Navigating Autism Support: A Mom’s Journey with ABA Therapy

As a mom, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their development and well-being. As a mother of two boys, ages 8 and 10, who has navigated the complexities of special education and therapy firsthand, I know how daunting it can be to find the right support.

My husband and I both have deep roots in Long Beach. He grew up here, playing baseball at Wilson High School, while I was raised about an hour away in Riverside. We met in grad school at the University of Kansas, and after spending a few years in the Midwest, we knew we wanted to return to California before starting our family. Long Beach became our home, not just because of family and friends, but because of the incredible support network we would come to rely on.

And boy, am I glad we did!

Aside from the typical challenges of parenthood, my children had several difficulties, including a swallowing disorder, speech delays, ADHD, and anxiety. I don’t think I would have made it through the last 10 years living anywhere other than Long Beach.

My husband’s family was already immersed in the world of autism services (his dad, stepmom, and brother all worked in the field). My husband joined his father’s nonprofit and research efforts, while I began working for his parents’ company with families in the Long Beach area. When his parents decided to step back during COVID, they entrusted me with running the company, Contemporary Behavior Consultants.

It was definitely a daunting task to run a company while still also working directly with families. I have been very lucky to have strong family support, as well as the amazing staff and families we work with. I have a small, but dedicated, team whose motivation is the same as mine: help children with autism meet their fullest potential and help their families cope with the additional challenges having a child with autism provides.

The Emotional Journey of Finding the Right Support

As a mom, the most terrifying feeling is watching your child and getting the sinking feeling that something just isn’t right. Luckily, my husband and I are both immersed in the world of developmental disabilities and therapies. Still, going through the process of getting accurate diagnoses and appropriate therapies was emotional, exhausting, and scary, to say the least. I can’t imagine what it is like for parents who do not have the knowledge and resources we have.

For parents of children with autism, it is even worst. There are so many “options” available and LOTS of opinions on the internet. However, the most effective treatment for children with autism is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).

Why ABA Therapy?

ABA is based on the science of behavior and how ALL people learn. Simply, it’s about good teaching! Some of the best examples of ABA techniques come from people who don’t even realize they’re using them, like my son’s baseball coach and his 5th-grade teacher.

ABA can help children learn to communicate their wants and needs more effectively, reduce challenging behaviors, increase cooperation, increase play and social skills, increase independence through daily living skills, and work on school readiness skills. 

What to Look for in an ABA Provider

As an agency owner, I ensure that our company prioritizes the values that I, as a parent, would want in a therapy provider for my children. Here’s what I recommend parents consider when determining providers for their children:

1. Personalized Treatment Plans – Every child (and family) is unique and so are their needs. At Contemporary Behavior Consultants (CBC), we pride ourselves on creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s specific strengths and challenges. We work closely with families to ensure that our interventions are effective and meaningful.
2. Highly Trained and Compassionate Therapists – Our team of highly trained and certified ABA therapists are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. They are not only experts in their field but also compassionate individuals who genuinely care about the progress and happiness of your child. In addition, all of our staff get extensive and ongoing training and supervision throughout their time with your child.
3. Evidence-Based Techniques – ABA therapy is a scientifically validated approach that has been proven to be effective in improving communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors in children with autism. We stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques to ensure that your child receives the best possible care. We utilize a flexible approach that is not only grounded in research but also responsive to your child’s ever-changing needs.
4. Parental Involvement and Support – We believe that parents are an integral part of the therapy process. We support parents throughout all aspects of the process, starting with their call. Our ABA company offers training and support for families to help them implement strategies at home and reinforce the skills learned during therapy sessions. This collaborative approach ensures consistency and maximizes progress. While we are the experts in ABA, YOU are the expert in your child!
5. Flexible Scheduling and In-Home Services – We understand that busy moms need flexibility. Our ABA company offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate your family’s needs. Additionally, we will come to you! Services are provided in the client’s home, daycare, or school.
6. A Commitment to Helping Every Child Thrive – Our goal is to help your child reach their full potential. Many families have seen significant improvements in their child’s behavior, communication, and overall quality of life after working with our ABA company. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Child

Choosing the right ABA company is a crucial decision that can have a lasting impact on your child’s development. We invite you to learn more about our services and see how we can support your family on this journey. Together, we can help your child thrive!

If you have questions or want to explore how ABA therapy can support your child, reach out today. We’re here to help!

— Misty Oppenheim-Leaf, BCBA,  Director of Contemporary Behavior Consultants

Misty Oppenheim-Leaf is the Director of Contemporary Behavior Consultants. Misty has over 15 years of experience working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Misty received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas under the mentorship of Dr. James Sherman and Dr. Jan Sheldon. While working on her Master’s degree, Misty helped re-design and supervised the undergraduate practicum providing early intervention services to preschool children diagnosed with autism. Misty provides supervision and parent training in Long Beach, CA and provides consultation for St. Joseph, MO location. Misty’s primary areas of focus are social skills interventions, parent training, and supervision and training.

NOTE: Blog is not intended as medical advice. Please contact a provider for specific medical assessments or information.