Wednesday, June 18, 2025
David Parnes is the Outreach Director at Yellow Bus ABA, a provider of autism therapy services with multiple locations across the region, including a center in Lynbrook at 253 Broadway.
Look, we welcome anyone willing to invest in autism services and research, as long as it’s rooted in science and evidence-based practices. If RFK Jr. brings real funding into the field in a responsible way, we support that.
But there's also a double-edged sword when it comes to how autism is portrayed. Autism is a spectrum, and that’s not just a buzzword—it’s reality. Some individuals, like Temple Grandin, live incredibly productive, independent lives. Others—especially those with severe communication challenges—may require 24/7 care and live in residential facilities for life.
When public figures or media say things like, "autistic children will never be able to play basketball or date," it stigmatizes high-functioning individuals. On the flip side, overly idealized portrayals can minimize the very real, very intense needs that many individuals face.
What we need is education and empathy. Autism isn’t one thing. It affects people in dramatically different ways.
Sure, although I’m not a clinician, I can speak to the philosophy. Neurotypical children often learn by observing and imitating—for example, brushing their teeth because they see a parent do it. Children with autism often don’t learn this way. So, ABA therapy breaks down tasks into very small, teachable steps.
For brushing teeth, that might mean teaching 20 distinct steps, like walking to the bathroom, picking up the toothbrush, putting toothpaste on it, and so on. The same principle applies to communication. We might teach a child that when they're thirsty, instead of melting down, they can use a word or gesture—or an AAC device—to request water.
It’s all about structure, repetition, and consistency, tailored to each individual’s needs.
The most important thing is empathy. Understand that someone might communicate or process things differently—and that doesn’t make them any less capable. If someone is blunt or doesn’t pick up on social cues, don’t assume they’re being rude.
Just like we accommodate someone with a physical disability—say, building a ramp for someone who can’t use stairs—we need to think about accommodations in how we interact and support our neurodivergent peers.
Yes—empathy and awareness are everything. Families navigating autism often face intense emotional and financial stress. Children who cannot communicate are often in crisis and may end up in institutional settings unnecessarily. Others go on to lead vibrant, successful lives. It’s all part of the same spectrum.
We need to accept autistic individuals for who they are and also recognize and support those who struggle more profoundly. Both narratives are true, and both deserve attention.
