FirstSteps Blog
Welcome! Explore articles from our amazing clinical team and exciting news about FirstSteps.
March 25, 2026
Setting the Record Straight: ABA Works, and Accountability Matters
A pair of recent Wall Street Journal articles have drawn wide attention to billing and oversight problems in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) industry. At Fi...
February 3, 2026
The Magic of Play
Because play is so central to early childhood development, researchers have long explored ways to support autistic children in expanding their play skills, ofte...
December 17, 2025
Beyond the Plate: 3 Tips to Support Your Child's Eating This Holiday
Regardless of the time of year, meals shared with loved ones are an incredible opportunity for connection, socialization, laughter, and delicious food. However,...
September 25, 2025
A Research-Based Perspective on Claims Linking Acetaminophen to Autism
As clinicians with over two decades of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and autism research, we feel it is important to address recent claims suggesting ...
December 5, 2024
12 Tips for a Terrific Travel Experience with Children with ASD
The holiday season is here—a time filled with family, cherished memories, and often, travel adventures. Whether you’re taking to the skies, rails, or roads, tra...
October 3, 2024
But…Dr. Google Said…
At one time or another, most of us have hit up Dr. Google to check on a new or unusual physical symptom and, as a direct result, have self-diagnosed with...
July 30, 2024
Learning Opportunities – THE MORE, THE BETTER!
In our community, decades of research and clinical practice has made one thing clear: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a highly effective intervention for chi...
June 13, 2024
Get Excited! Two More Weeks Until Our Summer Social Intensive Program Begins!
Our clinical team is counting the days until our annual FirstSteps for Friends: Summer Social Intensive Program begins! Scheduled throughout the month of July,...
May 8, 2024
FirstSteps for Kids CEO Matt McAlear Testifies in Sacramento
The FirstSteps Team is proud to have Matt McAlear at the helm of our company as Chief Executive Officer, while also serving as Executive Director of our state’s...
March 6, 2024
What is ABA and its History?
As a parent seeking treatment for your child with Autism, you’ve no doubt heard about ABA (applied behavior analysis). While most recently popularized by and co...
January 4, 2024
What is Autism?
As a parent, first hearing that your child may have an Autism diagnosis can be the beginning of an avalanche of questions. “What is Autism?” “How can I help my...
August 10, 2022
FS For Friends
Each year, FirstSteps for Kids, a behavioral health provider serving kids with autism, hosts a center-based learning program called FirstSteps for Friends (FS4F...