The StarRise ABA Therapy Podcast

Every child deserves to have a voice no matter how they communicate. In this episode, Sarah and Emily explore how ABA therapy can teach self-advocacy skills that help kids express their needs, make choices, and set boundaries. From using break cards to saying “no” safely, you’ll learn simple ways to build confidence and respect your child’s voice at home and in therapy. Empowerment starts with sma...

Sometimes, even with progress, ABA alone doesn’t meet every need—and that’s okay. In this episode, Sarah and Emily talk about what to do when ABA isn’t the full answer for your child. They share how to recognize when to bring in other supports like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling, and how to build a well-rounded care team. Perfect for parents learning to trust their instincts a...

How do you teach important life skills without changing who your child is? In this episode, Sarah and Emily explore how ABA therapy can support growth while celebrating neurodivergent identity. Learn how to tell the difference between behaviors that are barriers versus those that are simply different, and how to find that sweet spot between structure and self-expression. Perfect for parents who wa...

Getting kids to follow directions is one thing helping them truly learn is another. In this episode, Sarah and Emily unpack the difference between compliance training and skill-building in ABA. Learn how to move from short-term obedience to long-term independence with simple strategies like breaking tasks into steps, using visuals, and celebrating small wins. Perfect for parents ready to shift fro...

Some behaviors run deeper than they appear and that’s where trauma-informed ABA makes a difference. In this episode, Sarah and Emily explore how ABA therapy can be done with sensitivity, safety, and compassion for kids who’ve faced tough experiences. Learn how small changes like predictable routines, gentle communication, and giving kids choices can help build trust and emotional security. Perfect...

Ever wonder what keeps your child’s ABA therapy safe, ethical, and family-centered? In this episode, Sarah and Emily break down the BACB Ethical Code the rules therapists follow to ensure honesty, respect, and care in every session. Learn how this code protects your privacy, prevents conflicts of interest, and ensures science-based, child-first decisions. A must-listen for parents who want to unde...

Not every strategy is right for every child and that’s okay. In this episode, Sarah and Emily talk about how to recognize when an ABA technique isn’t working and how to confidently speak up. Learn when to trust your gut, how to communicate concerns respectfully, and why collaboration between parents and therapists matters most. This is your guide to advocating for your child with confidence and co...

Every parent wants their child to feel safe, heard, and respected in therapy. In this episode, Sarah and Emily talk about what consent really looks like for kids—how to notice their cues, honor their “no,” and advocate for their dignity during ABA sessions. You’ll learn simple ways to build trust, encourage self-advocacy, and partner with your child’s therapist to create a respectful, empowering e...

Many parents feel torn after hearing both praise and criticism of ABA therapy. In this episode, Sarah and Emily explore what autistic adults are saying about ABA concerns about compliance, masking, and respect and what modern, compassionate ABA looks like today. Learn how to choose supportive providers, ask the right questions, and ensure your child’s therapy builds skills while honoring who they...

There’s a lot of talk about ABA therapy, some glowing reviews and some real concerns. In this episode, Sarah and Emily take a balanced, compassionate look at the question “Is ABA harmful?” They unpack what ethical, child-centered ABA looks like today, how to spot red and green flags in therapy, and how to ensure your child’s voice and comfort come first. This conversation empowers parents to make...

Starting school or daycare can feel overwhelming for kids and parents alike. In this episode, Sarah and Emily share how ABA strategies can ease those big transitions using tools like priming, visual schedules, and positive reinforcement. Learn simple ways to prepare your child for new routines, practice drop-offs, and celebrate small wins that build confidence and calm. Perfect for families seekin...

Teaching multi-step skills like brushing teeth or joining play can feel overwhelming but video modeling makes it easier. In this episode, Sarah and Emily explain how short, simple videos can help kids learn by watching and copying real examples. Parents will learn how to create effective clips using their phone, when to show them, and how to celebrate progress. Perfect for families using ABA thera...

From crossing the street to talking to strangers, safety skills don’t come automatically, kids need to be taught step by step. In this episode, Sarah and Emily share how ABA strategies help children learn safety through modeling, repetition, and fun role-play. Parents will get easy, practical ways to teach “stop and look,” practice safe choices, and build confidence during real-life routines. Perf...

Morning chaos, homework battles, sudden changes, sound familiar? In this episode, Sarah and Emily unpack how ABA strategies can strengthen kids’ executive functioning skills like planning, organization, and flexibility. Learn practical tools such as visual schedules, breaking tasks into steps, and practicing small changes to build resilience. Perfect for parents looking for ABA-based ways to make...

Playtime is more than fun, it’s how kids learn, connect, and grow. In this episode, Sarah and Emily explore how ABA therapy helps children with autism build play and imagination skills through modeling, scripting, and small step-by-step support. Parents will learn easy ways to join their child’s play, spark pretend ideas, and celebrate progress at home. Perfect for families looking for simple, joy...

Morning routines don’t have to be chaos! In this episode, Sarah and Emily share how ABA’s “task analysis” approach can make self-help skills—like getting dressed and feeding—easier for kids to learn. Parents will discover simple step-by-step teaching methods, like forward and backward chaining, and how to celebrate small wins that build confidence and independence. Perfect for families wanting pra...

Helping kids make friends doesn’t have to feel impossible. In this episode, Sarah and Emily share simple ABA-based strategies to teach key social skills like greetings, joining play, and taking turns. Parents will hear real-life examples, fun role-play ideas, and small daily practices that build confidence and connection. Perfect for families looking for autism and ABA support that fits into every...

Toilet training can feel like a mountain, but ABA strategies can make the climb smoother. In this episode, Sarah and Emily share practical, positive steps for parents like checking readiness signs, using rewards for progress, and handling accidents calmly. You’ll learn how to make potty time a positive experience, build consistency, and celebrate small wins along the way. Perfect for parents looki...

When tantrums and outbursts take over, it’s often your child’s way of saying, “I need help.” In this episode, Sarah and Emily unpack Functional Communication Training (FCT), an ABA strategy that replaces problem behaviors with positive ways to ask for what kids need. Learn how to spot the message behind the meltdown, teach simple communication skills, and celebrate small wins that make daily life...

When words don’t come easily, communication can feel impossible but there’s hope. In this episode, Sarah and Emily share how ABA therapy helps nonverbal children express their needs using signs, pictures, or communication devices. Parents will learn simple, everyday strategies to encourage meaningful interaction and reduce frustration. Perfect for families seeking autism support and practical ABA...