Sarah Heller

By Dr. Sarah Heller, Ed.D., IBA, BCBA, LBA-NY · Meaningful Metrics One of the questions I hear most often from families (whether we're meeting at a school table in Nassau County or connecting via telehealth) is some version of this: "How do I keep learning after our sessions end?" It's one of my favorite questions, because it tells me the family is already thinking beyond our session time together. They're not just looking for answers in the room. They want to carry the work home, into the...

When social skills are taught from a compliance mindset, children may learn to mimic behaviors without truly understanding them. They may smile when they are uncomfortable, agree when they mean no, or mask their differences to avoid standing out. Over time, this can create anxiety, fatigue, and a sense of disconnection from their own identity. A neuroaffirming approach views social learning through a different lens. Instead of focusing on “fitting in,” it helps children understand...

What ABA Support Can Offer Families Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science of learning and behavior. When practiced in a compassionate and neuroaffirming way, it can help children and young adults develop practical skills for independence, communication, and emotional regulation. For families, ABA provides a structured way to understand what is happening beneath behaviors, identify triggers or barriers, and replace frustration with clarity. Certified professionals known as Board...