skills](https://achievement-balance.com/splinter-skills/): Learn about what splinter skills are, how they develop, and ways to support children with autism as they build these specialized abilities. - [Thank you for supporting our small business!!](https://achievement-balance.com/thank-supporting-small-business/): Thank you for supporting our small business! We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service. Discover more! - [Growth Mindset compared to Fixed Mindset](https://achievement-balance.com/growth-mindset-compared-fixed-mindset/): Is Mindset Important for a Developing Child? Children thrive on pleasing their parents; when your child does something well you... - [IEP Compared to 504 Plan - Important Things to Know ](https://achievement-balance.com/iep-compared-504-plan-important-things-know-2/): Children with autism quickly learn routines. They are naturally motivated to repeat tasks, but they also have the tendency to get obsessed... - [Cafeteria Sensory Overload](https://achievement-balance.com/cafeteria-sensory-overload/): Stay up to date with recent blogs and developments. Learn about recent studies and from Achievement Balance. - [How to Choose an ABA Provider](https://achievement-balance.com/choose-aba-provider/): This blog provides essential tips on selecting the right ABA therapy provider for your child. Learn what qualifications to look for and questions to ask. - [Tips for families while at home](https://achievement-balance.com/tips-families-home/): If you live in the DFW area, Achievement Balance is here to help with all of your Autism Services needs. Give our team a call today for more info! - [The difference between positive and negative reinforcement](https://achievement-balance.com/difference-positive-negative-reinforcement/): Learn the key differences between positive and negative reinforcement and how they impact behavior. Discover practical insights on reinforcement techniques. - [Helping Children Handle Aggression](https://achievement-balance.com/helping-children-handle-aggression/): Explore expert tips to help your child manage anger in a positive way and improve their wellbeing. Learn more from Achievement Balance specialists. - [New Year’s Eve and Autism: Preparing Your Child for the Countdown](https://achievement-balance.com/new-years-eve-autism-preparing-child-countdown-2/): Fireworks, loud music, bright lights, and busy crowds—New Year’s Eve can be a period of panic and anxiety for children... - [The Importance of Visual Schedules and Calendars](https://achievement-balance.com/importance-visual-schedules-calendars/): Learn the importance of visual schedules and calendars in supporting children and time management skills for better development. - [Thanksgiving Guide for Picky Eaters](https://achievement-balance.com/thanksgiving-guide-picky-eaters/): Thanksgiving Guide for Picky Eaters Thanksgiving – for some kids, it’s their favorite meal that comes just once a year!... - [Why Does My Child Need A Diagnosis?](https://achievement-balance.com/why-diagnosis-necessary/): An appropriate diagnosis is intended to help develop the most effective means of intervention. - [IEP Compared to 504 Plan - Important Things to Know ](https://achievement-balance.com/iep-compared-504-plan-important-things-know/): Understand the differences between IEPs and 504 Plans. Discover key insights to choose the right path for your child's educational needs. Learn more here! - [Why are transitions so difficult?](https://achievement-balance.com/why-are-transitions-so-difficult/): Do the statements below sound familiar for you and your child? My child can’t make it down the hallway in... - [Tantrum vs Meltdown: Defining the Differences (Part 2)](https://achievement-balance.com/tantrum-vs-meltdown-defining-differences-2/): When discussing behaviors of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the word “meltdown” is often used to describe high... - [Executive Functioning](https://achievement-balance.com/executive-functioning/): Explore executive functioning skills essential for academic and personal success. Discover strategies to enhance these skills for all ages. Start now! - [Autism Treatments, Therapies, & Services (ABA, CBT, & VBT)](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-treatments-therapies-services-aba-cbt-vbt/): It can be difficult to know which autism treatments are best for you and your unique situation. Let’s learn about ABA, CBT, and VBT together today! - [ASD Co-Occurring Disorders & Difficulties: 7 Diagnoses](https://achievement-balance.com/asd-co-occurring-disorders-7-diagnoses/): It's common for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder to be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety, ADHD, or more. Learn more here. - [Summer Autism Day Camps & Home Services](https://achievement-balance.com/summer-autism-day-camps-home-services/): Achievement Balance offers Autism day camps all year long, but summer is a great time for your little one to try it out! Read on to learn more! - [Autism After-School: 6 Tips for the Summer](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-6-tips-summer/): For some families, summer can bring extra stressors and difficulties like childcare, safety, education, therapy, and new routines. - [9 Vacation Tips for Families with Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/9-vacation-tips-families-autism/): Travelling with an autistic child who relies on routines can be challenging. Here are some tips for a family vacation that supports your child's needs. - [9 Statistics That Everyone Should Know About Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/9-statistics-autism/): Explore 9 key facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder, offering valuable insights into understanding and supporting individuals with autism. - [Occupational, Speech, Physical Therapy, & More!](https://achievement-balance.com/occupational-speech-physical-therapy/): From ABA occupational therapy to speech therapy, physical therapy to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) we constantly strive to help the DFW community. - [7 Steps Against Bullying](https://achievement-balance.com/7-steps-prevent-bullying/): Learn 7 effective steps to prevent bullying and create a safer, more supportive environment for children. Read our guide to help stop bullying today! - [8 Things Parents Can Do to Help Themselves & Their Child with Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/8-things-parents-help-child-autism/): Does your child have autism? Read the 8 things parents can do to help their child with Autism. As a parent, you can make a big difference in your child's life. - [10 Myths About Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/10-myths-autism/): Read about the 10 common myths about autism. Learn the facts to better understand autism and support individuals on the spectrum. - [7 Travel Tips for Children with Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/7-travel-tips-children-autism/): Discover 7 essential travel tips for children with autism to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Practical advice for stress-free family vacations. - [Celebrate with Us | Achievement Balance is Now BHCOE Accredited!](https://achievement-balance.com/celebrate-abc-pediatrics-bhcoe-accredited/): This year has already been a monumental one. From beginning our in-home Autism services to the icing on the cake – receiving our BHCOE Accreditation. - [Autism Home Services Through Achievement Balance](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-home-services-abc-pediatrics/): Explore personalized autism home services by ABC Pediatrics. Discover how our tailored approach supports your child’s unique development. Start now! - [Autism Camp & Autism Pediatrics](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-camp-autism-pediatrics/): At Achievement Balance, we have an Autism Camp through our Autism pediatrics, available to all of our clients and students at our four Texas locations. - [Achievement Balance | An Autism Back to School Guide](https://achievement-balance.com/abc-pediatrics-autism-back-school-guide/): Get helpful tips for supporting students with autism as they transition back to school. Learn strategies for a smoother back-to-school experience. - [What is ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder?](https://achievement-balance.com/asd-autism-spectrum-disorder/): Spreading information and education about ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder is very important in being an Autism Treatment Center. Read on to find out more! - [Achievement Balance Holiday Autism Guide](https://achievement-balance.com/abc-pediatrics-holiday-autism-guide/): Achievement Balance wants your family to be prepared for every holiday situation, which is why we have created a Holiday Autism Survival Guide! - [Autism Services in DFW](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-services-dfw/): Achievement Balance specializes in a wide range of therapy techniques and offers many therapy services including Autism Services in DFW! - [Achievement Balance Video Modeling: What It Is and Its Benefits for Your Child](https://achievement-balance.com/abc-pediatrics-video-modeling/): At Achievement Balance, finding strengths and positives in everyday situations is exactly what we strive to do, and video modeling is no different. - [Know the Signs of a Sensory Processing Disorder](https://achievement-balance.com/know-signs-sensory-processing-disorder/): Learn the signs of sensory processing disorder and how it affects daily life. Discover simple treatments to help children with SPD. - [3 Benefits of ABA Occupational Therapy](https://achievement-balance.com/3-benefits-aba-occupational-therapy/): We use our ABA style with a number of therapies including Occupational Therapy. See the benefits of Achievement Balance’ ABA Occupational Therapy here. - [A Beginner's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://achievement-balance.com/beginners-guide-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt/): Learn the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its benefits for the children and families. Start your journey to better well-being with CBT today. - [Where to Go: Autism Treatment Centers in Dallas](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-treatment-centers-dallas/): Achievement Balance provides autism treatment services in Dallas, TX. Learn more about what to look for in your autism treatment centers. Contact us today. - [ABA Pediatrics Approaches to Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/aba-pediatrics-approaches-autism/): Achievement Balance uses ABA Pediatrics (a lot of letters here, we know!) to give your child the best experience and learning environment! - [13 Benefits of ABA Physical Therapy](https://achievement-balance.com/13-benefits-aba-physical-therapy/): Discover 13 key benefits of ABA and physical therapy, from improved motor skills to enhanced independence, tailored for individuals with unique needs. - [Autism Camps at Achievement Balance](https://achievement-balance.com/autism-camps-abc-pediatrics/): We have Autism camps all year long, because your child doesn't stop needing encouragement just because the days are getting shorter! - [DFW ABA Therapy Through Achievement Balance Services](https://achievement-balance.com/dfw-aba-therapy-abc-pediatrics-services/): In DFW, ABA Therapy is a healthy and beneficial option for you and your family, and with locations throughout Texas (not just in DFW)... - [6 Advantages of Incidental Teaching and Natural Environment Teaching](https://achievement-balance.com/advantages-incidental-teaching-natural-environment-teaching/): Incidental Teaching and Natural Environment Teaching operate on the belief that natural scenarios can be used to assist your child in learning and speaking. - [How Routines Can Help Your Child with Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/routines-can-help-child-autism/): Explore the power of routines in helping children with autism. Learn strategies to create structured environments for your child’s growth. Learn more here! - [Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Giving Your Child a Healthier Outlook on Life](https://achievement-balance.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy-giving-child-healthier-outlook-life/): Mental health is one of the main concerns of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Achievement Balance highly recommends Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) - [Speech Therapy Breaks Down Socialization Barriers for Kids with ASD](https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-breaks-down-socialization-barriers-kids-with-asd/): Explore how speech therapy enhances socialization for kids with ASD. Break barriers and unlock communication skills. Discover transformative therapies now! - [Are Parents Spotting Signs of Autism Faster Than Clinicians?](https://achievement-balance.com/parents-spotting-signs-of-autism-faster-than-clinicians/): Discover why parents often spot autism signs before clinicians. Learn the early indicators and empower your child’s development. Read more insights now! - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Autism: What You Need To Know](https://achievement-balance.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-autism-need-know/): Read our blog to learn how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) improves emotional regulation and social skills in individuals with autism. - [Strategies to Prevent Wandering Behavior in Children with Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/strategies-to-prevent-wandering-behavior-in-children-with-autism/): Learn effective strategies to prevent wandering in children with autism. Discover practical tips to keep your child safe and secure. Read more today! - [The Terms Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Know and Understand](https://achievement-balance.com/terms-every-autism-parent-know-understand/): Special autism terminology can confuse parents, so we've compiled a comprehensive list of autism terms you need to know to support your child's needs. - [Parental Fatigue: Coping with the Stress of Parenting a Child with Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/parental-fatigue-coping-stress-parenting-child-autism/): Read Our Blog To Learn How To Cope With Stress While Parenting Children With Autism. These Strategies Can Help Parents Cope. - [How Can You Get Your Nonverbal Child to Communicate?](https://achievement-balance.com/can-get-nonverbal-child-communicate/): If you have a child with Autism who doesn't speak at all, use these tips to support their development and well-being. - [Exploring the Connection between Sleep Problems and Autism](https://achievement-balance.com/exploring-connection-sleep-problems-autism/): In this blog, we understand why Many children with autism have difficulty getting a restful night’s sleep. Read how sleep problems affect kids with this condition. - [What to Do When Your Child with Autism is Getting Bullied in School](https://achievement-balance.com/child-autism-getting-bullied-school/): Learn how children with autism can face bullying at school and the strategies to help them navigate social challenges and build confidence. - [Decoding Autism: Debunking the Myths](https://achievement-balance.com/decoding-autism-debunking-myths/): Read our blog to know the most common autism myths, their origins, and the truth behind them. - [Tantrum vs. Meltdown: Defining the Differences](https://achievement-balance.com/tantrum-vs-meltdown-defining-differences/): Understand the difference between tantrums and meltdowns in children, and how to manage them effectively. Learn more at Achievement Balance. - [New Year’s Eve & Autism: Preparing Your Child for the Countdown](https://achievement-balance.com/new-years-eve-autism-preparing-child-countdown/): Explore some fun ways you and your child with Autism can enjoy New Year's Eve. Tips and ideas for a memorable and stress-free celebration. - [Walk Tall, Stand Strong: The Importance of Proper Posture in Children](https://achievement-balance.com/walk-tall-stand-strong-importance-proper-posture-children/): Learn the importance of proper posture for children and get tips for parents to help their children stand strong. Read our blog for more insights. ## Services - [Applied Behavior Analysis Services](https://achievement-balance.com/service/applied-behavior-analysis/): Looking for ABA therapy in Flower Mound TX? Achievement Balance offers personalized support to help kids build skills and gain confidence. - [Physical Therapy for Children](https://achievement-balance.com/service/physical-therapy-for-children/): Looking for Physical Therapy in Flower Mound, TX? Achievement Balance helps children grow stronger, move confidently, and engage better. - [Speech Therapy for Children](https://achievement-balance.com/service/speech-therapy-for-children/): Achievement Balance offers speech therapy in Flower Mound TX, helping children improve communication skills in Trophy Club & Grapevine, Texas. - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy](https://achievement-balance.com/service/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/): At Achievement Balance, our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program identifies and challenges distorted thinking, develops healthier beliefs, and adopts more effective... ## Locaions - [Flower Mound](https://achievement-balance.com/location/flower-mound/): Achievement Balance provides ABA therapy and child autism therapy in Flower Mound, TX. Our autism therapists help children reach their highest potential. - [Trophy Club](https://achievement-balance.com/location/trophy-club/): Achievement Balance provides ABA therapy and child autism therapy in Trophy Club, TX. Our autism therapists help children reach their highest potential. - [Grapevine](https://achievement-balance.com/location/grapevine/): Achievement Balance is the leading ABA therapy center in Grapevine, TX. Our autism therapists help children reach their highest potential. Call us Now! --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages ### AI Sitemap (LLMs.txt) - Published: 2025-04-11 - Modified: 2025-04-11 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/ai-sitemap/ What is LLMs. txt? LLMs. txt is a simple text-based sitemap for Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and others. It helps AI systems understand and index your public content more effectively. This is the beginning of a new kind of visibility on the web — one that works not just for search engines, but for AI-powered agents and assistants. You can view your AI sitemap at: https://achievement-balance. com/llms. txt Why it's important Helps your content get discovered by AI tools Works alongside traditional SEO plugins Updates automatically as your content grows --- ### Resources > Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX encouraging, nurturing and growing the potential within autistic children. - Published: 2024-07-03 - Modified: 2024-07-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/resources/ Helpful Links and Other Resources --- ### ABA Therapy Flower Mound > ABA Therapy Flower Mound offers a powerful approach to difficult behaviors. Learn more about that, CBT Flower Mound, and our Day Camp services. - Published: 2024-07-02 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-flower-mound/ Achievement Balance & ABA Therapy Flower Mound Achievement Balance has two Flower Mound locations: one in Parker Square and one in Wager! For families searching for ABA Therapy in Flower Mound, you’ve come to the right place. All our locations are designed to meet the full needs of children with Autism. This includes a fully equipped sensory gym along with multiple therapies, including ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy). The ABA Therapy in Flower Mound is an intensive, medically-approved way to teach children on the Autism Spectrum. Utilizing the principles of positive reinforcement, we help children learn vital life and self-care skills. ABA therapy has the potential to teach many skills, such as living skills, personal care skills, social skills, play skills, and academic skills. Children with Autism are not the only ones to benefit from ABA. Many children with behavioral issues benefit from ABA therapy. At Achievement Balance, children who go through our program see a definite improvement in physical aggression, tantrums, and injurious behaviors. CBT Flower Mound CBT Flower Mound is another therapy we provide our students. CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is an approach we see high returns on with our children. Children and adults with Autism easily fall into patterns of negative thinking or actions. This can lead to depression and lowered self-esteem. CBT helps reverse those thought patterns, reduce anxiety and improve challenging behaviors. All our children are assessed by our BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Once the assessment has been discussed with therapists and... --- ### ABA Therapy DFW > Achievement Balance provides ABA therapy to kids with autism throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area. Find an ABA service near you. - Published: 2024-07-02 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-dfw/ Achievement Balance & DFW ABA Achievement Balance has multiple locations all across the DFW metroplex, including Grapevine, Flower Mound, and Trophy Club. For families searching for ABA Therapy in DFW, you’re at the right location! All our Achievement Balance facilities are designed to meet every need of you and your child. This includes utilizing our fully equipped sensory gym along with many other therapies, including ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy) and Sensory Integration Therapy. ABA Therapy in DFW is a proven way to help teach children who have been diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum. Utilizing the principles of positive reinforcement, or ‘adding’ positive rewards or stimuli to the desired action, we are able to help children learn vital life and self-care skills. ABA Therapy has the potential to teach many skills, such as living skills, personal care skills, social skills, play skills, and academic skills. Children with ASD are not the only ones that can benefit from ABA. Many children with a wide range of behavioral issues benefit from ABA Therapy. At Achievement Balance, our students see improvement in behaviors of physical aggression, tantrums, and meltdowns, as well as injurious behaviors. CBT DFW CBT DFW is another therapy we provide our students. CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is an approach that our Achievement Balance’ team has seen high returns on with our students. Both children and adults with Autism easily fall into patterns of negative thinking or actions. This can lead to depression and lowered self-esteem. CBT can help... --- ### ABA Therapy Grapevine > ABA Therapy Grapevine offers a powerful approach to difficult behaviors. Learn more about that, CBT Grapevine, and our Day Camp services. - Published: 2024-07-02 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-grapevine/ ABA Therapy for Autism in Grapevine, TX Grapevine Therapy Location Achievement Balance Autism Therapy 1620 W Northwest Hwy, Grapevine, TX 76051 If you or a loved one are searching for ABA Therapy in Grapevine, we are glad you’d come to us. All our four Texas locations are designed to meet the full needs of children with Autism in our state. This includes a fully operational and stocked sensory gym along with many proven therapy techniques, such as ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). ABA Therapy in Grapevine with Achievement Balance is a medically-approved technique to teach children with ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. We use the principles of positive reinforcement, or encouragement, rewards, and positive stimuli to help children learn needed skills for the success and independence of their life. ABA Therapy has the potential to teach a plethora of life skills, such as home-living skills, personal care skills, social skills, play skills, and academic or critical thinking skills. Young children with Autism are not the only ones that can benefit from ABA Therapy either. Many individuals, young and old, with behavioral issues, can be greatly benefited from ABA Therapy. At Achievement Balance, all individuals who go learn and grow in our programs see healthy improvement in temper, aggression, meltdowns, and injurious behaviors. CBT Grapevine | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Grapevine TX CBT in Grapevine is another therapy we provide to all of our students. CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is an approach that has... --- ### ABA Therapy Trophy Club > ABA Therapy Trophy Club offers a powerful approach to difficult behaviors. Learn more about that, CBT Trophy Club, and our Day Camp services. - Published: 2024-07-02 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-trophy-club/ ABA Therapy Trophy Club | Applied Behavior Analysis If you have been searching for ABA Therapy in Trophy Club or the surrounding areas, you are in the right place! All of our locations are designed to fully meet the needs of children with ASD. This includes a sensory gym along with many therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and more. Our ABA Therapy in Trophy Club is a proven way to teach individuals on the Autistic Spectrum. Utilizing the principles of positive reinforcement, or giving positive feedback and rewards, we help children learn needed life and self-care skills. ABA therapy has the potential to teach a multitude of skills, like independent living skills, personal care, and hygiene skills, social and play skills, and even academic skills which can be applied in school or classroom settings. Many children with behavioral issues benefit from ABA therapy, not only children with ASD. At Achievement Balance Trophy Club, individuals who go through our program see a definite improvement in aggression, tantrums, and injurious behaviors. CBT Trophy Club | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT at Achievement Balance in Trophy Club is another therapy we provide our students. CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is an approach we see incredibly high returns on with our students. In fact, children and adults with Autism have seen great strides in their mental health due to CBT at Trophy Club. Sometimes, individuals with Autism can easily fall into patterns of negative thinking, this leads to negative... --- ### Pay Your Bill - Published: 2024-07-02 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/pay-your-bill/ Please use the form below to pay your bill and ensure that you enter both your account number and your invoice number. Thank you! --- ### Employment Opportunities > Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX encouraging, nurturing and growing the potential within autistic children. Work with us. - Published: 2024-06-28 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/employment/ Welcome Welcome to our employment section. Here you can view our current job openings and apply for positions by submitting your resume for general consideration. Submit Your Resume Current Job Openings Overview ABC is the only fully comprehensive therapy program that combines the power of multiple disciplines, first class service, and results. Our services include Applied Behavior Analysis Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Academic Support. ABC brings peace of mind to our families by assisting them in accessing services in one location. Registered Behavior Technicians for locations in Flower Mound, Grapevine, and Trophy Club Responsibilities Provide ABA therapy to children in a clinic setting Teach a wide range of skills, including academics, functional living, play, and social skills Implement behavior management strategies Collect data during therapy sessions Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (preferred) High interest in working with children with autism and other unique needs A self-motivated, self-starter, self-assured, selfless attitude. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds --- ### Insurance > Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX encouraging, nurturing and growing the potential within autistic children. We accept most insurance. - Published: 2024-06-28 - Modified: 2024-07-11 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/insurance/ Accepted Insurance Plans Aetna BCBS (HMO and PPO) Cigna What to Expect When Contacting Achievement Balance Guided Intake Process When you contact Achievement Balance for the first time, we will review your information and contact you and schedule an interview. If you decide to enroll your child we will guide you through the enrollment/ intake process. We encourage you to discuss your concerns and we provide solutions using our one on one therapies. We will answer any questions you may have about the evaluation and treatment plan process. Insurance can be confusing and complicated. After verifying your child’s current insurance information, we will help you navigate through the complex insurance and billing process. If you decide to enroll your child with Achievement Balance we will continue to assist you with insurance process so that it becomes seamless. Tour Our Facility We are extremely proud of our therapy programs and enjoy touring families. If you have a child who would benefit from our services, please contact us at the phone number or website below. We will contact you and discuss verification of insurance benefits and then schedule an appointment. We believe you will discover our staff have calm, compassionate and positive attitudes that create a warm inviting atmosphere. Achievement Balance is place full of therapists and technicians eager to help children reach their highest level of independence. Children and their families like coming to ABC and we like greeting them, together we make daily life more enjoyable... . --- ### ABC'S Therapy Approach > Achievement Balance, the leading ABA therapy center in Frisco, TX, offers accredited ABA therapy to bring hope and positive change to families. Call us Now! - Published: 2024-06-28 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/therapy-approach/ Applied Behavior Analysis Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA Therapy, uses scientific principles of learning and motivation to effectively teach. It focuses on the idea that the consequences of what we do affect what and how we learn. ABA seeks to improve specific behaviors while demonstrating a reliable relationship between the procedures used and the change in the child’s behavior. ABA uses positive reinforcement to increase positive behaviors and social interactions while decreasing inappropriate behaviors. ABA therapy is implemented and tailored on the child’s unique needs. The assessments used may include (ex. Functional Assessments, interviews and direct observation, ABLLS, VB-MAPP etc. ), these are then used to develop an ABA program that is ideal in meeting the individual needs. Some methods may include: Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Treatment, Verbal Behavior, Natural Environment Training, Self-Management Training and/or Video Modeling. Who Benefits from ABA? ABA is effective with a wide spectrum of behaviors and ability levels; Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Traumatic Brain Injuries, Down Syndrome, Developmental Disabilities, Problem Behaviors, Tantrums, Physical Aggression, Self-Injurious Behaviors and Noncompliance. How Often Should Therapy Be Done and When? ABA consists of intensive programming that is tailored to the child’s needs. Depending on the individual’s skill level, range and level of disability the amount of hours for services will vary. Discrete Trial Training Discrete Trial Training focuses on teaching a skill in structured, simple steps, where skills are broken down and taught individually and then “built-up” one step at a time. Pivotal Response Treatment Pivotal... --- ### Locations - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-07-05 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/locations/ Find a Local Achievement Balance Center Near You --- ### Services > Therapy Services at Achievement Balance include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Learn more about ASD therapy services here. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/therapy-services/ Therapy Services Welcome to Achievement Balance We provide personalized therapy services to enhance your child's development. Our expert team is dedicated to improving mobility, strength, and overall well-being. --- ### Contact > Autism Pediatric Therapy Services in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, and Grapevine TX. We want to hear from you. Please contact us. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-07-05 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/contact-us/ Let's Connect Do you have questions about our programs? Please send a message and we will respond as soon as possible. --- ### About > Our goal is to provide quality, efficient and effective autism pediatric therapy services to ensure positive outcomes for your child. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/about-abc/ ABOUT Our locations in Flower Mound, Grapevine, and Trophy Club We have two dedicated locations for our early learners. Our early learners program is individualized and generally includes a focus on small (also called discrete) steps towards meeting objectives, an emphasis on understanding the function of behaviors. These programs are delivered in small groups and in one-to-one therapy settings. Generally, therapy is initially more intensive with a goal towards fading the intensity of the program and transitioning to less restrictive supports and services. With your child in mind we use positive reinforcement increase the likelihood that the child will respond appropriately, and to reward your child for good tries, or approximations, that are close to the correct response, this greatly increases the probability that the early learner will achieve the desired skills and this helps your child with their newly acquired positive behaviors to other natural settings. Each location is prepared to meet a variety of needs, these may include; sensory regulation support, we meet this in our fully equipped sensory gym, speech, occupational and physical therapies. We are committed to meeting the needs of your early learner and your family. We provide onsite parent training weekly Video modeling for both the early learner and family Grandparents training, so each member of the family can be successful Advocacy for the next phase of your child's development Ongoing support, guidance and unwavering dedication to your child and family --- ### Blog > %%page%% Stay up to date with the latest news and information from Achievement Balance. Learn more about our various therapy services as well as great insights. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-10-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/blog/ --- ### Home > Achievement Balance provides autism therapy throughout the North Texas area, promoting dignity, self-respect & independence through ABA, CBT, PT, OT & Speech therapy. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/ ABOUT Welcome to Achievement Balance Achievement Balance promotes dignity, self-respect, and independence for every child. These basic tenants are achieved through carefully planned and balanced interactions. The consistent and compassionate interaction between our professional staff, the child, and the family opens the door to awareness which provides the foundation for understanding and learning. Our comprehensive autism center works hand in hand with the families so that the child is provided consistent messaging between the school therapy and home, Our goal is to provide a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere where the child learns to interact with family members, the environment, and the community. ABA, CBT, physical therapy, and speech therapy services are some of the ways Achievement Balance is able to offer assistance to families who long for stability in their households. --- ### Privacy Policy - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-07-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/privacy-policy/ Privacy Policy Who we are Our website address is: https://achievement-balance. com What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site, we collect the data shown in the comments form, as well as the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help with spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic. com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website. Contact forms We do not share data from contact forms with anyone not directly involved in delivering services for your account. Cookies If you leave a comment on our site, you may opt-in to saving your name, email address, and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year. If you have an account and you log in to this site, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded... --- ## Posts ### Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces at Home: A Guide for Flower Mound Parents  > Discover simple ways to make your home a more sensory-friendly space for children with autism in Flower Mound. - Published: 2025-04-30 - Modified: 2025-05-01 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/creating-sensory-friendly-spaces-at-home-a-guide-for-flower-mound-parents/ - Categories: Autism Therapy - Tags: Autism Therapy, Flower Mound parenting, home modifications for autism, occupational therapy, sensory-friendly spaces For children with autism, the home environment significantly impacts their ability to learn, communicate, and navigate daily life. Many children with autism experience sensory processing challenges, making them more sensitive to sights, sounds, textures, and movement. An environment that feels overwhelming can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, and difficulty focusing.   For parents in Flower Mound, designing a sensory-friendly home can be challenging. They may not know where to start or how to balance their child's need for sensory input with creating a calm and structured space. This is where occupational therapy for autism in Flower Mound comes in. Occupational therapists work with children to help them develop strategies for managing sensory sensitivities and improving their daily functioning.   In this guide, we’ll explore:  The sensory processing challenges children with autism face How to design sensory-friendly spaces tailored to your child's needs Practical steps to modify your home environment How autism therapy for children in Flower Mound can help support your child’s development  By the end, parents will have actionable strategies to create a home that feels safe, supportive, and empowering for their child.    Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism  What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?   Many children with autism experience sensory processing disorder (SPD), which means their brain struggles to process sensory information effectively. Some children are:  Hypersensitive (over-responsive) – Reacting strongly to bright lights, loud noises, certain textures, or crowded spaces.   Hyposensitive (under-responsive) – Seeking out intense sensory input, such as spinning, jumping, or deep pressure.   How Sensory Challenges Affect Daily Life ... --- ### Building Daily Routines: Enhancing Structure for Autistic Children  > Learn how autism behavioral therapy helps build daily routines that reduce anxiety and boost independence in children. - Published: 2025-04-20 - Modified: 2025-04-21 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-behavioral-therapy-daily-routines-flower-mound/ - Categories: Autism Therapy - Tags: ABA therapy McKinney, autism behavioral therapy, daily routines for autistic children, McKinney autism support, structured routine autism For parents of autistic children, daily life can often feel unpredictable and overwhelming. The struggle to create structured daily routines that provide security and support is a common challenge. However, building a consistent daily routine can make a world of difference in a child’s ability to navigate the day with confidence and ease.   Children with autism thrive in predictable environments, where they know what to expect and when. Establishing structured daily routines not only reduces anxiety but also enhances independence, improves communication, and fosters positive behaviors.   For families in Flower Mound, TX, integrating a well-planned daily routine can complement professional autism behavioral therapy and improve a child’s overall development. This guide will explore why routines matter, how to create effective schedules, and practical tips for implementation.   Understanding the Importance of Daily Routines   Predictability and Security Children with autism often experience heightened anxiety when faced with unexpected changes or unstructured environments. A well-defined routine creates a sense of security by: Providing a clear structure for daily activities, reducing stress and confusion. Helping children understand what comes next, making transitions smoother. Minimizing meltdowns and anxiety triggers by setting predictable expectations. By following a consistent routine, children feel more in control of their day, making it easier for them to focus on learning and social interactions.  Skill Development Beyond offering predictability, structured routines play a key role in building essential life skills. When children follow a set schedule, they develop: Independence – Performing tasks on their own, such as getting dressed or brushing... --- ### Myths About ABA Therapy in Flower Mound – And the Truth You Need to Know  > Get the facts about ABA therapy in Flower Mound. Learn how this flexible, supportive approach helps children with autism succeed. - Published: 2025-04-10 - Modified: 2025-04-11 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-in-flower-mound-myths-debunked/ - Categories: Applied Behavior, Autism Therapy - Tags: ABA for all ages, ABA Therapy in Flower Mound, autism therapy myths, evidence-based autism support, individualized autism therapy Parents of children with autism often find themselves navigating a sea of information—and misinformation—about therapy options. One of the most well-researched and widely used interventions is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. However, misconceptions about ABA can make it difficult for families to decide what’s best for their child.    ABA therapy has evolved significantly over the years, with a strong emphasis on individualized, compassionate, and ethical approaches. Despite its success, there are many misconceptions about ABA Therapy that can discourage families in Flower Mound from exploring it as an option. These myths often stem from outdated information, misunderstandings, or secondhand experiences.   This blog will debunk common myths about ABA Therapy and provide accurate, research-based information to help families make informed decisions about autism therapy services in Flower Mound.    Myth 1: ABA Therapy Is Only for Severe Cases of Autism  The Myth:  Many people believe that ABA therapy is designed only for children with severe autism, particularly those who are nonverbal or exhibit significant behavioral challenges. The Truth:  ABA therapy is beneficial for individuals across the entire autism spectrum, from those with mild challenges to those who need more intensive support. ✔ Supports a Range of Needs – Children with mild autism often struggle with social interactions, communication, emotional regulation, and flexibility in daily routines. ABA therapy helps them develop these skills. ✔ Helps High-Functioning Individuals – Even children who excel academically may benefit from ABA when it comes to understanding social cues, managing anxiety, or increasing independence. ✔ Customized for Every... --- ### Why Combining Speech Therapy and ABA Therapy is a Game-Changer for Autism in Flower Mound  > Discover how combining Speech Therapy and ABA Therapy in Flower Mound boosts communication and behavior for children with autism. - Published: 2025-04-04 - Modified: 2025-04-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-aba-autism-flower-mound/ - Categories: Speech Therapy For parents of children with autism in Flower Mound, finding the right therapeutic support can be overwhelming. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how children communicate, interact socially, and behave in different environments. Many children with autism struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, making it difficult to express their needs, engage in conversations, or understand social cues.   Two widely recognized therapies that support communication development in children with autism are Speech Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. While each therapy plays a vital role independently, their combined approach creates a more effective strategy for building communication skills, reducing frustration-related behaviors, and improving overall social interactions.   This blog will explore the powerful benefits of combining Speech Therapy and ABA Therapy for children with autism in Flower Mound. By understanding how these therapies complement each other, families can make more informed decisions about their child’s developmental journey.   Understanding Speech Therapy and ABA Therapy  Speech Therapy for Autism  Speech Therapy has various benefits. focuses on improving a child’s ability to communicate, whether through verbal speech, sign language, picture-based communication, or alternative communication devices. Many children with autism experience difficulties with articulation, language comprehension, and social communication. A   Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) works with children to enhance these abilities through evidence-based techniques. Common Speech and Language Challenges Faced by Children with Autism  Delayed Speech Development – Some children with autism may take longer to develop verbal communication or may remain non-verbal.   Echolalia – Repeating words or phrases without understanding their meaning.   Difficulty with Social Communication... --- ### 5 Ways ABA Therapy Supports Your Child’s Independence  > Help your child gain independence! Discover the benefits of ABA therapy in improving life skills, decision-making, and social development. - Published: 2025-03-31 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/5-ways-aba-therapy-supports-your-childs-independence/ - Categories: Applied Behavior, Autism Therapy - Tags: ABA therapy for independence, Autism therapy services, Behavioral Therapy for Autism, Building social skills with ABA therapy, Life skills for children with autism Every parent dreams of seeing their child grow into an independent and confident individual. For children with developmental challenges, fostering independence can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provides a structured and scientifically backed approach to help children develop essential life skills, improve communication, and gain autonomy in their daily routines.   ABA therapy is a widely used and evidence-based approach that focuses on positive reinforcement to teach new skills and reduce behaviors that may hinder independence. This therapeutic method has been extensively researched and applied across the United States, proving effective in supporting children with autism and other developmental disabilities.   In this blog, we’ll explore five key ways ABA therapy helps children become more independent, giving parents reassurance that progress is possible with the right support.   Building Essential Life Skills One of the primary ways ABA therapy fosters independence is by teaching children essential life skills. These skills, often referred to as adaptive skills, include self-care activities such as:  Brushing teeth  Getting dressed  Using utensils while eating  Toileting and personal hygiene  Organizing personal belongings  For many children with developmental delays, learning these daily tasks can be challenging. ABA therapy breaks down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps using an ABA therapy technique called task analysis. For example, instead of simply telling a child to "get dressed," an ABA therapist will break the process into steps like:  Pick out a shirt.   Put one arm through a sleeve.   Put the other arm through the second sleeve.   Pull the shirt... --- ### 10 Questions to Ask Your ABA Therapy Providers Before Starting Therapy  > Discover the top 10 questions to ask ABA therapy provider to ensure the best therapy and lasting progress for your child. - Published: 2025-03-13 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/10-questions-aba-providers/ - Categories: Autism Therapy - Tags: ABA Therapy Grapevine, Applied Behavior Analysis, Certified ABA Providers, Evidence-Based Autism Therapy, Holistic Autism Care Choosing the right provider for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a critical decision for your child’s developmental journey. As a parent, you need reassurance that your chosen provider is not only experienced but also compassionate and capable of tailoring treatment to your child’s unique needs. With so many providers available, it can be overwhelming to know what to ask during your initial consultations.   In this comprehensive guide, we break down 10 questions that every parent should ask when evaluating ABA therapy providers. Asking these questions will help you understand each provider’s credentials, approach, and the support system they offer. Why Asking Questions is Critical  Effective questioning is the first step in creating a partnership with your provider. By asking detailed questions, you can learn about their treatment philosophy, session structure, and methods for involving families. Remember, a well-informed parent is an empowered parent. Use these questions to ensure your child’s therapy journey is built on trust, transparency, and expert guidance.   10 Questions to Ask Your ABA Therapy Providers       Below are the ten essential questions that will help you evaluate potential ABA therapy providers. Each question is followed by a detailed explanation of what to look for and why the answer matters.   What Are Your Credentials and How Long Have You Been Practicing? Why This Matters: Your provider’s credentials and experience are the foundation of quality therapy. Look for Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or other certified professionals who have specialized training in ABA therapy. Inquire about their... --- ### Finding the Top Autism Therapy Resources in Grapevine, TX  > Top autism therapy resources in Grapevine, TX. Get personalized ABA, speech, OT, and social skills training for your child's growth. - Published: 2025-03-10 - Modified: 2025-03-10 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/top-autism-therapy-resources-grapevine-tx/ - Categories: Autism Therapy - Tags: Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Therapy, Certified ABA Providers, Grapevine ABA Services, Grapevine Autism Services For families of children diagnosed with autism, the journey of finding the right therapy options can feel like navigating a maze. It’s an emotional, sometimes overwhelming process, as every child with autism has a unique set of needs. With so many therapy options available, choosing the right approach to meet a child’s unique strengths and challenges can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, families in Grapevine, TX, and surrounding communities like Southlake and Colleyville have access to a wide range of top-quality autism therapy resources. These services are designed to provide personalized care that can make a real difference in a child’s growth and development. This guide is here to help families easily navigate the process by breaking down the different types of therapy, highlighting top resources in the area, and providing practical tips for choosing the best care for their child. Understanding Autism Therapy: What Families Should Know  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interactions, and behavior. Since each child with autism is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. The key to successful therapy is identifying the right services tailored to a child’s needs. Here are some of the most effective autism therapy resources available in the Grapevine, TX area:   Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy One of the most widely researched and supported interventions for autism, ABA therapy is known for its effectiveness in improving the overall quality of life for children with ASD. ABA therapy in Grapevine, TX is a cornerstone of... --- ### What to Expect During Your Child’s First ABA Therapy Session  > Discover expert insights for your child's first ABA therapy session. Learn what to expect and how to support lasting progress. - Published: 2025-03-02 - Modified: 2025-03-10 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/what-to-expect-during-your-childs-first-aba-therapy-session/ - Categories: Applied Behavior - Tags: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Early Intervention in Autism, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Parent Training in ABA, Social Skills Development When your child is diagnosed with autism or developmental delays, the journey ahead may feel daunting. As a parent, you might be unsure of where to start, but you’ve already made the first and most important step by seeking ABA therapy. ABA therapy is a powerful tool that can help your child communicate, learn, and grow. In this post, we’ll guide you through what to expect during your child’s first ABA therapy session. We’ll cover everything from preparation to emotional support and how ABA therapy providers can help your child thrive.   What is ABA Therapy?    Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a science-backed approach designed to help children with autism or developmental delays by teaching them important skills and reducing behaviors that may hinder their development. ABA therapy focuses on using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and gradually replace undesired behaviors. It’s customized to meet each child’s unique needs, which makes it an incredibly effective tool in promoting communication, social skills, and independence.   The therapy relies on breaking down skills into small, manageable steps and reinforcing them consistently until the child masters them. Whether it’s learning how to greet someone or how to stay focused in class, ABA therapy helps children build the foundation for long-term success.   Preparing for Your Child's First ABA Therapy Visit   The first ABA therapy session is a significant step for both your child and your family. Knowing how to prepare yourself and your child is therefore important for a smooth, positive experience.   While... --- ### Why Grapevine Families Trust Our Applied Behavior Center for Autism  - Published: 2025-02-26 - Modified: 2025-02-27 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/why-grapevine-families-trust-our-applied-behavior-center-for-autism/ - Categories: Applied Behavior - Tags: ABA Therapy Grapevine, Applied Behavior Analysis, Certified ABA Providers, Evidence-Based Autism Therapy, Holistic Autism Care Families in Grapevine searching for quality autism therapy need a provider they can trust. The Applied Behavior Center for Autism offers a research-backed approach using ABA therapy, an effective method to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) develop essential skills. With personalized treatment plans, certified professionals, and a holistic support system, our center has become a top choice for families. This article explores the benefits of ABA therapy, the qualities of top ABA therapy providers, and why our center stands out in Grapevine. Why Families in Grapevine Choose Our Applied Behavior Center for Autism  Choosing the right autism therapy center is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Achievement Balance, we are committed to providing evidence-based ABA therapy that helps children develop essential skills, improve communication, and gain independence. As a leading applied behavior center for autism, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs. Our ABA therapy providers work closely with families to ensure a collaborative and supportive approach, helping children thrive in both structured and everyday environments.   1. Evidence-Based ABA Therapy Programs  Our applied behavior center for autism is built on the foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as one of the most effective treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Decades of research show that ABA therapy significantly improves communication, learning abilities, and social skills.   Key benefits of ABA therapy:  Enhancing Communication Skills: Helps children learn verbal and non-verbal ways to express themselves.   Developing Social Interaction: Encourages... --- ### Top ABA Therapy Techniques Every Parent Should Know > Learn key ABA therapy techniques to help children with autism improve communication, behavior, and social skills. - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-techniques/ - Categories: Blog Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By using structured techniques, ABA helps improve communication, social skills, and daily living abilities. Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing these strategies at home to ensure their child progresses.   In this guide, we’ll explore essential ABA therapy techniques and how they can be applied in daily life. We'll also discuss how partnering with an applied behavior center for autism can provide additional support for families. Understanding ABA Therapy  What is ABA Therapy?   ABA therapy is a scientifically backed approach that focuses on understanding and improving behavior. It works by reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing challenging ones through structured intervention. ABA techniques are tailored to each child’s needs and help improve:  Communication and language skills  Social interactions and peer relationships  Academic performance and cognitive abilities  Self-care and independence  Emotional regulation and behavioral management  How ABA Therapy Benefits Children with Autism  ABA therapy is widely recognized for helping children with ASD develop essential life skills. By using evidence-based techniques, it:  Encourages positive behaviors through reinforcement  Breaks down complex skills into manageable steps  Helps children adapt and apply learned skills in different environments  Reduces problem behaviors and teaches alternative communication methods  Many families choose to work with an applied behavior center for autism, where trained professionals customize therapy plans based on the child's specific strengths and challenges.   Essential ABA Therapy Techniques for Parents  Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing ABA therapy techniques... --- ### The Benefits of Speech Therapy for Children: A Parent’s Guide  - Published: 2025-02-14 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/the-benefits-of-speech-therapy-for-children-a-parents-guide/ - Categories: Blog Every child deserves the ability to communicate effectively. For some, speech and language development happen naturally, but for others, it may require professional support. Speech therapy for children is a vital tool that helps improve communication skills, social interactions, and academic performance. Whether your child struggles with pronunciation, comprehension, or social communication, speech therapy can offer life-changing benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore what speech therapy is, how to recognize if your child needs it, the benefits of therapy, and how parents can support their child’s speech development at home. What Is Speech Therapy for Children?   Speech therapy is a specialized treatment aimed at helping children overcome communication challenges. It is conducted by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and oral-motor disorders. How Speech Therapy Works  Speech therapy sessions are tailored to the child’s specific needs and may include:  Speech articulation exercises to improve pronunciation. Language intervention activities to enhance vocabulary and grammar. Oral-motor therapy for children with swallowing and feeding difficulties. Social communication training for children struggling with interaction. Sessions may be conducted in private clinics, schools, or via teletherapy, depending on the child’s needs.   Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy  Recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in your child's communication development. Below are some common indicators that a child may benefit from speech therapy. Common Signs of Speech and Language Delays  Limited vocabulary or inability to form simple sentences by age 2.   Struggling with pronunciation or unclear speech by age... --- ### How Early Intervention Makes a Difference for Children with Autism  > Early autism intervention boosts communication, social, and life skills. Discover how therapies like ABA can support your child's growth. - Published: 2025-02-10 - Modified: 2025-02-12 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/early-intervention-autism-benefits-aba-therapy/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Autism Support, Autism Therapy When it comes to autism, early intervention is one of the most effective ways to support a child’s development. The sooner a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receives specialized support, the better their chances of improving communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors.   From speech therapy to ABA therapy for young children, a range of evidence-based interventions can help children reach their full potential. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of early intervention for autism, its benefits, and how parents and caregivers can take action.   Understanding Early Intervention for Autism  What Is Early Intervention?   Early intervention refers to therapies and services designed to support young children with developmental delays, including autism. These services focus on helping children build essential skills in language, communication, social interaction, and daily functioning.   Typically starts before the age of 3  Includes therapies like ABA, speech, and occupational therapy  Tailored to meet a child’s unique developmental needs  Early intervention is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it involves creating a personalized plan based on a child’s strengths and challenges.   Why Early Intervention Matters  The first few years of life are critical for brain development. Research shows that young children’s brains are highly adaptable, meaning early interventions can have a profound impact on their ability to learn, communicate, and interact with others.   Studies have found that children who receive early intervention services show significant improvements in communication skills, cognitive abilities, and behavior. Delaying intervention, on the other hand, can make it more challenging to address developmental delays... --- ### Speech Therapy for Toddlers: 5 Signs Your Child Could Benefit   > Is your toddler struggling with speech? Learn 5 key signs they may need speech therapy for toddlers in Grapevine and how early intervention can help. - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-12 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-for-toddlers-5-signs-your-child-could-benefit/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Pediatric Speech Therapy As a parent, watching your toddler develop language skills is both exciting and rewarding. Every new word, phrase, and conversation feels like a milestone. But what if your child isn’t meeting these speech and language milestones as expected? While every child develops at their own pace, some toddlers may require extra help to develop strong communication skills.    This is where speech therapy for toddlers can make a difference. Early intervention is key in addressing speech and language delays, helping children improve their ability to express themselves, understand language, and engage socially. If you're in Grapevine and wondering whether your child could benefit from speech therapy for toddlers, here are five key signs to look for.   1. Limited Vocabulary for Their Age By the time toddlers reach the age of two, they should typically have a vocabulary of around 50 words and begin forming simple two-word phrases such as “more milk” or “big truck. ” By age three, their vocabulary should expand to 200–1,000 words, and they should be speaking in short sentences.    However, if your toddler isn’t using at least 50 words by their second birthday or struggles to string words together, it could be a sign of a speech delay. While some children are naturally late talkers, it’s important to differentiate between normal developmental variations and actual speech or language disorders.    How Speech Therapy Helps   Speech therapy for toddlers focuses on increasing vocabulary and improving language development through play-based learning. Therapists use interactive activities, songs, and games to encourage toddlers... --- ### How to Choose the Best ABA Providers in Grapevine, TX   > Discover how to choose the best ABA therapy providers in Grapevine, Texas with our comprehensive guide and things to watch out for - Published: 2025-02-03 - Modified: 2025-02-12 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/best-aba-providers-in-grapevine-texas/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: ABA Therapy Grapevine, ABA therapy programs, Applied Behavior Analysis, Applied behavior center for autism, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Grapevine ABA Choosing the best ABA providers in Grapevine, Texas is one of the most important decisions parents can make. In Grapevine, TX, many families search for quality support to help their child succeed. Research shows that early intervention is key. That is why many parents rely on trusted options like aba providers and skilled teams such as aba therapy providers. In this guide, we explain how to select the best option for your family and offer actionable advice to make the process easier. Here is what you should consider when looking for the best ABA providers in Grapevine, Texas Why the Right ABA Provider Matters   Selecting the proper support is more than a logistical choice. It is a commitment to your child’s future. Every child is unique and deserves personalized care. With quality support, children can improve their social skills, learn effective communication, and overcome challenges.    When you choose a center that welcomes parent involvement, you receive the training and resources needed to reinforce progress at home. A supportive environment can transform your child’s journey. It all starts with making an informed decision based on careful research and thoughtful questions.   Key Factors to Consider   When evaluating service options from the best ABA providers in Grapevine, Texas, consider these important factors. The following sections will help you understand what to look for in a care partner and provide guidance on what questions to ask.    Qualified and Experienced Staff The quality of the team is crucial. Experienced professionals create effective strategies that... --- ### What Does a Behavior Analyst Do? Understanding Their Role in Grapevine > What does a behavior analyst do? Learn how they use ABA therapy, assessments, and personalized plans to support behavior change and developmental growth. - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/what-does-a-behavior-analyst-do-understanding-their-role-in-grapevine/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: aba therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Support, Behavior Analyst, Grapevine ABA Services In Grapevine, families seeking ABA therapy for their children may come across professionals known as behavior analysts. But what exactly does a they do? In this blog, we'll explore the role of these specialists, how they contribute to therapy plans, and why their expertise is essential for families. Whether you’re new to ABA or exploring therapy options, this post will shed light on how these professionals help in promoting developmental progress.   Key Responsibilities of a Behavior Analyst  They are highly trained professionals who work with individuals, especially children with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their primary duties encompass assessments, therapy plans, and progress monitoring.   Assessments  The first step when working with a behavior analyst is usually an in-depth assessment. The professional evaluates the individual’s behavior patterns, learning styles, and specific challenges. This process is crucial for developing a therapy program that suits the individual’s needs. The assessment phase helps create a data-driven foundation for effective interventions.   Developing Therapy Plans  After assessing the individual’s needs, they develops a personalized therapy plan. This plan focuses on specific goals such as communication skills, social behaviors, and academic tasks. The therapy plan is built using scientifically tested methods designed to promote positive changes in behavior. ABA techniques, like reinforcement and prompting, are commonly used to support this process.   Progress Monitoring  Continuous progress monitoring is another key responsibility. They track data regularly to ensure the therapy is effective. By analyzing this data, they can make adjustments to therapy plans as needed. Monitoring... --- ### Applied Behavior Analysis: Understanding the 7 Dimensions and Functional Assessments > Explore the 7 dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis and their role in effective therapy. Learn how ABA services apply these principles for meaningful outcomes. - Published: 2025-01-27 - Modified: 2025-01-27 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/applied-behavior-analysis-understanding-the-7-dimensions-applied-behavior-analysis/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: 7 Dimensions of ABA, aba therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Therapy, Functional Assessments Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach that has been pivotal in improving behaviors, particularly in individuals with autism and developmental disorders. The foundation of ABA therapy lies in its structure, which revolves around the 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis.    These dimensions define the core principles and practices that ensure ABA interventions are effective, measurable, and meaningful. This blog will explore these 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis and also delve into the role of functional assessments in shaping therapy outcomes. Finally, we will examine how Grapevine’s local applied behavior services excel in utilizing these principles.   What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?   Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focuses on modifying behavior to improve social, academic, and daily living skills in individuals. By applying principles from behavioral science, ABA ensures that interventions are data-driven, scientifically backed, and tailored to the individual’s needs.    Central to ABA therapy are the 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis, which provide a clear framework for therapists to develop interventions that produce lasting and meaningful changes. These dimensions are essential for understanding and implementing ABA therapy effectively.   The 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis ensure that interventions are systematic, measurable, and geared towards promoting positive behavior change. Let’s now break down these dimensions in detail to understand how they apply to real-life therapy scenarios.   The 7 Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis Explained  The 7 dimensions of applied behavior analysis serve as the guiding principles of ABA therapy. Each of these dimensions plays a vital role in... --- ### ABA Therapy Techniques: Helping Children Thrive in Grapevine  > Explore ABA therapy techniques in Grapevine, designed to empower children, improve communication, and foster independence through tailored strategies. - Published: 2025-01-25 - Modified: 2025-01-27 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-therapy-techniques-helping-children-thrive-in-grapevine/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: ABA techniques, aba therapy, Autism Support, behavior analysis, child development, developmental delays, evidence-based therapy, Grapevine ABA, positive reinforcement When raising a child with autism or developmental delays, finding the right support can be overwhelming. Navigating the challenges of development can feel daunting, but ABA therapy techniques offer evidence-based strategies designed to address unique developmental challenges, empowering children and their families to achieve milestones that once felt out of reach.    These strategies aren’t just tools—they’re a lifeline for families seeking meaningful progress and greater independence for their children. In Grapevine, these techniques are thoughtfully tailored to meet individual needs, creating a customized pathway for lasting success.   Why Evidence-Based ABA Therapy Techniques Matter  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is grounded in decades of research, offering scientifically validated methods to encourage positive behaviors and reduce challenging ones. These techniques are not just generic solutions; they are uniquely adapted to the specific strengths and needs of each child.    ABA therapy techniques has shown a success rate of over 89% in improving communication and behavioral outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorders. By focusing on measurable outcomes, ABA empowers families to witness tangible improvements in critical areas, including communication, social interaction, and independence.   Families often feel an immense sense of relief and hope when they see their children learning new skills and overcoming challenges through ABA therapy techniques:  A child who struggled to express basic needs begins to communicate using picture cards or words after consistent therapy sessions, enabling more meaningful interactions with their family.   A non-verbal child gains confidence as they successfully use a communication device to request a favorite toy or snack,... --- ### ABA and Speech Therapy: A Combined Approach to Child Development in Grapevine > Discover how Pediatric SLP and ABA therapy together support autism in Grapevine, improving communication and social skills for children. - Published: 2025-01-21 - Modified: 2025-01-21 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-and-speech-therapy-a-pediatric-slp-grapevine/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: ABA Therapy Grapevine, Applied behavior center for autism, Combined Autism Therapy Approaches, Speech Therapy for Autism In Grapevine, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often seek effective interventions to support their child's development. While both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy programs) and Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology (Pediatric SLP) are valuable therapies, their combined approach can yield remarkable results. This blog explores how these therapies complement each other, highlighting the benefits for children and showcasing successful case studies within the Grapevine community.   Understanding the Power of Combined Therapies  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy programs) is a scientifically-backed approach that focuses on observable behaviors. It utilizes systematic interventions to increase desired skills and decrease challenging behaviors. By breaking down complex skills into smaller, more manageable steps, ABA helps children with autism learn and grow.   Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology (Pediatric SLP) focuses on assessing and treating communication disorders, including speech, language, and social communication. SLPs work with children to improve their ability to:  Produce sounds correctly: This includes articulation, fluency, and voice disorders.   Understand and use language: This encompasses receptive and expressive language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, and following directions.   Communicate effectively: This involves social communication skills, such as understanding and using nonverbal cues, engaging in conversation, and navigating social situations.   The Synergy of ABA and Speech Therapy  When combined, ABA and speech therapy programs create a powerful synergy that can significantly enhance a child's development. Here's how these therapies complement each other:  Communication Enhancement: ABA can target specific communication skills like requesting, labeling, and turn-taking. For example, an ABA therapist might use picture cards to teach a... --- ### Speech Therapy for Toddlers in Grapevine: Early Intervention That Works > Discover expert pediatric speech therapy for toddlers in Grapevine. Early intervention can enhance your child's communication skills. Schedule a free consultation today! - Published: 2025-01-17 - Modified: 2025-01-21 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-for-toddlers-in-grapevine-early-intervention-that-works/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: ABA and Speech Therapy, Autism Communication Skills, Early Intervention, Language Development in Toddlers, Pediatric Speech Therapy, Speech Therapy for Toddlers Communication is the foundation of human connection. For toddlers, learning to speak is a thrilling journey filled with joyful milestones. They begin to babble, imitate sounds, and gradually build their vocabulary, exploring the world around them through the magic of language. This period of rapid development is crucial for their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. However, some toddlers may face challenges in developing their speech and language skills. Recognizing these challenges early on and seeking professional help can significantly impact their future communication abilities and overall well-being. The Importance of Early Intervention in Pediatric Speech Therapy Early intervention is crucial for children experiencing speech and language delays. The younger a child receives speech therapy, the more effectively they can learn and develop essential communication skills. The human brain is incredibly plastic during early childhood, making it an ideal time for intervention and maximizing the benefits of therapy. Pediatric speech therapy focuses on addressing a wide range of challenges, including: Articulation difficulties This encompasses challenges with pronouncing sounds correctly, such as lisps (difficulty pronouncing the "s" sound), substitutions (e. g. , saying "wabbit" for "rabbit"), and omissions (e. g. , leaving out sounds). Language delays This may include difficulties with vocabulary development, grammar, and understanding and using language in social situations. Children may have limited vocabulary, struggle to form complex sentences, or have difficulty understanding and following instructions. For example, a child may have difficulty understanding and following multi-step directions, such as "Put your toys away and then wash your hands. " Fluency disorders Stuttering or... --- ### ABA and Speech Therapy: A Combined Approach to Child Development in Grapevine > Discover how combining ABA therapy and Pediatric SLP enhances communication and social skills for children with autism in Grapevine. Get expert support today! - Published: 2025-01-14 - Modified: 2025-01-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-and-pediatric-slp-a-combined-approach-to-child-development-in-grapevine/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: ABA and Speech Therapy, aba therapy, ABA therapy programs, Applied behavior center for autism, Autism Communication Skills, Autism Support, Autism Therapy, Behavioral Therapy for Autism, Early Intervention Autism, Grapevine Autism Services, Pediatric SLP, Social Skills for Autism, Speech Therapy for Autism In Grapevine, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often seek effective interventions to support their child's development. While both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy programs) and Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology (Pediatric SLP) are valuable therapies, their combined approach can yield remarkable results. This blog explores how these therapies complement each other, highlighting the benefits for children and showcasing successful case studies within the Grapevine community. Understanding the Power of Combined Therapies Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy programs) is a scientifically-backed approach that focuses on observable behaviors. It utilizes systematic interventions to increase desired skills and decrease challenging behaviors. By breaking down complex skills into smaller, more manageable steps, ABA helps children with autism learn and grow. Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology (Pediatric SLP) focuses on assessing and treating communication disorders, including speech, language, and social communication. SLPs work with children to improve their ability to: Produce sounds correctly: This includes articulation, fluency, and voice disorders. Understand and use language: This encompasses receptive and expressive language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, and following directions. Communicate effectively: This involves social communication skills, such as understanding and using nonverbal cues, engaging in conversation, and navigating social situations. The Synergy of ABA and Speech Therapy When combined, ABA and speech therapy programs create a powerful synergy that can significantly enhance a child's development. Here's how these therapies complement each other: Communication Enhancement ABA can target specific communication skills like requesting, labeling, and turn-taking. For example, an ABA therapist might use picture cards to teach a... --- ### Understanding The Difference: CBT Vs Talk Therapy > Learn the key differences between CBT and Talk Therapy. Explore which approach suits your child’s needs for emotional and behavioral support. - Published: 2024-12-31 - Modified: 2025-01-03 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/cbt-vs-talk-therapy-differences/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: mental health, therapy options Choosing the right therapy for your child’s mental health can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, understanding the key differences between therapies is essential—especially when it comes to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Talk Therapy. Both approaches are widely used to address emotional and behavioral challenges, but they differ significantly in their methods, goals, and outcomes. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between CBT vs Talk Therapy, helping you decide which might be the best fit for your child, particularly if they’re on the autism spectrum. Whether you’re seeking practical behavioral strategies or a deeper exploration of emotional well-being, you’ll find insights here to guide your decision. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach focused on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns. It’s a popular choice for treating anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges, making it especially useful for children with autism who may struggle with specific triggers or emotions. CBT Helps Children: Recognize negative or unhelpful thoughts. Challenge these thoughts with evidence or alternative perspectives. Replace them with more realistic and positive thinking patterns. Practical Examples of CBT Techniques Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help children notice patterns and triggers in their thinking. For instance, a child might write about feeling anxious before entering a noisy room, helping them identify and work through sensory sensitivities. Role-playing: Practicing difficult conversations, such as asking a teacher for help, can reduce anxiety in social interactions. Exposure Therapy: Gradually facing fears... --- ### Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises: Managing Anxiety with Proven Techniques > Discover proven CBT exercises for anxiety. Learn practical techniques like mindfulness, thought reframing, and exposure therapy to build resilience. - Published: 2024-12-25 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/cbt-exercises-anxiety-management/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: anxiety management, CBT techniques Anxiety can be tough, whether you're experiencing it yourself or helping a child navigate through it. The good news is that there are effective tools, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that can make a real difference. Backed by research, CBT provides actionable steps to reshape negative thinking patterns and reduce anxiety's impact on daily life. This guide is designed to walk you through practical CBT exercises for anxiety, how they work, and how you can use them in everyday situations. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or individual struggling with anxiety, these strategies are relatable, evidence-based, and easy to implement. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Before diving into specific exercises, it’s helpful to understand what CBT is and why it’s so effective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that lead to distressing emotions and behaviors. CBT works by breaking down the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It encourages individuals to challenge automatic negative thoughts and replace them with balanced, realistic perspectives. For instance, instead of spiraling into fear over a small issue, CBT helps you recognize that thought, challenge it, and replace it with a healthier response. Why CBT is Effective for Anxiety CBT has been extensively studied and proven effective for various forms of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and specific phobias. One key reason for its effectiveness is its focus on actionable change. The Science Behind CBT CBT... --- ### Signs of Autism in 3-Year-Olds: What to Look for and How to Get Help > Learn early autism signs in 3-year-olds, from social challenges to speech delays. Early detection leads to better support and developmental outcomes. - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2025-01-03 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-signs-3-year-olds/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism awareness, child development Spotting the early signs of autism in toddlers age 3 can open the door to tailored support and better developmental outcomes. These early years are a critical window for intervention, making it essential to understand what to look for and how to respond. If you’re unsure about your child’s behavior or milestones, this guide will help you identify potential signs and take the right steps for their well-being. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a broad and nuanced condition, meaning every child’s experience is unique. Some children may require significant support, while others develop independence with minimal assistance. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions for your child. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) You might have heard the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but aren’t exactly sure what it means. Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. The term "spectrum" indicates that autism presents differently in every individual, with varying levels of support needs. What Does “Spectrum” Mean? The spectrum includes: Level 1 Autism: Mild symptoms where individuals may require minimal support. Level 2 Autism: Moderate symptoms requiring more substantial help, especially in communication and social interaction. Level 3 Autism: Severe symptoms needing intensive support for daily functioning. Other Challenges That May Co-Exist with Autism Autism often co-occurs with other developmental or medical conditions, such as: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Heightened or diminished responses to sensory input, like light, sound, or touch. ADHD: Difficulty focusing or hyperactivity that overlaps with autism... --- ### A Guide to the Different Levels of Autism Explained > Read about the different types or levels of autism spectrum disorder in our blog. Also learn how parents and caregivers can support children with Autism. - Published: 2024-11-12 - Modified: 2025-01-03 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/levels-of-autism/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: levels of autism Navigating the world of autism can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you're trying to figure out where your child or student fits within the Autism Spectrum Levels. Knowing which level of support a person needs can make a huge difference in their development and daily life. This guide breaks down the three levels of autism, how they manifest, and what you can do to provide the right support. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this information can help you understand the best ways to assist someone on the autism spectrum. Let’s dive into the details together. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and behave. Every individual with autism is different, which is why we use the term Autism Spectrum Disorder Levels. Some individuals may need minimal support, while others require significant help with everyday tasks. Understanding these differences is key to providing the right kind of assistance. Common Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Difficulty with social interactions (avoiding eye contact, struggling to understand social cues). Challenges in communication (either nonverbal, delayed speech, or difficulty with conversation). Repetitive behaviors (lining up toys, repeating phrases, hand-flapping). Intense focus on specific interests or routines (difficulty handling change). Sensory sensitivities (being overly sensitive to lights, sounds, or textures). The Three Levels of Autism The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) categorizes autism into three levels of autism, which helps caregivers and professionals determine the appropriate level of... --- ### What Is ABA Therapy? A Practical Guide for Parents > Discover what ABA therapy is in this practical guide for parents and caregivers, covering its methods, benefits, and how it supports children's development. - Published: 2024-10-29 - Modified: 2025-01-03 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/applied-behavioral-analysis/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis When your child shows developmental delays or is diagnosed with autism, finding the right therapy can feel overwhelming. You want to provide the best care, but knowing where to start can be tough. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective treatments for children with autism, offering structured support to help your child grow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy—how it works, why it’s important, and how it can support your child’s unique needs. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, you’ll find practical insights to help you make informed decisions for your child. What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy? In simple terms, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that focuses on how behavior works. It looks at how behaviors are learned, why they happen, and how they can be changed. Think of it this way: ABA uses a system of rewards to encourage positive behaviors and reduce negative ones. For example, if your child struggles with social interactions, ABA therapy breaks down social skills into smaller, manageable steps. Then, therapists use positive reinforcement (like praise or rewards) to help the child practice those skills until they come naturally. Key Points to Remember: ABA therapy is based on behavioral science. It helps children learn new skills and manage their behavior. It’s personalized to fit the specific needs of each child. Applied Behavior Analysis Definition: The Applied Behavior Analysis definition refers to a therapy based... --- ### CBT for Childhood Depression > Discover how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can effectively treat childhood depression by addressing negative thought patterns and improving emotional well-being. - Published: 2024-09-27 - Modified: 2024-11-04 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/cbt-for-childhood-depression/ - Categories: Uncategorized Childhood depression is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. While sadness is a normal part of life, persistent feelings of hopelessness and lack of interest in activities are red flags for depression. Early intervention is crucial to help children manage depression and develop healthy coping mechanisms, and one of the most effective approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on teaching children how to recognize and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors. This blog will explore how CBT is used to treat childhood depression, the techniques involved, and the role of parents in the process. Understanding Childhood Depression Childhood depression differs from normal mood swings or temporary emotional responses to life events. It is a mental health condition that affects not only the child’s mood but also their behavior, energy levels, and overall ability to function. Some symptoms of childhood depression include: Persistent sadness or irritability Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed Difficulty concentrating Changes in appetite and sleep patterns Low energy or fatigue Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Depression in children is often overlooked because it may manifest differently than in adults. For instance, while adults may isolate themselves or vocalize their feelings of sadness, children often exhibit irritability or anger. According to the CDC, an estimated 3. 2% of children aged 3-17 in the U. S. suffer from depression. Early intervention through therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is essential in helping these children manage their symptoms and... --- ### Understanding Autism and Co-occurring Conditions > Identifying co-occurring conditions can help providers tailor treatment strategies that address both health issues leading to better outcomes. - Published: 2024-02-09 - Modified: 2025-01-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-co-occurring-conditions/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, children, co-occurring For parents of neurodivergent loved ones, there is a lot to learn. Co-occurring conditions in autism, also known as comorbidities, refer to additional medical or mental health conditions that an individual may experience alongside autism. It is crucial to be aware of co-occurring disorders in autism because they can have a significant impact on a person's overall well-being, behaviors, and how others treat them, which often complicates daily experiences. Identifying co-occurring disorders can help healthcare providers tailor treatment strategies that address both autism and any other health issues, ultimately leading to better outcomes and quality of life for everyone affected. According to the Autism Research Institute, comorbidities common in autism may include: Anxiety Disorders Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Depression Epilepsy Gastrointestinal and immune function disorders Bipolar disorder (BP) Sleep disorders The symptoms of co-occurring conditions in autism can manifest in many ways. Some of the most common symptoms of co-occurring disorders in autism include excessive worry, general sadness, insomnia, and difficulties with impulse control. Additionally, many individuals may experience impairment in social functioning, communication and challenges with attention and focus. For instance, a person with autism who also struggles with anxiety may find it challenging to socialize, participate in school or work, or take part in other activities they enjoy. Understanding the overlap between autism and co-occurring disorders is crucial for providing the proper support because, in most cases, these disorders can further complicate autism and contribute to additional challenges for affected individuals and their families, making it... --- ### Splinter Skills > Learn about what splinter skills are, how they develop, and ways to support children with autism as they build these specialized abilities. - Published: 2024-02-02 - Modified: 2024-11-04 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/splinter-skills/ - Categories: Blog Splinter skills, also known as islands of ability, are areas of proficiency that individuals with autism may have in specific domains, such as math, music, or art. These skills can be improved and generalized with a few helpful strategies. First, it's essential to identify the individual's splinter skills. This can be done by observing their behavior and noting their areas of strength and interest. Once their unique skills have been identified, we can use them as a foundation for teaching new skills. For example, if someone is talented in art, we can use art concepts to teach other subjects like science or history. Consistent practice and repetition are crucial to improving and generalizing splinter skills to other areas. Encouraging the individual to practice their splinter skills regularly can help them to improve their proficiency. We can also provide them opportunities to apply their skills in other areas, like using their math skills to solve real-world problems. Collaboration can also help improve and generalize splinter skills. Working with others who share similar interests can help individuals with autism develop their social skills and learn from others. This can also broaden their perspectives and help them think creatively. Finally, technology can be a valuable tool for improving and generalizing splinter skills. There are many apps and programs available that can help individuals with autism to practice and develop their skills. These tools can be customized to meet individual needs and interests. It's important to note that each individual with autism is unique... --- ### Thank you for supporting our small business!! > Thank you for supporting our small business! We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service. Discover more! - Published: 2023-06-13 - Modified: 2025-01-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/thank-supporting-small-business/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, Small business, Thank you We were founded in Flower Mound, Texas in March of 2015. We saw a need in our community; so, we rose to the challenge and created an environment that would nurture children and their family while growing their hearts and minds as they strive to reach their highest level of independence. We asked ourselves what we would want for our own children. Our answer: instilling values that are good, true, compassionate, and empathetic in the future members of our communities. When we get feedback from our families, we take immense joy that we are making a profound difference in their homes and in the lives of their children. We continue to see how our therapy approach encourages our clients and their families to grow and develop. You can rest assured that we will continue to stand firm in our values and our mission of meeting your family exactly where you need support! We would like to thank our families, staff and community that continue to support our small business; you are appreciated! --- ### Growth Mindset compared to Fixed Mindset - Published: 2022-12-05 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/growth-mindset-compared-fixed-mindset/ - Categories: Blog Is Mindset Important for a Developing Child? Children thrive on pleasing their parents; when your child does something well you should praise them! Have you ever said, “you are so smart” or “you are so talented”? It’s not that simple, as the way you praise them can impact their confidence and drive. As an example, when our son started hockey 16 years ago and was learning to skate, we saw this as an opportunity to try out a growth mindset. We were determined to focus on praising his effort since we knew learning to skate would be potentially frustrating. We talked with him beforehand about how hard it would be, that he would fall a lot, but getting back up and trying again was most important. After each lesson we were enthusiastic about his efforts. Were we successful? After a rough start, his skating improved towards the end of the eight-week session. He even started coming off the ice enthused about the progress he had made and how hard he worked. Even though he was not the fastest or best skater on the ice he was proud of his own resilience and what HE accomplished. As parents, we were bursting with pride for him! My husband and I noticed some patterns at home and school. He would only attempt tasks that he felt confident or had already possessed a level of skill. As it turns out, what we were doing when we were praising his natural ability was feeding into his ‘fixed mindset’. With a... --- ### IEP Compared to 504 Plan - Important Things to Know  > Children with autism quickly learn routines. They are naturally motivated to repeat tasks, but they also have the tendency to get obsessed... - Published: 2022-08-18 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/iep-compared-504-plan-important-things-know-2/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: 504, IEP, school, special education IEP Compared to 504 Plan - Important Things to Know  When you have a child with a developmental disability, the lingo can seem very confusing and overwhelming at times.   Depending on your child’s diagnosis, they may qualify to receive either a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Understanding the Differences A 504 Plan refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities, including elementary, secondary or post-secondary schooling. A 504 Plan specifies modifications and accommodations that will be needed for students to have an opportunity to perform at the same level as their peers. The plan may include learning aids such as an extra set of textbooks or an audio recorder for taking notes. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) specifies special education services your child will receive and why.  It will include your child’s classification, placement, services (one-on-one aide, therapies, etc. ), academic and behavioral goals, a behavior plan if needed, percentage of time in regular education, and progress reports from teachers and therapists. The difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP is that a 504 Plan, which falls under civil-rights law, is an attempt to remove barriers and allow students with disabilities to participate freely.  The 504 Plan seeks to level the playing field so that those students can safely pursue the same opportunities as their peers. An IEP, which falls under the Individuals with... --- ### Cafeteria Sensory Overload > Stay up to date with recent blogs and developments. Learn about recent studies and from Achievement Balance. - Published: 2022-08-11 - Modified: 2024-10-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/cafeteria-sensory-overload/ - Categories: Blog Cafeteria Sensory Overload The school cafeteria hits the senses with a wide array of sensory experiences all at once. Some children, especially those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), can find the lunchtime experience overwhelming because of some or all of the sensory aspects of a cafeteria. Preparing your child or student for this part of the school day can help them enjoy, not dread, lunchtime. Location, location, location - Where a child sits in the cafeteria can greatly affect their behavior and sensory input. For example, a child who is easily visually distracted should be sat so that he or she is facing away from the entire room, which will help them so they can focus on their meal. For a child with sensitivity to smells, make sure they are sat as far away from the lunch line as possible. Help the child advocate for themselves - Children with SPD can feel when they’re starting to get overwhelmed by whatever sensory stimulus is bothering them, but they can have a hard time explaining it to others. Teach the child that when they start feeling bad, upset, or their “engine” is running too fast (or any other term you use when your child is escalating) they should tell their teacher that they need a break. This could be a movement break, or some quiet time in a hall or designated quiet space. Give the child a fidget toy - This is a small toy the child can fidget with, ideally, without... --- ### How to Choose an ABA Provider > This blog provides essential tips on selecting the right ABA therapy provider for your child. Learn what qualifications to look for and questions to ask. - Published: 2021-09-23 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/choose-aba-provider/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: aba, caseload, choosing a provider Choosing an ABA provider can be overwhelming and confusing; below are a few things to consider when choosing an ABA provider to ensure you are finding the best fit for you and your child! Scope of Practice and Caseloads Scope of practice is a term that simply means that healthcare professionals should ethically only treat populations and use procedures/processes in which they have specific education and training. For example, if a BCBA has only worked with the pediatric population, it would be outside their scope of practice to treat adults. It is important to ask the potential ABA therapy practice if they have BCBAs with experience treating patients with the specific behaviors, traits, and age of your child. This will help to ensure safety and maximum progress. It is also important to ask how much experience they have as the experience of the BCBA treating your child will have an impact on the outcome. There is no substitute for experience! It is critically important that BCBA’s do not exceed a manageable caseload. If a BCBA is personally overseeing a caseload than cannot be managed in an average work week that would indicate that your child will not be properly supervised or that the staff working directly with your child will not be properly trained. The Behavioral Analysis Certification Board (BACB) recommends that BCBAs should not manage a caseload greater than 120 hours per month. At Achievement Balance Community, LLC our BCBAs manage caseloads of less than 100 hours per month... . --- ### Tips for families while at home > If you live in the DFW area, Achievement Balance is here to help with all of your Autism Services needs. Give our team a call today for more info! - Published: 2020-03-25 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/tips-families-home/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: crisis, family, tips Tips for families while at home during this crisis Days off school are the best days of the year for many kids. Many of us have fond memories of waking to our parent telling us that school was closed for the day due to snow (or for those of us in North Texas – Ice). No one could have imagined we would be faced with weeks of school closures, stay in place orders, or working from home for extended periods of time. These days can be challenging for children with unique needs, especially those who rely heavily on structure or sensory stimulation. We prepared some tips you can use to help make the most out of your day at home with your child: Play some calm music. Give your child a chance to unwind with some headphones and a soothing playlist. If they feel like dancing, give them space and let them shake out their sillies. Make them a new visual schedule. You can use their computer, their phone, a whiteboard, or a piece of paper for this. What you want to do is give them something visual that they can use to understand that their schedule will be different. Have them play outside.  Let them run around the backyard or take them for a walk around the block (while maintaining proper social distancing). Keep their energy up and their spirits high! Do a puzzle together.  Puzzles are a soothing way to pass the time while also engaging the mind. Make an... --- ### The difference between positive and negative reinforcement > Learn the key differences between positive and negative reinforcement and how they impact behavior. Discover practical insights on reinforcement techniques. - Published: 2020-02-28 - Modified: 2024-11-11 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/difference-positive-negative-reinforcement/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: autism, behavior, reinforcement Difference between positive and negative reinforcement In operant conditioning, reinforcement is used to help increase the probability that a specific behavior will occur with the delivery of a stimulus or item immediately after a response or behavior is exhibited. The use of these procedures has been used with both typical and atypical developing children, teenagers, elderly, animals, and to treat some psychological disorders. There are two types of reinforcement: positive and negative. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Positive Reinforcement This is a very powerful and effective tool to help shape and change behavior. It works by presenting a motivating item to the person after the desired behavior is exhibited, making the behavior more likely to happen in the future. The following are some examples of positive reinforcement: A mother gives her son candy for cleaning up his toys. A little girl receives $5. 00 for doing chores. Negative Reinforcement This is when a certain stimulus item is removed after a behavior is exhibited. The likelihood of the behavior occurring again in the future is increased because of removing/avoiding the negative stimuli. It should not be thought of as a punishment procedure. With negative reinforcement, you are increasing a behavior, whereas with punishment, you are decreasing a behavior. The following are some examples of negative reinforcement: Billy hates when his mom nags him to do the dishes. He starts to do the dishes immediately after finishing a meal to avoid his mother’s nagging. Lisa always complains... --- ### Helping Children Handle Aggression > Explore expert tips to help your child manage anger in a positive way and improve their wellbeing. Learn more from Achievement Balance specialists. - Published: 2020-01-13 - Modified: 2024-11-11 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/helping-children-handle-aggression/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: aggression, autism, parents Helping Children Handle Aggression Aggressive behavior needs serious attention soon after it occurs. It may be predictive of more serious disruptive behavior disorders in later phases of development. Mental health professionals consider disruptive behavior a disorder when the behaviors are frequent and intense which reach a level that negatively impacts a child’s social, academic, or interpersonal domains. Since disruptive behavior seen in the preschool and grade school years can predict serious health and behavioral problems in adolescence; it is highly recommended that you intervene as early as possible. How Parents Can Help with Childhood Aggression? Participate in parent training with a qualified behavior therapist to learn new techniques for behavior management Read behavior management literature suggested by professionals, such as Families (Patterson, 1971) and Living with Children(Patterson & Gullion, 1968) Pay attention to and reward appropriate behavior. Ignore minor offenses. Model and role play alternatives to aggression with your child. Create a story line with characters they prefer and set up hypothetical situations. Prompt them to practice healthy emotional expression and solve the problems you are presenting in positive ways. Give effective directions that are short and easy to understand. For example, “no hitting” said in the right way can be more effective than a long explanation about why it is wrong or why you are upset. Create family rules for everyone in the house to follow, including zero tolerance for aggression and outlined consequences. Don’t forget to include the behaviors you do want to see from them. Make sure your child understands that you are not upset... --- ### New Year’s Eve and Autism: Preparing Your Child for the Countdown - Published: 2019-12-30 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/new-years-eve-autism-preparing-child-countdown-2/ - Categories: Uncategorized Fireworks, loud music, bright lights, and busy crowds—New Year’s Eve can be a period of panic and anxiety for children dealing with autism. This time of the year brings about overwhelming sensory input, with sights and sounds that are often overbearing. It also brings unexpected changes in schedules and an increase in social interaction; and, lest we forget, loud, booming fireworks. Autism, Sensory Issues, and Noise Sensitivity Children diagnosed with autism have always had to deal with sensory issues. According to a published study of  the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children with autism show hypersensitivity in the regions of the brain that process sensory information and emotions when exposed to “irritating noises or images. ” These children have adverse responses to specific sounds, smells, sights, and movement. It’s also common for a child dealing with the disorder to have trouble filtering out background sounds. This means New Year’s Eve could be a stressful time for children with the condition. What Can Parents Do? Preparation is necessary. Perhaps watch YouTube videos of New Year’s Eve fireworks with your son or daughter on the days leading up to the event. Prepare some sensory-friendly activities, too. Make a New Year’s Eve-themed sensory bottle or bin, which can be reassuring for kids who suffer from sensory issues. Fill that bin with balloons, streamers, confetti, glow sticks—or whatever else your kids might enjoy. Remember that every child with autism is different, however. A coping mechanism for one child might not... --- ### The Importance of Visual Schedules and Calendars > Learn the importance of visual schedules and calendars in supporting children and time management skills for better development. - Published: 2019-11-18 - Modified: 2024-11-18 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/importance-visual-schedules-calendars/ - Categories: Blog Importance of Visual Schedules and Calendars Holidays can bring about a more relaxed schedule that is filled with fun activities: family vacations, baking, day trips, decorating, and shopping. However, children with sensory processing difficulties or anxiety tend to prefer a very predictable schedule and may feel uneasy during this time. When there is a change in routine or something new is thrown into the day, that element of predictability disappears, and the child can become anxious, upset and possibly act out as a result. He or she may not know what to expect and how to plan for new sensory experiences. After all, with each new activity comes a plethora of new sensory input such as sound, touch, movement, and sight. A visual calendar that identifies daily and weekly schedule changes can help children with sensory processing difficulties or children who have a hard time transitioning feel more comfortable with their holiday routine. Our Applied Behavior Analysis Services incorporate visual schedules as a tool to support behavior modification and improve task completion for individuals with autism and related disorders. Tips for Using A Visual Calendar or Schedule with Your Child: Use a calendar large enough to write down daily and weekly activities. Review the calendar with your child daily so he or she knows what to expect for the day and for the weeks ahead. For example, “Today we will go to Grandma’s house. In 2 days, you will see your cousin. ” Cross off the days as they conclude and review what... --- ### Thanksgiving Guide for Picky Eaters - Published: 2019-11-11 - Modified: 2024-07-04 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/thanksgiving-guide-picky-eaters/ - Categories: Blog Thanksgiving Guide for Picky Eaters Thanksgiving - for some kids, it’s their favorite meal that comes just once a year! For others, they may dread the sticky mashed potatoes that get plopped on their plate or the smell of Aunt Jean’s green bean casserole. Preparing your picky eater for this time of year might help you avoid the epic battle you fear is coming! Here are 5 tips to help this time of year be fun and festive: Exposure! - Don’t let the Thanksgiving meal be the first time your picky eater sees all the new foods. Thanksgiving foods are not commonly seen throughout the year and can add stress to an already overwhelming situation. In the weeks leading up to the big meal, try to incorporate one or two Thanksgiving-type foods a week into your family meals or snacks. Even if they don’t want to eat it, they can touch it, smell it, play with it, and talk about it! Encourage your child to be your sous chef - Incorporating your picky eater into the cooking and creating of meals gives them a varied sensory experience, even if it’s a food they’ve never had or have tried and disliked. This enables them to see and feel the ingredients, use spoons and mixers to combine it all, smell the final product, and feel accomplished for helping! Let your child choose something to make- Allowing your child to choose a menu item guarantees they will have something they like! Macaroni and cheese, mozzarella stick... --- ### Why Does My Child Need A Diagnosis? > An appropriate diagnosis is intended to help develop the most effective means of intervention. - Published: 2019-10-28 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/why-diagnosis-necessary/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: aba, CBT, diagnosis, stigma Why does my child need a diagnosis? “I don’t want to label my child. ” “Teachers are biased against diagnosed children. ” “My son doesn’t act like most kids with _________ (particular diagnosis). ” These are statements we hear on a routine basis, and they are all valid points. Any diagnosis that a child or adolescent receives may have a certain stigma to it; this is human nature. The goal of this blog is to help identify the importance of obtaining an appropriate diagnosis for your child. How a diagnosis can help your child? First and foremost, an appropriate diagnosis will help explain and answer the “why” questions you may have: Why does my child continue to struggle to read? Why is it impossible for my child to sit still? Why is it that my child cannot make or keep friends? Once we identify the “whys,” we are on our way to solving the problems.   An appropriate diagnosis is intended to help develop the most effective means of intervention. If a child is diagnosed with dyslexia, we know that traditional teaching of reading and phonics may not be effective. We would know the best outcome can be achieved by utilizing an empirical approach consistent with the disorder at hand. All interventions, whether we are engaging in occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive behavior therapy or applied behavior analysis (ABA), need to be shaped by the child’s diagnosis. Research-based interventions define expectations for the child depending on the classifications. If we have a child with dyslexia, we would prefer... --- ### IEP Compared to 504 Plan - Important Things to Know  > Understand the differences between IEPs and 504 Plans. Discover key insights to choose the right path for your child's educational needs. Learn more here! - Published: 2019-10-14 - Modified: 2024-10-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/iep-compared-504-plan-important-things-know/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: 504, aba, autism, IDEA, IEP, special education When you have a child with a developmental disability, the lingo can seem very confusing and overwhelming at times.   Depending on your child’s diagnosis, they may qualify to receive either a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Understanding the Differences A 504 Plan refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities, including elementary, secondary or post-secondary schooling. A 504 Plan specifies modifications and accommodations that will be needed for students to have an opportunity to perform at the same level as their peers. The plan may include learning aids such as an extra set of textbooks or an audio recorder for taking notes. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) specifies special education services your child will receive and why.  It will include your child’s classification, placement, services (one-on-one aide, therapies, etc. ), academic and behavioral goals, a behavior plan if needed, percentage of time in regular education, and progress reports from teachers and therapists. The difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP is that a 504 Plan, which falls under civil-rights law, is an attempt to remove barriers and allow students with disabilities to participate freely.  The 504 Plan seeks to level the playing field so that those students can safely pursue the same opportunities as their peers. An IEP, which falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is much more concerned with providing... --- ### Why are transitions so difficult? - Published: 2019-10-07 - Modified: 2024-10-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/why-are-transitions-so-difficult/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: difficult, transitions Do the statements below sound familiar for you and your child? My child can’t make it down the hallway in school without causing a disruption. My child seems to have had a good day at school and then whines incessantly before dinnertime. My child’s bedtime routine takes forever and is not enjoyable for anyone. My child does fine in the classroom for major subjects but falls apart in the lunchroom or during specials. My child acts out whenever there is a substitute teacher or a new babysitter. Car rides can become a nightmare. You may be asking yourself, “why are these situations happening? ” All of us do better when routines are structured and predictable, but some of us are particularly sensitive to changes in routines, disruptions, or unexpected events. Some children do not have the organization or planning skills essential to move through a normal day smoothly and are stressed even more when faced with something new. Some children don’t fully understand or remember routines and are acutely sensitive to anxiety, changes in mood or boredom. Some children may have problems with attention or language processing and miss details. Others have problems processing the whole picture and get stuck on partial pieces of information. Sensory issues with personal space, noise, light and temperature can be present that can make a child under or over responsive to environmental demands. Developmental delays can make it difficult for some children to meet our expectations. Situational stressors can compromise a child’s normally adequate coping mechanisms... . --- ### Tantrum vs Meltdown: Defining the Differences (Part 2) - Published: 2019-09-25 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/tantrum-vs-meltdown-defining-differences-2/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Autism Meltdown, Autism Tantrum When discussing behaviors of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the word “meltdown” is often used to describe high intensity behaviors. Meltdowns and tantrums are both high intensity behaviors that can look similar but are significantly different behaviors each with their own sets of antecedents (triggers) and consequences (responses) for the behavior. By understanding the distinction between the two, we can better design proactive strategies and responses. When someone is displaying tantrum behavior, they are actively choosing their behaviors. A meltdown develops when someone is reacting instinctively to their environment without control of their behavior. To better define those differences and be able to functionally address each, comparisons should be made. The following questions can help determine if an individual is having a tantrum or meltdown: Does the intensity vary? When an individual is having a tantrum, their intensity can fluctuate repeatedly and involve planning. For instance, the person could be physically aggressive (hitting, kicking, etc. ) for a minute and then stop to look around the room to find something to break, but then go back to aggression after standing calmly for ten seconds. Meltdowns display either a constant intensity of behavior or a constant escalation of behavior without pauses. Is the individual looking for a reaction? Tantrums are related to someone wanting a specific outcome such as attention, escape, to avoid something, or getting access to something (toy, trip outside, TV program, etc. ) During the tantrum, the individual may be doing things that they believe will influence the... --- ### Executive Functioning > Explore executive functioning skills essential for academic and personal success. Discover strategies to enhance these skills for all ages. Start now! - Published: 2019-09-16 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/executive-functioning/ - Categories: Blog Executive functioning is the manager of the brain; it’s in charge of making sure things get done from the planning stages of the job to the final deadline. When children have challenges with executive functioning, any task that requires planning, organization, memory, time management and flexible thinking becomes a challenge. The more you know about the challenges, the better you’ll be able to help your child build executive skills and manage the difficulties. At this point you may be asking yourself, what are executive functions? How do they impact learning and everyday life? Executive functions consist of several mental skills that help the brain organize and act on information. These skills enable us to plan, organize, remember things, prioritize, pay attention and get started on tasks. They also help us use information and experiences from the past to solve current problems. If your child has executive functioning challenges, any task requiring these skills could be a challenge. How ‘should’ executive functioning typically work? Analyze a task; figure out what needs to be done. Plan how to handle the task. Get organized; break down the plan into a series of steps. Figure out how much time is needed to carry out the plan and set aside the time. Adjust the plan as needed. Finish the task in the time allotted. If executive functioning is working well and the task is simple, the brain may go through these steps in a matter of seconds. If your child has challenges with executive functioning... --- ### Autism Treatments, Therapies, & Services (ABA, CBT, & VBT) > It can be difficult to know which autism treatments are best for you and your unique situation. Let’s learn about ABA, CBT, and VBT together today! - Published: 2019-08-30 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-treatments-therapies-services-aba-cbt-vbt/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: aba therapy, autism treatments, cbt therapy, vbt therapy There are so many emerging and established treatments, therapies, and services for Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. And though the research and emphasis placed on these treatments is great – it can make it difficult to know which is best for you, your family, and your unique situation. That’s why Achievement Balance has decided to share our guide on some of the most common and popular Autism treatments and therapies that we offer, as well as the differentiation between them. This week let’s look at Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Verbal Behavioral Therapy (VBT). ABA Therapy ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is mainly focused on improving specific behaviors and meeting specific goals of an individual or family, this means that ABA isn’t a cookie-cutter plan but looks a little different for every client, patient, or child. It’s actually right in the name – we start out by performing a behavior analysis on the individual, which allows us to learn their strengths and struggles, we then apply that analysis to their unique plan, strategy, and treatment goals. Often for children with ASD, communication and social skills are the main goals of ABA Therapy, however, life skills are often brought in as well – also called Daily Living Skills (DLS). These can include eating, movements, mobility, caring for themselves, and more – essentially all of the skills the individual will need to have the best quality of life and the most independence. Check out what Psychology Today has... --- ### ASD Co-Occurring Disorders & Difficulties: 7 Diagnoses > It's common for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder to be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety, ADHD, or more. Learn more here. - Published: 2019-08-16 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/asd-co-occurring-disorders-7-diagnoses/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: asd, autism, Disorders Oftentimes, a child with ASD will have co-occurring disorders which can make eating, sleeping, or interacting with the world difficult. However, because ASD looks different for everyone, these diagnoses often go unnoticed, and untreated, as they are mistakenly lumped together with ASD symptomology. Let’s set the record straight and use our resources on co-occurring disorders and difficulties to help diagnosing become more clear, helpful, and healing in the future. Sensory Issues Sensory issues are often comorbid with a diagnosis of ASD and can involve both hyper-sensitivities (acting in an over-responsive way to sensory stimuli) and hypo-sensitivities (acting in a way that is considered under-responsive). And when we say ‘sensory stimuli’ we mean: Sights Sounds Smells Touch Tastes Body Awareness And balance Anxiety Anxiety affects under 5% of the general child population, but over 40% of people with Autism. Often breakdowns or meltdowns are due to anxiety as sometimes individuals with Autism have trouble assessing or expressing their emotions. Additionally, anxiety can be caused by certain situations, people, activities, or no trigger at all. But remember, anxiety can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. Depression Over a quarter of individuals with ASD also have depression, and depression rates rise with age. Often it is difficult to diagnose depression, as communication is not always a strength of individuals with ASD and communication challenges can make understanding and labeling depression exceedingly difficult. Common signs of depression are: Feelings of sadness or hopelessness Angry outbursts or irritability Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Sleep issues Lack... --- ### Summer Autism Day Camps & Home Services > Achievement Balance offers Autism day camps all year long, but summer is a great time for your little one to try it out! Read on to learn more! - Published: 2019-07-26 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/summer-autism-day-camps-home-services/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism day camp, day camp Summer often gives us more free time, which makes it a great time to try new things, activities, and programs for your little ones. Achievement Balance offers Autism camps during the day all year long. But summer is a great time to try it out, especially if your little one does well in class environments and misses it during vacation months. We also offer home services if Autism day camps are a bit much for your schedule, but you would still like support services. Our home services help families from right within their own homes and are a huge support for both your child and you. Learn more below! Autism Day Camps If you are looking for a fun and educational activity for your little one this summer, then speak with us about our Autism camps all through the summer (and school year). Our camps run daily from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm and have programs for all ages, from preschool through school-aged children, we have a program that will fit with your goals and your child’s needs. Our Autism day camps are community-based programs that provide your child with fun and social ways to learn generalized skills, such as: Handwriting Social skills Appropriate social skills Frustration tolerance Pragmatic thinking Flexible thinking Sportsmanship Self-regulation Sensory tools And much, much more! These skills are easily transferred to daily situations that they may come upon at school or their daily lives. We try to offer a wide variety of skills and activities at... --- ### Autism After-School: 6 Tips for the Summer > For some families, summer can bring extra stressors and difficulties like childcare, safety, education, therapy, and new routines. - Published: 2019-07-12 - Modified: 2024-12-27 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-6-tips-summer/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: autism, autism awareness, summer, summer tips Summer vacation is everyone’s favorite season, right? Well, for some families, summer can bring extra stressors and difficulties like childcare, safety, education, therapy, and new routines. That’s why Achievement Balance compiled some helpful summer tips for you and your family this hot season. From camps to travel, summer brings a lot of ‘new’ into your family’s routine. Let’s make that transition a smooth one and help your summer float by with minimal hitches, tantrums, or breakdowns. We’re in this together. 1. Avoid Surprises This Summer Having a schedule in your summer can help just like it does during the school year. Review your schedule often with your child and talk about any changes that may be coming up. Surprises can often lead to bad days for children with ASD, so take that out of the equation by making sure communication is clear and schedules are staying as consistent as possible. You can also plan for schedule tweaks, like if you are going to have a long day, bring something that can help entertain your child, so the day doesn’t seem too difficult or drawn out. Sometimes it can help to let your child choose between two activities, depending on their functioning level. Alarms for bathroom breaks, check-ins, or sunscreen reapplication can be a great way to stay organized as well. 2. Snack Better This Summer Make sure you always have healthy snacks when you will be away from home for a few hours. That way you can avoid food that will... --- ### 9 Vacation Tips for Families with Autism > Travelling with an autistic child who relies on routines can be challenging. Here are some tips for a family vacation that supports your child's needs. - Published: 2019-06-28 - Modified: 2024-11-21 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/9-vacation-tips-families-autism/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism pediatrics, family vacation, vacation With summer vacation comes great weather, family time, and travel plans, but also a break from routine, and when you add in travel stressors and plans changing you can quickly go from having a wonderful trip to a difficult vacation. Achievement Balance wants to help your family and children conquer some of the most common difficulties that come with vacations and instead build happy memories! Let’s learn together! Practice at Home Never underestimate the power of practice. Even difficult situations don’t seem so difficult if they aren’t new. So, instead of going into a situation blind, talk to your child and family about what’s going to happen, timelines, and expectations. You can even role play the travel, arrival, or some of the fun activities to help make it seem less foreign and scary, and more manageable for the whole family. Remember, your children take cues from you – so make sure you are calm, happy, and prepared as well! Always Be Prepared Sometimes things still go wrong, and sometimes people get overwhelmed. One of the best things you can realize even before your vacation begins is that you cannot always prepare for everything. Instead of trying to be ready for anything and stressing over everything, be prepared to calm and soothe the small hiccups that will inevitably come along. Be ready to help your child in the event of a tantrum, a meltdown, or when they feel overwhelmed, and be prepared to take a step back... --- ### 9 Statistics That Everyone Should Know About Autism > Explore 9 key facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder, offering valuable insights into understanding and supporting individuals with autism. - Published: 2019-06-14 - Modified: 2024-11-21 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/9-statistics-autism/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism facts, autism myths, autism services Autism, or ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder, affects 1 in 59 children, with a near 15% increase in diagnosis in recent years. However, despite its prevalence, it is still not understood well and public education on ASD is still far behind what it should be or what is already known. Achievement Balance would love to see this change, which is why we have compiled 9 statistics that everyone should know about Autism. Autism is 4 Times as Likely to Be Diagnosed in Boys Than Girls This could be because the symptoms are often more prevalent in boys than in girls, more easily seen, or there could be a link between male and female minds and the occurrence of ASD. All that is known now, is that 1 in 37 boys are diagnosed along the Autism spectrum, while 1 in 151 girls are. Most Children Are Being Diagnosed After Age 4 Early diagnosis and intervention are incredibly important when working with children who have ASD, and our capabilities make diagnosis possible even before two years of age. Unfortunately, most children are still not being diagnosed until after age 4, which means they are losing out on two early years of treatment, intervention, and understanding. Parents Who Have One Child with ASD Have a 2-18% Chance of Having a Second Research does indicate that there is a genetic component in the majority of cases, with children being born to older parents having a higher risk for ASD. Additionally, in identical twin studies... --- ### Occupational, Speech, Physical Therapy, & More! > From ABA occupational therapy to speech therapy, physical therapy to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) we constantly strive to help the DFW community. - Published: 2019-05-30 - Modified: 2025-01-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/occupational-speech-physical-therapy/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: aba occupational therapy, pediatric therapy, physical therapy There are many types of therapy that can help children with ASD or other developmental diagnoses. From occupational therapy to speech therapy, and physical therapy to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Achievement Balance is constantly striving to meet the needs of the children and families in the DFW community. If you don’t know all the differences, benefits, and steps to speech, occupational, and physical therapy, that’s okay – that’s why we’re here to help you understand the services, therapies, and resources available through ABC. But before we dive into these different therapies, let’s review ABA, which is what all of our services revolve around. ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is one of the most effective ways to teach children with special needs. ABA is used to teach a wide variety of skills, including requesting, play skills, academic skills, independent and functional living skills, and social skills. Through ABA practices, we are able to learn about behavior, what fuels it, and create a program tailored to your child and family’s needs. ABA allows our therapists to set goals and strategies that pertain to the goals of your child, not a one-size-fits-all program. So, what is Applied Behavior Analysis? It is a therapy style tasked with observing, understanding, and learning behavior in order to modify it according to the individual’s needs and goals. But ABA can be used in conjunction with many other therapies, which is exactly what we’ll be talking about today. Learn more about ABA at Autismspeaks. org ABA Speech Therapy Why Does... --- ### 7 Steps Against Bullying > Learn 7 effective steps to prevent bullying and create a safer, more supportive environment for children. Read our guide to help stop bullying today! - Published: 2019-05-16 - Modified: 2024-11-25 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/7-steps-prevent-bullying/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: bully, bullying, Pediatrics Bullying is something that many children and teens, unfortunately, have to struggle with. And students with disabilities, including ASD, are much more likely to experience bullying than their nondisabled cohorts. Achievement Balance often deal with the after-effects of bullying in our therapy, services, day-camps, and home-based services. And though there is nothing we can do to fully eradicate all bullying from our children’s lives, there are steps that can be taken to help mitigate the negative effects and help our children avoid the worst of it. Let’s walk this path together and learn about the 7 steps against bullying, so we can create a happier, healthier, more accepting world for our children. Talk About It & Praise Their Differences Avoiding the subject will not save your child, in fact, not talking about bullying, or not being open to the conversation with your child will ultimately hurt them in the long run, as they will not have anyone to go to if it ever happens to them. It can be difficult to first start talking about bullying, but it is important to let your child know that bullying often stems from ‘otherness’ or perceived otherness. However, even if they are bullied for their differences – it does not make being different bad. Quite the opposite, actually. It can be very powerful to tell your child that being different can be a wonderful gift because there would be no advances, no creativity, and no progress without different minds, different cultures, and different... --- ### 8 Things Parents Can Do to Help Themselves & Their Child with Autism > Does your child have autism? Read the 8 things parents can do to help their child with Autism. As a parent, you can make a big difference in your child's life. - Published: 2019-04-19 - Modified: 2025-01-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/8-things-parents-help-child-autism/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism services, parenting Autism doesn’t just affect one member of your family, it affects the entire family unit and there are measures that every member of your family can do in order to help a child with Autism. There are many things parents can do to help their child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But it’s also important to make sure that, as a parent, you are getting the support you need as well. Taking care of yourself is neither an indulgence nor self-centered—it’s necessary. Achievement Balance understands that self-care is important for your whole family, and so is knowing your limits. That’s why we’ve created a list of ways you can help your child, both directly for them, as well as for yourself. Some of the options include: Joining a group Being a part of the community Hiring an advocate for school Taking a night off for self-care Taking on issues one at a time Educating others and continuing your own learning Rewarding good behavior And more It is important to understand that every family is different, and not every item listed will be right for every family or their unique situations. The important common factor is that you need to take care of yourself in order to take care of your children – and that goes for physical, mental, and emotional health. Achievement Balance wants to be there for your whole family, and we are happy to help – get in contact with us for more information or to have your additional... --- ### 10 Myths About Autism > Read about the 10 common myths about autism. Learn the facts to better understand autism and support individuals on the spectrum. - Published: 2019-04-04 - Modified: 2024-11-25 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/10-myths-autism/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism pediatrics, myths Achievement Balance wants our community to be informed and knowledgeable about Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. After all, one of our core services is education, and that doesn’t end with our youngsters. That is why we wanted to share with you ten common myths about Autism, so you can better understand the diagnosis, treatment, research and more. Explore with us – because, with knowledge, we can all succeed. Myth #1: People with Autism Don’t Feel Emotions Autism doesn’t mean the individual is a robot or incapable of feeling. Often, individuals with Autism simply see, communicate, and express their emotions differently. Thinking that people with ASD don’t feel emotions just because they express and understand them differently is like thinking someone doesn’t know how to talk because they speak a different language than you. Myth #2: People with Autism Can’t Understand Emotions People with Autism can absolutely understand emotions, often they just need verbal cues and communication instead of tones or body language. In other words, those with ASD can understand your emotions if you say ‘I am feeling sad’ much better than if you merely frown. Additionally, those with Autism are often actually more likely to feel empathy and compassion for others than those without Autism. Myth #3: People with Autism Don’t Have Friends Though many with Autism struggle with social skills, they do not dislike others or lack the capacity nor the desire for friendship and relationship. Due to the social struggles, some with Autism may seem unfriendly or... --- ### 7 Travel Tips for Children with Autism > Discover 7 essential travel tips for children with autism to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Practical advice for stress-free family vacations. - Published: 2019-03-21 - Modified: 2024-11-25 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/7-travel-tips-children-autism/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism pediatrics, family Traveling can be stressful for any family, but it can be especially difficult when you have children with Autism. Travel often means routines might be missed, or plans might frequently change, and this can cause additional stress and meltdowns. To help combat some of the common issues that arise when traveling, Achievement Balance has created our helpful seven-point list to help you before, during, and after your travels. We want every family to be able to enjoy making memories and traveling together, and with just a few tips and tricks, we know you’ll have the time of your life! What Routines Can You Keep? This is a great starting point – decide which routines you can keep running smoothly during your travels. This could be a certain timeframe for watching videos, learning activities, or eating certain meals or snacks. Routines can be a calming rhythm that your child will appreciate in the upheaval of travel times, so make sure some of the most important routines are followed, even if they need to be modified to fit the situation. Let Media Be Your Ally As mentioned above, sometimes media is a part of your child’s day, and this can be beneficial in calming, discussing, and distracting your child from stressful situations. Maybe you can watch a show before your trip that showcases travel, or maybe you can use photos to talk about some of the emotions your child might feel while traveling. Regardless of if you use media before, during, or... --- ### Celebrate with Us | Achievement Balance is Now BHCOE Accredited! > This year has already been a monumental one. From beginning our in-home Autism services to the icing on the cake – receiving our BHCOE Accreditation. - Published: 2019-03-07 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/celebrate-abc-pediatrics-bhcoe-accredited/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: accredited, autism pediatrics, bhcoe This year has already been a monumental one for our families, clients, and organization. From beginning our in-home Autism services, to growing our service family, to the icing on the cake – receiving our BHCOE Accreditation. That’s right, Achievement Balance is now a Behavioral Center of Excellence! This has been a great honor for Achievement Balance, but we understand that you might have questions. Such as, what is BHCOE Accreditation? Why is this a big deal? And what does it mean for you? We want to stay true to our core values and purpose by educating our community not only about ourselves, our services, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, but also on relevant accreditations and what they mean to you. We also want you to celebrate this wonderful news with us. So, please read on and learn what BHCOE Accreditation means to us, our values, and to our community! What is BHCOE Accreditation? BHCOE stands for Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and it is an international accrediting body created to meet accreditation needs specifically for behavior analysis. BHCOE Accreditation requirements are regularly reviewed at high, international standards in order to grant accreditation to organizations that directly work with behavioral health and behavioral analysis. More directly put, a BHCOE Accreditation is a certification given to applied behavior analysis providers when they show that they meet the highest standards of care. Furthermore, in order to continue their BCHOE Accreditation, they must meet an assortment of clinical and administrative standards determined by an independent... --- ### Autism Home Services Through Achievement Balance > Explore personalized autism home services by ABC Pediatrics. Discover how our tailored approach supports your child’s unique development. Start now! - Published: 2019-02-21 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-home-services-abc-pediatrics/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, home services, pediatric therapy Many of our clients and families don’t yet know that the Achievement Balance locations in the DFW area offer Autism home services and community based services. We want to continue our educational content by teaching our communities about the many Autism home services that Achievement Balance offers, the skills taught, in-home session models, and commitment. All of our Autism home services and models include an experienced behavior technician coming to your home to conduct therapy focused on your child and family’s goals. These goals can be concentrated on many important skills and learning zones. A few examples of these skills are: Language and communications skills Motor skills Reduced anxiety Organizational skills Daily living actions and skills Feeding Toileting Mobility Alternatives to challenging behaviors Regulating emotions Increasing self-esteem Better social interactions And many more In addition to the varied skills practiced, each and every Autism home service and community program is overseen by a board-certified behavior analyst or BCBA. This BCBA will individualize your treatment plan to align with your goals. Your BCBA will make recommendations for treatment, help parents or caretakers, and guide the in-home behavioral therapy to the best possible outcome. And with multiple levels of care, or session models, your Autism home care can cater to your unique needs, timelines, and skills. Achievement Balance’ Autism Home Service Session Models: Intensive, Focused Care or Parent Support Intensive Model With the Intensive Model, your child will have the highest level of therapy. This includes 5 to 6 hours of monthly... --- ### Autism Camp & Autism Pediatrics > At Achievement Balance, we have an Autism Camp through our Autism pediatrics, available to all of our clients and students at our four Texas locations. - Published: 2019-02-07 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-camp-autism-pediatrics/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism pediatrics, autism services, camp, day camp Achievement Balance thinks every child should be able to play and learn in a fun and healthy environment. That’s why we have an Autism Camp through our Autism pediatrics program, available to all of our clients and students at our four Texas locations. We offer our Autism camp from preschool through school-age and provide our campers with practice and knowledge of both daily living skills as well as generalized learning tools. In addition, our Autism Camp is offered at multiple Texas locations, from the Dallas area to Flower Mound, and Trophy Club to Grapevine. We believe that every child has insurmountable potential and should be helped and guided so that they may live their very best life and reach their highest goals. We would love to teach our communities more about ABC’s Autism pediatrics services, including our Autism Camp, and all the good that these treatments can provide to you, your children and their development. Autism Camp Therapies | Autism Pediatrics We don’t use one single avenue in our teaching style, but instead, mesh our therapies and techniques to help each individual child learn in the most natural way and with the very best results. Through the use of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA Therapy, Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, Natural Environment Training, Sensory Integration Theory, and Video Modeling, our Autism Camp is able to teach a wide range of skills in a wide range of ways. Because no two children are alike. At Achievement Balance, we use empirically-backed... --- ### Achievement Balance | An Autism Back to School Guide > Get helpful tips for supporting students with autism as they transition back to school. Learn strategies for a smoother back-to-school experience. - Published: 2019-01-24 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/abc-pediatrics-autism-back-school-guide/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: abc pediatrics, autism, school The Winter Holidays are over, which means schools are beginning again after several weeks away. And those weeks probably weren’t always a serene cup of tea either. Family get-togethers, holiday parties, plans constantly changing, new social situations, routines displaced, excitement, stress, and travel are all common in late December and early January. But now that’s all over, bringing new joys and new challenges, like your children heading back to school in the New Year. Achievement Balance knows that this time of transition can be difficult for many families, and especially for individuals struggling with ASD. Because of this, we wanted to share our back to school guide with you to give some helpful hints and advice on how to navigate this somewhat stressful time for your little ones. Read on to learn more and to make your new semester even more successful than the last! Back to School Advice for Autism Communicate Expectations Clearly & Frequently Communicating with your child about your back to school expectations and joint goals is a great way to ease them back into the school semester. Talk about what skills, social and academic, you would like them to practice. Talk about behavioral expectations and ask your child to share their feelings, plans, stress-points, and joys as well. This can also be a great time to outline rewards for certain desired behaviors or talk about the consequences for poor or injurious behaviors. Communication and clear expectations, from both directions, are keys to improvements and an overall... --- ### What is ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder? > Spreading information and education about ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder is very important in being an Autism Treatment Center. Read on to find out more! - Published: 2019-01-11 - Modified: 2024-10-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/asd-autism-spectrum-disorder/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism services, autism spectrum disorder, fort worth A large part of being an Autism Treatment Center in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex is educating our communities about treatments and signs. Additionally, spreading information and education about ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, in general, is also important. Not everyone knows what ASD means, what it can look like, or how a spectrum disorder differs from other developmental disorders. Achievement Balance would love to spread greater knowledge about ASD, its signs, and its treatments in 2019. And we hope you will join us on this journey. Autism Spectrum Disorder Basics ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disorder that often affects behavior, social skills, and communication skills. Autism does not have an age limit or requirement for diagnosis, though it is often discovered within the first 3 years. Usually, ASD symptoms are seen or recognized during the developmental period, classifying it as a developmental disorder. The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, defines Autism Spectrum Disorder as: Having difficulty communicating and interacting with others Showing restricted interests and repetitive behaviors Having symptoms that inhibit the individual’s ability to function in school or work Having symptoms that inhibit the individual’s ability to function in social settings What is a ‘Spectrum Disorder’? A Spectrum Disorder is a disorder that can be exhibited in a wide range of ways and severity. This means that there are high functioning individuals with ASD – previously called Asperger’s Disorder, as well as individuals who are low-functioning with ASD. Think of... --- ### Achievement Balance Holiday Autism Guide > Achievement Balance wants your family to be prepared for every holiday situation, which is why we have created a Holiday Autism Survival Guide! - Published: 2018-12-20 - Modified: 2024-07-05 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/abc-pediatrics-holiday-autism-guide/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism services, holiday, holidays The holidays can be stressful for everyone, but sometimes the changes in environment, guest visits, or busy schedules can cause added difficulties for children on the Autistic Spectrum. Achievement Balance wants your family to be prepared for every holiday situation, which is why we have created a Holiday Autism Survival Guide – or, more accurately, tips and ideas for how to handle the holiday’s stress with your little one. Regardless of age or the location of your child on the Autistic Spectrum, some extra meltdowns often come on the heels of the holidays. We at Achievement Balance believe that every moment is a learning opportunity, even the extra stresses of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Let’s walk together to learn more about how to survive the holiday stress for you, your family, and your child. Holidays Hints for Autism & Overloads Plan for Sensory Overload Situations Sensory issues commonly co-occur with ASD and can make situations quickly become overwhelming for your little one. And if the holiday season is often thought of as overwhelming for adults, think of the overwhelming quality some holiday parties, family reunions, or festivities and stores can have for your child with Autism. Make sure you have an ‘escape plan’ or mitigation techniques ready in case a situation quickly becomes too much to handle. This can look different for each family, but some examples include: Have a weighted blanket handy Keep dark sunglasses or earplugs in an emergency bag Have a plan for how to leave... --- ### Autism Services in DFW > Achievement Balance specializes in a wide range of therapy techniques and offers many therapy services including Autism Services in DFW! - Published: 2018-12-06 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-services-dfw/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: autism, autism services, dfw The Achievement Balance Mission Statement is to encourage, nurture, and grow the potential within autistic children – one child, one family, and one community at a time. But what are some of the ways we are working towards our mission statement? What Autism services are available in DFW? And what’s available near you? Achievement Balance wants to ensure that our services reflect the needs of our communities, which is why we specialize in a wide range of therapy techniques and offer many Autism therapy services – because your little one, and your family, are unique, so your treatment plan should be as well. From video therapy to play therapy, home, and community services to sessions in one of our five locations, we strive to be the very best for you and your family and meet you where you are at. If you are searching for Autism services in DFW, then see if any of our services below match the needs of your family. And if you do not find the right fit, let us know, so we can make it right and make sure your child gets the tools they need to grow. Autism Therapy Services at Achievement Balance Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy ABA Therapy is one of the most effective ways we teach children on the spectrum because it is as individualized and unique as they are. We have each of our children assessed by one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and through this, along with evaluations... --- ### Achievement Balance Video Modeling: What It Is and Its Benefits for Your Child > At Achievement Balance, finding strengths and positives in everyday situations is exactly what we strive to do, and video modeling is no different. - Published: 2018-11-26 - Modified: 2024-12-27 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/abc-pediatrics-video-modeling/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Pediatrics, video modeling We all know that children learn from the things they see, both in real life and on television, and though the influence of TV is often thought of as negative, it doesn’t have to be. At Achievement Balance, finding strengths and positives in everyday situations is exactly what we strive to do, and video modeling is no different. If children are learning from the things they watch on TV, then we will use that to create healthier, desired behaviors in social and academic scenarios in a more comfortable atmosphere that makes learning fun. This is why we use play therapy, discrete trial training, and natural environment training too. Everyday situations can do great things when used in a consistent manner to help teach your child to better interact with their world. But what exactly is video modeling? Is it just watching TV? Are they instructional videos? Read on to understand what exactly video modeling is and how it can benefit your home and help your child to learn, play and socialize better every day. What is Video Modeling? Video modeling really is the sum of its parts. Your child will be shown videos of simple behaviors such as playing, socializing or having friendly personal interactions with others. These behaviors are being modeled to help your child learn and understand the different scenarios and reactions from a safe and calm place. The unhurried, unstressful environment of watching videos allows your child to learn from the scenes without being directly involved and... --- ### Know the Signs of a Sensory Processing Disorder > Learn the signs of sensory processing disorder and how it affects daily life. Discover simple treatments to help children with SPD. - Published: 2018-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/know-signs-sensory-processing-disorder/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: Pediatrics, Sensory Processing Disorder, SPD It is important to stay informed for your safety, your children’s safety, and the safety of others, but it can be difficult to keep up with all the news circulating, especially in these busy and largely technology bound times. Often certain disorders coincide with others, or even match or mirror their symptoms, meaning that being an informed parent is more important now than ever to ensure awareness and early diagnosis. Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD, is one of the many disorders which can be difficult to distinguish early, as it can seem like a number of other, similar disorders, or even be diagnosed in addition to others. But what are the signs? What is Sensory Processing Disorder? And what are treatment options? ABC Pediatric wanted to bring together a wealth of information on this pertinent topic to share with our readers, families, and community. After all, it is not uncommon that the first people to notice a clinical disorder in their children are the parents, as they spend the most time with them, and oftentimes see the most symptoms. Read on for our concise yet comprehensive guide to Sensory Processing Disorder, its signs, and solutions. What is Sensory Processing Disorder? Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has trouble responding, receiving, or understanding information that comes to it through the senses. This is not a new disorder, though it is newly named – it was formerly known as sensory integration dysfunction. Some individuals with SPC are oversensitive to... --- ### 3 Benefits of ABA Occupational Therapy > We use our ABA style with a number of therapies including Occupational Therapy. See the benefits of Achievement Balance’ ABA Occupational Therapy here. - Published: 2018-10-18 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/3-benefits-aba-occupational-therapy/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: aba, aba occupational therapy, occupational therapy, Pediatrics, therapy Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one of the most effective ways to teach children with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Down Syndrome, or other Developmental Disabilities. ABA Therapy focuses on the idea that consequences shape what and how we learn, which means, when put into practice, Applied Behavior Analysis can be used in a number of therapies at Achievement Balance in order to increase desired behaviors and ease learning difficulties. We use our ABA style with a number of therapies, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech or Verbal Therapy. In addition, we use Natural Environment Teaching, or Incidental Teaching, to help our clients with language, situational learning, and how to react or cope in common, low-pressure settings. Research has shown great strides for students and children with special needs when ABA Therapies are implemented correctly and consistently, but what are the unique benefits of ABA Occupational Therapy? What makes it different? And what do we mean when we use the term ‘ABA Occupational Therapy’? These are common and great questions that we often get from the parents of our clients. Achievement Balance wants to keep our families informed and a part of the therapy process, so we have compiled 3 great benefits that your family, child, or student will encounter as they travel along through our AB Occupational Therapy treatment. 3 Benefits of ABA Occupational Therapy ABA Occupational Therapy, and all of Achievement Balance’ Therapies... --- ### A Beginner's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) > Learn the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its benefits for the children and families. Start your journey to better well-being with CBT today. - Published: 2018-10-04 - Modified: 2024-11-27 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/beginners-guide-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt/ - Categories: Blog - Tags: CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Pediatrics Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a powerful approach to autism therapy. CBT can help your child regulate their emotions, impulses, and anxieties. As a result, negative behavior can improve. However, not all therapies are the same, equal, or even concerned with the same outcomes or goals. For example, Talk Therapy can help work through long-term problems or feelings, whereas Emersion Therapy is meant to be a quick altering or solving of a particular phobia. But how then should you decide which therapy is right for your family or child? It all depends on your goals. If you are searching for a shorter-term, solution-oriented therapy to alter or improve negative behaviors and thought patterns, then Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) might just be the perfect therapy for your child on the Autistic Spectrum. Since anxiety, depression, and autism often run together, CBT helps reduce many common symptoms such as meltdowns, outbursts, obsessions, or distractions. All while helping your child gain confidence, a positive outlook, and a less-anxious life. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? In short, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is named quite aptly. It is a solution-focused therapy that has been around since the 1960s, however, only recently has it been applied to help individuals with ASD or Autistic symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is built around the belief that our thoughts (cognition), emotions and actions (behavior) are connected. CBT also believes that if one of these factors is altered for the better, the other components will also be changed. Individuals often get... --- ### Where to Go: Autism Treatment Centers in Dallas > Achievement Balance provides autism treatment services in Dallas, TX. Learn more about what to look for in your autism treatment centers. Contact us today. - Published: 2018-09-20 - Modified: 2024-11-27 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-treatment-centers-dallas/ - Categories: Blog Having a child or family member with Autism can bring new experiences, challenges, and triumphs to your home. This journey can seem overwhelming at times, which is why Achievement Balance is here for you, your family, and your child. There are many Autism treatment centers in Dallas, but what should you look for and what questions should you ask? As one of the premier Autism treatment centers in Dallas, Achievement Balance wants to make sure you are fully informed when looking for a location for your precious little one. We know you have lots of options. We’re here to help you sort through it all. What to Look for in Your Autism Treatment Centers You want to be sure that your child is safe and loved at whichever treatment center you choose. This means visiting, asking questions and seeing how the Autism center acts, reacts, and treats the children they work so closely with. Be sure to visit in person if possible to see for yourself the environment the treatment center cultivates. Is the staff helpful? Are the doctors friendly? Are they willing to answer your questions fully and with terms and examples that are understandable? Look to make sure the environment, classrooms, playrooms, and waiting areas are stimulating, clean, well-cared for, and updated. You and your child will be spending a fair amount of time here, and Autism treatment centers often act as secondary homes for their clients. Make sure it is a nice home. Finally, consider yourself and... --- ### ABA Pediatrics Approaches to Autism > Achievement Balance uses ABA Pediatrics (a lot of letters here, we know!) to give your child the best experience and learning environment! - Published: 2018-09-06 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/aba-pediatrics-approaches-autism/ - Categories: Blog There’s a lot of talk lately about Autism, ASD, Asperger’s, different therapies, approaches and outcomes. And though being a part of the conversation is great, it can also make it difficult to know what’s right for your child. Achievement Balance uses ABA Pediatrics (a lot of letters here, we know! ) to give your child the very best experience, teachings and learning environment. But what really is an ABA Pediatrics approach to Autism or ASD? It’s simple really. We use Incidental Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis in naturally occurring situations to teach and encourage your child to grow and learn at their very best and in their own way. If you’d like to learn more, read on to see how ABA Pediatrics can help shape your child’s future into something brighter. What is the ABA Pediatrics Approach to Autism? ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, and of course pediatrics deals with children, so ABA Pediatrics is applying ABA techniques to children’s unique learning patterns and abilities. This means we use ABA Pediatrics to observe, analyze, plan and execute the most effective behavioral plan for your little one. Our ABA Pediatrics always starts with an assessment from one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), followed by interviews with caregivers, past reports and evaluations. After compiling this information along with our BCBA’s observations, we create an individualized treatment plan, written and discussed with your family. As we observe your child, we are able to see what areas would be most beneficial, and... --- ### 13 Benefits of ABA Physical Therapy > Discover 13 key benefits of ABA and physical therapy, from improved motor skills to enhanced independence, tailored for individuals with unique needs. - Published: 2018-08-24 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/13-benefits-aba-physical-therapy/ - Categories: Blog Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one of the cornerstones of Achievement Balance in dealing with learning, growth and behavior. But what does ABA Physical Therapy mean? What is it based in? And how does the Achievement Balance team apply these beliefs in our physical therapy techniques? These are common questions we are asked by new and current clients, and as Achievement Balance prides ourselves on being transparent, honest and always educational, we wanted to share some pertinent information about ABA Physical Therapy, its benefits and procedures. Read on to see the 13 core benefits of ABA Physical Therapy and how it can help your little one in their journey through growth and learning! What is Applied Behavior Analysis? Behavior Analysis simply means the study of one's behavior, so Applied Behavior Analysis is the application of what we learn from Behavior Analysis. This behavioral therapy was started in the 1960's and began with simple observation and analysis of behaviors as a child acts them out in their natural environment. It is believed that you cannot understand or alter a behavior unless you have observed it. The analysis from observing behaviors is then linked to an intervention plan to guide and teach your child to act out a healthier behavior. ABA is the leading way to teach children with special needs today as it can be used to teach a wide array of basic skills, such as requesting language, play skills, looking and listening as well as more complex skill sets... --- ### Autism Camps at Achievement Balance > We have Autism camps all year long, because your child doesn't stop needing encouragement just because the days are getting shorter! - Published: 2018-08-09 - Modified: 2024-10-08 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/autism-camps-abc-pediatrics/ - Categories: Blog, Uncategorized As summer comes to a close, the season for camps closes along with it in most places, but that's not the case at Achievement Balance. We have Autism camps all year long, because your child doesn't stop needing encouragement and benefiting from Incidental Teaching just because the days are getting shorter. Achievement Balance has four convenient locations (with a fifth opening soon) to be close to where you are, for what you need, when you need it. This is why we have our day Autism camps to best match you and your child's needs. If your child or children are ready for the next step in their transition, then an Autism camp might be the right direction. Our camps are held daily from 8:00am to 5:30pm to make sure your child is learning, thriving and being cared for while you're at home or work. Why an Autism Camp Through Achievement Balance? We offer Autism camps for Pre-K and school-aged children at our multiple locations and we can help you find what works best for you - and where! Our Autism camps are community based and provide campers with generalized learning skills. This means they can be transferred to daily needs, situations and environments like in the classroom or while playing or speaking at home. We always work at incorporating play and a natural environment teaching style into our activities to ensure that our campers have fun and enjoy camp, instead of viewing it as work or school, which can raise... --- ### DFW ABA Therapy Through Achievement Balance Services > In DFW, ABA Therapy is a healthy and beneficial option for you and your family, and with locations throughout Texas (not just in DFW)... - Published: 2018-07-19 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/dfw-aba-therapy-abc-pediatrics-services/ - Categories: Blog Achievement Balance has a wide range of services in DFW with ABA Therapy being a theme interwoven throughout. We work with Occupational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy, but what does all of that mean? It means that in DFW ABA Therapy is a healthy and beneficial option for you and your family, and with locations throughout Texas (not just in DFW), we make it our goal to be where you need us most. We currently provide ABA Therapy in Flower Mound, Trophy Club, Grapevine as well as the Dallas Fort Worth area, and in each, we are able to provide a positive learning environment through our programs, services and knowledgeable staff. ABA Therapy: In DFW and our other Texas locations, ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is one of the most effective ways to teach special needs children. Through incidental teaching, we are able to teach in normal settings to help your child grow naturally and facilitate learning and desirable behaviors without the classroom environment. ABA Therapy can be used to teach requesting language, social play skills as well as independence and academic skills, all without the anxiety that traditional schooling can put on students with special needs, because instead of trying to make the child fit the class, we make the class fit the child. We focus on positive reinforcement, natural environment teaching and play to help each child reach their potential. ABA Physical Therapy: ABA Physical Therapy is able to help muscle tone and strength... --- ### 6 Advantages of Incidental Teaching and Natural Environment Teaching > Incidental Teaching and Natural Environment Teaching operate on the belief that natural scenarios can be used to assist your child in learning and speaking. - Published: 2018-07-05 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/advantages-incidental-teaching-natural-environment-teaching/ - Categories: Blog Teaching techniques can be a struggle to choose between, especially if there are additional hurdles to climb on your child's road to learning, language and growth. However, this doesn't mean that naturalistic approaches cannot work, or that an ASD teaching technique needs to be complex to be advanced. Incidental Teaching and Natural Environment Teaching operate on the belief that natural scenarios should be used to assist your child in learning, speaking and better understanding the world around them. This is backed by the research that shows if a child is taught in a natural environment, like during play or meal time, instead of a structured classroom atmosphere, they are able to move those skills more easily into real-world situations. Incidental Teaching is able to naturally use positive reinforcement and rewards to help your child engage and retain language and other skills that can be applied in a wide range of normal life settings. Here are some of the top advantages of Incidental Teaching and Natural Environment Teaching. It Goes Hand-in-Hand with ABA Therapy Because ABA Therapy is designed to reward good behavior, Incidental Teaching or Natural Environment Teaching are great means to ABA! Both share a core of positive reinforcement, and both share a view that rewarding desirable behaviors will increase their future likelihood. By putting these two compatible visions together, you are able to gain more from each scenario and help your child to gain the very most out of every minute, while still enjoying themselves and having a... --- ### How Routines Can Help Your Child with Autism > Explore the power of routines in helping children with autism. Learn strategies to create structured environments for your child’s growth. Learn more here! - Published: 2018-06-21 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/routines-can-help-child-autism/ - Categories: Blog Sudden changes in familiar activities, places, or people can make anyone feel anxious. But for children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), these changes can be more overwhelming. The Fear of the Unpredictable Many children with autism see the world as an unpredictable place – and this frightens them. So naturally, they try to make things predictable and dependable. They do things in a particular way and easily stick to daily rituals and schedules. When the situation isn’t what they expected, these children often feel anxious. This is likely the reason your child with ASD throws a fit whenever he or she has to go to new places or you bought a brand of toothpaste different from what he or she regularly uses. But here’s the good news: you can help your child ease his or her fear of the unpredictable. How You Can Help Ease the Fear Keeping control of everything around them helps children with autism reduce their anxiety. As a parent, you can help your child achieve that through the following: Increase Structure Make the world a more predictable place for your child by giving them a sense of structure. Plan his or her school days, as well as activities during the weekend. Use timetables to let your child know what to expect, and when. It helps to use events such as breakfast, after school, or dinnertime as reference points rather than specific times or hours. This way, they don’t get upset for any delay in... --- ### Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Giving Your Child a Healthier Outlook on Life > Mental health is one of the main concerns of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Achievement Balance highly recommends Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) - Published: 2018-06-07 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/cognitive-behavior-therapy-giving-child-healthier-outlook-life/ - Categories: Blog Mental health is one of the main concerns of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The National Autistic Society of the UK estimates, in fact, that anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression are more common among people on the autism spectrum. About 40% of individuals with ASD exhibit symptoms of at least one anxiety disorder, compared to about 15% of the entire population. As a result, people with ASD are more prone to meltdowns, outbursts, obsessions, and distractions. Achievement Balance highly recommends Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help kids with ASD manage the condition. Let us walk you through the basics of CBT, how it can regulate your child’s emotions, and how it can give him or her a more positive outlook. What Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy? CBT is a form of psychotherapy that changes the way patients think, feel, and behave so they can manage problems better. It works on the assumption that thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected. When patients take in an external stimulus, they give it their own meanings, feel a certain emotion, and respond accordingly. Unhelpful Patterns of Thinking Some people get stuck in unhelpful or unrealistic thinking patterns. These thoughts and feelings then result in unhelpful actions like meltdowns or outbursts. CBT amends these patterns by modifying the distorted thoughts and feelings patients have about themselves and their lives. Therapists help them change the way they interpret, feel about, and respond to various situations. Patients get to learn new, more beneficial patterns of... --- ### Speech Therapy Breaks Down Socialization Barriers for Kids with ASD > Explore how speech therapy enhances socialization for kids with ASD. Break barriers and unlock communication skills. Discover transformative therapies now! - Published: 2018-05-24 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/speech-therapy-breaks-down-socialization-barriers-kids-with-asd/ - Categories: Blog Most parents encourage their children to make new friends and expand their social circles. And, for the most part, socialization between children takes place without much more than a helpful nudge in the right direction. This is not the case for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Social interactions can prove challenging for these kids, depending on where they are on the spectrum. Anxiety and speech troubles lead to communication problems, which cause them to struggle to communicate. Communication troubles shouldn’t bar children with ASD from exploring their world, however. With speech therapy, these kids can hone their communication skills and socialize better. Improve Expressive Language One of the first goals of speech therapy is to help the child develop expressive language skills. If they struggle with this aspect of communication, the speech-language pathologist (SLP) or therapist will use different strategies to build these skills. Most methods utilize communication boards (small flashcards with photos). These boards or cards help children communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs to others because if they want something, they can point to the card. Therapists or SLPs will start adding complex vocabulary to their boards as the child’s proficiency increases. Modeling is also a crucial factor in developing expressive language. Parents and therapists model their language skills to develop the child’s communication and social skills. Teach Nonverbal Cues Speech therapists also help children with autism understand nonverbal cues, such as a high-five or a thumbs-up. Although those not on the spectrum may take... --- ### Are Parents Spotting Signs of Autism Faster Than Clinicians? > Discover why parents often spot autism signs before clinicians. Learn the early indicators and empower your child’s development. Read more insights now! - Published: 2018-05-10 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/parents-spotting-signs-of-autism-faster-than-clinicians/ - Categories: Blog Parents who have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are in a position to accurately spot signs of Autism in their younger children, according to a new study led by University of Alberta professor of pediatrics Lonnie Zwaigenbaum.  And this ability is very important. Early detection, after all, helps the parents begin the child’s therapy sooner, which can have a profound impact on the child’s development. Unfortunately, detection tests for autism currently lag behind the latest research. In fact, while the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates autism screenings as early as 18 and 24 months of age, some doctors still argue that a test may not deliver accurate results until the child has turned at least five. Thus, parental instinct, as the study suggests, may be an effective way to circumvent the delay in autism diagnosis. Parents Key to Detecting Autism The study suggests that parents are the catalysts in diagnosing ASD in their young children aged 12 months. Once the child reaches the age of 18 months, the most accurate results can be derived from combining the parents’ insights with that of clinicians. Zwaigenbaum says that as parents know their children well, they can supply valuable information that may have slipped through the cracks during the brief consultation with a doctor. The telltale signs parents were able to identify included unusual sensory interests and repetitive behaviors. As these occur rarely, doctors are often unable to catch them during a short visit. Catherine Lord, the director of the Center... --- ### Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Autism: What You Need To Know > Read our blog to learn how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) improves emotional regulation and social skills in individuals with autism. - Published: 2018-04-19 - Modified: 2025-01-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-autism-need-know/ - Categories: Blog Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychological therapy that aims to teach children with autism that their thoughts affect their feelings. CBT teaches children with autism different coping mechanisms to help them respond constructively to difficult situations. CBT was originally designed to help people with clinical depression. However, the effectiveness of CBT prompted doctors to apply cognitive-behavioral practices in the treatment of other disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia, among other things. What are CBT Sessions Like? CBT sessions are different for every patient. However, the techniques used in pediatric CBT sessions are all designed to help children with autism make sense of what they are feeling, how their feelings can be channeled to more positive thoughts, and assist them in creating a logical sense of their thoughts. To help them with their internal logic, some CBT sessions will employ the Socratic method of questioning. This approach allows the therapist to help the child become more self-aware, which ideally leads to a questioning of illogical thoughts. For children who have anxiety, a therapist may recommend systematic desensitization. This is a technique by which the therapist helps the child become as relaxed as possible while exposing them to something stressful. In this way, the child learns how to relax in anxious situations. Most therapists will also assign homework and home activities to children and ask the parents to assist. This is to ensure that they repeat at home the lessons and coping mechanisms they learn inside the... --- ### Strategies to Prevent Wandering Behavior in Children with Autism > Learn effective strategies to prevent wandering in children with autism. Discover practical tips to keep your child safe and secure. Read more today! - Published: 2018-04-05 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/strategies-to-prevent-wandering-behavior-in-children-with-autism/ - Categories: Blog How to Prevent Wandering Behavior Children with autism often put themselves in danger by wandering off impulsively. According to a study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics, which surveyed more than 1,300 families with children diagnosed with autism, nearly half (49 percent) of families said that their child had tried to wander off after age four at least once. Of the 49 percent, 316 kids went missing long enough to cause worry. With wandering behavior both dangerous to kids with autism and stressful for parents, it is crucial to employ measures to eliminate, or at the very least minimize the behavior. If you are a parent with a child diagnosed with autism, and he or she wanders off frequently on his or her own, keep these strategies in mind to prevent it from happening. Inform the Responders in Your Area Introduce your child to first responders, such as police officers and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), by providing these people with a handout that includes the name of your child and your contact details. Additionally, include a statement about your child regarding his or her condition. Examples include: “has autism,” “has a tendency to wander off,” and “is nonverbal. ” Informing first responders keeps them on guard. They will be more likely to respond right away if they notice a child walking alone. Keep Your Home Secure Ask a security company, a contractor, or a locksmith to make your house as escape-proof as possible. Additionally, you can implement these security measures... --- ### The Terms Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Know and Understand > Special autism terminology can confuse parents, so we've compiled a comprehensive list of autism terms you need to know to support your child's needs. - Published: 2018-03-22 - Modified: 2024-11-28 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/terms-every-autism-parent-know-understand/ - Categories: Blog It’s natural to feel baffled or overwhelmed after receiving news that your child has autism. After all, it’s never easy to find out that someone you care about has developmental issues. But while having a child with autism poses challenges for parenting, it also provides a valuable opportunity to develop better parenting skills. So, apart from seeking out autism therapy services, learn more about the disorder. This is a big step towards clearing out your doubts and confusion. What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects about 1% of the population. The term describes a different way of perceiving and interacting with the world because those with the condition think differently from those with neurotypical (people who aren’t on the ASD spectrum) brains. People with ASD can display various traits. The obvious signs that parents should look out for include: Lack of eye contact Little interest in interacting with others Delayed communication and social skills Repetitive movements and unusual sensory interests As a parent, coming to grips with your child’s diagnosis might be one of the most difficult things you have to experience. While there will be good and bad days when it comes to parenting, learning to let go of the blame and expectations can give you the strength to be fully effective and present for your child. Forming an emotional connection with your child is key, therefore. Understanding the special way they interact with the world can help you build a strong and... --- ### Parental Fatigue: Coping with the Stress of Parenting a Child with Autism > Read Our Blog To Learn How To Cope With Stress While Parenting Children With Autism. These Strategies Can Help Parents Cope. - Published: 2018-03-08 - Modified: 2024-11-28 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/parental-fatigue-coping-stress-parenting-child-autism/ - Categories: Blog Children on the autism spectrum have special needs that you, as parents, bear the responsibility to provide. Taking care of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be very stressful, however, and can cause parental fatigue. At Achievement Balance, we’re aware of these challenges that you face every day. This is why our therapy services are at your disposal. But in the meantime, allow us to offer some advice on how you can cope with stress and avoid physical, emotional, and mental fatigue. Find Social Support The saying, “it takes a village to raise a child,” fits your situation perfectly. Remember that you and your spouse don’t have to do everything by yourselves. Learn to ask for help, especially when the exhaustion starts to overpower your emotions and affect your decisions. Joining a support group dedicated to families of children with autism is ideal because it brings you into contact with other parents who know what you’re going through. They can understand you on an emotional level, which can be comforting. There will be days, for instance, when you’ll want to vent your frustrations; a support group is the ideal setting to do this. Extended relatives, trusted neighbors and friends, and your child’s school can also be part of your support network. Ask for Help (And Accept It, When Offered) It’s understandable to be reluctant about entrusting the care of your child to someone else, even if it’s only for a day. But, if the workload has grown too... --- ### How Can You Get Your Nonverbal Child to Communicate? > If you have a child with Autism who doesn't speak at all, use these tips to support their development and well-being. - Published: 2018-02-22 - Modified: 2024-11-28 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/can-get-nonverbal-child-communicate/ - Categories: Blog Communicating with children is an essential part of their upbringing, as it develops their ability to comprehend and socialize. But it’s important to note that communication is a two-way process, and if your child does not respond to you at all, this can hinder his or her overall ability to speak. In fact, current statistics suggest that 30 percent of children suffering from autism spectrum disorder remain nonverbal even after years of interventional treatment. But this should not stop you from trying to get through to your child. Hope for A Better Future In 2013, a group of scientists at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders in Baltimore compiled information on 535 children with autism aged 8 to 17 who possessed language delays. They found that 47 percent eventually became fluent speakers, and 70 percent could speak in simple phrases. This is proof that despite their condition, children with language delays can develop speaking skills. But to develop your child’s verbal aptitude, you have to employ key strategies that encourage them to speak. The Benefits of Increased Playtime Simply increasing the frequency by which you socialize with your child can positively affect his or her communication skills. One way to increase interaction is through more playtime. Renowned experts, such as Fromberg and Gullo, believe that play boosts language skills and even develop thinking ability. The strategy does not end at raising the frequency of interaction through more playtime; you also have to mimic what they do. Autism Speaks posits... --- ### Exploring the Connection between Sleep Problems and Autism > In this blog, we understand why Many children with autism have difficulty getting a restful night’s sleep. Read how sleep problems affect kids with this condition. - Published: 2018-02-07 - Modified: 2024-11-29 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/exploring-connection-sleep-problems-autism/ - Categories: Blog The National Institute of Health states that sleep plays a vital role in an individual’s overall health. The organization adds that obtaining adequate quality sleep can help protect a person’s physical and mental health, safety, and quality of life. People who do not get the right amount of quality sleep will experience various health problems, such as a weakened immune system and trouble with concentration and thinking. Sleep deprivation, however, is a more significant issue for children with autism. Autism and Sleeping Issues According to Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization, up to 80 percent of kids with autism have a tough time getting a good sleep. Insufficient sleep increases irritability as well as difficulties managing frustration throughout the day. Moreover, children with autism often have coexisting health problems like seizures, sensory processing issues, and gastrointestinal reflux. While any one of these conditions can disturb sleep, a combination of them can be catastrophic. Sleep Patterns of Children with Autism Kids with autism sleep differently compared to other children. A comprehensive study done by the Archives of Disease in Childhood looked at the sleep patterns of children with this condition. The study revealed that noticeable differences in sleep patterns started to surface at around 30 months of age and sustained through the 11-year endpoint. Over this period, kids with autism slept less compared to other children. Moreover, parents of children with autism were more likely to report at least three wakings every night. Typical Sleeping Problems of Kids with Autism Some parents... --- ### What to Do When Your Child with Autism is Getting Bullied in School > Learn how children with autism can face bullying at school and the strategies to help them navigate social challenges and build confidence. - Published: 2018-01-25 - Modified: 2024-11-29 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/child-autism-getting-bullied-school/ - Categories: Blog Finding out that your child has an autism spectrum disorder is life changing. Not only will you have to do a complete 180 on your lifestyle, but you’ll also have to find a way to make your child’s environment as safe as possible for them. It’s not going to be an easy road, and in most cases, it is a life-long struggle, but there are ways to cope as a parent. You don’t have to figure things out on your own because others are going through what you and your child are going through, as well. When in School For your child to have as normal a life as possible, he or she has to experience the outside world. Going to school is one of the best ways to learn how to interact with other people. Your child can go to a school that caters to children with special needs, or they can go to a school alongside typically developing kids. Either way, they will be away from their parents for hours each day. It is during those hours that parents will not be able to control their child’s environment. Unfortunately, children with autism tend to be the target of bullying because they are different from everyone else. It is their difference that makes them unique, yet it is their difference that can cause them pain. Children with autism don’t even understand what they did wrong that made others dislike them enough to call them names. Instead of being a... --- ### Decoding Autism: Debunking the Myths > Read our blog to know the most common autism myths, their origins, and the truth behind them. - Published: 2018-01-18 - Modified: 2024-11-29 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/decoding-autism-debunking-myths/ - Categories: Blog Autism Spectrum Disorder, better known as Autism or ASD, affects about 1 out of every 68 children in the US. It is a complex neurobehavioral condition characterized by impairments in social interaction, language development, and communication skills. Moreover, it usually includes rigid, repetitive behaviors. Autism is a spectrum that carries a wide range of symptoms, disabilities, and skills. Despite its prevalence and representation in mass and social media, not many people fully grasp the implications of having the condition. In fact, several myths surround Autism, and these assumptions can hamper how people treat individuals who have it. It is imperative, therefore, to dispel misconceptions about it. Vaccines Cause Autism The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that there is no link between vaccines and autism. In a study published in 2013, the organization found that of eight investigated vaccines, each had a similar effect on both children with and without autism. The findings decisively disproved the causal relationship between the two. Moreover, the agency has funded at least nine studies that look into the relationship between the condition and thimerosal, a preservative and vaccine ingredient purported to trigger autism. The studies could, likewise, not link the preservative to autism. Individuals with Autism Do Not Want to Interact with People One of the main characteristics of autism is impaired social skills; for some individuals, it is difficult to interact with other people and make friends. Often, he or she does not know how to convey what he or she wants... --- ### Tantrum vs. Meltdown: Defining the Differences > Understand the difference between tantrums and meltdowns in children, and how to manage them effectively. Learn more at Achievement Balance. - Published: 2017-12-13 - Modified: 2024-12-02 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/tantrum-vs-meltdown-defining-differences/ - Categories: Blog When discussing behaviors of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the word “meltdown” is often used to describe high-intensity behaviors. However, there is more discrimination that constitutes a behavior to be a meltdown versus a tantrum and both can look very similar. Therefore, how do we define each behavior to better address the antecedents (or triggers) and the consequences (or responses) to the behavior? If giving a general rule to distinguishing between a tantrum and meltdown, the easiest answer is when someone is having a tantrum, they are actively choosing their behavior and a meltdown develops when they are reacting instinctively to their environment without control of their behavior. To better define those differences and be able to functionally address each, comparisons should be made. The following questions can help determine if an individual is having a tantrum or meltdown: 1. Does the intensity vary? When an individual is having a tantrum, their intensity can fluctuate repeatedly and involve planning. For instance, could be the person hitting and kicking for a minute and then stop to look around the room to find something to break, but go back to aggression after standing calmly for 10 seconds. Meltdowns display either a constant intensity of behavior or a constant escalation of behavior without pauses. At Achievement Balance, we provide personalized coaching strategies to help you better manage emotional outbursts like tantrums and meltdowns, ensuring a balanced and peaceful life. 2. Is the individual looking for a reaction? Tantrums are related to... --- ### New Year’s Eve & Autism: Preparing Your Child for the Countdown > Explore some fun ways you and your child with Autism can enjoy New Year's Eve. Tips and ideas for a memorable and stress-free celebration. - Published: 2017-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-02 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/new-years-eve-autism-preparing-child-countdown/ - Categories: Blog Fireworks, loud music, bright lights, and busy crowds—New Year’s Eve can be a period of panic and anxiety for children dealing with autism. This time of the year brings about overwhelming sensory input, with sights and sounds that are often overbearing. It also brings unexpected changes in schedules and an increase in social interaction; and, lest we forget, loud, booming fireworks. Autism, Sensory Issues, and Noise Sensitivity Children diagnosed with autism have always had to deal with sensory issues. According to a published study of  the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children with autism show hypersensitivity in the regions of the brain that process sensory information and emotions when exposed to “irritating noises or images. ” These children have adverse responses to specific sounds, smells, sights, and movement. It’s also common for a child dealing with the disorder to have trouble filtering out background sounds. This means New Year’s Eve could be a stressful time for children with the condition. What Can Parents Do? Preparation is necessary. Perhaps watch YouTube videos of New Year’s Eve fireworks with your son or daughter on the days leading up to the event. Prepare some sensory-friendly activities, too. Make a New Year’s Eve-themed sensory bottle or bin, which can be reassuring for kids who suffer from sensory issues. Fill that bin with balloons, streamers, confetti, glow sticks—or whatever else your kids might enjoy. Remember that every child with autism is different, however. A coping mechanism for one child might not... --- ### Walk Tall, Stand Strong: The Importance of Proper Posture in Children > Learn the importance of proper posture for children and get tips for parents to help their children stand strong. Read our blog for more insights. - Published: 2017-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-02 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/walk-tall-stand-strong-importance-proper-posture-children/ - Categories: Blog Good posture goes beyond projecting a confident image — it’s a barometer of musculoskeletal health, as well. When practicing proper posture, the body uses the most efficient amount of muscle energy to keep the joints aligned against the force of gravity. This way, the body does not use more energy than it should, and no part experiences excessive strain. On the other hand, several health issues come in the wake of poor posture. And it could lead to long-term problems that hamper your child’s development. The Risks of Poor Posture When an individual has poor posture, the body’s joints are not aligned properly. This puts excessive stress on both the joints and ligaments. Over time, too much strain could cause osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by the inflammation and the loss of cartilage. Moreover, since the body does not efficiently fight gravity, both the muscle and tendons become unnecessarily worked out and stressed, leading to shoulder and back pain. Poor posture also impairs flexibility and balance. The effects stretch beyond the musculoskeletal system. The nerves, blood vessels, and even the internal organs can be affected by the excess stress on the muscles and bones. In some cases, it results in circulation, breathing, and digestion difficulties. Importance of Proper Posture among Children With so much at stake, achieving proper posture should not be a conscious task; it should be your default position whenever sitting, standing, or walking. The habit, therefore, is best ingrained in childhood. Kids are quick to learn, and by... --- ## Services ### Applied Behavior Analysis Services > Looking for ABA therapy in Flower Mound TX? Achievement Balance offers personalized support to help kids build skills and gain confidence. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/service/applied-behavior-analysis/ Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most effective ways to teach children with special needs. We capitalize on Achievement Balance natural environment to promote Incidental Teaching (also called Natural Environment Teaching) What is ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most effective ways to teach children with special needs. We capitalize on Achievement Balance natural environment to promote Incidental Teaching (also called Natural Environment Teaching) where normally occurring situations and the child's interests facilitate language and learning. Achievement Balance focuses on utilizing the principles of positive reinforcement to increase the likelihood that desired behaviors will occur. This therapy is used at ABA therapy clinics to teach a wide variety of skills, including requesting, play skills, academic skills, independent and functional daily living skills, and social skills, to name just a few. --- ### Physical Therapy for Children > Looking for Physical Therapy in Flower Mound, TX? Achievement Balance helps children grow stronger, move confidently, and engage better. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/service/physical-therapy-for-children/ ABA Physical Therapy at Achievement Balance is structured to enhance the child's movement throughout their natural environment. The therapists work with families to provide support in the areas of gross What is Physical Therapy for Children? Physical therapy for children is a specialized service designed to improve movement, strength, and coordination. It involves exercises, activities, and interventions to help children with physical impairments or developmental delays. This therapy addresses issues such as motor skills, balance, posture, and mobility. Physical therapists work with children to enhance their physical abilities, support developmental milestones, and improve overall function. Through tailored exercises and play-based activities, physical therapy aims to promote independence and enhance the child's ability to participate in daily activities and social interactions. --- ### Speech Therapy for Children > Achievement Balance offers speech therapy in Flower Mound TX, helping children improve communication skills in Trophy Club & Grapevine, Texas. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2025-04-14 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/service/speech-therapy-for-children/ Among the many services provided by Achievement Balance is our Speech and Language Therapy. Effective communication is crucial to successful growth, therefore; Speech therapy is a fundamental process for all children.. What is Speech Therapy for Children? Speech therapy for children is a specialized service aimed at improving language skills. Pediatric speech therapy involves techniques like articulation therapy, language intervention, and oral-motor exercises to address speech and language disorders. These can include articulation disorders, fluency disorders, speech disorders, and receptive or expressive language disorders. Achievement Balance speech therapy focuses on enhancing a child's language skill to express themselves, understand others, and engage in social interactions. Through play-based and structured activities, speech therapy helps develop language skills such as vocabulary, sentence formation, and social communication, enabling children to communicate more effectively and confidently in their everyday lives. --- ### Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/service/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/ At Achievement Balance, our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program identifies and challenges distorted thinking, develops healthier beliefs, and adopts more effective coping strategies. What is CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy aimed at changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thinking, develop healthier beliefs, and adopt more effective coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective for treating a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and stress. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, Cognitive Behavior Therapy empowers individuals to manage and overcome their challenges, leading to improved mental health and resilience in daily life. --- ## Locaions ### Flower Mound > Achievement Balance provides ABA therapy and child autism therapy in Flower Mound, TX. Our autism therapists help children reach their highest potential. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-10-21 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/location/flower-mound/ Specialized Autism Care for Children in Flower Mound We provide expert autism care tailored to each child's unique needs. Our compassionate team is dedicated to fostering growth and development. --- ### Trophy Club > Achievement Balance provides ABA therapy and child autism therapy in Trophy Club, TX. Our autism therapists help children reach their highest potential. - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-10-21 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/location/trophy-club/ Specialized Autism Care for Kids in Trophy Club Discover expert autism care tailored to your child's unique needs in Trophy Club. Our compassionate team ensures growth and development, helping your child reach their full potential. --- ### Grapevine > Achievement Balance is the leading ABA therapy center in Grapevine, TX. Our autism therapists help children reach their highest potential. Call us Now! - Published: 2024-06-18 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://achievement-balance.com/location/grapevine/ Specialized Autism Care for Kids in Grapevine Experience expert autism care tailored to your child's unique needs in Grapevine. Our compassionate team fosters growth and development, ensuring your child thrives. ---