Welcome to Nova's Blog

Feel free to browse through our articles about autism, ABA therapy, early intervention, modern ABA practices, and more!

Pervasive Demand for Autonomy: What Is It?

If you've recently come across the term pervasive demand for autonomy, you might be wondering what that long title means! More parents, clinicians, educators, and autistic adults are using this phrase to describe a pattern of behavior that goes far beyond simple stubbornness. For many families, understanding pervasive demand for autonomy can completely change how they interpret challenging behaviors. Instead of seeing a child who is "defiant" or "noncompliant," they begin to

2 days ago5 min read

How to Find the Right Autism Behavior Therapist Near Me

A practical guide to searching for an autism behavior therapist near me... and knowing what to look for If you've recently searched "autism behavior therapist near me," you're likely trying to find qualified, compassionate support for your child or a loved one, and fast. With so many providers, credentials, and service types out there, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide breaks down what an autism behavior therapist actually does, what qualifications to look for

4 days ago3 min read

Do RBTs Only Work With Autism? The Role of an RBT

If you've started looking into ABA therapy in Utah, you've probably come across the term RBT — Registered Behavior Technician. And if most of what you've seen about RBTs is tied to autism services, it's natural to wonder: do RBTs only work with autism, or can they support other needs too? The short answer is no. RBTs are trained to work across a range of behavioral and developmental needs, not exclusively autism. Here's what the role actually involves, and why autism tends to

Jul 303 min read

My Kid Has Aggressive Behavior. Is It Just a Phase?

If you've found yourself Googling "my kid has aggressive behavior" at midnight after a looong day of parenting and feeling like a failure.... you're not alone. Parenting a child who hits, bites, kicks, or screams can be exhausting, heartbreaking, and confusing. Especially when you're not sure whether this is just a rough patch or a sign that something deeper is going on. The truth is, aggressive behavior in children is one of the most common concerns parents bring to pediatr

Jul 294 min read

Autistic Burnout When You're a Parent: Recognizing the Signs

Let's be honest for a second: parenting is exhausting for everyone! But if you're an autistic parent (whether you've known that about yourself for years or you're just starting to connect the dots after your own child's diagnosis) the exhaustion can hit different. It's not just "I'm tired." The reality is that it's a bone-deep, foggy, can't-find-the-words kind of depleted that doesn't go away after a good night's sleep. That's often autistic burnout, and if you've never had a

Jul 275 min read

Are All Autistic People Smart? a Common Autism Stereotype

Where the "Autistic Genius" Myth Comes From, and Why the Real Answer is Important to Understand Ask people to picture an autistic person and many will imagine a math prodigy, a chess master, or a character like Raymond from Rain Man who can count cards and recite phone books from memory. On the other end of the spectrum, people may picture someone non-verbal with high support needs. Both are considered autism, but there are many different people in the autism spectrum. Pop cu

Jul 245 min read

Positive Behavior Services: Helping People Thrive Through Person-Centered Support

When people hear the phrase positive behavior services, they often think it's only about reducing challenging behaviors. In reality, positive behavior services are about something much bigger: helping people build meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. At Nova Supports, we believe behavior support should be compassionate, collaborative, and centered on each person's goals—not simply focused on stopping behaviors. Whether someone receives services through Utah's Divisi

Jul 224 min read

Indoor Activities for Adults with Autism: Ideas for Home and Around Utah

Sensory-Friendly Ways to Stay Engaged Indoors, Whether You're at Home or Out Exploring the Wasatch Front Utah is famous for its outdoor recreation, but between snowy winters, scorching heatwaves in July, and the occasional inversion day along the Wasatch Front, indoor activities are a year-round necessity. For adults with autism, the right indoor activity can help pass the time, but more importantly it can support sensory regulation and daily living skills. It can also promot

Jul 186 min read

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Behavior Technician?

No, You Don't Need a Degree to Be a Behavior Technician! You Just Need the Right Training and Certification If you're drawn to work that's hands-on, meaningful, and helps children and adults with autism build real-life skills, you may have already asked yourself the big question: do you need a degree to be a behavior technician? The short answer is no. A behavior technician role, most often certified as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), is designed to be one of the most

Jul 164 min read

Do BCBAs Only Work with Autism?

Have you ever wondered: "Do BCBAs only work with autism?" That's actually a common question. Because Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is most commonly associated with autism treatment, many people assume that becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) limits you to working only with autistic individuals. The reality is much broader. Behavior analysts use the science of learning and behavior to help people across many settings and populations. These can include other de

Jul 104 min read

Autism-Friendly Activities to Do in Utah

Autism Friendly Activities (recommended by actual autism parents!) While Utah generally has many family-friendly activities and places to go, not every place you can bring your kids to is inherently autism-friendly. We asked actual autism parents in Utah what they recommend! Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park in Spanish Fork, Utah Image courtesy of Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park Google Maps location. This all-abilities park has everything your child could want! This A

Jul 77 min read

What Is a Registered Behavior Technician? Common Myths!

If you’re searching “what is a Registered Behavior Technician?” you might also be searching for ABA jobs in Utah and wondering what the work is really like. RBT work can be deeply meaningful and surprisingly fun, but it’s also real clinical work. It is not just “playing with kids.” Let’s clear up the biggest myths job applicants run into so you can decide if this role fits you. Myth #1: “RBT is basically babysitting.” Reality: You are providing therapy. Sessions often include

May 233 min read

Registered Behavior Technician vs. BCBA: What's the Difference?

Registered Behavior Technician vs. BCBA: What's the Difference and Which Path Is Right for You? If you're exploring a career in ABA therapy, you've probably come across two titles that seem to pop up everywhere: Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Both are SUPER essential to the work we do at Nova Supports, and both make a real difference in the lives of the kids and adults with autism we serve.... but they're pretty different whe

Apr 223 min read

Early Signs of Autism in Children: What Parents Should Know

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the little things — the way they respond to your voice, how they interact with other kids, whether they seem to hit the milestones you've read about in the baby books. And sometimes, something feels a little different. Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, but your instincts are telling you to pay attention. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and you're definitely not overreacting. Recognizing the

Apr 145 min read

What People with Autism Want You to Know This Autism Awareness Month

Every April, Autism Awareness Month brings a wave of blue T-shirts, puzzle pieces, and social media posts. And while the intention behind all of it is good, there's a growing conversation about whether "awareness" alone is actually enough... and whether the way we talk about autism truly reflects what the autism community wants. At Nova Supports, we work alongside individuals with autism every single day. We see their strengths, their humor, their creativity, and their resili

Apr 124 min read

Pivotal Response Training (PRT): A More Natural Approach to ABA Therapy

What is Pivotal Response Training? Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) that sits firmly within the ABA umbrella while emphasizing motivation, responsivity, and skill generalization through typical routines and play. Rather than teaching isolated targets in a highly structured format, PRT focuses on pivotal areas that are theorized to produce widespread improvements across domains, particularly motivation, initiations,

Mar 105 min read

What Is PDA in Autism?

What is PDA in Autism? Signs, Strengths, and Support That Actually Helps If you’ve ever felt like your child can do something one day and absolutely cannot do it the next, or if they refuse to do tasks you KNOW they can do, you are not alone. It is actually quite common! Some autistic kids and teens experience a “PDA profile,” often described as a persistent drive for autonomy (also called Pathological Demand Avoidance). The core idea is that demands can feel threatening ,

Feb 242 min read

What’s a Behavior Technician? A Parent-Friendly Guide

If you’re new to ABA therapy, you’ve probably heard the term “behavior technician” and thought, “Okay… but what does that mean day to day?” A behavior technician (often called a BT or, if they’re certified, an RBT) is the team member who works directly with your child during ABA sessions. They’re the person practicing skills in real life moments and helping turn your child’s goals into progress you can actually see at home, school, and out in the community. So… what’s a behav

Feb 184 min read

Autism-Friendly Valentine’s Day Ideas at Home

Simple, low-stress ways to celebrate with your child Valentine’s Day can be sweet. It can also be a lot for kids with autism. Extra expectations, unfamiliar activities, sticky crafts, surprise treats, and the general vibe of “you should be having fun right now” can turn a cozy holiday into a meltdown. :( At Nova, we love celebrations that work with your child’s nervous system, not against it. The goal is not a picture-perfect Valentine’s. The goal is connection & comfort. We

Feb 65 min read

Applied Behavior Analysis Jobs Near Me: What to Look For (and What to Expect)

If you’ve been typing “applied behavior analysis jobs near me” into Google, you’re not alone. ABA is growing quickly, and with that growth comes a wide range of job postings that can look similar on the surface but feel very different day to day. This guide is here to help you understand what ABA jobs typically include, what questions to ask before you accept an offer, and how to find a role that fits your goals and your life. What is an applied behavior analysis job? Most ap

Jan 234 min read

Welcome to NOVA Supports, your trusted partner in Utah ABA Therapy.

Nova Supports specializes in providing personalized, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Our dedicated team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts© (BCBAs) and registered behavior technicians© (RBTs) are committed to crafting individualized treatment plans that cater to the unique needs of each child.

Our goal is to empower adults and children with autism by helping them reach their personal goals. These may include communication skills, social skills, or basic skills like potty training or drinking from a different cup. We want to help our clients and their families.

Explore our blog to gain valuable insights into the world of Utah ABA therapy. This section of our website can help parents, clients, or employees of Nova better understand Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy).

We hope we can help educate and inform people on many different topics pertaining to ABA, which may include the benefits of early intervention, the role of registered behavior technicians, and even the historical controversy of ABA.

Whether you're new to ABA therapy or seeking to deepen your understanding, our blog provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones of raising a child with ASD.

Join us at Nova Supports, where we believe in providing competent and compassionate care to individuals with autism.