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utism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is estimated to impact 1 in 44 children in the United States according to the CDC1 (last data reported in 2020). ASD affects individuals in many different ways. For some children, ASD can contribute to significant challenges learning important skills like communicating needs, playing with other children, and staying safe at home and in the community. Communication especially poses challenges for families. Often when children cannot effectively communicate their needs (regardless of the presence of ASD) they resort to other means of communication such as crying, screaming, just taking what they need, running away, or withdrawing completely. Raising children is difficult under the most ideal of circumstances. Raising a child who has difficulty communicating is even more stressful for parents and family members. At best, a parent must guess at what their child needs on a daily basis. At worst, they must remain hypervigilant to ensure the safety of their child. As a behavior analyst, I have spent my career helping families of children who need extra support to learn skills like communication and to participate in their families and communities. In a family-centered approach, families partner with service providers to help the family as a whole. In addition to the parents and children, a team may include regular caregivers (e.g., grandparents), therapy providers (e.g., behavior analysts and speech pathologists), teachers, social workers, medical providers, and counselors. Together, the focus is on empowering families to pursue the goals they have for each family member in a manner that is aligned with their family values and the needs of each individual.
JUSTin Hope Foundation Building a community of inclusion, empowerment, and support for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more or get involved visit: justinhope.org
Sierra Kids Foundation Based in Reno, Nevada, the Sierra Kids Foundation raises funds that provide financial assistance to families in northern Nevada that need help affording their child’s autism treatment program. To learn more or get involved visit: sierrakidsfoundation.org
UNR's Positive Bevahior Support of Nevada PBS - NV is a state-wide project composed of a network of professionals, parents and community members that are trying to build a sustainable culture who value and implement quality positive behavior supports. To learn more or get involved visit: unr.edu/nced/projects/nvpbista/family/ncedpbsnevada
In Nevada, it can be difficult for families with children with ASD to access the basic services
by Jennifer Castellanos-Bonow, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
TRANSFORMING CHILDREN'S LIVES 20 | FLOURISH SPECIAL EDITION
