Meet Josephine Maskell, ACP’s Intake Coordinator! Jo is located in Vermont, previously serving as a Senior Family Liaison. Jo has years of experience guiding and encouraging ACP families throughout their therapy journey. With experience as a parent of an adult with Autism, Jo has walked the same path you have—navigated an often overwhelming landscape of seeking a diagnosis and what supports might be beneficial to her child and where to get them.
With all of that knowledge, compassion, and understanding, Jo brings critical insight into her role as an Intake Coordinator for families who are just starting their journey. Whether you are seeking an evaluation for Autism for your child or you have a diagnosis and are exploring what therapies might help your child thrive, Jo can help guide you and offer a comforting hand on your shoulder.
Learn more about Jo and her passion for the role below!
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jo. I was originally the Senior Family Liaison of the St. Albans center. I am a mother of a 30-year-old who is on the Spectrum, as well. I recently took a position with the Intake Department, and it’s wonderful. I love bringing in the new clients.
What has kept you motivated over your four years with ACP?
Our clients and helping the family. Bringing our services to them and watching the clients improve and their progress is … You know, they come from being non-vocal to being vocal or using an AAC device and they can communicate with us. It’s just lovely to see.
You’ve recently moved into a new role. Can you tell us a little bit more about that and how that will further impact families?
I am hoping with this position I am able to bring in more clients, especially the ones who need diagnosis.
I’ve talked to so many parents since joining ACP, and it’s just so rewarding listening to them and knowing that there’s a provider like us to help them out.
I’m doing something similar as I did as a Family Liaison—helping families. Now I’m just helping new families, bringing them in, advocating for them if they have any help, and giving them resources
What do you think caregivers of a child with Autism need to know about their recent diagnosis?
That they are not alone.
Autism is nothing to be ashamed of. Your child just needs special care, and there are people out there, like us, who will help them and who will listen and who will advocate for them.
There’s nothing wrong with your kid. They just need the extra help, and you’ll see them bloom.
How does therapy like ABA influence a child’s life if they do have an Autism diagnosis?
With ABA, we are teaching them healthy behaviors through play-based therapy. You know, it’s okay to have a tantrum. We just have to show them how to calm their body and try to express how they’re feeling to us if they’re nonvocal.
We have these icons, these PECS. They’ll give it to us and say, “I’m not happy,” or “I’m hungry,” and things like that. That helps the child have less tantrums and express themselves more.
What do you think is something you feel caregivers of a child with Autism should hear that they don’t typically hear?
You’re doing a good job.
Yes, we know you worry about your child, but you’re doing everything that you can to help them.
And, we’re here. If they need any help at home, we give them suggestions on what to do. We can make them little books for their kids, for example for traveling. We’ll give them a little book and say, This is the airplane. This is what you’re going to do. This is takeoff.
What do you think your life will look like one year from today?
I hope to look back and see that I’ve grown more professionally and personally, and I’d like to continue doing what I do to help the kids and to help the families.
What does a perfect day look like for you?
Helping. Getting families the resources and services they need. A perfect day is helping all these families that are coming in.
I was at that point at one time when I didn’t see that light at the end of the tunnel. Back when my son was five or six, we didn’t have ABA. I wish we had ABA back then, because he would be so much better off today.
What song are you adding to ACP’s playlist?
Here Comes the Sun! You know, we can help you progress!
You are not alone in your journey to seek answers for your child. If you feel your family would benefit from an Autism evaluation, reach out! If you already have an Autism diagnosis, ABA, Speech, or Occupational Therapy could make a life-changing difference in your child’s comfort navigating activities of daily life. Connect with our passionate team, like Jo, to learn more about how we could help support your family’s needs.
