“Why does my child act that way?!” This is a question every parent asks at some point along their journey while raising children. Finding out the reasoning behind your child’s behavior can be a big challenge. While it may be a complex question to understand why a child is engaging in these behaviors, there will always be an underlying function. Once the reason, or function,  is identified, strategies can be used to assist in [...]

The four functions of behavior help us understand why our children display certain behaviors. By understanding the function, or “Reasoning” behind the behavior, we can identify various antecedents (What happens before the behavior?) and consequence strategies (What was the reaction to the specific behavior?) to help you and your family react in a way that decreases likelihood of continuous behaviors. Today’s topic will be on the function of “Attention”. The utilization of antecedent strategies [...]

Many parents ask us this great question! Applied behavior analysis, known best as ABA, is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. Behavior is simply the skills and actions we use to communicate and to get our needs/wants met! ABA focuses on decreasing socially significant problem behaviors, like aggression, while also teaching socially appropriate behaviors such as: Communication Social skills Academics Daily living skills Practical skills that improve overall quality of life Here at Joybridge [...]

Increasing Communication Opportunities for Your Child with Autism Written by Rebekah Howard, RBT, Graduate Student- JBK Mount Juliet Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, allowing us to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs. However, for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developing effective communication skills can be a complex journey. While specialized therapies and interventions are important, one powerful strategy that can make a significant difference is embedding communication opportunities throughout the [...]