Autism Awareness Month in Ontario: Understanding, Acceptance, and the Role of ABA

April is Autism Awareness Month in Ontario—a time to celebrate the diverse and vibrant autistic community, advocate for meaningful support, and reflect on the evolving journey of autism services, including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

April 2nd is World Autism Day.

As a Registered Behaviour Analyst, I have the privilege of working alongside individuals on the spectrum, their families, and dedicated professionals who strive to create inclusive, supportive environments. Over the years, I’ve witnessed both the challenges and the triumphs, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the progress we’ve made while recognizing the work that still lies ahead.

A Brief History of Autism

Autism has always been part of the human experience, though its recognition as a distinct condition is relatively recent. The term "autism" was first introduced in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that researchers like Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger began to describe what we now understand as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The criteria and diagnostic label have changed significantly over the years.

In the decades that followed, our understanding of autism has shifted dramatically—from outdated theories blaming parenting styles to recognizing autism as a neurodevelopmental condition with a broad and diverse spectrum of presentations. Today, we emphasize strengths-based perspectives, inclusion, and self-advocacy, ensuring that autistic voices are at the forefront of conversations about autism support and services.

Autism Awareness vs. Autism Acceptance

For years, Autism Awareness Month focused on making the public more aware of autism. While awareness is still important, the conversation has evolved to emphasize acceptance. Awareness is knowing autism exists; acceptance is creating a world where autistic individuals are valued, included, and supported in ways that respect their unique needs.

Ontario has made strides in this direction, though families, self-advocates, and professionals continue to push for improvements in funding, accessibility, and individualized support. One of the key components of autism services in Ontario is ABA therapy, which has been both a source of support and a topic of discussion within the autism community.

The Role of ABA in Autism Support

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has been a cornerstone of autism services for decades. It is an evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding behaviour and using individualized strategies to teach new skills, improve communication, and support independence.

Over time, ABA has evolved significantly. Early forms of ABA were rigid and focused primarily on eliminating behaviours, but today’s ABA emphasizes individualized, compassionate, and flexible approaches that align with the unique strengths and needs of each person. Modern ABA prioritizes collaboration, dignity, and respect, ensuring that therapy supports meaningful goals set by the individual and their family.

Compassionate care prioritizes the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of an individual.

The Impact of Autism on ABA—and on Me

Interestingly, just as ABA has shaped autism support, autism advocacy has also shaped ABA. Over the years, autistic self-advocates have voiced concerns about how ABA is practiced, leading to necessary shifts in approach. There has been a move toward naturalistic, play-based, and person-centered ABA, moving away from strict compliance-based methods. Today, many ABA professionals work alongside autistic individuals to refine and improve practices, ensuring therapy is supportive, ethical, and beneficial.

But beyond shaping the field, working with autistic individuals and their families has profoundly shaped me as a person. It has refined my skills—not only in my ABA practice but in everyday communication. My nonverbal clients have taught me to be more attuned to body language, gestures, and subtle cues that often say more than words ever could. Perspective-taking has taken on a whole new meaning as I work to understand the thought processes behind certain behaviours, realizing that every action has a reason, even if it’s not immediately clear.

More than anything, working within this community has deepened my empathy. I see the resilience of families navigating systems that are still catching up, the daily struggles of individuals who are expected to conform to a world that doesn’t always accommodate them, and the small yet significant victories that deserve to be celebrated.

Ironically, as ABA aims to help autistic individuals reach their unique potential, I feel that working with this community has helped me work toward my own. Every day, I learn, grow, and strive to be a better version of myself—because the individuals and families I work with inspire me to do so.

ABA in Ontario: Challenges and Progress

Ontario has a unique landscape when it comes to autism services. The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) has undergone significant changes in recent years, impacting funding and access to ABA. Families often face long waitlists, financial barriers, and inconsistent services depending on where they live.

Despite these challenges, ABA professionals in Ontario continue to advocate for high-quality, ethical, and accessible services. We are seeing increased collaboration between ABA providers, educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and, most importantly, autistic individuals themselves. This teamwork helps create holistic, well-rounded supports that go beyond behaviour to foster independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful engagement in the community.

Moving Forward: What Can We Do?

Autism Awareness Month is more than just a time to wear blue or share facts—it’s a chance to actively contribute to a more inclusive Ontario. Here’s how we can all help:

1. Listen to autistic voices – Whether it’s reading books by autistic authors, following autistic self-advocates on social media, or engaging in conversations, learning directly from autistic individuals is invaluable.

2. Advocate for better services – Continued improvements to the OAP, education supports, and employment opportunities require collective advocacy. Supporting policies that fund evidence-based, individualized services benefits the entire community.

3. Encourage acceptance and inclusion – Small changes, like using identity-affirming language, making workplaces more neurodivergent-friendly, and fostering inclusive classrooms, create a more welcoming society.

4. Support families and caregivers – Parenting a child with autism comes with unique joys and challenges. Offering understanding, resources, and emotional support can make a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

As we celebrate Autism Awareness (and Acceptance) Month in Ontario, let’s remember that our ultimate goal is a world where every autistic individual is respected, understood, and empowered. ABA is just one of many supports that, when practiced ethically and compassionately, can play a role in helping individuals reach their own unique potential. This April, let’s commit to learning, listening, and growing together—because when we embrace neurodiversity, we build a better, more inclusive world for everyone.

Why Does My Kid Do That?

A Fun (and Slightly Sarcastic) Guide to ABA Functions of Behavior and What That Behaviour is Communicating.

I recently had a friend reach out, looking for tips on how to respond to her little one’s hitting. It seemed totally random—like one moment, they’re happily playing, and the next, wham!—there’s a hit. The family is doing their best, trying to teach 'gentle touch,' but the hitting persists. I know how frustrating this can be for parents—feeling like you're doing something wrong or like you missed a parenting memo. But here’s the truth: It’s easy to think the behavior is coming out of nowhere, but every little thing your child does is actually communicating something. Even that seemingly random hit.

Instead of feeling defeated, take a deep breath and remember: your kid isn’t plotting world domination (unless their name is Stewie Griffin) —this behavior is trying to tell you something.

Parenting is basically a game of decoding tiny, emotionally-charged puzzles, and here’s where Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) comes in with some answers.

We love puzzles, and our secret to understanding what your child is trying to say through their behavior lies in knowing the four functions of behavior—a fancy way of saying the reasons kids (yes, and adults) do what they do. Think of these functions like universal translators, helping you decode what your child might be trying to communicate.

If we understand why a behavior is happening, we can actually do something about it instead of just throwing snacks at the problem (which, let’s face it, is sometimes still a valid strategy).

When you can't say the words, you find another way to convey the message. ;)

The Four Functions of Behavior (AKA- Why Your Kid is Acting Like That)

1. Attention – “Look at me! Look at me! Look at me RIGHT NOW!”

Ever notice how your child turns into a Broadway performer the second you answer a phone call, or saves their most dramatic moments for when you're busy? That’s classic attention-seeking behavior! If your child’s constantly interrupting, acting goofy, or cranking up the noise, they’re probably trying to grab your attention. The key is figuring out if it happens when you're tied up—like on a call, working, or just trying to enjoy your coffee—or if they’re trying to engage you in some specific way (like peppering you with questions, trying to start a random conversation or making that face that just demands a reaction).

This resonates with every mom I know.

What the Behavior Is Communicating: Your child might be telling you, “Hey, I need attention RIGHT NOW!” And no, it doesn’t always mean they’re trying to drive you crazy on purpose. It’s just their little way of saying, “Hey, I need a connection!” Kids often turn to behavior to get that connection, whether it’s positive or negative. It’s like their way of waving their arms and saying, “Pick me! Pick me!”

🔹 Parent Pro Tip: 

• Provide positive attention (get in front of the challenging behaviour by responding to them BEFORE the behaviour happens): When your child is engaging in appropriate behavior (like sharing or playing quietly), be sure to give them plenty of positive attention. Praise them for those positive actions, so they know what gets them the attention they want.

• Teach them more appropriate ways to ask for attention: Encourage your child to use words or gestures to ask for your attention instead of using disruptive behavior (e.g. prompting to say “excuse me”). You can practice together, and soon they’ll learn that asking politely gets better results than acting out.

2. Escape – “Nope, not today, Mom.”

Ever hand your child a worksheet and suddenly they desperately need a snack, a nap, or to reorganize their sock drawer? That’s escape behavior. My daughter literally has a "dinner pee" every evening right after she has eaten everything preferred on her plate and before she must dive into the mandatory healthy, nonpreferred items.

If your child is whining, throwing a fit, or running away from something, they’re probably trying to escape. Bedtime meltdowns, tantrums at cleanup time, or the classic “fake sick” move are all telltale signs they’re looking for an exit strategy.

John Hughes truly understood adolescence.

What the Behavior Is Communicating: Your child is telling you, “I don’t want to do this!” It could be because the task feels overwhelming, boring, or simply something they don’t enjoy. Escape behavior often happens in situations that kids find frustrating or difficult.

🔹 Parent Pro Tip: 

• Break tasks into smaller steps: If your child is avoiding a task, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of saying, “Clean up your room,” try, “Let’s put all the cars in the box first,” and then praise them when they do it.

• Use a visual schedule: Sometimes kids avoid tasks because they don’t know what to expect. A visual schedule can help them know what’s coming up next and reduce anxiety. For example, if your child resists bedtime, use a schedule that shows the steps (like brushing teeth, reading a story, and going to bed) to make the process feel more predictable and less stressful.

• Give them a choice: Offering choices within the task can reduce the likelihood of avoidance behavior. For example, “Do you want to put the toys away first or your books?” Giving them control over how the task is done helps them feel empowered.

• Realistic Expectations: If you do notice escape behavior popping up frequently around the same or similar tasks, take a moment to check if what you're asking is actually manageable for your child—because what’s a “piece of cake” for one kid might be a full-on a mountain climb for another.

  
  

3. Access to Tangibles – “I want it, and I want it NOW.”

Tantrum over a toy or screaming for a cookie? That’s the "I WANT IT" behavior. Kids will go all out—tears, yelling, or full limp noodle mode—to get what they want, and if it works, they’ll try it again next time.

You’ll spot it when they’re grabbing, hitting, whining, or throwing a tantrum over something they want, like that toy or a cookie!

I think the communication is clear here.

What the Behavior Is Communicating: Your child is telling you, “I want that thing, and I want it now!” The behavior is a way of communicating that they desire access to a specific object or activity.

🔹 Parent Pro Tip: 

• Teach Patience: Encourage your child to ask politely for things and reinforce the magic of waiting. For example, you can say, “If you can wait just one minute, I’ll give you the toy.” This teaches them that waiting gets them what they want—without the dramatic “I must have it NOW” performance.

• Teach Turn-Taking: When the opportunity arises, sit down with your child and their sibling (or friend, if you’re lucky) and practice taking turns with toys. Use phrases like “my turn” and “your turn.” This is a golden opportunity to praise good behavior and keep it fun!

• Use reinforcement: When your child engages in positive behaviors (like using words instead of whining), reinforce that behavior with praise or a small reward. This helps them learn that asking calmly leads to getting what they want.

• Offer alternatives: If your child is throwing a tantrum because they can’t have something, offer them a choice of something else they can do. This gives them a sense of control while still redirecting the behavior.

• Have an Exit Strategy for Public Meltdowns: Set expectations before you even leave the car, so you’re not caught off guard when the public meltdown begins. If you need to leave the store before finishing your to-do list, that’s fine—sometimes survival is the top priority. Just make sure you have a plan so you can respond instead of reacting when things go haywire in the middle of aisle 7.

4. Sensory (Automatic Reinforcement) – “Because it feels good.”

Some behaviors happen simply because they feel good. If your child seems to be engaging in repetitive behaviors like spinning in circles, tapping, hair twirling, flapping their hands, or jumping up and down, they might be seeking sensory input. Sometimes the behaviour may even appear in repetitive scripting of favorite shows or songs. These behaviors serve an internal need, and are often calming or enjoyable for the individual. No amount of bribing or scolding will change that.

What the Behavior Is Communicating: Your child is saying, “This feels good!” Sensory-seeking behaviors help your child regulate their emotions or just get the sensory stimulation they crave.

🔹 Parent Pro Tip: 

• Provide alternative sensory input: If your child is engaging in sensory-seeking behavior that may be interferring with their day-to-day functioning (running laps around a classroom, jumping off chairs, etc.), provide an alternative. For example, offer them a stress ball to squeeze, a fidget spinner, or time on a swing or trampoline. These items can help fulfill their sensory needs in a way that’s more socially appropriate.

• Create a sensory-friendly space: If your child is seeking sensory input, it might help to create a calming space where they can engage in activities like swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or playing with sensory bins filled with rice or water beads. This allows them to self-regulate in a controlled environment.

Why Does Investigating the Function Matter?

Guessing why a child behaves a certain way is like playing charades—blindfolded—in the dark. Misreading the behavior can make things worse. For example, imagine your toddler keeps knocking over their sibling’s block tower. You assume they’re just being a troublemaker and put them in timeout. But what if they just want to join in but don’t know how? Now they’ve learned that approaching others gets them punished, instead of learning a better way to engage.

Understanding the function of behavior helps you respond with solutions instead of frustration.

Final Thoughts (and a Pep Talk)

Kids aren’t little villains plotting your demise—again, unless we're talking about Stewie Griffin, but that's a special case. They're just tiny humans trying to figure out how the world works.

Once you start thinking of behavior as communication, it will start to make a lot more sense. So, next time your child acts out, pause and ask yourself, “What are they trying to tell me?” and consider the function. It might just be the key to solving the issue and making parenting a lot easier (and dare I say, more fun). You've got this. 🚀

In the meantime....

Continues to plot world domination.

Reinforcement: No, it's Not a Bribe!

The Basics of Reinforcement in ABA: A Parent-Friendly Guide

If you’ve ever cheered when your child took their first steps, clapped when they used the potty for the first time, or rewarded them with a sticker for finishing their homework, congratulations—you’ve already used reinforcement!

Reinforced.

In Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), reinforcement is a superpower that helps encourage positive behaviours in children. But how does it work, and how can you use it effectively at home? Let’s dive in!

What is Reinforcement?

Reinforcement simply means increasing the likelihood that a behaviour will happen again in the future. It’s like a gentle nudge that tells your child, “Hey, that thing you just did? Do it again!”

There are two types of reinforcement:

• Positive Reinforcement: Adding something pleasant to encourage a behaviour. Think of praise, treats, extra playtime, or a high-five when your child does something great.

  
  

• Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to encourage a behaviour. This doesn’t mean something bad—it just means taking away an annoyance. For example, if your child puts away their toys and, in return, they don’t have to do an extra chore, that’s negative reinforcement at work!

Why Does Reinforcement Work?

Kids (and adults!) naturally repeat behaviours that bring desired results. If your child learns that using polite words earns them extra playtime, they’re more likely to keep using those polite words. Reinforcement makes learning fun and rewarding instead of stressful and frustrating.

The Magic of Immediate Reinforcement

Timing is everything! If a reward or praise comes right after a behaviour, your child connects the dots quickly. Think about snapping a picture—you have to press the button at just the right moment to capture the perfect shot. The same idea applies to kids! If your child shares a toy and you immediately say, “Wow! That was so kind of you to share!” they’re more likely to do it again.

Behaviour is always on the move—constantly shifting, evolving, and happening in real time. That’s why reinforcing right away is so important! If we wait too long, we might accidentally reward a completely different behaviour that happens moments later. Think of it like catching a moving train—you want to hop on at just the right moment so you end up where you want to go. The quicker we reinforce, the clearer the message: “Yes! That’s exactly what we want to see more of!”

Finding the Right Reinforcer

Not all kids are motivated by the same things, and that’s okay! The key is to find what excites your child. Here are some ideas:

• Tangible Rewards: Stickers, small toys, or special treats.

• Activities: Extra playtime, a trip to the park, or an extra bedtime story.

• Social Praise: High-fives, big smiles, enthusiastic “Great job!”

• Privileges: Extra screen time, choosing the family movie, staying up 10 minutes later.

Tip: Reinforcers lose their power if they’re overused. If your child always gets a sticker, they might stop caring. Mix it up and keep it exciting!

Reinforcement vs. Bribery—What’s the Difference?

Some parents worry that reinforcement is just bribery in disguise. Not true! The difference is in when the reward is offered.

• Reinforcement happens after a behaviour (e.g., “You cleaned your room! Let’s play a game together!”)

  
  

• Bribery happens before (e.g., “If you stop crying, I’ll buy you candy.”)

  
  

Reinforcement teaches kids that good behaviour leads to positive outcomes, while bribery can unintentionally teach them to misbehave just to get a reward.

Using Reinforcement at Home

Now that you understand the power of reinforcement, here are some fun ways to use it at home:

1. Create a Reward Chart: Let your child earn stars or stickers for behaviours like using kind words, brushing their teeth, or helping with chores. A certain number of stickers could lead to a bigger reward!

   
   

2. Verbal Praise Parade: Shower your child with excited praise when they do something awesome. The more specific, the better! Instead of just “Good job,” say, “I love how you put your shoes away all by yourself!”

   
   

3. Mystery Rewards: Keep things exciting by occasionally surprising your child with a reward for good behaviour—like an unexpected trip to the ice cream shop for cleaning up without being asked.

   
   

4. “First, Then” Statements: Use reinforcement to encourage less-favoured activities. Example: “First, finish your homework, then you can have tablet time.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, reinforcement can go wrong. Here are some pitfalls and tips to keep you on track:

• Being inconsistent: If one day you reward a behaviour and the next day you ignore it, your child might get confused. Try to be consistent!

  
  

• Over-relying on one type of reinforcer: If your child always gets a treat, they might start expecting it every time. Mix it up with praise, activities, and privileges.

  
  

• Waiting too long to reinforce: If too much time passes, your child might not connect the reward to their behaviour. Try to reinforce as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Reinforcement isn’t just for therapists—it’s a powerful parenting tool that can make learning fun, build confidence, and encourage positive behaviour. Whether it’s a hug, a sticker, or a trip to the park, a little reinforcement goes a long way in shaping happy, motivated kids. So go ahead—celebrate those small wins, and watch your child thrive!