RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

If your child engages in behaviours like hand flapping, rocking, pacing, repeating sounds, or fidgeting with objects, you may have heard this referred to as “stimming.” For many families, stimming can feel confusing or even concerning at first. You might find yourself wondering: ● Should I stop this? ● Is something wrong? ● Is this getting in the way of learning or development? These are very valid questions. The short answer is: not necessarily. In many cases, stimming is no

If you are parenting a child or teen who seems to experience everyday demands as overwhelming, you may have come across the term PDA profile. For many families, discovering this term can feel like a relief. It can help explain why things like getting dressed, starting schoolwork, following through with routines, or even responding to simple requests can lead to intense distress, shutdown, negotiation, or explosive behaviour. At the same time, parents often feel stuck when it

When families first hear about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), they often wonder: Will this feel rigid? Will my child be pushed too hard? Will therapy focus only on stopping behaviour? At Progressive Steps, we believe there is a better way. Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) is a research-based approach to ABA that prioritizes safety, trust, and emotional regulation while building meaningful skills. It is especially helpful for children who engage in aggression, self-injury, sever

We're excited to share that our Clinical Director, Kerry-Anne Robinson, recently appeared on The Christina Crowe Podcast to discuss how Progressive Steps is revolutionizing ABA therapy through a neurodiversity-affirming approach. In this powerful conversation with Christina Crowe and co-host Katie Richardson, Kerry-Anne shares our journey from traditional behavioural therapy to creating a groundbreaking therapeutic environment that celebrates neurodiversity rather than attemp

At Progressive Steps, we think it is essential to embrace and celebrate the unique abilities and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals (e.g., autistic, ADHD, etc.). Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes the natural variation in neurological development and encourages us to respect and appreciate these differences. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is one approach that can help neurodivergent individuals thrive while affirming their uniqueness. ABA therapy can be a p

Living in a society that thrives on social interactions, the ability to navigate social situations is crucial for personal and professional success. For adults with autism, developing social skills might pose unique challenges, but the benefits of cultivating these skills are profound. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why adults with autism should prioritize learning social skills and delve into the potential impact of not having meaningful friendships, supported

Adolescence is a tumultuous journey marked by rapid changes, challenging emotions, and a quest for identity. As teenagers navigate this complex terrain, finding effective tools to cope with the ups and downs becomes paramount. Enter Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr), a transformative approach that empowers teenagers to embrace challenges, build resilience, and chart a course toward a fulfilling future. The Mindful Revolution At the heart of ACTr lies mindfulness—a pow

Dealing with trauma in your child's life can feel overwhelming, but there's a beacon of hope called Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) (Hanley, 2020). SBT is all about helping your child develop essential life skills while ensuring their safety, dignity, and happiness. Understanding the Skill-Based Treatment Journey Imagine a process that focuses on building skills and fostering a sense of joy instead of just addressing problem behaviors. That's what SBT is all about. Let's explore

While we know how important consent is in ABA therapy, how much consent are children really giving when instructors are working with them?