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Autism & ABA Therapy Resources

Welcome to the All Star ABA blog — where autism care knowledge meets real-world application. From evidence-based ABA strategies to expert insights, we're here to support families, inspire professionals, and push the standard of care further.

Exploring Autism & ABA

An image of Walmart store where autistic individuals can do sensory-friendly shopping.

Walmart Sensory-Friendly Hours: When They Are and What to Expect

By David Okafor (BCBA, LBA) • October 13, 2026
Walmart's sensory-friendly hours run daily, 8 to 10 a.m. See what changes in store, what Walmart doesn't say, and tips for shopping with an autistic child.
A young boy is playing with a toy airplane in a living room.

How to Get IHSS for an Autistic Child: Eligibility, Protective Supervision, and Approval Steps

By Angela Torres (MS, BCBA) • October 12, 2026
Learn how to get IHSS for an autistic child in California: Medi-Cal, SOC 295, the SOC 873 health care certification, protective supervision, hours, and appeals.
Young woman with autism laughing with short hair and bangs against a graphic wall.

What Does Allistic Mean? Allistic vs. Autistic vs. Neurotypical

October 11, 2026
Allistic means not autistic. See how it differs from neurotypical, with an allistic vs. autistic table, how the word is used and common questions answered.
A woman is pointing at an autistic girl who is sitting on a couch at home in Maryland.

10 Mistakes to Avoid with an Autistic Child

By Rachel Steinberg (MEd, RBT) • September 28, 2026
Learn the 10 most common autism parenting mistakes in 2026 and how to replace them with evidence-based tips from a BCBA serving Maryland & Virginia families.
Two women are sitting next to each other in front of a body of water.

Are Autistic People Stupid? No — Here's What Intelligence Looks Like in Autism

By David Okafor (BCBA, LBA) • September 28, 2026
Autism is not an intellectual disability. See what CDC data and peer-reviewed research show about autistic intelligence, IQ testing limits, and 10 common myths.
An autistic adult sitting alone on a wooden bench

Autistic Elopement in Adults: Causes, Risks, and Prevention Strategies

By Rachel Steinberg (MEd, RBT) • September 24, 2026
Elopement in autistic adults differs from wandering in children. Causes, safety planning for caregivers and group settings, disclosure & guardianship options.
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Building a Career in ABA

A family sits together on a couch, engaging in supportive conversation with a caring RBT.

RBT Supervision Requirements: How Many Hours, How Often, and Who Can Supervise

October 13, 2026
RBT supervision requirements for 2026: 5% of service hours each month, two live contacts and an observation. See the hours table and who can supervise.
A man and a woman sitting at a table looking at a piece of paper

What is an RBT? Understanding RBT Certification

October 11, 2026
Discover what it means to be a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and the role they play in providing ABA therapy. Learn more with All Star ABA.
A group of people are putting their hands together in a circle.

How Do I Go From RBT to BCBA? A Comprehensive Guide

By No author • September 28, 2026
Discover the path to becoming a BCBA from an RBT. Learn about the educational requirements, supervised fieldwork, and exam process to advance your ABA career.
A BCBA stands beside a boy and girl in a classroom, guiding learning with support and care.

BCBA Supervision Requirements (2026): Fieldwork Hours, Supervision Percentages, and the 2027 Changes

By Rachel Steinberg (MEd, RBT) • September 28, 2026
The current BACB fieldwork numbers: hours, supervision %, monthly contacts, and exactly what changes under the 2027 requirements.
ABA therapist looking frustrated at laptop as coworker leans over with hand on her shoulder.

RBT Exam Guide: Format, Pass Rates, Study Tips (2026)

By Sunil Dev • September 25, 2026
RBT exam guide: 85 questions, 90 minutes, 80% first-time pass rate. Format, study tips, retake rules, and what to expect.
A male RBT student looks stressed while taking the RBT exam at a testing center in Maryland.

Do You Have to Take the RBT Exam Every Year? Facts to Know

September 25, 2026
Learn about the RBT exam requirements and whether you need to retake the exam annually. Understand certification renewal processes and professional development.
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Meet our blog authors

A drawing of a swirl with a star on a white background

Jessica Morgan

(MS, BCBA)

Jessica started as an RBT straight out of college and worked her way up to...

Sara Welsh

(BCBA)

Sara Welsh is Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Oregon...

Rachel Steinberg

(MEd, RBT)

Rachel is in homes and therapy centers every day, running sessions and...

David Okafor

(BCBA, LBA)

David's younger brother was diagnosed with autism at four. And that changed...

Jessica Morgan

(MS, BCBA)

Jessica started as an RBT straight out of college and worked her way up to BCBA over eight years. She's seen this work from every angle, which is exactly why families trust what she writes. Her posts have none of the jargon and all of the knowledge pertinent to families dealing with autism.


She lives in Baltimore with her husband and two kids, and yes, it makes her a better therapist.

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis | Board Certified Behavior Analyst | 8 years of clinical experience

Angela Torres

(MS, BCBA)

Ten years in ABA therapy has taught Angela one thing above everything else: when parents feel confident, kids thrive better, stronger, faster.


She specializes in parent training and writes about the family side of autism: staying consistent at home, navigating schools, and taking care of yourself while caring for your child.


Angela is bilingual in English and Spanish and makes sure Spanish-speaking families never feel left out of the conversation.

MS in Behavior Analysis | Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Bilingual English/Spanish | 10+ years of clinical experience

Rachel Steinberg

(MEd, RBT)

Rachel is in homes and therapy centers every day, running sessions and watching kids hit milestones. 


She loves writing about the practical ins and outs of ABA. What does a real session look like? What can parents do between therapy hours? What if I’m not seeing progress from the sessions?


Rachel answers the questions families are searching for; she answers the questions they don’t even know to ask.

She's currently completing her BCBA certification.

MEd in Special Education | Registered Behavior Technician | Currently pursuing BCBA certification | 4 years of clinical experience

David Okafor

(BCBA, LBA)

David's younger brother was diagnosed with autism at four. And that changed everything for him; how he sees his clients, how he talks to families, and why he takes this work personally. Since 2019, he has specialized in early intervention and school-based therapy across Maryland and Virginia. He writes about the things that keep families up at night, and he addresses their concerns with gentle, expert care.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Licensed Behavior Analyst | Early Intervention Specialist | 6 years of clinical experience