After supervising an autism service program for the past six-years, I began to noticed that instead of systems that family navigate to get help for their child weren’t getting easier. They continue to be overwhelming and defeating for parents who simply want help, guidance, and support for their children, yet so often, they were met with barriers.
Twelve years ago, I switched from a Master’s in Social Work to a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Before working with kids who receiving early intervention through ABA, I had a lot of the same thoughts you would hear from others or online: “ABA is traumatizing,” “It takes away from the individual,”, and “it can be dehumanizing to focus only on someone’s behavior and not how they are feeling”.
But with one job as an ABA aide, two little boys with autism, a few months (because things take time!), and a supervisor who combined social justice, advocacy, with ABA helped me begin to see things in a different light.
For four years I worked as a BCBA with my own caseload, supporting families not just in a center, but also in their homes an out in the community. I developed behavior support plans, taught socially significant life skills, and ran my own social skills groups. I helped families navigate everything from Trick-or-Trunk events and local fairs to haircuts, routine dental cleanings, blood draws, and school support. I worked hand-in-hand with parents through all of these experiences, whether we were navigating challenging behaviors or celebrating progress, I wanted my families to know they could always turn to me for hope, support, grace, and someone who wouldn’t shy away from a hair pull or a punch (if you have children with behaviors – you know what I mean!).
After working directly with families, I moved into a program supervisor role for six years. During that time, I helped families navigate autism testing, supported them in getting started with ABA services. Also, I supervised BCBA’s, graduates working toward board-certification, and RBTs, all while continuing to support my own case.
I loved teaching and helping others grow in the field. I had the opportunity to pass along the values that had shaped my own career to always treat children and families as if they were your own. But even with all the rewarding work, something was missing.
My true passion always brought me back to teaching and supporting families. Through this journey, I learned that ABA can provide vital tools that can truly make a difference when used thoughtfully and compassionately. When it comes to helping all children thrive, the most powerful source of support will always be their parents, who are often left in the dark from professionals supporting their child’s needs.
I want to continue to ensure that all children, whether they have autism or not, have access to the science behind ABA. The field has become too closely associated with only supporting those with autism, and I believe it is important to recognize that ABA is not exclusive to one diagnosis. ABA is a tool. Sometimes it is exactly what is needed, and sometimes it isn’t. But when used thoughtfully, ethically, and in a way that respects each individual, ABA can help people build meaningful skills, and thrive in ways that matter to them. This is where my own parent coaching business, Behavior with a Heart, began!
Call it parent coaching, support, training, whatever feels right. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help parents who are tired of the red tape, long waiting periods, and roadblocks that stand between them and the support they need for their child.
Whether that child has autism or not, I want parents to know they don’t have to navigate it all alone. Because when we feel defeated, worn down, and unsure of where to turn next, sometimes all we need is someone in our corner to lift us up and help us find our way forward.
And I want to continue being that person for families, just as I have been throughout my career!
Behavior with a Heart
Value-Based Care With Heartfelt Results
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