When families think about ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, they may picture a child sitting at a table practicing skills one by one. That can absolutely be part of ABA, and for some skills, it can be very helpful. But it is not the whole picture.

Some moments in parenting catch our attention right away: a child flapping their hands when they are excited, lining up toys with great focus, or repeating the same movement or sound again and again. These behaviors can be easy to notice, and for many parents, they naturally bring questions, curiosity, and at times, concern.

Eye contact is one way humans often share attention and understand one another. When children look toward someone’s face, they can notice expressions, recognize when someone is speaking to them, and gather small social cues that help interactions flow more easily.

When you first look at your child’s ABA treatment plan, whether it’s in an app, a portal, or shared during a meeting, it can feel like a lot. There may be charts, numbers, and words that sound very clinical. If you have ever looked at it and felt unsure about how it connects to your child’s everyday life, that reaction is completely natural.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept. It is already part of everyday life suggesting what we watch, helping doctors read scans, and organizing large amounts of data in seconds. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is no exception. In 2026, AI tools are increasingly present in data systems, scheduling platforms, and clinical documentation.

As we close out the year at American Behavioral Solutions (ABS), we’re taking a moment to reflect on what mattered most: people. Every goal met, every new program launched, every new team member trained—none of it exists without the families who trust us and the professionals who show up each day with care, consistency, and clinical excellence.

When children feel overwhelmed, their world can suddenly shrink. A sound, a “no,” a change in routine, and then breathing becomes quick and shallow, shoulders tighten, and calm feels far away. In those moments, adults often say, “Take a deep breath”, but for a young child, especially one still learning to manage emotions, those words can feel abstract. What adults really mean is: “You’re safe; let’s find calm again”.

In 2019, Mesa, Arizona made history as the first city in the United States to earn the Autism Certified City designation — a milestone that reshaped how communities nationwide think about inclusion. Granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the designation reflects a citywide commitment to accessibility, staff training, and genuine awareness of autism.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a powerful tool for helping children learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. But families are often surprised to discover that when initiating ABA therapy—or even when introducing new strategies at home—things can get harder before they get better. The tantrums may be louder, the protests stronger, the meltdowns bigger. That frustrating moment is what ABA calls an extinction burst.