ABA THERAPY
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services are offered to children, teens and adults with different abilities and/or disabilities. We will work with your child in the home, community, and/or school for a certain number of hours per week.
The goal is to create individualized interventions that focus on improving and increasing specific behaviors such as social skills, communication and adaptive skills, with the goal of increasing positive behaviors while preventing or decreasing undesired and/or maladaptive behaviors .
BEHAVIORAL FEEDING
Behavioral feeding treatment is to help children with behavior based feeding difficulties, such as extreme picky eating and food selectivity. Using the principals and techniques based in ABA, the goal of the treatment is to increase the amount and variety of food consumed, as well as to decrease problem behavior during mealtimes.
We will conduct a thorough assessment of problem mealtime behaviors prior to implementing treatment. This will include conducting observations of a mealtime, questionnaires, and a review of medical records. Clearance from a medical doctor is always required before implementing behavioral feeding treatment.
DIAGNOSIS
Autism Heroes offers Autism Diagnostic services performed by a licensed Medical Doctor. The evaluation includes a review of educational records, parent interview, assessment questionnaires, direct observation and testing.
MEET OUR TEAM
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Shazia Hyder is a Medical Doctor and a founder of Autism Heroes. She obtained her Medical Degree from Southampton, U.K in 1997. In 2002 she completed Family Practice residency in U.K. She has an Internal Medicine residency from Loma Linda University, in 2009. She worked at the VA in Loma Linda for 6 years.
Dr. Hyder is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. She is currently working on obtaining her MAPS fellowship: Medical Academy of Pediatric and Special needs. She is passionate about helping children with special needs.
Dr. Marissa Congdon received her Ph.D in Special Education from the University of Washington with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Congdon is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral, specializing in the treatment of children with autism and related disorders. She has also trained teachers on how to successfully apply ABA in the classroom in order to increase access to academics and decrease problem behaviors.
Currently, Dr. Congdon is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the California State University, San Bernardino, where she teaches courses on educating learners with autism to future special education teachers. She also currently serves districts as a contract BCBA. Dr. Congdon has over 15 years of experience working with people with autism.
Xochitl received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University in 2018. She also received her Bachelor’s in Sociology, from the University of California, Riverside in 2011. Since 2010 she has worked in providing one on one ABA services to individuals with Autism and other disabilities, administering assessments, supervising cases and training staff.
Xochitl has two and a half years of experience working in early intervention where she worked with children under three years old implementing ABA strategies to modify behaviors. She also has experience working with adolescents diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism as well as individuals that are non-verbal. Witnessing her client’s small and big achievements motivates her to continue helping as many families as possible.
Dr. Shazia Hyder
M.D.
Marissa Congdon
Ph.D., BCBA-D
Xochitl Estrada
M.S.
As a seasoned Human Resources executive, Ms. Hoyt brings over 30 years to driving people initiatives for various Fortune 100 and 500 companies, global, non-profit, and union organizations, start-ups, publicly-traded and privately-held employers. Ms. Hoyt’s expertise includes optimizing teams through workforce management and engagement efforts as well as creating sustainable programs that build organizational excellence. Ms. Hoyt has led high impact change initiatives for fusing diverse work cultures and preserving high performing talent, even during mergers, acquisitions, and private equity takeovers. Among Lois’ areas of HR expertise, it is her practical business guidance and employment law knowledge that organizations trust most to confidentially avoid legal landmines and reduce organizational risk.
Currently, Ms. Hoyt leads people initiatives as the Vice President of Human Resources for MEK Enterprises, Inc., in San Diego, a government subcontractor of specialty services.
Ms. Hoyt also has time for various projects. As owner of Agathon Advisors, LLC, (est. 2008), she guides her business clients through workplace challenges. For nearly twenty years, Ms. Hoyt has served as a regular part time professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, teaching behavioral-based business courses. Lois is also a published poet, singer/songwriter, pianist, scriptwriter, and most recently, co-executive producer of a feature film.
Lois earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University, and is honored to respectfully serve as an active member on the Board of Directors for Autism Heroes.
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Lois
Hoyt
Board Member
Noushad Hyder
Board Member
OUR TEAM
RBT Supervisor
Nathaniel Smith
Nathaniel is a well-rounded professional with more than 8 years of experience working with children and adults of all ages that have been diagnosed with Autism.
Nathaniel has worked in school, clinic, and in-home settings. He is continuing his education, with hopes of becoming a BCBA in the future.
RBT Supervisor
Alondra Macias
Alondra has hands-on ABA experience working with children and adults of all ages since 2018. She is a dedicated and motivated individual seeking to use her knowledge and interpersonal skills to help individuals grow to their outmost potential.
She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development Studies from Cal State Fullerton in 2023 and is currently enrolled in a graduate program to obtain her Masters degree in order to become a BCBA.
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Madeline has nearly 10 years of experience working with children and adults of all ages. She has worked with both neurotypical and neurodivergent clients, and has had the privilege of fostering their life skills while assisting in education, independent living, social and behavioral skills, after-school care, and early childhood intervention all throughout the span of her career.
Madeline also currently works on Autism Heroes' social media, website, and marketing designs, as well as hiring and outreach.
Madeline Sanchez
RBT,
Communications and
Outreach Manager