Flowering plants and chirping birds indicate spring, but for organizations like Potential, there’s an entirely different reason to feel hopeful. April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and is a time to recognize the strengths and contributions of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Now is also a good time to assess the needs and reality of those with autism in our community. Our Director of Intensive Behavioral Health Services – Applied Behavior Analysis (IBHS-ABA), Andrea Bevilacqua, shares her insights into working with people on the spectrum, the challenges of standardized education, and the importance of charitable giving.

“We’re not just teaching skills, we’re teaching independence.”

Interested in a tailored approach for someone you know with autism? Discover Potential’s IBHS-ABA services.

Recognizing Autism Acceptance Month With Insights From Potential’s ABA Experts

In her role, Andrea Bevilacqua oversees Potential’s IBHS-ABA program, which includes visiting all 3 Potential facilities in Warminster, Newtown, and Levittown to:

• Assure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Improve clinical processes
• Train and supervise behavior specialists
• Follow up with and complete various administrative tasks

Bevilacqua’s actual day-to-day responsibilities stretch far beyond this fluctuating list based on changes in the economy and federal and local regulations. With so much to do, creative solutions are essential for her and other ABA experts like her – especially with an ongoing staffing shortage, funding constraints affecting available resources, and constant staff training.

Real-Time Challenges For ABA Providers

Staff shortages cut into the consistency that ABA teams work so hard to develop. Especially when teams experience high turnover, these changes directly affect individual progress. Consistency is not only important for ABA practices but also for individuals with autism. Any disruptions frequently slow or delay progress.

Staffing and funding challenges only begin to paint a larger picture of how much must be done to improve ABA services globally. A study even found that the number of ABA providers fell below the recommended benchmarks in 49 states and Washington, D.C. A few things are improving according to Bevilacqua.

“Now, insurance companies have full-blown ABA teams. When I started, I’d be on the phone for an hour just to find out if a service was covered.”

The extensiveness, intensity, and complexity of individual plans can be up to 70 pages in length. These plans also include numerous hours of skills goals and can be adjusted as needed. They’re strategically written for individuals but can be difficult to track – specifically in settings where autism isn’t a specialty.

“Staffing is a challenge, but we refuse to lower our standards. We need good people delivering specialized treatments, not just filling a role.”

3 Differences Between IBHS-ABA & Some Traditional Education Approaches

IBHS-ABA focuses on “big wins” and prioritizes essential life skills. Whether addressing spatial awareness or exploring unique interests, the focus is on the individual, not the learning model alone.

Potential’s Director of IBHS-ABA revealed that her mom was a special education teacher, which gave her a view of autism education services in other school settings from a young age. Today, she sees 3 significant differences between specialized education and mainstream methods of instruction.

1. A tailored approach in IBHS-ABA

2. Focus on meaningful progress and functional skills

3. Fewer limitations and constraints

You may be surprised to know that the goal isn’t traditional academics for some – it’s communication, self-sufficiency, and independence in daily tasks. These are the skills that will serve people with ASD throughout their life.

“If I have a kid who can’t communicate in 3rd grade, he or she won’t pick up reading like neurodivergent children, and that’s fine because what they need to know is how to pull their pants up and down, locate items in a room, and express his or her wants.”

Traditional learning may not happen daily but acquiring these skills takes time. For teachers with limited resources and training, meeting the learning requirements of children with autism causes frustration. Many of these stressors also come from limitations set by standardized curricula in addressing individual needs.

Personalized autism support starts with accessing reputable services. Explore IBHS-ABA services with Potential.

The Future Of ABA Learning Should Be Compassionate & Collaborative

The truth of the matter is that the autism community needs more specialists to meet the needs of those individuals. Take these few nuggets of advice from Bevilacqua if you’re an aspiring professional in autism services:

• Approach the work with compassion and understanding
• Recognize everyone is doing their best
• Prioritize teamwork
• Manage expectations

“Our work in autism services is not babysitting. It’s intentional work, so go into it with compassion and understand that at the end of the day, whether it’s the parent, the staff, or the teachers, they’re all doing what they feel is best for the individual.”

Donations have a huge hand in helping nonprofits reach their goals for awareness and expansion. Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion in unrestricted gifts to over 2,000 organizations. Not everyone has billions of dollars to contribute, but every single cent has an impact by offering new ways for us to:

• Scale necessary programs and ABA services
• Improve infrastructure and technologies
• Leave a lasting legacy through donations and volunteering

Feel led to donate to our mission? Contribute here.

Help Us Expand Support, Advocacy, & Impact For Autism

As autism acceptance grows, so does the need for dedicated professionals and community support. Whether through specialized services, advocacy, or charitable giving, everyone has a role in advancing autism services. Let’s work together to create a future where individuals with autism receive the care and opportunities they deserve. Start your IBHS-ABA journey with Potential.