ABA is a great teaching tool to teach anything to anybody. Angela Lee, BCBA and mother of 4 joins me in this episode to discuss her son Tristan and how his Down Syndrome has inspired her work as a BCBA and teaching vocational skills.
Down Syndrome is the triplication of the 21st chromosome. As one of the very few chromosome abnormalities that is compatible with life, Down Syndrome is an over expression of DNA seen throughout all of the body systems internally and externally. A variety of medical hurdles and low IQs ranging from 40 to 65 come along with the diagnosis of Down Syndrome. The range in which an individual is affected and how their systems are affected will vary person to person and also depend on the time in which their DNA changed, from conception or throughout gestation.
About 12% of individuals with Down Syndrome have autism as a dual diagnosis. This is a lot more common than most people think. Autism and Down Syndrome and can actually be both treated and managed with ABA whether it’s a dual or singular diagnosis of either. Most people recognize ABA for autism but it’s not a common therapy for Down Syndrome. Angela shares her experience as a BCBA and the incredible impact ABA can have on individuals with Down Syndrome and their goals.
Angela attended Touro University at Mare Island for her master’s degree and went on to complete BCBA certification through FIT (Florida Institute of Technology). Her son, Tristan, who was born with Down’s Syndrome, is her inspiration for ABA next steps-Riverside Coffee Shop which provides a vocational training program that promotes community inclusion and social interaction utilizing the coffee shop as a teaching platform. These new skills will lead to a more independent and productive lifestyle for teens and young adults diagnosed with Autism and other developmental differences. We target individuals who struggle with finding meaningful employment.
