“I remember the very first time I had a child verbalize a simple “no” instead of having a tantrum behavior – that’s when I knew that what I was doing was making an impact,” said Danielle Parrott, Autism Specialist for Rainbows. Danielle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). “This impact may not have been so overt that anyone would be able to tell, but it was overt to that child and their family as it became a stepping stone for better communication and improved behavior.”
Rainbows’ Autism Services provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with Autism, understanding that children do not “fit in a box,” so-to-speak. Each child has their own extraordinary skills and abilities, along with having varying needs for intervention and supports based on instructional and behavioral concerns. Our team of Behavior Technicians wants each child to be as successful and as independent as possible while making significant gains with important skills.
Rainbows United views every child’s treatment as a team approach involving the child’s clinicians, educators, related services, and caregivers to provide the best care possible. Danielle says, “The progress made by the children we serve is really a shared pride. Knowing that we are a team of caring individuals that have come together to make a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve is rewarding.”
Danielle recognizes it takes a special type of person to perform the services provided through ABA therapy. “When someone asks me what the strongest trait a person in our field has to have, the answer is simple – patience,” she says. “I am fortunate that I am surrounded by a team of supportive, sympathetic, caring individuals who not only care about their clients and their families, but about each other – something very important in our environment.”
How do Rainbows’ Autism Services work?
Direct therapy using a 1:1 ratio is implemented during therapy sessions by a Rainbows’ Behavior Technician under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Our ABA Behavior Technicians all have experience working with children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and are given training on a continual basis. During a child’s treatment, progress will regularly be reviewed along with the data collected during sessions to determine the best course of future treatment.
Who benefits from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis is most commonly associated as a treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders; it is a technique that is beneficial to many other disorders and disabilities. Early intervention has shown to be the most beneficial in helping a child with skill acquisition and behavioral intervention, however, the techniques used in Applied Behavior Analysis can be used across the lifespan.
Within Rainbows, our primary goal is to increase skills that are relevant to the daily living of our children and their families. The focus of our program is child-centered and targets skills such as behavior, communication, ready-to-learn behavior, self-help and daily living skills as well as social skills.
How do children qualify for Rainbows’ Autism Services?
Parents recognizing signs of a delay within a child should begin intervention as soon as possible. Contacting a pediatrician to speak with them regarding developmental milestones and whether there is a cause for concern is essential. When a pediatrician suspects a delay they may refer to a specialist for a diagnosis.
To enroll in Rainbows’ Autism Services, the child needs to have a current Autism Spectrum Diagnosis diagnosed by a child psychologist, developmental pediatrician or neurologist.
Who leads Autism Services?
Autism Specialist Danielle Parrot oversees Rainbows’ Autism Services. She has worked in the arena of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for over 10 years and says “becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a clinical role that I have grown to know and love.” She has her undergraduate degree in psychology and a Master of Science in psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis. “Being a part of the Autism community is impactful,” said Danielle. “Seeing the impact and growth that ABA has on Rainbows’ children and their families is what makes this work beyond rewarding.”
Her supervisor, Lindsay Kral, Assistant Vice President of Programs and Services and Autism Services Coordinator said, “I’ve seen the quote, ‘It takes a special person to hear what a child cannot say.’ I think this summarizes Danielle Parrott and her work in our ABA program. She is very knowledgeable in her field and also genuinely cares about every single child we serve.”
Written by Danielle Parrott, BCBA, LBA, Autism Specialist
