from Theresa Duford — Care Team Member, Michigan
There is a lot to admire about J’s mom. She is the mother of three energetic young children and she somehow stays on top of everything for each of them. She is always super positive, she constantly encourages J, and she is very helpful whenever she is needed with our programs. Although she is a very busy mom, she finds time to help out at his school throughout the week. When I began working with the family, she welcomed me right away and always makes me feel like we are a team. I admire how much she does to help J feel confident and succeed!
Sarah Geiser — Coordinating Program Lead, Michigan
Over the course of the past year, I had two families who had major life traumas occur with siblings within their families. While we continued to provide services, these moms and their families showed incredible strength in dealing with these situations while still getting our kiddos to and from school, events, and other extracurricular activities all at the same time! At times they worked around doctor’s visits and hospitalizations to provide the opportunities for us to conduct sessions! I must say I admire these women who have shown such great strength, courage, and committment to their entire families — not only as mothers but as strong independent women and role models to anyone who meets them!
Katie Null — BCBA, Far NW Region Illinois
Well I have many rock star moms, but I work with one who is doing exceptionally well with her children. This mom has two young children with autism, one of whom recently started engaging in more maladaptive behaviors to get attention or to escape demands. Some of these behaviors include running out of the home, hitting, biting, pinching, and scratching. Each time I come to observe in the home, this mom is implementing ABA techniques to reduce the problem behavior and works on teaching replacement behaviors — she is doing what I would do before I ask her to do it and she has a smile on her face! Her patience is unreal; she remains calm as she intervenes on her child’s aggression and either continues with the demand or ignores while keeping her child safe (depending on the specific situation). She is also ready to start tackling her child’s sleep issue. This sleep intervention may be stressful and will probably result in some sleepless nights, but mom is willing and ready. I have no doubt she will be successful and her daughter will fall asleep on her own and remain sleeping through the night in no time.
Lisa Baba — Care Team Member, Colorado
[She] is an amazing mom. She does whatever it takes for her children to have the best lives possible, whether it’s holding her ground during an escalating tantrum or going to bat for her kids with the school district. And as I’ve worked with her child, she has given me her full support. I feel blessed to serve her and her family!
Kirby Johnson — BCaBA, Colorado
[She] is one of the sweetest, most caring people I’ve ever worked with. She is also supremely patient, even during challenging moments. She is so committed to L’s progress and always willing to help out and participate in session. I’m so thankful to work with her and her family. She deserves a special day everyday!
Happy Mother’s Day to all AHSS moms – thank you for all that you do!
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**These statements (solicited from AHSS staff) represent a quick snapshot of a moment in time. Each child with autism is unique and on their own journey. Your child’s journey will be different than any other child’s, including the one depicted here. If you would like more information on the progress possible for your child, please call 844-AHSS-ABA.
