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Aggressive behavior is one of the most common and most distressing challenges parents of children with autism face. It can include hitting, kicking, biting, scratching, throwing objects, and behaviors directed at the child themselves. For the families living with it,...

An autism meltdown is an intense, involuntary response to overwhelming stress or sensory input. A child in a meltdown is not throwing a tantrum. They are not being manipulative. They have reached a point where their nervous system cannot cope, and they have lost the...

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior. It refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that a person uses to regulate their sensory experience or emotional state. Hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, humming, repeating phrases, and tapping are all common...

Elopement in autism refers to when a child leaves a safe, supervised environment without telling anyone. It is also called wandering, running, or bolting. A child might slip out the front door, leave a classroom, or break away in a crowded parking lot in seconds. For...

April is Autism Acceptance Month — and this year's theme says it all: #CelebrateDifferences. For decades, April was recognized as Autism Awareness Month. Awareness opened doors. It started conversations, reduced stigma, and helped families feel less isolated. That...

For many families, the winter holiday break brings a welcome pause from school routines. But for caregivers of children with autism, long breaks can also bring a new set of challenges—especially when it comes to maintaining structure and progress in Applied Behavior...

For many parents of children with autism, watching your child struggle to make friends or feel comfortable in social settings can be heartbreaking. You know your child is capable, bright, and unique — yet connecting with peers can feel like climbing a mountain without...

Summer vacations are meant to be a time of relaxation, adventure, and connection for families. For parents of children with autism, travel can also bring unique challenges that require extra preparation and thoughtful planning. At The Autism Therapy Group (ATG), we...

Summer Activities for Children with Autism: Engaging and Inclusive Ideas Summer is a time for sunshine, relaxation, and new adventures — but for many families of children with autism, it also brings challenges. The sudden shift in routines, increased sensory input,...

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to pause, reflect, and recognize the emotional journey that many families of children with autism experience. At The Autism Therapy Group (ATG), we understand that mental health is more than just a talking point. It’s the...

The start of a new year is a time of hope and fresh beginnings, making it the perfect moment to set meaningful goals for your child’s progress in ABA therapy. Whether you’re new to ABA or looking to refocus after a busy year, creating clear and achievable objectives...

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy uses a range of evidence-based methods to teach new skills, encourage positive behaviors, and reduce those that interfere with daily life. These techniques are highly adaptable to each child’s unique needs, making them effective...

Starting ABA therapy for your child can feel like a lot to take on. This guide walks you through each step, from understanding what ABA is to staying involved once therapy begins, so you know what to expect and what to do next. Step 1: Understand ABA therapy ABA, or...

Communication is one of the essential skills we rely on to connect with others, express needs, and navigate the world. For children with autism, however, communication may not come easily, and they may struggle with verbal and non-verbal skills, such as eye contact,...

The Importance of Routine: How to Maintain Structure During Summer Break As summer break approaches, many families look forward to a change of pace and the opportunity to enjoy more leisurely activities. However, for families with children on the autism spectrum, the...

April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and advocate for the acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Autism Therapy Group (ATG) is dedicated to fostering understanding and promoting a supportive community for those impacted...

As the winter chill sets in, finding ways to keep children with autism engaged and active indoors becomes crucial. Combining Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy with creative indoor activities can be a wonderful way to support their development during these colder...

As a leading ABA therapy company dedicated to serving children on the autism spectrum, we understand the unique challenges and joys that come with parenting a child with autism. With summer just around the corner, we believe it's crucial to equip parents with...

If you're a parent or caregiver of a child with autism in the Greater Chicago Area, you may be wondering where to turn for high-quality ABA services. With so many providers to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit for your child's unique needs....

For children with autism, making friends is one of the areas parents worry about most. Social situations that feel natural to other children can require real effort and preparation for a child on the spectrum. The good news is that friendship is a skill, and like any...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is estimated that 1 in 44 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, making it one of the most prevalent developmental disorders....

While you may see Thanksgiving as a time of celebration and delicious food with loved ones, your child with autism likely sees Thanksgiving differently. Not only is their regular daily routine messed up, but the day can be a recipe for sensory overload, making the...

The most important thing for parents to know is how important it is to provide their child’s BCBA with information about every kind of care the child is receiving even if they think it doesn’t apply to ABA therapy.

We sat down with Mark to find out more about him and how he and his team are working to create one of the best places to work through setting a higher standard for care.

We sat down with Brooke to ask her about her background, her work with ATG, and the remarkable power of ABA therapy in the lives of children with autism.

We live in an increasing age of technology; from integration in schools, at home, and in the workplace, technology is no longer just a source of mindless games and entertainment. In fact, there are several proven apps that help support the needs of children with...