Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Every parent wants their child to grow more capable and independent, to dress themselves, manage their own hygiene, help around the home, and handle the everyday tasks of life. For children with developmental differences, these daily living skills often need to be taught more deliberately than they are for other children. The payoff is significant: independence builds confidence, eases family life, and lays the gro

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Parenting a child with additional needs asks more of you, more vigilance, more advocacy, more patience, more hours, often with less rest and fewer breaks. It's no wonder so many parents reach a point of sheer depletion. This post names that honestly, and offers practical ways to look after yourself, not as an indulgence, but because your wellbeing is part of your child's support system. Burnout Is Not a Character F

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS When one child needs a lot of support, it's natural, and necessary, for much of a family's energy to flow their way. But there's often another child quietly watching from the side: the sibling. Brothers and sisters of children with additional needs carry their own experiences, and they can be easy to overlook precisely because they seem to be "coping fine." This post is about seeing them, and supporting them well.

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Screens are a feature of every modern childhood, and for many children with developmental differences they hold a particularly strong pull. The problem isn't usually the screen itself, it's the meltdown when it's time to switch off, the way screens crowd out other activities, and the sense that they've become the only thing that holds your child's attention. This guide offers practical, low-conflict ways to manage

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Some children eat only a handful of foods. Others refuse anything new, gag at certain textures, or turn every meal into a standoff. Extreme picky eating is common in children with autism and developmental differences, and it worries parents deeply, about nutrition, about health, about the daily stress of it. This guide explains why it happens and how a calm, behavioural approach can gently expand what your child ea

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS If bedtime in your home is a nightly battle, or your child wakes repeatedly, or simply won't settle, you are far from alone. Sleep difficulties are extremely common in children with autism and developmental differences, and they take a real toll on the whole family. This guide offers practical, behaviour-based strategies to help, written for parents who are, frankly, exhausted. Why Sleep Is Often Harder Understandi

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Toilet training is challenging for many families, and for a child with autism or developmental delays it can feel especially daunting. Progress may be slower, the usual advice may not work, and it's easy to feel stuck or discouraged. The good news: a structured, patient, individualised approach helps enormously. This guide walks through how to think about toilet training when the standard playbook isn't enough, wit

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Many parents worry that they are not doing “enough” to support their child’s language development. They may feel pressure to practise flashcards, drills, or structured activities throughout the day. In reality, some of the most powerful opportunities to build language already exist in your child’s daily routines. Language grows best when it is used naturally, repeatedly, and meaningfully, not only during structured

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Why Some Children Have Difficulty With Transitions Many parents notice that their child becomes upset when it is time to move from one activity to another. For example, a child may become distressed when it is time to stop playing and get ready for dinner, leave the playground, or prepare for bedtime. This often leads parents to ask: “Why does my child struggle with transitions?” Transitions can be challenging for

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Supporting a child with autism at home can feel overwhelming. Finding ways to help them grow, learn, and feel comfortable in their own space is a daily challenge. But with the right ideas and tools, home therapy can become a positive and effective part of your child’s routine. In this post, I’ll share practical and creative ways to bring therapy into your home. These ideas focus on making learning fun, building ski

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS Introduction Supporting your child’s development does not only happen during therapy sessions. In fact, some of the most meaningful progress takes place at home through everyday interactions, routines, and experiences. Many parents wonder what they can do outside of therapy to help their child improve communication, behaviour, and learning. The good news is that small, consistent actions at home can make a signific

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS One of the most common misconceptions about behaviour therapy is that progress happens only during therapy sessions. In reality, therapy sessions are just a small part of a child’s week. What happens outside those sessions, at home, during routines, and in everyday interactions, often has an even greater impact on long-term progress. This is why parent involvement is not an “add-on” in behaviour therapy. It is a co