Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Richardson.
Hi Mary, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began working with children with Autism in 2015. I developed a passion for applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) after witnessing the cosmic changes it created in these families’ lives. Families who were told their child would never be able to be in the school musical or would probably never have the chance to have the lead role in the church play were given a fighting chance. I continued cultivating an understanding and adoration for this science that shifts the trajectory of a child with Autism’s life. I became a Board Certified behavior analyst (BCBA) in 2018, thus furthering my respect and need to understand Autism. While helping children learn how to shape and adapt, I also began to travel along my little path into the realm of Autism. My baby boy was diagnosed with Autism, which only catapulted me further into the mystical world of Autism and all its little nooks and crannies. My background in ABA, coupled with my respect for Autism and all it needs to thrive, changed my son’s life trajectory. My son was the exception, not the norm for children with Autism in the Black community. I am trying to spread as much knowledge as possible about Autism and better ways to change our children’s lives.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road could have been smoother. I faced many obstacles, trials, heartbreaks, setbacks, rejections, and moments of Imposter Syndrome along the way. My mentor/friend and support system has made this life possible. Of course, God is the navigator behind all of this, but I couldn’t be more grateful for the people he’s placed in my life. My son’s progress is amazing, but it still has its days where the dark parts of Autism win. On those days, we tell ourselves we’ll try again tomorrow and reset. He’s come immaculately far, but the road to get here was rough and rocky. Late nights, early mornings, and grocery store trips cut short, excusing ourselves from quiet environments Autism. The glorious, mystical beast that she is.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I change lives. My job changes lives. Our company New Horizons Therapy, LLC, changes lives. Families’ worlds are shifted in new directions because of the work my colleagues and I do. We advocate. We fight. We modify. We shape. Impossibles become possibles. Families that could never fully engage in the social norms, such as Sunday dinners, soccer games on Saturdays, or even going to the awards show, now have the opportunity to engage in those privileges that so many families take for granted. We allow children with Autism to practice over and over again the skills they need to enjoy the same activities/things that their peers do. We help the little boy who can’t seem to fit in at the birthday party learn how to read social cues, understand a joke, and tell one in return! We help the mother whose teenage daughter has never been to the dentist due to her severe behaviors. We help her practice the necessary steps of going to the dentist, so her mother can finally take her without fear of being rejected or put out. I love my craft.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the close-knit and small-town feel of our city. I appreciate the simplicity of it and how everyone has something to offer. I dislike the limited opportunities for the population I serve and live in. Due to our state’s insurance limitations, there must be more opportunities for these families to thrive. The demand is high; the supply is extremely low. And will probably remain this way until we have better insurance mandates in this state.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newhorizonstherapyaba.com/index.php/about-us
- Instagram: @MARY_J8NE
