Potential, Inc. Advocates for ABA Therapies for Families Affected by Autism Diagnoses

April 19, 2012 - PRLog -- NEWTOWN, Pa. – As the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are released, concerning an increase in diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), experts in the field and families of children with ASD have been hearing some conflicting, and sometimes scary, information regarding therapies and treatment. Now, more than ever, it is important to set the record straight.

When it comes to ASD and other developmental disabilities, parents often feel overwhelmed with emotions and information and are unsure where to turn for help. Or worse, they are scared to take any action because of what they have heard about a particular approach, a facility, or a type of therapy. While there are plenty of myths and untruths to be found, all experts agree that intervention at an early age is key.

“One of the first things I tell every parent I meet with is that there is no cure, but there is treatment for behaviors and gains can indeed be made,” said Kristine Quinby, executive director of Potential, Inc. and The Springtime School. Quinby, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), has seen a wide array of techniques used over the years and firmly believes that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is not only very useful and valuable to families affected by ASD diagnoses, but is a well-rounded approach to helping children with developmental disabilities grow socially, cognitively, and emotionally. It was this belief that led Quinby to create Potential, Inc. six years ago, bringing like-minded and highly trained individuals onto her staff.

As demand increases for providers, the fact remains that some may see a financial opportunity, which results in the market becoming saturated with low-level or unethical ABA or other ASD-related service providers. As such, it is vital that parents research all available treatments and understand that they need to perform due diligence to ensure that the facilities or providers that they are considering will meet their specific needs and are reputable.

Facilities like Potential, Inc. recognize this issue and must meet opposition and untruths every day, sometimes from other organizations in the industry. “At Potential, we understand the emotions that accompany an initial diagnosis and want to work with families to help their children (from infancy through adulthood) learn to achieve their full potential in the world,” concluded Quinby.

Located in Newtown, Pa., Potential Inc. (http://www.potentialinc.org) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization whose goal is to provide the highest quality interventions for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.  Potential Inc. utilizes the latest research in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which includes an analysis of Verbal Behavior (VB) to improve communication, behavior, toileting, social skills, and more.  Executive director, Kristine Quinby is a board-certified behavior analyst.  She holds a master’s degree in special education from Penn State University and a bachelor’s degree from Rider University in elementary education and psychology.  A certified elementary and special education teacher, Quinby was self-employed as a consultant to families and school districts for more than six years prior to founding Potential Inc. in 2006.  In addition, Quinby has been a participant in the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force, Community Connections for All Children, Pennsylvania Association Council for Exceptional Children (PACEC), and the Bucks County Autism Task Force.

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Based in Bucks County, PA, Potential Inc. is a non-profit that provides information, resources, and a variety of outpatient services to families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities.