I started taking up ASL because of my sister. She started it taking as a freshman and I would always see her signing around the house. I grew interested in the language she took up. I knew sign language was a unique language and I…
Functional Communication Imagine not being able to communicate your most basic wants/needs. The blank stares. The misunderstanding. The confusion. The frustration. When working with people who have limited to no verbal expression, they tend to demonstrate that frustration through behaviors. This can be seen as…
Congratulations to Dr. Matthew Howarth, founder of Verbal Behavior Associates (VBA), and the entire professional VBA troupe for receiving the “You Are the Advantage” Award from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD). Special kudos to Dr. Crystal Lo and her team for development of…
New Year Resolutions When it comes to New Years, I thought it be nice to share a brief list of what I want to accomplish this year, so that I can possibly be a better person because of them. My family was kind enough to…
At VBA we believe that, with the right help, anyone can lead a meaningful life. And while we recognize that not everyone will become famous or wealthy, we find it comforting to know that being on the spectrum needn’t be the factor that holds you…
The reality of having a child diagnosed with autism is hard and full of challenges for every member of the family. Children with special needs require support from parents, siblings, and even grandparents, and the effort can be both physically exhausting and emotionally stressful. Parents,…
Celebrities are human beings first, stars second, so they naturally have the same strengths and weaknesses, health concerns and disabilities, as everyone else. With that in mind, we share with you some famous people who have been diagnosed on the spectrum. Because at VBA we…
Before I start, I want to ask those of you who are currently reading a simple question: what is your favorite song? Simple I know, but have you ever thought as to why you like that particular song? Is there a particular reasoning as to…
My name is Ava and I was diagnosed with PDD-NOS when I was three years old. PDD-NOS means ‘Pervasive Developmental Delay – Not Otherwise Specified’. In easier-to-understand words for my parents, it meant I would have delays in my communication and social skills. So it…