Often people tell me that I’m “special” or “an angel” for doing the work that I do. I know they are being kind in offering such a compliment and I do appreciate that. However, if I’m being honest, I don't see it that way. I feel like I’m the “lucky” one to have found the wonderful humans I get to spend my days with and in this niche.
My days are often chaotic, emotional, physical, and just downright busy. BUT they are also loving, caring, productive, and fulfilling. I find that I leave feeling joy. I’m also often humbled by my experiences.
One of my first experiences with autism was when I was 18 years old (a LOOOONG time ago I know),I worked in a residential facility. There was a little girl named “A” who had autism. She had the most beautiful eyes. She seemed to look into your soul. When she was “calm” A had the sweetest and kindest demeanor; however I quickly learned that when she was frustrated and didn't get her way, she would change into an aggressive being with super strength.
Now I know why these behaviors changed and that her lack of effective communication led to the behaviors. That her aggressive behavior was because she could not communicate her needs. I learned that her sensory input was a need that had to be fulfilled so that she had what she needed. I learned that this was the area I wanted to learn more about. This was my “calling.” Thanks to “A” I began a journey through special needs from being a Therapeutic Staff Support to an EPSDT Case Manager to teaching in a self-contained setting.
When I left the public schools after 8 years, I transitioned to in-home education consultation. This is how I met “C” and his incredible family and learned what ABA even was! A new branch of the field that spoke to me. ABA was the direction I wanted to take for the next part of my journey. Thanks to C, I began my coursework and obtained my fieldwork hours to become a BCBA. This led me to in-home and center based ABA, and then to opening Gemstones!
I am not special. I am grateful for all that I learned from “A,” “C,” and all the others that I have had the privilege to work with over the years! For that, I say THANK YOU!
