Building Better Futures Through Person-Centered Care:

Sonnenberg Consultants at the Autism United Conference

Sonnenberg Consultants was honored to participate in the Autism United Conference, where I joined a panel of talented and passionate Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) from organizations across Wisconsin to discuss important topics impacting the autism community.

The panel brought together professionals with a shared commitment to improving services and advancing conversations around person-centered care, the history of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trauma-informed practices, affirming care principles, and the importance of families as collaborative partners.

The discussion created an opportunity to acknowledge the growth of the field, address common misconceptions, and continue building a future where autistic individuals and families receive meaningful, respectful, and individualized support.

Understanding the History of ABA: Where It Started and Where It Is Today

One important part of the conversation focused on understanding the history of ABA and recognizing how the field has evolved over time.

ABA began as a science focused on understanding learning, behavior, and the relationship between individuals and their environments. Early applications of behavior science occurred in a variety of settings, and like many fields, ABA has continued to develop through research, ethical standards, and the lived experiences of the individuals and families receiving services.

Modern ABA should be guided by compassion, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes:

*ABA is not about changing who a person is.

*ABA is not about eliminating autistic identity.

*ABA is not about compliance without purpose or understanding.

Ethical and effective ABA focuses on helping individuals build skills that increase independence, improve quality of life, strengthen communication, and support personal goals.

The Importance of Person-Centered Care

Person-centered care starts with recognizing that every individual has unique strengths, preferences, experiences, and goals.

Quality support should be developed around:

• The individual’s voice, choices, and priorities

• Strengths and interests

• Meaningful life outcomes

• Skills that promote independence and participation

• Respect for communication differences and individual needs

At Sonnenberg Consultants, we believe services should be developed with individuals and families, not simply for them.

The most effective care happens when professionals listen, collaborate, and build plans that reflect what truly matters to the person receiving support.

Trauma-Informed and Affirming Care Principles

The panel also discussed the importance of integrating trauma-informed and affirming principles into service delivery.

Trauma-informed care recognizes the importance of:

• Creating emotional and physical safety

• Building trust and respectful relationships

• Understanding each person’s experiences

• Supporting autonomy and choice

Affirming care recognizes and respects autism as an important part of an individual’s identity. The goal of support is not to make individuals appear less autistic. The goal is to help individuals live meaningful lives while being valued for who they are.

Parents as Collaborators and Essential Members of the Team

Families bring invaluable knowledge, history, and insight into the lives of the individuals receiving services. Parents and caregivers are not simply observers of treatment—they are essential collaborators.

At Sonnenberg Consultants, we believe strong outcomes come from partnership between professionals, individuals, and families.

Collaboration means:

• Listening to caregiver perspectives

• Creating shared goals

• Communicating openly

• Making decisions together

• Respecting the expertise families bring

What We Want the Community to Know

Many people are surprised to learn that some of the most rewarding careers begin without prior experience. At Sonnenberg, we believe that passion, compassion, and a willingness to learn are just as important as experience.

Whether you're exploring a future career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), education, psychology, healthcare, social work, or simply looking for meaningful work that makes a difference every day, Sonnenberg provides the training, mentorship, and support to help you succeed. Our team members work alongside experienced professionals while building valuable skills in communication, behavior support, problem-solving, and relationship building that can be applied across many careers.

Every day, our staff has the opportunity to celebrate milestones with children and families, create lasting connections, and see firsthand the impact that evidence-based care can have on a child's life. It's work that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

We asked our staff: “What would you want the community to know about Sonnenberg Consultants?”

If you're looking for a place where you can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact, Sonnenberg Consultants may be the perfect place to start. – Chelsea (P&C)

“We are open to, value, and actively seek collaboration with other services because the best outcomes are achieved when we work together.” – Brittany (BCBA, Director of Training)

“One of the most important things we want our community to understand is the true impact of the work we do. ABA is often misunderstood and is sometimes viewed as only serving young children with autism; however, the field has grown to support individuals across the lifespan and address a wide range of meaningful goals. We have the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to build independence, strengthen communication, increase quality of life, and support individuals in reaching goals that are important to them. Our work extends beyond a diagnosis—it is about understanding each person, recognizing their strengths, and providing individualized support that helps people live fuller, more meaningful lives.” – Emily O (BCBA, Clinical Director)

Continuing the Conversation Across Wisconsin

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in meaningful conversations with other professionals throughout Wisconsin who share a commitment to improving autism services.

The Autism United Conference reminded us of the importance of continued collaboration, reflection, and growth within the field. When professionals, individuals, and families come together, we can continue creating services that prioritize dignity, respect, relationships, and meaningful quality of life.

At Sonnenberg Consultants, our commitment remains clear: supporting individuals through compassionate, ethical, and person-centered care while honoring each person’s unique strengths, goals, and voice.