Adaptive Teaching & Learning Autism Services LLC - ABA ATLAS

07/24/2026

What is Prompting?

In ABA, prompting refers to providing assistance or cues to help a child successfully complete a skill or response. Prompts are used to support learning and build independence by guiding children toward the correct behavior while reducing errors and frustration.
Prompts can be verbal, visual, gestural, modeled, or physical. As children become more successful, prompts are gradually faded so they can perform skills independently.

Real-Life Examples:

Verbal Prompt:
A child is learning to greet others. An adult says, “Say hi,” to help them respond appropriately.

Gestural Prompt:
A child is asked to put away a toy, and the adult points to the toy bin to guide them.

Model Prompt:
An adult demonstrates how to wash hands, and the child imitates the actions.

Visual Prompt:
A child uses a visual schedule to follow their daily routine and transition between activities.

Prompting is an important teaching tool that helps children learn new skills, build confidence, and experience success. By using prompts effectively and gradually fading support, we help children become more independent across home, school, and community settings.

07/23/2026

We invite you to join our FREE virtual support group for caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)!

Meeting once a month, this supportive group provides a welcoming space to connect with other caregivers who understand your journey. Whether you’re looking for guidance on navigating services, learning more about ABA principles, understanding schools and IEPs, or simply seeking a place to share your experiences and feel heard, we’re here for you.

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—we’d love to have you join us! 💙

06/28/2026

ATLAS will be closed June 29th -July 3rd for a quick Summer Break. ☀

Operations will resume July 6th.

Enjoy your holiday! 🎇

06/23/2026

We love this!

06/19/2026

We would love your consideration!

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

What Are Self-Regulation Strategies? ☁️🎈

In ABA, self-regulation refers to the ability to manage emotions, behaviors, and reactions in different situations. Self-regulation strategies help children recognize how they are feeling and use appropriate tools to stay calm, focused, and engaged.
When children learn effective self-regulation skills, they are better able to cope with challenges, transitions, and everyday frustrations. These strategies can include deep breathing, requesting a break, identifying emotions, asking for help, or using calming tools.

Real-Life Examples:

Requesting a Break: A child says “break” or uses a visual support when feeling overwhelmed instead of leaving the area or engaging in challenging behavior.

Using Calming Strategies: When frustrated by a difficult task, a child practices deep breathing or counts to ten before continuing.

Identifying Feelings: A child uses words or a feelings chart to express emotions such as “I’m upset” instead of yelling or crying.

Asking for Help: Rather than becoming frustrated when a task is difficult, a child says “help” or uses a communication device to request assistance.

Self-regulation helps children become more independent and successful across environments. By teaching and reinforcing these strategies, we empower them to manage emotions, cope with challenges, and participate more effectively in daily activities.

05/25/2026

ATLAS is CLOSED Today, May 25th in observance of Memorial day!❤️🤍💙

05/22/2026

At ATLAS, we are committed to empowering autistic individuals and their families through compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized support.

Our programs include:
⭐ Day Program
⭐ Bridge Program Social Groups
⭐ Motion Program
⭐ Virtual Parent Support Group
⭐ School & In-Home Services

We proudly serve families across Maryland and West Virginia and are passionate about helping every child grow in confidence, communication, independence, and connection.

📍Serving Washington, Frederick, Carroll & Montgomery Counties, MD + Berkeley & Jefferson Counties, WV

📞 301-703-9923
📧 [email protected]

05/15/2026

What is Functional Communication? 🗣️
In ABA, Functional Communication refers to teaching individuals effective and appropriate ways to express their needs, wants, feelings, and choices. The goal is to replace challenging behaviors with clear communication that can be understood by others and consistently reinforced.

When a child has a reliable way to communicate, they are less likely to rely on behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, or avoidance to get their needs met. Functional communication can be taught in many forms, including spoken language, gestures, sign language, picture exchange systems, or communication devices.

Real-Life Examples:
Requesting Needs:
A child says “help” or hands over a picture to ask for assistance, rather than crying or getting frustrated.

Requesting Items:
Instead of grabbing a toy, the child says, “I want the car” or uses a communication device to make the request.

Requesting a Break:
A child learns to say or sign “break” when a task feels difficult, rather than engaging in avoidance behaviors.

Expressing Feelings:
Instead of yelling when upset, a child says “I’m mad” or points to a feelings chart.

Functional communication helps children feel more independent and understood. By teaching and reinforcing these skills, we empower them to express themselves in positive, effective ways across all environments. 🤍😁