Recently, I shared my story which revealed why working with children with autism was my inspiration. This career choice was my most fulfilling because of the people I had the pleasure of getting to know; a spectrum of capable, fun and remarkable individuals. But, I know that I’m not the only heart-centred professional who feels this way.
Oftentimes, people view autism using symptoms of the condition, such as difficulties with communication, or repetitive behaviours. I understand why this is the case since clinicians need to pinpoint certain impairments to make a diagnosis. However, a diagnosis does not define a person with autism. They are multifaceted human beings with unique personalities.
As autism awareness increases in popularity, it is important for everyone to know how awesome it is to work with autistic persons. So I reached out to six people who work with individuals with autism and asked them to share their inspiring experiences.
Autism Inspiration – The key question
I interviewed each person using the same question:
“What have you learned from working with children with autism? How did having them in your life make you grow as a person?”
Read on to find out what they had to say. Don’t forget to click the links included below to find out more about these professionals (this will be worth your time, they are a really smart bunch!)
Behaviour Babble Note: You will see the words BCBA and ABA crop up a lot in these interviews. If either of these terms is new to you, don’t panic! BCBA stands for Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. It is a professional certification which takes years of training and experience to obtain. You can find out more about it here. I explained what ABA is on my about page.
Brian Middleton, the Bearded Behaviorist.
My experience with autism, a least the experience that I was first fully aware of, started with my first teaching job. I was intimidated and a little lost because my schooling hadn’t prepared me for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
It wasn’t until after I got to know each of my students that two really important truths became evident. First, autistics are unique and wonderful people. Emphasis on people. Second, I thought I might be a member of this group based on similar experiences as a child.
I investigated, researched, and then took steps to gain my official medical diagnosis. It wasn’t until I encountered the neurodiversity movement that I understood that while there certainly can be a disorder, that autism as a neurotype is not a disability.
It is part of who I am.
While trying to better support my students, I discovered radical behaviorism (ABA) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is a branch of radical behaviorism. I discovered that when applied with compassion and understanding, ABA is an extremely effective tool for learning. Principles of behavior apply to everyone, regardless of neurotype. And likewise, we all hold the desire to be a part of a community. To belong.
In the end, my study of the human condition, including autism, yielded this important message. You are good enough. You are wonderful. You belong. Autism is a part of humanity, and humanity thrives when we are connected with each other.
Sarah Walker, BCBA. Founder of Acorn ABA.
For ten years I have worked in the field of autism, and I truly believe that my job is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Every day I am grateful to the amazing families that I support for letting me into their lives to spend time with them and their fantastic children.
Children with autism have a brilliant way of seeing the world, and I feel that I have learned so much from each and every one of them in totally different ways. I work with one child who very vocally shares their opinions on religion and politics in a way that I would never have the confidence to do and another that shares such positivity and kindness towards the adults that work with her with such generosity.
Of course, not all children with autism express their feelings so easily, and part of my job that I love the most, is helping children with significant needs learn new skills that are meaningful for both themselves and their families.
There’s a quote in Charlie Mackesy’s book, The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse that I think it sums up perfectly how I feel about every child I work with; “Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to the world things no one else can.”
Rose Griffin, Speech Therapist and BCBA. Founder of ABA SPEECH and co-founder of Supervision Academy (where she offers remote supervision to those seeking their BCBA certification).
Helping students with autism develop a way to communicate with the world is my personal and professional mission. I will never forget working with students with autism for the first time in my graduate school student teaching experience.
I loved working with all of the students on my caseload but the students with autism really challenged my clinical expertise. It was a challenge, but also amazing to see the communication growth in my students.
I remember hearing a talk where the speaker said that she saw a shirt that said on the front, “I have autism” and on the back it said, “Don’t waste my time.” That really stuck with me!!
When I am working with all clients, I want to make sure that my therapy is not only fun but also functional. I always keep an open dialogue with all members of the educational team, so we can work together to help our student increase their communication skills!
Every child deserves a robust communication system and way to communicate with the world!
Adele Norman, BCBA. Director of HD ABA Consultancy
I remember the first time I met a child with autism. A friend at University said to me I’d be a good tutor and I should go with her and shadow one of her sessions, so I did. He didn’t smile when he saw me, nor did he make eye contact. I hadn’t experienced this before.
He spoke and spoke well. He said “Hello” and could tell me what his name was when I asked, “James” he said.
I discovered the basics of learning with James and I also learnt how to draw the boy in the moon from a popular production company. It was soon after I met James that I was invited to meet the second child I worked with. He was young, 2 years old. I remember thinking, I’ll ask him his name and he probably won’t look at me, but that’s OK. Well no.
Adam was non-verbal and although shy at first, typical to most 2-year olds, he soon came around and was sitting on my knee looking at me right into my eyes. With Adam, I began to learn that Autism is different for different people.I also learned how to promote and encourage speech and heard his first word- “biscuit!”
I guess what I am saying is I have learned something new from each child I have met, and I still do. It’s taught me not to expect anything of anyone. Autism or otherwise.
Note: Names have been changed to protect identity
|*James is now at University studying and Adam is in further education.
Kirsty Angel BCBA. Creator of Busy Analytical Bee.
I became interested in working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) when I joined a master’s degree class whilst on my undergraduate. I went to a class on verbal operants and I fell in love with the theory. I decided to go on to the M.Sc and was fortunate enough to get a job in an ABA school and then began working independently with children since then.
I absolutely love the science of Behaviour Analysis. I find it so rewarding to help children make so much progress and the way I can support families. I also love learning about all the different applications and understanding the breadth of human behaviour.
I think this field is a science that holds the key to making a profound difference to so many people’s lives.
I have recently received a message from one mother where her child who had mostly been using one-word utterances came and invited her to look at his play by saying “Mummy come, the box crashed”.
I also have stopped working with one little boy who I met when he was 2 and half and only used 2 words, now a year later is making comments, asking questions, using prepositions, pronouns and adjectives.
He is in line with his peers with his language so it was bittersweet to not be needed by that family anymore. I definitely love my job, and I also get to have so much fun with the kids too!
Rebecca Ayton, from the charity Child Autism UK.
I have been working for Child Autism UK for over 5 years and with children with Autism for 10 years.
I love that every day is different. I am so fortunate to work with and support such a diverse group of individuals who all have their own strengths and personalities. I feel everyday provides me with a new opportunity to learn and develop – I feel through my relationships with families and the children I work with, I have grown so much.
Over the years I have realised that working together as a team, open and honest communication is essential. I am so fortunate to have such support within the charity and from my colleagues. I have fantastic tutors who follow the guidance I give in a positive way, and I am privileged to support families that are so selfless, devoted and patient when supporting their own children.
Ultimately I find it so rewarding to see the progress each child makes, and it is a true testament to the time, effort and commitment that everyone involved dedicates – and of course the child’s hard work. I am so thankful to be a part of all of the wonderful journeys, watching people grow, learn and flourish. This is something I will never take for granted and it has such a positive impact on my life and has made me who I am today.
Final Thoughts: Autism and Inspiration
It is clear to see from the responses above that people with autism inspire countless professionals every single day. Organisations and individuals alike unite in their dedication to one cause. Creating a world with understanding, empathy and connection to autism.
Here is my roundup of the 6 top takeaways, cherry-picked from each of our full interviews.
6 reasons why working with individuals with autism is awesome!
Takeaway #1: “Autism is a part of humanity, and humanity thrives when we are connected with each other.” Bearded Behaviourist.
Takeaway #2: “Not all children with autism express their feelings so easily, and part of my job that I love the most, is helping children with significant needs learn new skills that are meaningful for both themselves and their families.” Acorn ABA.
Takeaway #3: “Every child deserves a robust communication system and way to communicate with the world!” ABA Speech.
Takeaway #4: “I have learned something new from each child I have met, and I still do. It’s taught me not expect anything of anyone. Autism or otherwise.” HD ABA Consultancy.
Takeaway #5: “I absolutely love the science of Behaviour Analysis. I find it so rewarding to help children make so much progress” Busy Analytical Bee
Takeaway #6: “I am so fortunate to work with and support such a diverse group of individuals who all have their own strengths and personalities.” Rebecca Ayton from Child Autism UK.
Question of the day
How has autism been your inspiration? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Beth is forever curious about what makes people tick. She is a master’s degree graduate and former psychology teacher (AKA a proud behaviour nerd!). Autism awareness is a cause close to her heart – check out her fundraiser. Beth becomes her happiest self when she’s helping people like you to enhance your life.
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