Local behavioral analyst speaks on Autism Awareness Month
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — April is Autism Awareness Month. It is internationally recognized as a time to support and create an inclusive environment for people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder … April is Autism Awareness Month, recognized as a time to support and create an inclusive environment for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Kya Williams, a board certified behavioral analyst who runs her own applied behavioral analysis clinic in Columbus, Georgia, said there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of the disorder. She attributes fear as a leading factor, and that there are not enough resources for those with autism in the area. Williams emphasized that all learners deserve an opportunity regardless of their autism or not. She also highlighted the need for early intervention for teenagers, younger adults, or older adults.
Published : a month ago by Cristina Feliciano in Health
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — April is Autism Awareness Month. It is internationally recognized as a time to support and create an inclusive environment for people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
That was Kya Williams, a board certified behavioral analyst who runs her own applied behavioral analysis, or ABA clinic in Columbus. Williams and her team work with learners who have ASD and individuals who face behavioral challenges.
Although there is extensive research on the disorder, Williams says there is still a lack of awareness and understanding in 2024. She attributes fear as a leading factor.
We still fear what we don’t fully understand and what we don’t really know. And so when that fear happens and that diagnosis is rendered, then as helping professionals, we need to really take care and the time to teach families. What is autism? What does it mean to have autism?
According to the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, about 1 in 36 children have been identified with ASD. Autism Speaks reports applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy has proven to benefit autistic individuals.
Williams says there are not enough resources for those with autism in Columbus or across the nation.
If we’re all sitting with 20 to 30, 40 clients on our waitlist, then clearly that’s an indication that there’s not enough resources. As a community, we need to look at how we create more opportunity. How do we create more access? And when we think about access, who are we creating access for? A lot of focus right now here in Columbus is on early intervention. But we’re not providing enough access to our teenagers, younger adults, or older adults.
Williams says all learners deserve an opportunity, regardless if they have ASD or not.
We don’t need to look at them and pity their life. What we need to do is look at their life, look at them and assess ‘How can I support you to be the best you that you can be?’ Who am I to say that your life is any worse off than my life? Because you’re not me. Because you’re not neurotypical. No.
Ready to Learn ABA will be attending Cascade Hills Church’ annual Autism Resource Fair– a family-friendly event for those impacted by autism.