Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, is striving to create greater awareness and inclusion of adults with autism in the workforce.
Trends in Hiring
A growing number of companies, including human services organizations as well as companies with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) job openings, are recognizing the unique skills and attributes of individuals with ASD.
“Adults with ASD are extremely valuable employees,” explained Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s founder and CEO. “Many possess unique skill sets that may include an elevated attention to detail, and the ability to perform specialized jobs and tasks consistently and accurately.”
Working to their strengths, BCI employs three individuals with ASD.
Dr. Robinson continued, “As behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of persons with ASD, we are a company that truly understands the unique challenges that occur during the interview (of an adult with ASD) and within the workplace. We provide a supportive environment to enable our employees to succeed. BCI is changing the hiring landscape on a local level in Central Massachusetts and is proud to hire individuals with ASD.”
The company recently hired Ryan Litchfield, speaker and autism advocate, as an Administrative Assistant. Litchfield is a resident of Rutland, MA.
Litchfield, who was diagnosed with autism at two years of age and believed to never be able to speak or function, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Assumption College in Worcester, where he majored in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. Litchfield has also earned a Certificate in Aging Services through career and continuing education and is certified in Gerontology Studies.
Litchfield, an ASD advocate, strives to educate audiences and the general public on acceptance of people with disabilities and help them access resources associated to activities of daily living for those with ASD. For more than five years, Litchfield has been a speaker for ASD, sharing his personal experiences speaking at the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative in Worcester and to schools in Wachusett Regional School District, as well as Light It Up Blue events for the Assumption Disability Awareness Promotion Team (ADAPT) in Worcester.
Previous to joining BCI, Litchfield was an administrative assistant at Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging in West Boylston, and also at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education at Assumption College. He served an intern at HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in West Boylston, MA.
“Ryan’s knowledge, positive attitude, and advocacy make him a wonderful addition to our team,” said Dr. Robinson.
Another staff member and speaker, Intake Coordinator Christian Tsetsos, recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary with BCI. Tsetsos oversees insurance authorizations and intakes and also maintains the client database among a number of other directed, highly detailed tasks. For the last seven years, Tsetsos has been a guest speaker on Asperger’s at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) Summer Institute for Educators as well as at other AANE conferences and panels. Tsetsos has also addressed educators at Dover-Sherborn Middle School and the Newton School District Faculty and Administrators. He is a 2014 graduate of Worcester State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies.
“Christian has assumed increasing responsibility during his employment with BCI. As our Intake Coordinator, Christian is the first voice that parents hear when they inquire about BCI services. He is our ever-important liaison with insurance companies. He welcomes visitors and new employees as part of his receptionist duties. Christian has truly become the BCI good-will ambassador,” said Dr. Robinson.
About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)
Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.
BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.
For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.
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