A Child’s Autism Diagnosis Means a Mom’s Journey May be Different.
It doesn’t change a parent’s simple desire for their child’s health and happiness. Jennifer Keeling and Children’s T.E.A.M. Co-Founder, Kym Hannah, fought for ABA services for their children with autism. Their journeys sparked the beginning of ABA treatment at Children’s T.E.A.M. Both moms overcame daunting obstacles in their quest to find ABA treatment options for their daughters. For each, seeing the doors of the Children’s ABA T.E.A.M. Clinic open is another important step toward better serving families like their own.
Moving Out-of-State for Service
When Jennifer learned of a school founded by Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. parents in Northwest Arkansas, she was hopeful that it would offer her family an opportunity to move back to Arkansas after their time spent away from home. The school, today known as The Grace School at Children’s ABA T.E.A.M., agreed to enroll Peyton in 2010.
Jennifer describes the ABA treatment Peyton received during her time at The Grace School as a “life saver.” She credits ABA with making incredible improvements in her daughter’s anxiety and behaviors at home. As she grew, ABA treatment plans adjusted to include activities such as going out into the community, using money, practicing daily activities in the home, and holistically improving her independence in her day-to-day life.
Journey Around the Globe
As a pediatric physical therapist herself, Kym was confident in addressing her daughter’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy. However, she quickly began to understand the severity of the behavioral challenges her daughter exhibited. In search of answers, Kym took her daughter to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for a comprehensive developmental evaluation.
It took several days for Kym to process her daughter’s new diagnosis… Autism. However, she quickly pivoted from awareness, to acceptance, then to action. She began a relentless journey to ensure that her daughter could have access to the very best treatment and education. It became clear to Kym that in addition to her daughter’s other pediatric therapies, ABA therapy was a high priority and need.
A Mother’s Mission
With a vision for collaboration between therapy disciplines, Kym enlisted Dr. Sheila Barnes, BCBA-D, to lead professional development courses for Children’s Therapy TEAM providers. Kym insisted her clinic offer pro-bono ABA consultation for children with intensive behavioral needs, as insurance providers in Arkansas were not yet covering ABA treatment.
Kym joined alongside a passionate clinician, Beth McKee, BCBA, and dedicated teacher, Katrina Lawson, LMSW, BCaBA to blaze the trail of increasing ABA services in NWA. Their efforts were backed by the bold and generous support of Jennifer Keeling’s own parents Gary and Vicki Jech. In the past few years, finally the recognition of the validity of ABA treatment began to take root in Arkansas.
A Brighter Future
Note: Per the ethics criteria for the BACB we must note, Peyton Keeling is a past Grace School student and past recipient of services at Children’s Therapy TEAM.