“If my child ‘graduates’ from ABA… does that mean they no longer need support?” ABA done well has a goal: Help a child gain meaningful, functional skills so they can be as independent and confident as possible—not to change who they are, but to help them thrive in a world that was not designed with neurodiversity in mind.

Because every child deserves support — and so do the adults who love them. Behind every child receiving thoughtful support is an adult working tirelessly to create stability, structure, and opportunity. Those efforts are powerful — but they also require energy, time, and emotional bandwidth. Caregivers deserve a system of support, too.

Summer vacations, spring break, or visits to relatives in the winter - it seems that there is always one special day or another coming up regardless of the month. “If I had to pick one take away that can have an affect on the neurodiverse populations we work with during holidays, that would be consistency,” shared Clinical Director Sumita Argianas, “do your best to maintain the routine and listen to your child’s input, everyone deserves to enjoy the holidays and with thoughtful planning, everyone can".

This is the second in our series on ABA in the daycare setting. To read our first post on in this series click here ! Choosing where your child receives ABA therapy is a personal decision, and one that often intersects with real-life needs: work schedules, childcare availability, commuting realities, and a child’s comfort in familiar spaces. For many families, daycare becomes the place where their child learns, grows, and now also receives individualized therapeutic support. This article explains what ABA therapy looks like inside a daycare day, what your child might work on, and why a daycare environment, with all its noise and energy and rhythm, may actually be one of the most effective spaces for meaningful growth.

This is our first article in our series on ABA in the daycare or parochial setting. You can read our parent's guide to daycare/parochial ABA here ! At Vilij ABA, we believe growth happens best in community—where children can learn, laugh, practice, and belong alongside their peers. Many parents and caregivers may not know that ABA services can provide additional support in the daycare and parochial school settings.  Note: This article is for general information, not insurance or legal advice. For the most accurate and up to date information, reach out to your insurance plan sponsor for more information.

You’ve got enough on your plate. Here’s a skimmable guide to open enrollment in Illinois—what changed this year, what to check in your plan, and how to make sure your child’s therapies (including ABA) keep moving forward. Note: Open enrollment is here in Illinois. Whether your child is on Medicaid/All Kids or a workplace/Marketplace plan , this quick guide shows what to check, what changed, and how to keep ABA and other therapies covered.

When a child has a lot to say but speech isn’t their easiest path, AAC —Augmentative and Alternative Communication—opens doors. AAC simply means “all the ways someone communicates besides talking,” from pictures and gestures to robust speech-generating devices (SGDs). It’s for kids of all ages who benefit from more ways to be heard. At Vilij, we’re neurodivergent-affirming. Our goal isn’t to change who your child is—it’s to expand ways to be heard , build functional living skills, and support independence. Being nonspeaking does not mean “non-communicative.” We honor every form of communication and help families grow it.

Potty training at home is one thing—but what happens when your child needs to use the bathroom out in the community?

Nighttime dryness is usually a developmental milestone rather than a skill you can directly teach. And while it takes longer, there are strategies that can help.

Potty training often feels like one of the biggest—and most intimidating—milestones in a toddler’s life. Parents are left wondering: Is it too soon? How do I know if my child is ready? What if they resist? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some children take to it quickly, while others need more time. And for kids with autism, the path to readiness may look even more unique. The encouraging news? When you begin toilet training at the right moment—when your child shows genuine signs of being ready—you’re laying the foundation for success. This is the first part in our series on potty training, to read the other articles in our series: Toilet training in the community Nighttime toilet training

You’ve received the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your child, you’ve checked with insurance, and you’ve come to understand just how comprehensive ABA can be. At Vilij, we want your experience with ABA to be a good one, even if you’re not with our team. Here are our top 13 considerations for families when searching for an ABA company that aligns with your family’s (and child’s needs).

Summer provides a unique opportunity for children receiving ABA services to generalize skills, build independence, and continue progressing in a less structured environment. While it’s a time of rest for many, it can also be a season of meaningful growth. With thoughtful planning and support from your child’s care team, summer can become a powerful extension of their therapeutic journey. Here’s how your care team and families can work together to make the most of the summer months!

When it comes to helping your child succeed in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, one word comes up over and over—consistency. But what does that really mean? And why is it so important? Whether your child is at home, in school, or receiving therapy at a clinic, maintaining consistency in behavioral interventions and data collection can make a world of difference in their progress.

As a parent or caregiver, you may often wonder why certain behaviors occur and how best to support your child’s development. Truly understanding your child's behavior is key to creating an environment where they feel heard, supported, and empowered to thrive. One of the foundational tools in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that helps achieve this understanding is ABC data collection. This structured approach to observing and analyzing behaviors allows parents and professionals to recognize patterns, gain insight into the child’s experiences, and develop interventions that are both effective and responsive to their needs.

"Embarking on the journey of securing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child can be both overwhelming and emotional. Understanding the process, your rights, and available resources can empower you to advocate effectively for your child's educational needs. This guide aims to provide clarity and support as you navigate the IEP process in Illinois."

"Raising a child on the autism spectrum can be a journey filled with both unique challenges and extraordinary rewards. For parents, balancing the daily responsibilities of caring for a child with autism with the need for occasional rest can be a delicate dance. Two key resources that many families turn to are respite care and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. However, while both respite and ABA can offer support, they have different purposes and benefits. Let’s take a closer look at how these services differ and what each can provide for you and your child."

For many insurance plans, ongoing ABA services require authorization from insurance. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing a clear roadmap from the initial phone call to receiving ongoing services as it pertains to insurance. 

This post discusses strategies and when programming should and shouldn't be followed. There is an emphasis placed on self-care for caregivers.

In the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a transformative shift has been unfolding—a shift toward neuro-affirming practices that are trauma-informed. This evolution is not just a trend; it’s a necessary response to the growing understanding of how past trauma impacts behaviors in the present, and respect for the autonomy and uniqueness of the children and families we're committed to serving.