NEWSLETTER
KOALA ABA & LEARNING CENTER
October
2024
VOLUME 7 -
ISSUE 7
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Welcome October!
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to change, we’re excited to welcome you to October! This month brings a season of new beginnings, reflection, and growth. Whether you’re gearing up for festive fall activities or simply enjoying the cozy atmosphere, we hope this newsletter provides you with inspiration, updates, and stories to brighten your day. Let’s embrace the opportunities this season brings and continue making meaningful connections in our community. Happy October!
Client Spotlight
Liam Alsina is a bright, energetic boy who, at the age of 3, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His mother, Darline, a pediatric cardiac intensivist, first noticed changes in Liam’s development when he was just 14 months old. As a doctor, she was no stranger to medical challenges, but watching her once-chatty son suddenly regress in language was heartbreaking. By the time Liam turned 2, he had stopped saying words altogether.
The familiar signs—like hand flapping—raised even more concerns. Despite her medical expertise, Darline hoped it was just a phase. However, her intuition drove her to seek an evaluation. In May 2023, the diagnosis was confirmed: Liam had ASD.
For Darline, the diagnosis was life-changing. Though she had already started speech and occupational therapy for Liam, receiving that confirmation was a pivotal moment. As a mother and a doctor, she felt both relief and sorrow—relief in understanding what was happening with her son but heartache at the reality of his regression. To add to the complexity, Liam was also diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, and Darline herself had to undergo open-heart surgery around the time her son’s language skills were declining.
In February 2023, Liam began ABA therapy with Koala, and the progress since then has been nothing short of remarkable. Liam now counts from 1 to 10, speaks in 3-word sentences, and his tantrums have significantly decreased. One of the most notable changes is his growing independence. Within just ten days of starting therapy, Liam learned to eat by himself—something that brought immense pride to his mom. The daycare he was at refused to help feed him despite his developmental delays. They thought he should be capable of doing so on his own considering he was well past a year old.
Liam’s passion for learning is undeniable. He loves numbers, puzzles, and playing educational games on his iPad. He enjoys the educational Spiderman game Disney has which allows him to explore math, reading, puzzles and much more. His curiosity seems boundless, and despite the challenges he faces, he’s always eager to discover something new. He’s an active learner, constantly engaging with the world around him.
Beyond his academic milestones, Liam is also an incredibly affectionate child. He expresses his love through sweet gestures like kisses and hugs, deepening the bond he shares with his family. His proudest moments aren’t just about his ability to learn and grow academically but also his care for his loved ones.
Our little explorer has already been to Niagara Falls, Canada, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., New York, Virginia, and to the Bahamas on a Disney cruise. Wherever he goes, Liam’s love for discovery shines through.
This journey is one of resilience, love, and boundless growth. With the support of his mom Darline, who not only understands the challenges of both medicine and motherhood, and through the progress he’s made in ABA therapy, Liam continues to inspire everyone around him with his determination and passion for learning.
Employee Spotlight
It comes with much pride to introduce our newly graduated BCBA, Mercy Gallor! Mercy has been working with Koala now for 15 years. Mercy’s journey starts off like many of us. She began as the billing manager for New Way Day Services, aka Koala ABA, but realized that her passion lies in the field working effortlessly towards a better future for kids with ASD. With the rise of Koala ABA, previously known as New Way Day Services, Mercy had the option to leave Koala.
However, she was curious to see where this new path would take her. She trusted in Pedro, our CEO, and the plans he has for the children of Koala. At the come of her 3rd year as an RBT, registered behavior technician, she decided to take the next step in advancing her career and become a BCaBA. At the end of her 3rd year as a BCaBA she realized her potential in this field and decided to take another monumental step in her career. So as of August 2nd, 2024 Mercy Gallor became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA. Her heart has a special place in this field for the soul understanding that ABA has a significant impact on neurodiverse individuals.
Her 15 years of experience fortifies her loyalty to this industry and the Koala Family couldn’t be more grateful to have her as one of our family members. We believe that Mercy has a deep care for these children because of her connection with herself. In her free time she explores mountainscapes and nature trails. She captures moments of life with her private photography.
She lets her heart and soul out at concerts sharing positive vibes with those around her and she loves to sit down and be enraptured by a good movie. With all that said, the future of the children here at Koala ABA is bright because of people like Mercy!
Information Station
Antecedent
The term antecedent refers to the event or condition that occurs immediately before a behavior. It sets the stage or triggers the behavior, influencing whether it will happen. Understanding antecedents is crucial in identifying what prompts specific behaviors, especially in behavior modification or intervention plans.
For example, if a child is asked to clean up toys (antecedent) and then throws a tantrum (behavior), the antecedent helps to identify what may have triggered the reaction. By manipulating antecedents, behavior analysts can help promote positive behaviors or reduce undesirable ones.
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CALENDAR
October
2024
SUN
S
MON
M
TUE
WED
W
THU
T
FRI
F
SAT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
EVENTS
3
Teacher Planning Day (No school. Center is open for therapies only & Early Intervention Program).
14
Columbus Day.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
18
End of First grading period.
21
Beginning of second grading period.
31
Happy Halloween! Kids can come dressed in costumes. No masks please.