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The Balance Program

The Balance Program is a relationship-based early intervention program for young children with autism or developmental delays who are just beginning to show problem behaviors. It helps children learn to communicate, cooperate, and handle frustration in calm, natural ways that fit real family life.

What Is the Balance Program?

The Balance Program was developed by Dr. Kelsey Ruppel and Dr. Greg Hanley of FTF Behavioral Consulting. It is based on many years of in-depth research on how to prevent severe problem behavior before it starts.

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Balance is a play-based, family-centered approach designed for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are beginning to show emerging problem behaviors. It is especially helpful for families whose child has recently been diagnosed and has not yet started, or has just started, receiving therapy.

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Instead of focusing on compliance or “stopping bad behavior,” Balance focuses on building trust, joy, and shared control between you and your child. Children learn that using their words, cooperating, and staying calm works better than tantrums, aggression, or shutting down.

Designed for Parents, Supported by a BCBA

The Balance Program is meant to be implemented by parents in the home, with ongoing support and supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).​

 

During sessions, your BCBA will:​

  • Coach you step-by-step through the Balance teaching process

  • Help set up simple, fun play activities and routines

  • Provide in-the-moment feedback while you practice with your child

  • Adjust the plan based on your child’s progress and your family’s needs

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​You don’t have to become an ABA expert. Your role is to be your child’s safe, trusted person. The BCBA’s role is to guide, support, and individualize the program.

 

Who Is Balance For?

Balance may be a good fit if:

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  • Your child is between 3 and 6 years old

  • Has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or a related developmental delay

  • Is showing early signs of problem behavior (tantrums, refusals, aggression, rigid routines, etc.)

  • Has recently been diagnosed and is waiting to start services or has just begun therapy

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The program is especially helpful for families who want a clear, compassionate, step-by-step plan they can use in everyday routines at home.

What Skills Does Balance Teach?

Across the Balance Program, children learn a powerful “life-skills package” that includes:

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  • Functional communication – asking for help, breaks, or preferred activities in a simple, reliable way

  • Toleration – calmly handling “no,” “not right now,” or small disappointments

  • Cooperation – following simple and then more complex instructions

  • Flexibility – sharing control, handling changes in routines, and accepting small surprises

  • Persistence – sticking with new or challenging activities with support

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These skills are practiced in short, fun sessions and then blended into daily routines like play, meals, getting dressed, and bedtime.

How the Program Works

Balance is organized into a series of teaching steps that gradually increase your child’s skills while keeping things safe and enjoyable. With BCBA support, you will move at your child’s pace.

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In simple terms, the program helps your child:

  • Enjoy positive, low-demand playtime with you

  • Learn a simple, powerful way to ask for what they want (for example, a word, phrase, or “My way” card)

  • Practice calmly accepting small disappointments or changes

  • Complete short, reasonable tasks before returning to preferred activities

  • Use these skills in more and more real-life situations and routines

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Sessions are usually 5–10 minutes at a time, repeated across the day when it makes sense for your family.

What to Expect as a Family

During Balance coaching, you can expect:

  • Short, focused sessions in a comfortable play area at home

  • Clear, concrete guidance from your BCBA (no jargon, no judgment)

  • Lots of practice with your child during real play and routines

  • A plan that prioritizes safety, dignity, and your relationship

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Over time, many families notice:

  • Fewer intense meltdowns and power struggles

  • More calm, flexible responses to “no,” “later,” or changes

  • More meaningful communication from their child

  • Less stress and more confidence in daily routines

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Is the Balance Program Right for Your Child?

If your child is beginning to have challenging behaviors and you’re worried about where things might go over the next few years, Balance can help you change that path early.

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We’ll work together to create a plan that feels doable, compassionate, and realistic for your family.


If you’d like to learn whether the Balance Program is a good fit for your child, we’d be happy to talk.

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