The CMDE Process Explained: What to Expect from Your Child’s Evaluation
If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism or is showing signs that lead you to seek support, you may have heard about something called the CMDE—short for Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation. While this term can sound overwhelming at first, understanding the CMDE is an important part of accessing services that can make a meaningful […]
Celebrating Small Wins in ABA Therapy: Why Progress Looks Different for Every Child
In the world of ABA therapy, progress doesn’t always look like big milestones or dramatic changes overnight. More often, it’s the quiet moments, the subtle breakthroughs, and the consistent steps forward that build the foundation for lasting growth. For families raising children with autism, recognizing and celebrating these small wins can make all the difference. […]
Building Better Routines: How ABA Therapy Helps Create Structure at Home
For many families raising a child with autism, the home can sometimes feel unpredictable—filled with moments of joy but also frequent power struggles, meltdowns, and resistance to daily tasks. One key ingredient that can make a significant difference? Structure. A well-established routine creates a sense of stability, reduces anxiety, and helps children know what to […]
How to Talk to Extended Family About Your Child’s ABA Therapy
Explaining your child’s autism diagnosis and ABA therapy journey to extended family members isn’t always easy. While close relatives often want to support you, they may not fully understand what ABA therapy is, why it’s necessary, or how they can be helpful. At Alight Behavioral, we often hear from parents who feel unsure about how […]
How Alight Behavioral Streamlines the Path from Diagnosis to EIDBI Services
For many parents, hearing that their child may be on the autism spectrum can bring a flood of emotions—concern, uncertainty, and a pressing need to find the right support. Unfortunately, once families begin seeking help, they often find themselves navigating a complex system of evaluations, paperwork, insurance processes, and long waitlists just to access services. […]
Common Behavioral Triggers in the Home—And How ABA Therapy Addresses Them
When it comes to supporting a child with autism, the home environment can be both a place of comfort and, at times, a source of behavioral challenges. Everyday situations—routine disruptions, communication barriers, or sensory overstimulation—can trigger behaviors that may be difficult for families to manage without support. Fortunately, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is designed […]
The Ultimate Guide to Booking Your First Autism Evaluation (Without the Overwhelm)
When you begin noticing developmental differences in your child, it can be both confusing and emotional. You want the best support, but the process of figuring out how to book autism evaluation can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone. This guide is designed to walk you through the essential […]
Why Some Kids with Autism Struggle to Sleep—And What You Can Do
Sleep is essential for every child’s development, but for many families, bedtime can be one of the most challenging parts of the day. For a variety of reasons, kids with autism struggle to sleep, making restful nights elusive not just for the children, but for the entire family. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, […]
What Is a CMDE Assessment? A Parent’s Guide to Getting Started with EIDBI Services
If you’re a parent in Minnesota seeking support for your child with autism or a related condition, you may have come across the term CMDE in connection with EIDBI services. While these acronyms can seem overwhelming at first, they’re key steps in unlocking vital therapy services—like ABA therapy—that can make a meaningful difference in your […]
What Makes a Great ABA Therapist? Qualities Parents Should Look For
Finding the right ABA therapist for your child can feel like a big decision—and it is. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is most effective when it’s built on a trusting relationship between the therapist, the child, and the family. But what exactly should parents be looking for when choosing a therapist? Beyond credentials, there are […]