Welcome to the Path of the Self-Advocate!

You know your life, interests, goals, and experiences better than anyone else. Our role is not to tell you who you should be. Our role is to work alongside you as you build the skills, confidence, and opportunities that matter to you.

We work with adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities including autism and those with related support needs.

Every person arrives with different strengths, priorities, and goals. We take the time to get to know you so we can develop supports that reflect what is important to you and the future you want to create.

What Is ABA and How Do We Use It?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that helps us understand how people learn and develop new skills.

We recognize that some members of the autism community have concerns about how ABA has been used in the past. Some historical applications focused too heavily on making people appear “typical” rather than supporting meaningful quality of life, personal choice, and self-determination.

That is not our approach.

At BDS, we use behavior analysis to help people achieve goals that are important to them. We focus on developing skills that increase independence, expand opportunities, support communication, strengthen self-advocacy, and improve participation in the parts of life that matter most to each person.

We believe every individual has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is not to change who someone is. Our goal is to help people build the skills and supports they need to pursue the future they want for themselves.

Our Approach

We strive to provide services in a way that is respectful, collaborative, and trauma-informed.

This means we listen before we teach. We seek to understand each person’s strengths, experiences, preferences, and goals. We recognize that trust is earned through relationships, communication, and meaningful collaboration.

Whenever possible, we involve people in decisions about their goals, supports, and services. We believe that learning is most effective when individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Our Goal Is Opportunity

We believe every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and exercise meaningful choice in their own life. Success looks different for different people. Our role is not to define success for you. Our role is to help you build the skills and supports that move you toward the life you want to live.

Your Goals Matter

This is your life, your future, and your journey. We believe the goals we work toward should reflect what is important to you. Whether you’re interested in employment, education, relationships, community participation, independent living, self-advocacy, or something entirely different, we’ll work together to identify meaningful goals and build the skills that support them.

What Happens Next?

1. Schedule a Consultation
Let’s get started. Complete our online form so we can learn more about you, your goals, and the supports you are looking for.

2. Meet With Our Team
We’ll take the time to learn about your strengths, goals, priorities, and support needs.

3. Develop a Personalized Plan
Together, we’ll create a plan designed to help build meaningful skills and opportunities.