Little Steps Great Success, LLC

Language Apps for iPad

In the past, some parents have asked me to suggest apps for use at home with students. During April for Autism awareness month there are some free educational apps available for download from kindergarten.com that address various language skills.  You can search for these in the App Store under kindergarten.com or by typing in the term ABA.  While the company name indicates that the apps are for younger students, some can be used with older students who have language delays.  For example some

A Lesson in Extinction (or How Not to Reinforce a Tantrum!)

I was lucky enough to stumble upon a website today that can give all parents hope to be great behaviorists! Carrie Cariello is a mom of five children, one of whom has autism.  Her most recent post, called "Shoe Shopping", is an anecdote about how she turned a tough day for her son Jack into an incredible learning experience...for both Jack and herself! When Jack threw a tantrum because they stopped for lunch somewhere other than where he wanted to go, Carrie was very tempted to leave.  Who

Mythbusters: The ABA Edition

If your child is on the autism spectrum or has a disability that requires similar instruction, chances are you've heard of applied behavior analysis (ABA).  Many schools are now choosing to open “ABA classes” for their students with autism because it is less expensive than sending those students out of district.  I’ve heard parents express many different concerns about placements in these types of classrooms: What if he gets bored?  Who will she play with?  Will he be put in a cubby to do his

The Skinny on the Research Behind Gluten Free/Casein Free Diets

There is a widespread belief in the autism community that gluten free and/or casein free diets can be used to "treat" certain characteristics of autism.  Here is what the literature from peer-reviewed journals has to tell us about diets and autism: Not much.   Disappointing, I know.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could make an environmental change like that and cure our children of autism?  The truth is there is NO cure for autism at the moment, only treatments.   You may be saying, "But