Adam D.

Chief Science Officer

My Work Style

The hardest part is the first part which is connecting with the parent and child in a way in which they feel heard and accepted. Once you have established trust then everything else comes easier. Everyone is unique so there is no ‘one way’ to demonstrate to someone you have their best interest at heart. You need to continually prove yourself be making their lives better in ways they can feel and experience the improvement. My ultimate goal never changes: complete independence for the child. I don’t often make it, but anything less in terms of effort is selling the child short.

Area of Expertise

Communication deficits, social skills deficits, verbal behavior, aggressive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, academic skills, school-based issues

What I Do To De-stress In My Free Time

I would like to say spend time with my kids but I don’t know that qualifies as ‘de-stressing’:) I love to ride my bikes...mountain biking especially.

Why I Became a BCBA

I’ve almost always worked with children and considered myself really good but then I started working with children on the spectrum and all of my ‘good teaching’ didn’t work. I thought there had to be people who knew how to help these kids and I was right. They’re called behavior analysts. Once I figured that out I set the course to become a BCBA.

What Previous Clients Would Say About Me

They would probably say I’m deeply knowledgeable and have a gift for working with kids. They would also say I am pretty strict :)

What I Love Most About What I Do

Every problem has an answer.

Most Challenging Professional Moment

When I ‘lose’ a client to a more restrictive environment (like a hospital or clinic) because their behaviors become too intense. I feel a deep sense of failure when that occurs.

Most Rewarding Professional Moment

Hearing a child’s first word when everyone has told the parent’s their child will never talk. Second place- giving a child the skills to be successful in a public school without much support.

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