Barbara hosts an informative and interesting show around Autism and features two leaders: Brie Seward, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona, and Ken Baumgartner, the Director of InterMountain Centers.

About Brie Seward:

Brie is the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona. She started as a volunteer on the marketing committee lending her publishing experience (Harper’s Bazaar and Gourmet magazines), e-commerce (Bond No. 9 Fragrances and Louis Vuitton), and digital marketing (Perry Ellis brands) in New York City and Miami to support ASSA.

Brie is a graduate of The U of A Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program and received her MA in communications from ASU.

The Autism Society of Southern Arizona provides unbiased information and referral services at no cost. We are typically the “first call” parents or individuals with autism make when learning about the diagnosis. We provide information on therapy options, legal considerations, transition resources, schooling, and much more.

Our website features a comprehensive listing of Southern Arizona providers and resources. We also provide customized autism training to schools, organizations, and businesses about our ever-evolving understanding of autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. 1 in 40 or 2.5% of 8-year-old children in an area of Arizona were identified with ASD by ADDSP (Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program) in 2018.

This April, the Autism Society celebrates Autism Acceptance Month. Every day, we work to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully.

Be the connection this April to spreading awareness for early diagnosis, promoting inclusion in the greater community, and practicing acceptance in everyday life. Together with the Pima County Superintendent's Office, we have created a proclamation to designate April as Autism Acceptance Month for Pima County.

While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully.

Company / Organization Website URL: www.as-az.org

Company or Guest LinkedIn URL:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/autism-society-of-southern-arizona-inc

Company / Org Facebook Page URL:
https://www.facebook.com/Autismsocietyofsouthernarizona


About Ken Baumgartner:

Ken Baumgartner completed his Master’s degree in Special Education at Northern Arizona University in 2011. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and an Arizona Licensed Behavior Analyst. Ken’s career in serving individuals with disabilities began in 2006 as a Special Education Paraprofessional.

Since then, he has worked as a Behavioral Health Technician, Practicum Supervisor, Special Education Teacher, Education Coordinator and Clinical Manager in a variety of school and clinical settings for 15 years.

Currently, Ken serves as the Director of Behavioral Consultation Service and Outpatient Autism Services for Intermountain Centers in Tucson, Arizona. Ken oversees clinic, home, and community-based interventions for individuals with a broad range of diagnoses.

Ken believes strongly in naturalistic, play-based programming using the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to promote skill acquisition and child development. Ken’s team also implements behavior change programs that are function-based, socially valid, rooted in Positive Behavior Support and promote placement preservation for individuals with challenging behaviors.

He is lucky to work with an amazing cohort of individuals who have come to seek quality supervision and work hard to become effective clinicians.

Company / Organization Website URL: Intermountaincenters.org

Company or Guest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-baumgartner-aab228114/

Company / Organization Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/intermountainarizona

Other: Bcsaz.org

Other: https://tucson.com/opinion/local/tucson-opinion-no-doubt-that-2020-has-been-a-psychologically-toxic-year/article_f0a22e86-516e-520d-8590-6c984641f108.html