Lighthouse Autism Center Blog

The picture exchange communication system, or PECS, is a teaching system that can help an autistic child or another individual with speech difficulties improve their communication skills. We take a look at PECS’ role in ABA therapy and unpack how it works. What Is the PECS System and How Is It Used In ABA Therapy? […]

You’re Invited: Smithfield Open House at Lighthouse Autism Center We’re excited to announce that Lighthouse Autism Center is officially opening its newest location in Smithfield, North Carolina, and we’d love for you to celebrate with us! Join us for a community open house on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at our brand-new center, […]

Taking Your Autistic Child to the Dentist For any child, and even adults, a trip to the dentist can often be filled with anxiety, fear, and discomfort. For a autistic child, especially, these feelings can be even further heightened by sensitivities to noise, smell, and touch. To make this experience better for both the child […]

Guidance for Families with Children with Autism when Moving Moving is always a stressful and complicated endeavor. But when you have a child on the autism spectrum, the thought of packing up your household and moving somewhere new can seem like a near-impossible task. Parents often worry that their children will get overwhelmed by this […]

Special Needs Bikes, Trikes and Trailers: Enjoying Bike Riding with Your Child It is that time of year when things start to heat up, and everyone begins looking for fun activities to do outdoors. A favorite pastime for many families in search of fun and connection in the fresh air is bike riding. For children […]

ABA Therapy Center is Now Open in Monroe, North Carolina Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) is excited to announce the opening of a new center in Monroe, North Carolina, on August 11, 2025. This marks another important milestone in our continued expansion, which now spans multiple states and supports hundreds of families across the country. What […]

Lighthouse Autism Center is opening a second location in Smithfield, North Carolina Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) is thrilled to announce the opening of our fourth location in North Carolina in the town of Smithfield, approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh. Scheduled to open in October 2025, this new center reflects our commitment to expanding […]

Safety & Autism Centers: How LAC Prioritizes Safety As a parent, trusting anyone with the safety of your child is a big ask, even more so when you know that your child sees, feels, and experiences the world differently. At Lighthouse Autism Center, we understand that safety means more than locked doors or clean playrooms. […]

Autism stereotypes are common and can have significant social consequences for autistic children. Misconceptions hinder the acceptance and inclusion of autistic children. Challenging these stereotypes is vital for creating a more understanding and supportive society. Challenging Common Autism Stereotypes When people hear the word “autism,” they often imagine a narrow set of images, like the […]

There are a number of reasons why an autistic child might stop ABA therapy, and one is that they have reached their goals. In this article, we take a look at what parents can expect going forward. What Are the Next Steps After ABA Therapy? As a parent, you only want what’s best for your […]

We take a look at the importance of early intervention, some of the milestones for parents to look out for, and the more common signs of autism in babies.  Do Babies with Autism Smile? Watching your baby grow is an exciting time, certainly one of life’s quiet wonders. From those first sleepy stretches to the […]