Leadership, Mentorship, and Training: Building Quality Care Through Investments in People
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to train and mentor professionals across a variety of settings. Before joining Autism & Behavioral Spectrum, I provided professional development for large school teams, presented continuing education trainings for behavior analysts, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams serving students with diverse needs. I have experienced many different training […]
Reggio ABA, Assent, and the Environment: Why Our Space Matters
When people think about progress in ABA therapy, they often think about treatment plans, goals, and data. While those are all important, one of the most powerful tools we have at Autism & Behavioral Spectrum is something much simpler: the environment itself. I joined AB Spectrum as a BCBA in April 2021. Before that, I […]
How ABA Therapy Supports Children With Down Syndrome
Receiving a Down Syndrome diagnosis often brings a wave of emotions and a multitude of questions about what the future may hold. As a parent, you have likely adapted to teaching and connecting with your child in ways you never previously anticipated. From developing creative methods for daily tasks like brushing teeth to sharing a […]
How Our Spaces Shape Learning: The Reggio Emilia Influence
As a member of the ABS team, I have the unique opportunity to witness the impact of our therapeutic approach every day. One of the aspects of ABS that I value most is our commitment to creating enriched learning environments that support meaningful growth for both our clients and our staff. While Applied Behavior Analysis […]
Autism & Behavioral Health Paved by Collaboration
Imagine a single virtual meeting where your child’s entire care team-from their physician, OT, and SLP to their favorite babysitter, schoolteacher, and even Grandma or Grandpa-all gather together at a time that works for you. At Autism and Behavioral Spectrum, this isn’t just a dream; it’s our collaborative reality! We champion open communication with every […]
The Third Teacher and the Science of Joy: Building a Revolutionary Model with Reggio ABA
Reggio ABA is more than a therapeutic model; it is a philosophy-a long-term commitment to systems change that is redefining early intervention for children with autism. Born from a fusion of the time-tested science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the creative, humanistic principles of the Reggio Emilia educational approach, our model is dedicated to […]
The Twist and Turns of the Diagnostic Process: Finding Clarity in the Chaos
There is a moment in the autism journey that almost every caregiver remembers with vivid clarity: the moment you receive the official diagnosis. For months and sometimes even years, you’ve known in your gut that your child experiences the world differently. When the diagnosis is finally written on paper, it often brings many feelings, perhaps […]
From First Call to Graduation: Walking the Autism Journey Together—As a Director, and as a Mom
When a parent first calls ABSpectrum, I can often hear it in their voice before they even say a word. It’s a mix of exhaustion, hope, and an overwhelming sense of being lost in a maze of medical lingo. They are looking for answers about diagnostics, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and clinic schedules. But beneath […]
ABA Therapy for Children with Down Syndrome in St. Louis
ReggioABA and Early Intervention Every child learns differently, and children with Down syndrome are no exception. Some children may need extra support with communication, social interaction, attention, or daily routines. Others may simply need more time, repetition, and the right environment to grow with confidence. At AB Spectrum, therapy is built around the child. Our […]
What is Natural Environment Teaching and Why It Works for Autism
For children with autism, learning doesn’t always happen best at a desk or in a therapy room. That’s where Natural Environment Teaching (NET) comes in—a flexible, play-based approach to autism therapy that uses a child’s everyday surroundings as the classroom. At AB Spectrum, we use NET as part of our autism treatment to make learning […]