When my son was diagnosed with a language delay at two, I was handed a stack of flashcards and worksheets. But you know what actually worked? Play. Racing trucks, silly sound games, and dance parties did more for his communication than any structured lesson ever could. Play is a child’s first language—it’s how they connect, learn, and communicate. Whether it’s turning a sensory bin into a conversation starter or using pretend play to build vocabulary, the best breakthroughs happen when we follow their lead. Forget the flashcards (at least for now) and embrace the messy, joyful magic of play. Communication will follow.

**Encouraging Spontaneous Communication: 6 Tips for Success** We’ve all seen it—kids who can perfectly repeat words when prompted but rarely initiate communication on their own. It’s like having all the right tools but not knowing when to use them. So how do we bridge that gap and help children communicate *because they want to*, not just because they’re asked? Spontaneous communication is a huge milestone in ABA therapy. It’s when a child independently asks for a snack because they’re hungry, not because we prompted them with “What do you want?” These moments show that language has real meaning and purpose—and they’re worth celebrating!

Understanding Developmental Milestones Through an ABA Lens: What’s the Real Deal? When I first became an Autism Mom, the words *developmental milestones* felt overwhelming. Therapists took notes, used unfamiliar terms, and I found myself nodding along while secretly Googling everything later. Fast forward to today, and as a BCBA, I’m now the one explaining these concepts to parents who feel just as lost as I once did. So, what do developmental milestones really mean in the world of ABA? They aren’t just checkboxes on a chart—they’re essential life skills broken down into teachable, measurable steps. From communication and social interaction to daily living tasks, ABA focuses on meeting each child where they are and creating a roadmap tailored to their unique learning path. Want to learn how ABA makes milestone tracking practical, flexible, and individualized? Let’s break it down—without the jargon or overwhelm. **Read more in this week’s IOA Weekly Blog Drop!**

Angela Khater, MA, BCBA, LBA Navigating autism treatment can be a confusing and difficult process, especially when challenging behavior is involved, such as aggression, self-injury, or even tantrums. For parents or teachers who deal with these behaviors, finding an evidence-based strategy that works is a must. This is often where a behavior analyst or BCBA can help, designing a custom applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment plan to decrease those dangerous behaviors.

Making ABA Therapy Work at Home: Creating Routines That Support Your Child’s Progress Angela Khater, MA, BCBA, LBA As both a parent and professional in the ABA field, I know firsthand that the real progress in Applied Behavior Analysis happens in those everyday moments at home. While your child’s therapy sessions are crucial, it’s the consistent practice and implementation of these strategies in your daily routines that truly makes the difference.

What to Really Expect From Your ABA Parent Training Sessions Angela Khater, MA, BCBA, LBA One of the most common questions I get from families starting ABA therapy is “What exactly happens in parent training?” As both a behavior analyst and an autism mom, I love this question because it shows parents are ready to dive in and be part of their child’s progress.