We’re very happy to spotlight Kyle Quinn, President of ABC for Autism and a dedicated BCBA whose journey in ABA began over two decades ago, inspired by his younger brother’s autism diagnosis. From teaching swim lessons alongside his mother, one of Indiana’s first ABA practitioners, to becoming one of the state’s earliest BCBAs, Kyle’s career has been driven by a passion for helping individuals with autism thrive.
1. Can you share your journey in ABA therapy and what inspired you to pursue it?
When my nearly 3 year old brother was diagnosed with Autism in 1995, I knew that I wanted to help individuals with special needs and make a difference. My mother was the first person to do ABA Therapy in Indiana in 1997 with children with Autism teaching swim lessons using the principles of ABA. I was amazed at the accomplishments of these kids as I taught swim lessons over multiple summers in high school learning the basic principles of ABA. I went to college and got my undergraduate degree in special education as no Behavior Analysis undergraduate programs were offered in my state at that time. Shortly after graduating in 2005, I began my career working directly with individuals with Autism in the field. However, I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in Behavior Analysis, so when the first graduate program began in my state, I jumped at the chance and was part of the first small group of people to go through it graduating in 2009 with my masters in Autism and Behavior Analysis. I then became one of the first BCBAs in my state in 2009. Since 2005, I have loved the impact that I have been able to make directly and even indirectly in the many lives of children and their families affected by Autism.
2. What's been the most rewarding aspect of your role as a BCBA or clinical owner?
Making a difference is the most rewarding thing of all as accomplishing a child's first verbally spoken word or toilet training them or so many other amazing accomplishments these kids make is rewarding in itself. As a leader, knowing the hard work that our team puts in everyday is amazing to see and the progress we get with patients is truly a testament of the power of the science of Behavior Analysis and what ABA therapy can do.
3. How has it been using Motivity?
Using Motivity has been an amazing experience. Its reliability as well as amazing customer service has made the whole experience so positive and such a contrast to our previous electronic data system that we cannot express how grateful we truly are.
We save so much time and resources with Motivity that we wish it existed sooner and made the switch even sooner than we did!
4. Share one powerful ABA strategy or technique you find impactful for your clients.
I think that utilizing task analysis strategies to create permanent products such as knowing how to tie shoes or heat up food makes a lifelong impact upon these children that they can carry into adulthood. No one will ask you to point out an acute triangle randomly in adulthood, but you have to tie your shoes at least daily if not more. I think many people that work with special needs individuals miss the mark on daily living skills and don't focus on it nearly enough.
Think of them not just of the kid in front of you, but ABA therapy as their 1 shot to make the skills they often need even into adulthood.
With increasing pressure from payors this is even more true than ever and these payor sources demands detailed notes, data, graphs, etc...from providers to rationalize the cost of services. Providers can no longer take paper data like I did the first few years of my career as the demands from parents, outside agencies, and payor sources are so much more today and will even grow in the future.
5. Outside of work, what's a hobby or interest you're passionate about and how do you balance it with your professional life?
I think life always requires a work life balance and this is especially true for those who work not only with children, but often with children with problematic behaviors. So, my family is my greatest passion and without them, I would never be able to do what I do to make a difference!
6. One thing you love about Motivity?
I think there are 2 things that tie frankly. The first is the high reliability of the software and its ability to work nearly seamlessly in real time paired along with the excellent quick customer service that addresses any small issues or feature requests that might arise.
