Category: Uncategorized

Autism Knows No Borders

By: Allison Bickelman

For 2 ½ weeks in April 2016 I was in Kenya with the Global Autism Project working at a school for kids with autism. There is only 1 BCBA in all of east Africa (for comparison, there are 9 BCBA’s here at ABI alone), and therefore only one school that accepts kids with autism. In Kenya, resources, support, and services for kids and families with special needs are very limited, if not nonexistent. Families live in fear and stigma, as many people believe that autism is the work of the devil. Instead of most kids receiving early intensive services, as we specialize in here at ABI, the majority of kids don’t even receive a diagnosis until ages 7 or 8, typically after they have been kicked out of multiple schools. During my time at the school and at awareness events in Nairobi, I met parents who are not afraid to come forward and fight for their kids, no matter the cost.

The staff at the school is highly trained, as their clinical director is a BCBA and the Global Autism Project sends teams of BCBA’s and interventionist 3-4 times a year to train and check in on progress. We primarily focused on updating all of the kid’s mand programs and ensuring that all the kids had a means to communicate, whether that be vocally, with signs, or by using PECS. I also spent time training the new clinical supervisor on how to do assessments, update programs, and write behavior plans.

We participated in a huge awareness event in which we presented on evidence based practice (ABA currently being the only treatment for autism that is evidence based and backed by years of peer-reviewed research and outcome studies) and how parents can implement behavior analytic interventions with their children at home. The event and the presentations were well received and many parents came up to our booth to individually thank us for being there and supporting their kids.

We often wore shirts that said AUTISM on them, and in multiple locations, people stopped us on the street or in the marketplace to ask us what autism is and what we were doing. So many people had never heard the word; they said, “We don’t talk about that here.” Our mission was to not only spread awareness, but to teach acceptance. Being aware is just the beginning; you can know about a lot of things without accepting that they are true. Both here in the states and abroad in Kenya and all countries, we want to ensure that kids and adults with autism are accepting as equals in school, community, social, and workplace settings.

The Global Autism project partners with multiple ABA centers and schools around the world to train staff and parents and ensure that all kids have access to high quality, evidence based treatments, as well as to attempt to decrease the age of diagnosis and entrance into ABA programs. They currently have partners in Kenya, India, Indonesia, and the Dominican Republic, with more sites on the horizon. The work that they do is so critical and important; I always have been but now am even more passionate about spreading awareness and acceptance, and teaching the importance of early intervention behavior analytic services.

My time in Kenya taught me so many valuable life lessons about myself, other cultures and people, and about kids with autism. Working at the school showed me that regardless of location or ethnicity, kids are the same-they want to have fun, be loved, and they deserve to reach their full potential, and not be limited by the country they live in. I have a renewed passion and dedication to my work here at ABI, as I will serve my clients and their families with more love and understanding than ever before.

I also had the luxury of exploring Kenya as a tourist, and had amazing experiences at giraffe and elephant sanctuaries and on a 4 day safari on the Masai Mara, during which we came face to face with lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and elephants. This trip was truly the experience of a lifetime.

Allison presenting at an autism awareness event about evidence based treatment

Meet Grace

ABI Lead Skills Trainer

Grace is known for her boisterous laugh guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Grace was getting ready to graduate from California State University Northridge when she came across a flyer on campus for an open position at ABI. “I had been doing some work with the Child and Family Studies Center at CSUN and thought I’d apply.” says Grace.

Since then, Grace has risen in the ranks and become one of our most seasoned lead skills trainers. She has had the opportunity to work with many of our kiddos and is a client favorite! “My favorite part of the job is seeing the progress, which can sometimes be slow but is evident. Our kids always progress and grow,” says Grace.

Sometimes our skills trainers and clients form lasting bonds, as Grace has come to know, “I was (building rapport) with one of my clients and had to leave the room for a bit. When I returned, I found my client’s mom crying and I asked her what was wrong. She told me that her daughter had been calling out my name and was looking for me. She was so appreciative and said that I was her daughter’s first friend.”

Grace’s advice to skills trainers is, “Be patient and give it time. Things that are worthwhile are worth waiting for. Stay strong and patient, and progress will happen.”

When Grace isn’t with our kiddos at ABI, she’s spending time with her own little one and husband. She spends her free time creatively, crafting and decorating her home.

Thanks for being such a great addition to our team, Grace!

Meet Danny

ABI Lead Skills Trainer

Danny, one of our veteran lead skills trainers, began his career at an afterschool program working with kids on the autism spectrum. He later applied to ABI to begin work as a Skills Trainer and has since advanced to the position of Lead Skills Trainer. Among his many talents as a lead skills trainer, Danny is especially known for his ability to turn any moment in a session into a learning opportunity and for his creativity in teaching his clients new skills incidentally.

Danny was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and takes full advantage of the attractions L.A. has to offer. Every weekend he hikes the Griffith park trails with his dog, Dexter, and he seeks his thrills from roller coasters, taking full advantage of his Six Flags season pass.

Danny having worked with ABI for over 7 years, Danny has had the opportunity to work with many of ABI’s clients and shares, “I love bumping into past clients in the office and working with them during fill ins because I get to see all the progress they have made.” He’s also had lots of “kids say the darndest thing” moment, telling us, “My favorite memory is with one of my first grade clients, whose peer lost a tooth during class. My client looked at her and enthusiastically said, ‘You’re a real woman now!’”

Danny’s best advice for up and coming skill trainers is to always make it a point for your client to laugh and smile during session, and Danny sure holds true to that himself!

Thanks for your dedicated work Danny and for the difference you’ve made in your clients’ lives!

Meet Nancy

ABI Lead Skills Trainer

Born in the San Fernando Valley, Nancy grew up near Los Angeles where she spends her free time watching movies and visiting coffee shops with her friends.

After graduating from college, Nancy sought a career in the field of psychology. Nancy shares, “My whole family has worked in fields surrounding autism. I’m the first to use applied behavior analysis to work with children.”

We asked Nancy about her favorite aspects of working as a skills trainer and what advice she has for other skills trainers. “My favorite part of my job is playing with the kids. My best advice for new skills trainers would be to be confident in what you know and make your sessions fun. If you’re having fun, they’re having fun.”

Claiming she had too many to choose from, Nancy finally recalled one of her favorite memories with one of her clients. “Someone asked my client who I was and without prompting, she responded that I was her sister. It was so touching.”

Thanks for being such a great member of our team, Nancy!

Meet Chris A.

ABI Skills Trainer

Chris, a Los Angeles native, graduated from UCLA in 2012. There he studied psychology and began to think about his future. His brother, who worked in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) briefly, suggested that Chris look into working in ABA, as well. After some research, Chris’ interest was sparked and he applied for a skills trainer position here at ABI.

As one of our substitute skills trainers, Chris enjoys being able to interact with all of our clients. And for him, the best part is being able to play and teach play skills. Chris notes, “I genuinely enjoy having fun with the kids.”

His best advice to future skills trainers is to balance out rapport-building, or what we call, pairing ourselves with reinforcement, with teaching. His reason being, “I used to come in all business, but I realized that if you don’t make your sessions fun for the client, they are hesitant to learn.” Chris’ clients also know how to make the sessions fun for him. “One of my clients has the best imagination. He makes me laugh with all of his impersonations of random people like the pizza man.”

Outside of work, Chris enjoys hanging out with his friends, going to the gym and watching Game of Thrones.

Thanks for doing a super job Chris!

Meet Carla A.

ABI Skills Trainer

Carla grew up in Los Angeles, also living in Mexico for four years before starting the first grade. She was inspired to work with children after volunteering in a youth after-school program while in college. Her favorite part of working at ABI is getting to see a child master a skill after working on a program with them.

When asked about one of her favorite memories with one of her clients, Carla shared, “One of my clients is non-verbal. He really enjoys being tickled so we play like that often. Then one day when I was tickling him he suddenly screamed, “NO!” I was so shocked that he had spoken and within the correct context! I was so proud because it showed lots of improvement.”

Her advice to new skills trainers is, “not to give up. Sometimes it gets difficult having to deal with challenging behaviors, but you just have to be patient, and it ends up being very rewarding.”

When she’s not at work, you can find her at the gym or spending time with her family. And if she was ever to find herself on a deserted island with only three things, they’d be here mom, her boyfriend, and a good board game.

Thanks for all your hard work Carla!

Chris A. – As ABI’s substitute skills trainer, Chris has had the opportunity to work with so many of our kids. He has thrived in this position, familiarizing himself and building a rapport with all of our clients very quickly. Chris does an excellent job of ensuring he is running programs properly and bringing any questions or concerns to the Program Supervisor’s attention. We are thrilled to know that when our regular Skills Trainers are unable to work, we have an excellent team member to send in their places.

Mayra M. – Mayra has demonstrated great natural skills working with our kids! Her clients take to her quickly, seeing her as both a friend and teacher at the same time. She does a great job of following her clients behavior intervention plans and implementing skill building interventions. Her great work with our kids, plus her positive attitude is what makes her a star employee at ABI! Thanks for your outstanding work, Mayra!

Carla A. – Since starting her work at ABI as a skills trainer, Carla has shown parents, teachers and colleagues that she has a genuine passion to improve the lives of the clients with whom she works. Carla always comes to work with a positive attitude and her dedication to her work is evident in every session. Carla’s supervisors appreciate her active participation in team meetings and consistency with implementing all of their feedback. We are thrilled to have Carla as part of TeamABI!

Star L. – Star has proven herself to be a strong and dedicated skills trainer since starting at ABI. She excels in behavior management and moving her clients’ programs forward. She is always enthusiastic, fun, and shows dedication to her clients’ progress. Star is professional during team meetings and takes the time to ask her supervisors thoughtful questions about programs and interventions. Star, thank you for all of your hard work!

Here at ABI we find that one of the things that differentiate us from many other ABA treatment providers is the fact that we keep it personal. That means that we concentrate on and have an individual touch with every one of our clients. Our number one priority is to maintain skilled and knowledgeable teams for our kids and ensure that every child we serve is receiving the best treatment possible.

One way in which we work to achieve our mission is by creating community partnerships with local universities. We’re about to complete our first year of providing internships to undergraduate students studying child development at California State University, Northridge. During their internships, our undergraduate interns learn about applied behavior analysis (ABA) and how to apply ABA-based procedures to the treatment of children and adolescents with autism. Interns also have the opportunity to observe therapy sessions and team meetings in action. One of our first interns has already joined our team as a skills trainer and what she learned through her internship has shown through in her work with our clients. By being an internship site, we hope to educate a whole new generation about the important work we do and the life-changing effects that quality ABA treatment can have.

In addition to partnering with universities, we also look to build a strong team of skills trainers by recruiting soon-to-be and recent graduates in psychology, child development, and other related fields at local university career fairs. If you or someone you know might be interested in working with children and adolescents with autism or other developmental disorders, check out our page here to find out more about how to become part of this exciting and rewarding field.