Up Up and Away

Up Up and Away We service children who need individualized academic and social-emotional support due to the diagnosis

09/17/2026

Same behavior. Different function. 🧩

In each of these scenarios, the behavior looks the same: throwing blocks. But the reason the behavior is happening is different.

🧹 “It’s time to clean up.” → Blocks are thrown to escape/avoid the demand.

📱 I answer a phone call. → Blocks are thrown to get attention.

🚫 She wants something and is told “no.” → Blocks are thrown to gain access to a tangible/activity.

🔊 She’s playing independently and repeatedly throws the blocks because she enjoys the sound or sensory experience. → Automatic/sensory reinforcement.

This is why we don’t ever determine the function of a behavior based on what the behavior looks like.

We look at what happens before it, what happens after it, and what the behavior is accomplishing for that individual.

Because two behaviors can look identical and be happening for completely different reasons and understanding the function helps us determine how to respond and what skills to teach instead. 🤍

09/15/2026

Collecting ABC data doesn’t have to be complicated! 🙌

In this video, we’re sharing two simple ABC data sheets that can help you better understand why behaviors are happening. Whether you prefer writing out exactly what happened or using an easy check-off system, both are great tools for identifying patterns.
✨ The more we understand behavior, the better we can support our children.

Comment “ABC” below, and we’ll send you copies of both data sheets! 📋
Save this post for later, and follow along for Part 4, where we’ll show you exactly what to do with the information you collect.

09/11/2026

Every behavior has a reason.
One of the most valuable tools we use as BCBA’s is ABC data because it helps us move beyond guessing and start understanding why a behavior is happening.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or caregiver, paying attention to what happens before, during, and after a behavior can provide valuable insight into what a child may be trying to communicate.

When we understand the function of behavior, we can create supports that are effective, compassionate, and individualized.

09/03/2026

✨ A skill isn’t truly learned until it can be used outside of therapy.

In ABA, we call this generalization- when a child can use a learned skill with different people, in different places, and in different situations.

Because the goal isn’t just to master a skill during therapy. It’s to help children use those skills where they matter most: in everyday life. 💛

That’s why we intentionally practice skills across people, environments, materials, and real-life situations.

Learning it is step one.
Using it everywhere is the goal. ✨

08/25/2026

Back-to-school/ first day of school transitions can bring BIG feelings, even for kids who seem totally excited and ready. 🎒

The good news? We don’t have to wait for anxiety to show up before we support them.

A few simple ways to prepare your child:
đź“š Read books like The Kissing Hand, The Invisible String, or stories about the first day of school
❤️ Draw matching hearts on your hands as a little reminder that you’re connected even when you’re apart
đź“– Create a simple social story that walks them through what their school day will look like
đź‘‹ Practice a short, predictable goodbye routine
🗓️ Talk through what happens next: “I’ll drop you off, you’ll have school, and then I’ll come back to get you.”

These little strategies help make something new feel familiar, predictable, and safe—and they can be helpful whether your child is nervous, excited, or somewhere in between.

Preparation isn’t about creating worry. It’s about giving kids the tools and predictability to feel confident when the big day arrives. 💛

08/24/2026

Social stories are so much more than little stories, they’re a powerful tool for helping children understand what to expect, prepare for new experiences, and feel more confident navigating everyday situations💛

Whether it’s trying something new, going somewhere unfamiliar, learning a new routine, or preparing for a change, a social story gives a child the opportunity to practice and preview what’s coming before they experience it.

Because when the unfamiliar becomes a little more familiar, children can feel more confident, capable, and ready to participate✨

We’re growing our team! ✨Up Up and Away is hiring Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in New York City to join our te...
08/18/2026

We’re growing our team! ✨

Up Up and Away is hiring Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in New York City to join our team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

If you’re passionate about ABA, supporting children, and being part of a collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you!
đź“Ť New York City
đź’Ľ RBT positions available
đź“© Apply today or reach out to learn more

08/14/2026

Behavior doesn’t happen randomly 👀

As BCBAs, one of the first things we ask is: WHY is this behavior happening?

Most behaviors serve one of four functions:
✨ Attention
✨ Escape
✨ Access to something preferred
✨ Automatic/sensory reinforcement

And this matters because two kids can show the exact same behavior for completely different reasons—which means they may need completely different support.

Before we focus on stopping a behavior, we need to understand what that behavior is communicatingđź’›

08/04/2026

What if we stopped asking, “How do I stop this behavior?” and started asking, “What is this behavior communicating?”

Behavior can provide important information about what a child is experiencing, needing, or finding difficult. When we take the time to understand the “why” behind behavior, we’re better equipped to teach meaningful skills instead of simply reacting in the moment.

A change in perspective can lead to a change in outcomes.

🎥 In our next video, we’ll introduce ABC data, one of the most valuable tools BCBAs, parents, and educators can use to better understand behavior and uncover the “why” behind it 💙

07/29/2026

When we take the time to pair first, we’re showing a child, “I’m someone safe. I’m someone fun. I’m someone you can trust.” That trust becomes the foundation for learning.

The truth is, learning happens best when a child feels safe, connected, and motivated. Pairing helps reduce anxiety, increases engagement, and creates a strong foundation for everything that comes next- whether that’s communication, play, social skills, emotional regulation, or learning new daily living skills.

Because when a child enjoys being with you, learning becomes something you do with them, not to them

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120 East 73rd Street
New York, NY
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