Caregivers

We support and empower caregivers every step of the way,
providing resources and guidance to help your child thrive.

Understanding ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can feel complex, especially if you’re just beginning your journey. This section is here to give you clear, honest answers about how ABA works, what it helps with, and what you can expect at Cornerstone. Whether you’re exploring treatment options or seeking to better understand your child’s care, these insights are for you.

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a science-backed therapy that helps children with autism build meaningful skills—like communication, independence, and emotional regulation—through positive reinforcement and structured teaching. It’s one of the most widely recommended therapies for autism.

What Does ABA Help With?

ABA helps children develop skills in communication, social interaction, daily living, and emotional regulation. It can also reduce challenging behaviors by teaching more appropriate alternatives. Goals are based on your child’s unique needs.

What Happens in an ABA Therapy Session?

Each session is structured, engaging, and one-on-one. Your child will work with a trained therapist (RBT) on specific goals—such as asking for help, brushing teeth, or following directions—using fun, motivating activities and positive reinforcement.

How is Progress Measured?

Therapists collect data during every session to track your child’s growth. This data helps the clinical team (led by a BCBA) make timely updates to the treatment plan so your child continues to progress.

Is ABA a Good Fit for My Child?

ABA is highly effective for many children with autism, especially when started early. If your child has communication delays, struggles with social or daily routines, or benefits from structure and repetition, ABA may be a great fit. A clinical assessment will help determine next steps.

What ABA is NOT

ABA is not one-size-fits-all. It’s not about compliance or punishment—it’s about empowering your child to succeed using compassion, structure, and science. At Cornerstone, therapy is always individualized, respectful, and positive.

Getting Started With Cornerstone Autism Center

Obtain a Diagnosis

To start services, your child must first have a confirmed autism diagnosis.

Schedule a Tour

Visit one of our locations to experience Cornerstone's supportive environment for your child.

Contact our Intake Coordinator

Connect with our Intake Coordinator to discuss next steps and begin enrollment.

Caregiver Resources

Caring for a child with autism comes with both challenges and opportunities—and access to the right resources can make all the difference. Here you’ll find downloadable guides, trusted educational materials, and helpful links to support you in understanding ABA therapy, building routines at home, and staying informed as your child grows.

Educational Materials

Clear, easy-to-understand explanations of key ABA concepts, treatment strategies, and tips to support your child’s progress.

Downloads

Printable guides, checklists, and tools designed to help you stay organized, informed, and engaged in your child’s care.

Helpful Links

A curated list of trusted websites, organizations, and support networks offering valuable information for families navigating autism.

Blogs

Explore insightful articles that offer practical advice, inspiration, and expert guidance to help you support your child’s progress at every stage.

Testimonials

What Cornerstone Parents Say

Meagan C.

"To me Cornerstone started as a new and exciting career opportunity but has literally turned into my second family. I feel very lucky, because when James was diagnosed with Autism…

Christina H.

"I will tell you if you are looking at sending your special superhero to Cornerstone, do it. To all of these amazing people, it’s not just a job, it is…

Jessica Y.

"We just want to thank everyone at Cornerstone! We’ve always felt welcome since the first visit to tour the facility. Our son has come so far in the almost 2…

Holly H.

"Everyone at Cornerstone truly has a heart of gold. Everyone is loving, tender and kind. Their support towards our family is unparalleled to anything we have experienced, and we probably…

Deborah and David T.

"God is truly at work in Cornerstone Autism Center. Wesley’s therapists went above and beyond our expectations. We are forever grateful to each and every one of them and will…

Meghann

"The task of describing gratitude has always eluded me. How can I accurately convey the depth of how much you impacted Gabe’s life? Michelangelo spoke of his creative process: “Every…

Cristy M.

"When we first found Cornerstone, we were lost and so confused on what to do for our son. Within just a few short weeks, we felt so much hope! When…

Lindsey M.

"Cornerstone has been amazing for my son. They helped teach him the tools necessary to help him grow and be independent. Everyone is friendly and it feels like a giant…

Ralph W.

"Cornerstone is a wonderful place. They have been so great to our son and so helpful. The staff is nice and respectful, and they always have a smile on their…

Whitney B.

"Thanks so much to everyone at Cornerstone! You guys rock and I can’t express my love enough. You are true life changers!"

Tim W.

"Cornerstone has given much to our son—smiles, laughter, joy, and most notably, a voice. Because of the hard work and dedication of his therapists, we are finally getting to know…

Sheila C.

"Because of Cornerstone, my son is now able to manage his frustration, initiate conversation, eat with a fork and get dressed on his own."

Crystal C.

"I will always have a special place in my heart for the loving care my son has received and can’t wait to see all the great things he will accomplish.…

Sheetal and Parag D.

“Our son, Sharv, is three and a half years old. He has been going to Cornerstone almost a year now. We are very happy that we made that decision. Before…

Virthie Jayaram

“Cornerstone has helped Ryush and us in many aspects, to name a few: Potty training, through techniques at Cornerstone and home has improved. Ryush is now off a nappy during…

Melissa P.

"I want to thank Cornerstone for having the financial adviser provide a presentation on special needs financial planning. We had our follow up meeting today and we feel much better…

Rachelle V.

"When Layden first started ABA at Cornerstone, he had difficulty responding to his name, had to be heavily prompted when interacting with peers, took us by the arm to take…

Michael G.

"My son Chase was diagnosed with PDD-NOS when he was 3 years old. Chase is non verbal but has a personality that will light the room up and a laugh…

Allen and Breezy W.

"I don’t know where to start….or how to express the heartfelt joy and camaraderie I feel for you all. I had learned of ABA Therapy many times at various support…

Latisha and Andrew S.

"When Tyce first started at Cornerstone in November 2012, he had a limited vocabulary. He would mostly just repeat what you told him to say. He couldn’t tell us what…

Andy and Lisa A.

"The day I wrote this testimonial I was sad driving Kevin to Cornerstone. It was the first day of school – the first day of first grade that all of…

Iva S.

"What was my son’s life like before therapy at Cornerstone? We had tried many therapies outside of what he was getting at school. Those private therapies would end up asking…

Carmen and “Squish”

"I don’t even know where to begin because there is so much I want to say. First off thank you from the bottom of my heart for welcoming my “Squish”…

Kyle and Esmeralda M.

"Cornerstone has not only proven to be a safe haven for our daughter, but a place where she can be herself without judgment and thrive under the tutelage and kindness…

LaDonna W.

"What a difference a year makes. AJ has come so far since he started at Cornerstone. He speaks so much more than he did when he started and it’s definitely…

Bethanne and Brandon A.

"When James started at Cornerstone, he could barely say more than ten words, was not potty trained, and not social. Two years later he is speaking in 5 to 7…

The Kirkmans

"Cornerstone is helping my child learn in so many ways. After just a couple months there my child is communicating better than he ever has and his behavior has tremendously…

Betsy W.

"When the boys started at Cornerstone I was surprised at how emotional I was. I was filled with hope and gratitude. I was never a tearful person until recently. Now…

Jennifer Z.

"I always knew Xander had the capability to learn and develop like other kids his age; I just didn’t have the training or the tools to help him. The staff…

Julie S.

"I can’t believe that I am packing lunch for my son’s last day at Cornerstone! This morning is filled with excitement and sadness. I am sad to lose daily contact…

Experience the Cornerstone Difference

A tour is the best way to see how we turn therapy into meaningful progress. Step inside our centers, meet our compassionate team, and explore how we support your child’s journey with expertise and heart.