Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers in the World of ABA

We're absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our Program Directors, Patricia Bouchereau, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) whose passion for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and dedication to the autism community makes a real difference. Patricia has been with BTS for three years, and in that time, she's become an invaluable force for positive change. Her expertise and compassion make her a valued member of our team, and we are proud to share her story. 

The Spark of ABA

Patricia's journey into the world of ABA began during her undergraduate studies at Florida International University. "I fell in love with the science and how much it applied to our everyday lives," she says, recalling her introductory course on the subject. This initial spark awakened a passion that led her to pursue an internship at a clinic, marking the beginning of her career in ABA.

Advice for Aspiring BCBAs

Entering the field of ABA can be both rewarding and challenging. Patricia understands firsthand the emotional demands of the profession and emphasizes the importance of mentorship. "Feeling supported in this field is everything," she explains. She advises those considering a career as a BCBA to seek out a reliable mentor, as having a strong support system can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Additionally, she stresses the importance of maintaining work-life boundaries to prevent burnout and sustain long-term success in the field.

Making an Impact at BTS

Patricia's dedication to BTS shines through. "I enjoy working for BTS because I feel heard when I bring up a concern," she shares. But what truly fuels her passion is the impact she has on families and the progress she witnesses in her clients. "What I love most is helping the families and seeing my clients progress throughout time," she says.

Rewarding Progress

What Patricia finds most rewarding is seeing the positive changes in her clients' lives. She recounts stories of children who have made remarkable progress, from developing language skills to overcoming challenging behaviors and increasing social skills. "The most rewarding experiences have been seeing the progress in my clients and knowing that I have made a difference in each of these families' lives," she explains. She shares examples of children going from not being able to speak to forming full sentences, and others who have made significant progress in their independence by improving daily living skills.

A YouTube Voice for Autism

Driven by a desire to provide accessible resources, Patricia launched her own YouTube channel Soulution Animation focused on autism. Seeing the need for support and education, she creates animated social stories. These stories are inspired by her clients, parent concerns, and her fellow therapists. "Working with my clients and seeing the lack of resources inspired me to start my animated educational kids' channel on YouTube," she says. She focuses on addressing key issues related to autism and making valuable contributions to the community.

Looking Ahead

Patricia's vision for the future is clear: to continue supporting the autism community through resource creation and advocacy. She's currently working on developing her own website to provide additional resources and connect providers and families with autistic children and individuals. She's committed to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and fostering acceptance. We're incredibly proud to have Patricia on the Burnett Therapeutic Services team, making a real difference in the lives of so many families!