Not Here to Fix—Here to Support 💛 Navigating the Spectrum with Heart

Heyyy! BCBA Ruby here 💕
Today, I want to talk about something super close to my heart: supporting children, students, and young adults on the autism spectrum. Whether you’re new to the field, a curious student, or just someone who wants to make a difference—you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it down together, like I would if I were chatting with my little sib over iced coffee or halo-halo on a sunny day. ☀️

🌱 First Things First: Every Individual is Different

People on the autism spectrum are not all the same. I know that seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how often folks forget this. One child might be non-speaking and need help with daily routines. Another might be a math genius who struggles with social interactions. And someone else might be your favorite barista who prefers written instructions over verbal ones.

Bottom line: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

🧠 Structure is Magic

Okay, hear me out—routines and visual supports? Total game changers. Kids (and adults!) thrive when they know what’s coming next. You know how comforting it feels to know what your weekend plans are? It’s kind of like that.

📌 Try this:

• Use visual schedules

• Give countdowns before transitions

• Stick to predictable routines (as much as possible!)

💬 Communication is More Than Words

Communication can come in so many forms—signs, pictures, speech devices, gestures, even a good ol’ thumbs up. Our job isn’t to force one method—it’s to support whatever works best for the individual.

Pro-tip from big sis Ruby: If a child points to the fridge and gives you “the look,” that’s communication. Don’t wait for words to start connecting.

🌸 Sensory Needs Are Real

Some kids might cover their ears when it gets too loud. Others might love spinning or crunchy snacks. That’s not them “being difficult.” That’s them trying to regulate their nervous system.

Think of it like this: You know when your playlist hits just right and you instantly feel better? Same idea, but their needs might look a little different.

Support it. Respect it. Learn from it.

🫶 Relationships Come First

Honestly, all the ABA strategies in the world don’t mean a thing if the child doesn’t feel safe and cared for with you. Build trust. Follow their lead sometimes. Celebrate the small stuff. Be silly. Make them laugh.

When they feel safe, real learning can happen.

🧩 Last but Not Least: We’re Not “Fixing” Anyone

We’re supporting. We’re teaching skills. We’re helping create access to more of life’s goodness—whether that’s friendships, school success, independence, or self-expression.

Autistic individuals aren’t broken. They're beautifully unique, and our job is to uplift, not “normalize.”

So, that’s the tea, fam. 🍵
If you’re working in ABA or thinking about it, just remember: You’re not just teaching skills. You’re helping shape lives—with compassion, intention, and heart.