SJM_DEPT_Health_0324FINAL_REG3 . qxp_Dept 3 / 25 / 24 12 : 07 PM Page 1 Devoted Advocates WITH AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH ARRIVING , SOUTH line , ” Nottingham says . “ But when April does come around , there is such a national JERSEY MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES SOME OF THE LOCAL focus on autism and autism acceptance , ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTED TO HELPING FAMILIES and I do think it gives us a good opportunity ACCESS THE SERVICES THEY NEED . by Matt Cosentino to be able to get the word out more about the types of services that we provide in par - eaching a 20 - year milestone with thana decade , in fact . She was first introduced ticular . ” one company in any field is always toapplied behavior analysis ( ABA ) therapy GentleCare Therapy was founded in Rsignificant , but it’s extra special as a college student working in a preschool Pennsylvania in 2016 and just opened a lo - when that work is centered around some - setting , and was inspired to learn more cationin Gibbsboro in January to meet what thing as impactful as helping individuals about the evidence - based approach that Nottingham notes is a strong demand for with autism . Michelle Habingreither , exec - canhelp children with autism change certain this type of assistance in South Jersey . The utive director for adult residential services behaviorsand develop social and commu - practice focuses mostly on the pediatric at Bancroft , recently celebrated two decades nicationskills . populationand offers partial or full - day ABA with one of the area’s leaders in providing a “ It was something I fell in love with therapyin its center , and will also provide it continuum of care for that population , as quickly , because I like working with kids , ” inhomes and even during family outings to well as for those with developmental dis - Nottingham says . “ It’s an area where every communityevents or extracurricular activ - abilities and neurological impairments . Not daythere are new challenges , but there are ities . In addition , GentleCare offers speech surprisingly , she is still as enthused about also new successes , and seeing kids reach therapy and social skills programs in its her career now as the day she started . theirpotential and learn new skills is really centerand soon hopes to have occupational “ It means absolutely everything to me , ” exciting . ” therapyasan option . she says . “ [ I cherish ] the relationships I have Advocatingfor children and adults with It also hosts a free monthly workshop built over the years , and the individuals we autism is a year - long endeavor for people seriesavailable to parents , teachers or anyone support who I have been privileged to work likeNottingham and Habingreither , but their else in the community about a range of with and see grow over that time . A lot of work comes to the forefront every April , topicsrelated to autism , autism support and the people I support , I got when they were which is recognized as Autism Acceptance autism therapies . These gatherings can be 21 , and now seeing where they are and the Month.This is a crucial time to bring aware - attended in person or virtually , and are es - change in them is really overwhelming . The ness , foster inclusivity and point those peciallybeneficial to those who are navigating staff is also one of my biggest passions , and affectedby autism in the direction of resources theprocess for the first time to become in - seeing them grow and take higher positions availableto them . formedand to build relationships with other and expand their scope is awesome . ” “ Year round , it is kind of our primary familiesexperiencing similar circumstances . Dr . Casey Nottingham , senior clinical focusto bring more attention to the supports Overall , GentleCare just hopes to act as director at GentleCare Therapy , has also thatare available in the state of New Jersey , a resource for South Jersey , and even in been in the field for quite some time — more andalso supports that families can find on - cases where it can’t specifically cater to a SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 20 issue 12 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 24 |