Meet our Assistant Vice President of Service Delivery, Melanie DeFlumeri! We sat down with Melanie for Autism Acceptance Month to hear her experience with the life-changing impacts of Applied Behavior Analysis given her experience as a BCBA who has been with ACP since 2011. Research consistently indicates that the sooner children with Autism received care, such as ABA, the more likely they are to make large strides in development. This is why ACP offers Diagnostic Evaluations and individualized treatment for our little ones, so they can be equipped with the tools needed to be successful in their future adventures. We know you’ll love reading about what Melanie has to say!
Have you always been interested in this sort of profession?
Yes, indirectly. I started on the other side of psychology, more on the cognitive side, and then things in college just ended up pushing me towards the behavioral side. And then this job opportunity presented itself, and then I really just took off from there. I became a BCaBA and then ultimately a BCBA.
You’ve been with ACP for some time. How have you seen the company transform from your perspective?
There’s so much growth in different stages and different levels, and it’s been interesting to see the company growth, but also the field of ABA grow, as well. They’re on different trajectories, of course. Environmental things play a part in life and all of those variables. But part of our job as clinicians is to get the word out about ABA and Autism in general. So both of those missions apply to both growth opportunities. I can remember when we didn’t really have many BCBAs in the state. So it’s been great to see ABA grow. That means more access to care ultimately!
What does Autism acceptance mean to you?
I would say first acknowledging. And then embedding. A big part of that growth is that there’s a lot of misinformation or lack of information about what Autism is and those symptoms and how we can best help learners who present those. So, acknoledging, right? That’s powerful that you have that information. It means you understand it more and then you can make room for it. And everyone has a lot of different opinions about what that can mean. I think at the crux of that, it is embedding and assimilating with what works for that learner. So, meeting them where they’re at, acknowledging where they are, trying to put supports in place that are easiest for them so that they are a part of that group in whatever way that best looks like for them.
Care should be individualized. And I think our mission statement shakes hands with that. You should always meet someone where they are, wherever that is. And now you can help support them best and you can really polish their strengths and improve areas of need. The common denominator for that acceptance piece is meeting someone where they are, then helping them be their best self in there.
What do we currently do to spread Autism acceptance as a society and what do you think that we we still need to do among the larger group?
Information is really helpful on the big picture down to the small picture. We have a whole month now dedicated to autism acceptance. That to me is growth in itself. I think as a society we need clearer information. I can’t stress that part enough, especially just being a clinician at heart. Be careful what you read online. Make sure that things are validated or empirically researched.
When there’s misinformation, that can create some cloudiness that might delay access or prevent access to the appropriate care. The more you know … I think as a society we are still lacking information. I hope that we continue to spread more research. More word of mouth. I think that would really help, especially in a smaller state up here. It doesn’t surprise me anymore when I meet someone who hasn’t heard of the services that we provide, or ABA in general, and we just need to get that word out there more. So over time I anticipate that will get better.
What does the future hold for a child that has access to care?
Having the opportunity to engage and receive that care is life-changing for someone, and that’s why early detection, early diagnosis, is so critical because time is precious. You can’t always make up for lost time. That means information has to be readily available and out there as soon as possible, and then one can make the best informed decision possible. That’s why I feel strongly that information is just so important to get as soon as one can.
How do those early interventions make a difference?
There’s a lot of research supporting that. There have been multiple studies, repeated studies, showing that comprehensive care at the at the earlier age possible does produce best gains. And our gold standard of care is always going to be the best, significant gains one can achieve. With that, the earlier the better. But again, we’ll always meet a patient where they’re at and then go from there.
What is something that keeps you inspired on the challenging days?
Reminding myself that our care is so important, that it takes a special individual to deliver that care, and that is sometimes the best part of our kiddo’s day. Progress is such a reinforcer for us as providers. And yes, we look at it on a small lens day-to-day, little treatment decisions and you get this six month look back when you go to submit for another round of care for six months. You get to look back at all of that progress, see where they were, see where they are now, and that is just the best part.
What is something that you could talk about for hours?
ABA. Truly, though. Seeing the field change over the past fifteen plus years. If I could stand on a sidewalk with a sign about it, I would. [Smiles] We have this magic to offer that is shown to be so, so impactful in the best way. And the more people that know about that greatness, the more can take advantage of it.
Information is powerful. The more you know, the better decisions you can make. I know I’m heavily on the clinical side, but I do feel so strongly about that. All the families I’ve met over the years who have said, “I wish I knew about this sooner. I never even knew this existed.” You know, it’s really shining a light on those gaps in information. We know it best in this field. I think it is on us to be ambassadors for ABA.
Individuals like Melanie ensure the care delivered at ACP is up to the highest standards of clinical excellence possible. Without people like her on our team, we would not be able to empower families through treatment to reach their fullest potential. With her clinical expertise and incredible leadership, ACP can stay true to our mission of providing access to quality care in our communities.
Learn more about the services ACP has to offer on our service and supports page here!
Written by Eden Osiason
