Need Inspiration for the Future?

In an age where we are often flooded with images and stories about the negative in our world, we are excited to feature a very inspirational young lady who is shining a light on autism.

Katelynn Maronge chose autism as the topic of her high school senior project. Throughout this school year, Katelynn researched the expansive array of proposed treatments, and just like the parents of newly diagnosed individuals she felt initially overwhelmed.

Eventually she decided to focus on the empirically-supported intervention of ABA, and then conducted parent and professional interviews as part of her summary thesis titled, "Giving the Voiceless a Voice."  The culmination of the project included Katelynn demonstrating a data tracking system to determine the effectiveness of a skill teaching program for one child. 

Katelynn stated that the experience provided her with strong impressions into the challenges and uniqueness of those affected by autism.  As Katelynn described, "Children with autism are a gift; their wrapping is just a little bit harder to tear through. The ABA process will tear through that wrapping, and it can bring out a bright and talented child that is just trying to make his way through this complicated surrounding called 'society'." 

Given her experience, Katelynn may even consider a career in special needs in the future.  Dr. Barbin is proud to call Katelynn her niece!