Climbing Star Blog
Understanding autism, together
A growing library of clear, caring answers for families — from early signs and diagnosis to ABA therapy, behavior, and everyday life.
September 18, 2026
Autism Rates Are Now 1 in 31: Why Diagnoses Are Rising and How NYC Parents Can Navigate Evaluation Waitlists
The CDC reports autism prevalence has reached 1 in 31 children. Here is what is driving the rise and practical strategies for NYC families facing long evaluation waitlists.
Read →September 17, 2026
Is ABA Therapy Still Compliance-Based? What Modern, Assent-Based ABA Looks Like in 2026
Addressing common questions about ABA therapy: how modern, assent-based ABA replaces rigid drills with child-led play, functional communication, and emotional safety.
Read →September 2, 2026
My 18-Month-Old Isn't Talking: Speech Delay vs. Autism Signs and What to Do in NYC
If your 18-month-old or 2-year-old isn't talking yet, here's how to understand the difference between a speech delay and early autism signs, and how NYC families can get free support.
Read →August 27, 2026
On an ABA Therapy Waitlist in NYC? Here's What to Do While You Wait
Practical steps for NYC parents on an ABA waitlist — questions to ask, paperwork to finish in parallel, ways to support your child at home, and how to find providers who can start sooner.
Read →August 24, 2026
How to Get an Autism Evaluation in NYC: A Parent's Guide to Your Options
The paths NYC families take to get an autism evaluation — pediatrician referrals, developmental pediatricians, hospital centers, and psychologists — plus what to bring and what the report unlocks.
Read →August 20, 2026
In-Home ABA Therapy in NYC: What to Actually Expect
What in-home ABA therapy really looks like in a New York City apartment — sessions, scheduling, materials, parent involvement, and the first week.
Read →August 17, 2026
CPSE Services vs. Private ABA in NYC: What Each Covers and Why Many Families Use Both
How NYC's CPSE preschool special education services differ from insurance-funded private ABA — and how families combine the two.
Read →August 13, 2026
ABA Therapy for 3-Year-Olds in NYC: What Parents Can Expect
Why age 3 is a common starting point for ABA therapy in New York City, what sessions actually look like for preschoolers, and how to get started.
Read →August 10, 2026
How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost in New York?
An honest look at what ABA therapy costs New York families — why sticker prices are misleading, how insurance changes the math, and the questions that get you real numbers.
Read →August 6, 2026
Aging Out of Early Intervention in NYC: What Comes Next for Your Child
Your child's NYC Early Intervention services end at age 3 — here's what the CPSE transition looks like, and how insurance-based ABA can keep support going.
Read →August 3, 2026
Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in New York?
How New York Medicaid coverage for ABA therapy generally works — EPSDT, managed care plans, what documentation you'll need, and how to verify your child's benefits.
Read →July 29, 2026
ABA Therapy in New York: An Honest Parent's Guide
A straight-talking New York guide to ABA therapy — the controversy, whether it's right for your child, how insurance and Early Intervention work, and choosing a provider.
Read →July 22, 2026
Early Signs Your Toddler Might Benefit from ABA Therapy
Wondering about your toddler's development? Learn about early signs sometimes linked to autism, and how to talk with your pediatrician about next steps.
Read →July 20, 2026
Your Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism — What Now?
Just received an autism diagnosis for your child? Here's a gentle, practical roadmap for the days and weeks ahead, and why there's real reason for hope.
Read →July 17, 2026
How to Choose an ABA Provider: 7 Questions Every Parent Should Ask
A practical checklist of questions to ask any ABA provider, so you can choose a team you trust with confidence.
Read →July 15, 2026
What Is a BCBA, and What Do They Do?
A plain-English guide to the BCBA behind your child's ABA therapy plan — their training, daily role, and how they oversee your child's team.
Read →July 12, 2026
How Many Hours of ABA Therapy Does My Child Need?
There's no universal number. Learn how BCBAs determine ABA therapy hours based on your child's age, needs, and goals — and why more isn't always better.
Read →July 8, 2026
How to Start ABA Therapy in New York: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
A practical, step-by-step guide to starting ABA therapy in New York — from diagnosis and insurance to your child's first session.
Read →July 5, 2026
In-Home vs. Clinic-Based ABA Therapy: Which Is Right for Your Child?
A balanced look at in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy, so you can choose the setting that best fits your child's goals and your family's life.
Read →July 3, 2026
What to Expect in Your Child's First ABA Therapy Session
A calm, step-by-step look at what happens before, during, and after your child's first ABA therapy session — so your family feels prepared.
Read →July 1, 2026
Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in New York?
A clear, practical guide to how ABA therapy coverage works in New York, what to check on your plan, and how to verify your benefits before you start.
Read →January 15, 2026
What Is ABA Therapy? A Plain-Language Guide for Parents
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children with autism build communication, social, and daily-living skills. Here's how it works.
Read →June 5, 2025
Autism and Tics
Integrating behavioral therapies like ABA, CBIT, and HRT for managing co-occurring autism and tic disorders in children.
Read →March 26, 2025
Find Free RBT Training Near You
Explore free RBT training opportunities and learn how ABA therapy supports children with autism spectrum disorder.
Read →March 13, 2025
How Much Does a Child With Autism Get From SSI?
Understanding SSI benefits for children with autism: eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and financial support resources for families.
Read →February 1, 2025
Social Communication Disorder vs. Autism
Distinguishing Social Communication Disorder from Autism Spectrum Disorder and exploring evidence-based interventions for better outcomes.
Read →January 29, 2025
Teaching Math To Students With Autism
Evidence-based strategies combining ABA therapy and behavioral methods to support math learning for students with autism spectrum disorder.
Read →January 26, 2025
The Double Empathy Problem In Autism
Understanding mutual misunderstandings between autistic and non-autistic people through Damian Milton's groundbreaking theory.
Read →January 4, 2025
What Is The Autism Wheel?
Understanding autism through a visual framework that maps diverse traits and experiences on the autism spectrum.
Read →Ready to see your child shine?
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