NOVEMBER 2025

A New Year, A Clearer Understanding: What ABA Therapy Really Is By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 3 minutes read January has a way of making us pause. A new year often brings fresh questions, new goals, and a desire to better understand the choices we are making for our families. For many parents, especially those who are new to autism services, January is when one big question comes to the surface: What exactly is ABA therapy, and how does it help my child? If you have heard the term but still feel unsure about what it truly means, you are not alone. ABA therapy can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you are already navigating diagnoses, school meetings, and daily routines. The start of the year is a perfect time to slow down and gain clarity. What Is ABA Therapy? Applied Behavior Analysis, often called ABA therapy, is a research-based approach that focuses on helping children learn meaningful skills while reducing behaviors that may interfere with daily life. At its core, ABA therapy is about understanding how behavior works and using that understanding to help children succeed at home, school, and in the community. ABA therapy does not follow a one-size-fits-all model. When it starts, a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) determines your child’s treatment plan. Every child’s treatment plan is individualized, based on their strengths, needs, and goals. Therapy sessions are structured but flexible, designed to meet children where they are and help them grow at a pace that feels supportive. They should be conducted by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under the supervision of a BCBA or by the BCBA themselves. What Does ABA Therapy Actually Look Like? Many parents imagine therapy as something that only happens at a table or in a clinic room. In reality, ABA therapy often looks like play, conversation, routines, and everyday interactions. Parent involvement is key to this process. Your child might be learning how to: Communicate wants and needs Follow simple instructions Transition between activities Build social and play skills Increase independence in daily routines In Houston, where families are always on the go, ABA therapy also helps children apply skills in real-life settings, whether that is at home, in school, or out in the community. Why January Is a Meaningful Time to Learn About ABA The beginning of the year brings fresh routines and new expectations. School schedules reset, therapy plans are revisited, and families often feel ready to try something new. January is an ideal time to reflect on what support your child needs and how ABA therapy fits into your family’s goals. Understanding ABA therapy can help parents feel more confident and empowered. When you know why strategies are being used and how skills are taught, you become an active part of your child’s progress. ABA Therapy Is About More Than Behavior One common misconception is that ABA therapy is only about correcting behavior. In reality, it is about teaching skills that improve quality of life. It focuses on helping children feel understood, capable, and supported. Progress might look like better communication, smoother mornings, fewer frustrations, or increased independence. These changes often happen gradually, and that is okay. Small steps lead to meaningful growth. Starting the Year With Knowledge and Support A new year does not require having all the answers right away. January is simply an invitation to learn, ask questions, and explore options that support your child and your family. If ABA therapy is part of your journey, know that you are not alone. With the right team, clear communication, and realistic goals, this year can be one of growth, understanding, and progress.

Finding Joy in the Routine: Making the Holidays Work for You By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 3 minute read The holidays are filled with excitement, but all the lights, sounds, and schedule changes can be tough for children with autism. At All For One Therapy, we encourage families to approach the season with balance and flexibility. Tending to your child’s interests makes a big difference at this time of year. It’s possible that taking a picture with Santa at the mall would be challenging, but driving by a neighborhood full of Christmas lights, while holding their favorite blanket, would be more enjoyable. When Christmas shopping for your child, notice what toys they gravitate towards. If you feel stuck, ask their teacher, speech therapist or favorite RBT what toys they seem to enjoy the most while in school or therapy. We also recommend building a “holiday toolkit”—include noise-reducing headphones, favorite snacks, comfort items, and a photo book with pictures of the people and places they’ll see. This small bag can be a lifesaver during overstimulating outings. Keep in mind that skipping events is okay. What matters most is that your child feels safe and supported. The best memories might come from quiet moments at home, baking together, or looking at holiday lights with a cozy blanket. You don’t have to do it all. Celebrate your pace, your child’s growth, and the joy in progress. We’re here for your family every step of the way.

Understanding What Causes Autism: Insights from an ABA Clinician Supporting Families in Texas By Alice Gutierrez MA, BCBA, LBA 4 minute read As a clinician that has spent my career working with children on the autism spectrum, I am frequently asked what causes autism. When answering this, I am clear that there is a lot we do not know yet but I always point families to what the current research is showing. We know that there is a strong genetic component to autism, as having one child on the spectrum increases the likelihood that a sibling is also diagnosed with autism. Additionally, boys have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with autism than girls. However, we also know that there are environmental factors that can contribute to an autism diagnosis. Some of the more researched environmental factors are advanced parental age, prematurity and birth complications where babies are deprived of oxygen. We have also learned that for the vast majority of people worldwide, vaccines are safe and effective. There are some studies that found a link between acetaminophen use and autism and just as many studies that found no link between the two. The tricky part is that we don’t currently know every environmental factor associated with autism. To make matters more complicated, autism is a complex disorder that presents differently in every person diagnosed, which suggests that one person’s environmental trigger may not be another’s. I long for the day that we have answers for all these questions, because then we can have better prevention, intervention and treatments. I am glad that, as a country, we are having these conversations so that we can increase funding and awareness for autism research and support. These conversations are long overdue. Lastly, while we don’t have all the answers for a cause, we know that once a child is diagnosed, early intervention and support is critical to help children thrive. It is my life’s calling to help families and children get the support they need through ABA therapy. All for One Therapy exists to give children and families impacted by autism helping hands for their journey.