A series of charity and educational events dedicated to Ukrainian families, specialists and children with autism spectrum disorders has started in New Jersey. The first event was a charity meeting, during which the book “Spectral Dragon. Notes from the Edge of the Abyss, Where Love Lives” by Ukrainian author Maryna Vlasyuk was presented.
This was reported by the event organizers.
The events are held with the support of the American ABA company Best for Kids ABA Therapy, which declared August “Month of Ukraine and Ukrainians”. Therefore, by the Independence Day of Ukraine, a number of meetings, round tables and professional initiatives will be held at the clinic, designed to support Ukrainian families raising children with special needs, as well as Ukrainian specialists building a career in the USA.
The first charity meeting took place on August 9 in New Jersey and brought together the company's clients, parents, specialists, friends of the organization and representatives of the Ukrainian community. The central event was the presentation of the book "Spectral Dragon. Notes from the Edge of the Abyss, Where Love Lives", the author of which is Ukrainian Maryna Vlasyuk, a member of the Best for Kids ABA Therapy team, who has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for many years.
The book tells about the lives of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, their families, challenges, acceptance and the need to see the person first, not their diagnosis. And all proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support children with autism in Ukraine. The publication is now available for purchase on the Amazon platform.
Head of the Family Work Department of Best for Kids ABA Therapy Kaylee explained that the decision to dedicate August to Ukraine was a natural step, because today Ukrainians make up an important part of the company's team.
"Best for Kids remains an international company. Our main professional language is English. We have people of different origins working for us, there are specialists who, in addition to English, speak Ukrainian, Georgian, Lithuanian and other languages. But recently, a lot of Ukrainians have joined us. And on the eve of August 24, we wanted to not just congratulate Ukraine with one post on social networks, but to dedicate a whole month to it,” she noted.
According to her, the company strives not only to provide employees with work, but also to help them develop professionally. Ukrainian specialists working in the field of ABA undergo certification, improve professional English, receive supervisory support and build a career in the USA.
The next event within the framework of the “Month of Ukraine” will be an open round table “Independence to be yourself”, which will be held on August 22 in the city of Manalapan, New Jersey and will be simultaneously broadcast via Zoom.
Ukrainian parents of children on the autism spectrum, specialists, psychologists, certified BCBAs, and community representatives are invited to participate. During the meeting, parents will be able to talk to experts on child development, ABA therapy, family support, the education system, insurance coverage, and access to necessary services. While the discussion for adults continues, experienced BT specialists will work with children.
Photo: Maryna Vlasiuk
Author: Inna Mikhno