People from all around the world recognize April as the “month of blue,” specifically, Autism
Awareness Month. It’s a vital time to raise general public knowledge about autism, rally the
community for positive change, and inform some pre-held beliefs about autism that may not be
true. To close out this special month of awareness and advocacy, we wanted to get an inside
scoop from some of our Verbal Beginnings staff into what AAM means to the autism community
and how someone who is situated outside it can widen their perspective about what it means to
#LightitUpBlue.
How important is Autism Awareness month to the ASD community? Why?
Autism Awareness month is important to the ASD community because it helps shed light on the
prevalence of Autism and what the community can do to get engaged in learning more about
Autism and its effects on each unique individual. I think it’s also important because it really
raises awareness of the early signs of Autism and might help a new parent learn more so that
they can get their child the help they need as early as possible which is crucial for the most
impactful treatment. Lastly, AAM really gives the spotlight to those families and individuals
ready to share their stories about how they have coped with the diagnosis and their journey to
help their loved one succeed in everyday life. It’s important for the community to feel the
struggles and accomplishments of these individuals and their families so they can continue to
build a supportive network.
– Amanda Biondy, MS, BCBA, LBA, Vice President of Administrative Operations
What typically surprises people when they’re new to learning about ASD?
People are often surprised to learn that individuals with autism most often are loving and
affectionate with the people close to them. It’s a common misperception that all people on the
spectrum find touch and close proximity to be aversive, but that’s not true.
– Sara Davis, MA, BCBA, Program Coordinator
What impact has being part of this community had on you personally?
Being a part of this community has been truly eye-opening. I have gotten to see all sides of a
family’s journey from initial testing to that amazing moment when a child no longer clinically
needs ABA therapy. I’ve been able to sit in on sessions for ABA, speech, physical and
occupational therapy and feel that everyone I’ve worked with was just as invested in their client’s
clinical progress as the families they work with. As someone who was invested in the lives of
each child and charge for a long time, this was not something I had experienced often, before
working with children with developmental delays.
I have personally been a part of a child’s journey from 3 months, to first steps, through tantrums
and the start of school and each moment was made easier by like-minded individuals who
dedicated their time to creating better lives for others. I now have a wonderful network of
families, clinicians and a lot of personal friends that I have made by being involved in the special
needs community. Whenever I have a question, need resources for my families or don’t know
where to turn I know that this community is able, willing and ready to help. This helps me in my
personal and professional life to provide better services for families and children and it is a
fantastic feeling to be surrounded by people who make positive changes each day in the world.
– Krista Jackson, Client Relations Specialist
What do you do to enhance Autism Awareness in your own circle?
It has been a pleasure to work with families of children with special needs for many years now
and new opportunities to raise awareness as well as provide support continue to present
themselves each year. I have the opportunity to work closely with and have orchestrated many
play dates for families in the area who have children on the spectrum. Not only is it great to be
able to pair my kiddos with peers who function and play on a similar level, but play dates are
also a great time for parents and caregivers to share their experiences to help other families who
may be starting their journey or have not had access to great agencies and resources. Working
with teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, and ABATs allows me to stay updated about research, resources
and therapeutic opportunities as well as providing a great network for discussing these options.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with Surfers Healing, the National Foundation for Autism
Research as well as working with great clinicians each day. My position at VB allows me to
attend Autism and ABA resource fairs in the DMV, where I have the chance to gather and share
the wealth of information this community continues to provide me.
– Krista Jackson, Client Relations Specialist
How can businesses become more inclusive of employees with family members on the
spectrum?
Ask the employee! Every person with autism is unique, so each family will have unique needs.
– Sara Davis, MA, BCBA, Program Coordinator
Words of wisdom for people who want to get involved?
For people who want to get involved: check out some of our local Autism societies websites, or
Autism Speaks. There are a lot of great articles and resources available to the community to help
you learn more about Autism. Be on the lookout in the spring and the fall for community events
supporting Autism awareness. Locally, we have things like Honestly Autism Day and Run Wild
for Autism where you can build a team, donate, raise money, and come out to enjoy a day of
education and/or exercise and family fun where you will also get the chance to meet and interact
with some wonderful people diagnosed with ASD.
– Amanda Biondy, MS, BCBA, LBA, Vice President of Administrative Operations
Our brand’s theme for this month was #GoingPlacesTogether. What does that mean to
you?
It means support, collaboration, education, and dissemination among colleagues, subordinate(s),
and supervisors alike.
– Macarena Fernandez, M.A. CCC-SLP/BCBA, Program Coordinator
