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Welcome to the Golden Care Therapy Blog—your go-to source for evidence-based insights and practical tips on autism and ABA therapy. Explore the latest research, hands-on strategies, and expert guidance designed to help your child thrive at home, in school, and beyond.

Masking in autism refers to the conscious or unconscious effort made by individuals, particularly women, to hide or suppress their autistic traits in social situations. This behavior often involves mimicking neurotypical peers and adopting socially acceptable behaviors to fit in.  Masking can include various actions, such as imitating facial expressions, controlling movements, and rehearsing conversations. […]

Families of children with autism in Indiana are confronting alarming challenges following the announcement of major changes to Medicaid coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. These changes—introduced without input from families, clinicians, or providers—signal a troubling shift in how the state plans to support children on the autism spectrum. The modifications include: “These policies […]

Selective mutism is classified as an anxiety disorder in the DSM-5, which was released in 2013. This condition is characterized by an individual’s inability to speak in specific social situations while still being able to communicate in others. It primarily affects children and is relatively uncommon, with less than 1% of children diagnosed with the […]

Autism is a term that’s now widely recognized, often appearing in conversations about child development, education, and neurodiversity. But it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when the unique behaviors and needs of autistic individuals were misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored.  So, when did things begin to change? When was autism first identified, […]

Certain types of medications can assist in managing severe symptoms associated with Asperger’s syndrome or related conditions. While there are no drugs specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of Asperger’s or autism spectrum disorders, some medications can help alleviate related symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. The use of these medications […]

Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a widely recognized intervention used in ABA therapy that effectively addresses severe behavior problems. Initially described by Carr and Durand in 1985, FCT aims to help individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder, replace challenging behaviors with appropriate communication methods.  This can include gestures, sign language, or picture exchange systems. […]

Home education, often referred to as homeschooling, has become an increasingly popular option for families of autistic children. While traditional school settings work for many children, they can be challenging environments for others, especially those on the autism spectrum.  The unique sensory, social, and emotional needs of autistic children may not always be well met […]

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientific approach aimed at understanding and improving specific behaviors, particularly in autistic individuals.  That said, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in improving various skills among teens with autism. Research indicates that when implemented consistently, ABA therapy leads to significant improvements in communication, social skills, and […]

Screaming fits in autistic children are a common, yet often misunderstood, behavior. These intense outbursts can be distressing for both the child and those around them, but they are not just random acts of defiance.  For many children with autism, screaming fits are the result of sensory overload, frustration, or difficulty in expressing their emotions. […]

Communication difficulties in children with autism can manifest in both verbal and nonverbal aspects. Understanding these challenges is essential for parents and caregivers in supporting effective communication strategies. Children with autism often face various verbal communication hurdles. Common issues include: Nonverbal Communication Struggles Nonverbal communication poses its own set of challenges for children on the […]