As of September 2023, the RBT exam must be taken in person at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center. While remote testing was available earlier, it was discontinued due to security concerns. This shift ensures a standardized testing environment and maintains the integrity of the RBT credential. For aspiring behavior technicians, it’s important to plan ahead and schedule your exam at a local Pearson VUE center. Understanding the exam format and preparing thoroughly will help you succeed in obtaining your RBT certification.

For many autistic individuals, managing sensory overload is a constant challenge. Everyday sounds can feel overwhelming, and headphones have become an essential tool for many in reducing sensory stress. Noise-canceling headphones and other models help control auditory input, making environments more manageable and reducing anxiety. By choosing the right headphones based on sensory needs, autistic individuals can improve focus, navigate overwhelming environments, and enhance daily participation.

Vocal stim, or vocal stimming, is a common behavior in autism where individuals make repetitive sounds to self-regulate emotions, manage sensory input, or express feelings. Examples include humming, repeating words, or making sound effects. Understanding and supporting vocal stimming helps promote emotional well-being while respecting an autistic person’s need for self-expression.

Severe autism, also known as Level 3 ASD, is marked by profound challenges in areas like communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. Children with severe autism often need substantial support to manage routine tasks, engage in social activities, and regulate behaviors. Key symptoms include minimal or absent speech, repetitive behaviors, and intense sensory sensitivities. Early intervention, including ABA therapy, can significantly help children with severe autism build essential skills. By providing a structured, supportive environment, these children can make meaningful progress in communication, independence, and emotional regulation. At Nurturing Nests Therapy Center Inc., we specialize in personalized, evidence-based ABA therapy to support children with severe autism, helping them thrive in their home, school, and community settings. Contact us to learn how we can assist your family.

If you’re wondering “what are the signs your baby is not autistic?”, it’s reassuring to know that many developmental milestones can help put your mind at ease. Babies who are developing typically usually show signs like making eye contact, responding to their name, babbling, and engaging in social interaction by smiling or imitating movements. These behaviors are strong indicators of healthy development. However, it’s also crucial to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. If concerns persist, early intervention and professional evaluations from pediatricians or specialists can provide valuable insight. At Nurturing Nests Therapy Center, we offer tailored support and guidance to help parents navigate their child’s developmental journey, ensuring a positive path forward.

“Low functioning autism” is an outdated term now better described as Level 3 autism in the DSM-5. It refers to individuals on the autism spectrum who experience significant challenges in communication, social interactions, and daily living skills. These children typically require substantial support in many aspects of life, such as verbal communication, behavioral regulation, and adapting to changes in routine. While the term “low functioning” oversimplifies abilities and needs, Level 3 autism more accurately represents the intensity of support required. With early intervention and specialized therapies like ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, children with Level 3 autism can improve their daily skills and build essential communication abilities. At Nurturing Nests Therapy Center, we provide evidence-based therapies to help children with autism thrive, ensuring personalized care plans that focus on their strengths and developmental needs.

If you’re asking, “Can BCBA diagnose autism?” the answer is no. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) cannot diagnose autism, as this is a role reserved for licensed medical professionals, such as developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or child psychiatrists. However, BCBAs play an essential role once a diagnosis is made, offering evidence-based therapy like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). They develop personalized treatment plans to help children with autism build crucial skills in communication, behavior, and daily life. Their expertise is crucial in supporting children’s development, helping them thrive at home, in school, and within the community.

Working with autistic children requires patience, understanding, and tailored approaches. This article provides practical strategies to support children with autism, focusing on routines, communication, social skills, and effective therapies. Learn how to create structured environments, address sensory needs, and collaborate with therapists and educators to help autistic children thrive at home and school.

Understanding the difference between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms, such as repetitive behaviors and difficulty with social interactions. However, these conditions differ significantly in their causes, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. This article explores the distinctions between OCD and autism, the challenges in diagnosis, and the importance of getting an accurate assessment to ensure effective treatment. Learn how to recognize the signs and seek the appropriate support for individuals with OCD or autism.

While hyperfixation is not a formal symptom of autism, it is a common behavior observed in many autistic individuals, particularly around special interests. This intense focus, often beneficial in skill-building, can interfere with daily life if unmanaged. Understanding hyperfixation’s role in autism, and how it differs from behaviors in ADHD or OCD, can help families develop effective support strategies. Learn more about how to manage hyperfixation to maintain a balanced lifestyle and ensure overall well-being for autistic individuals.