FOX5 New York — Good Day Street Talk

On April 6, 2024, Danielle Betesh—one of Applied ABC’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts appeared on FOX5 New York’s segment, Good Day Street Talk, to speak about the company’s work and general autism awareness. In the interview, host Antwan Lewis asks Danielle about the mission of Applied ABC as well as an overview of behavioral therapy for viewers who might not be familiar with the practice.  

Danielle explains that ABA helps children with autism lead more independent lives. She also outlines the role of direct support professionals (DSPs), noting that the main goal of any position in the field of autism care is the success of the individual receiving care.  

Antwan asks Danielle to speak about possible shortages and other challenges that staff may face when working in the autism care field. She says that the autism community is an underserved population, particularly in areas without funding and other care resources. Danielle says this can lead to a lack of support for those with autism.  

Danielle says that autism care workers are crucial and do significant work to help individuals with autism thrive. In response to Antwan’s inquiry about the process of keeping DSPs “in the fold,” Danielle says that autism care professionals deserve ensured livable wages. She states the cost of living far exceeds the earning potential for many therapists in New York, which creates an unfortunate circumstance in which many therapists have to seek additional avenues for income.  

However, pay is not the only challenge DSPs might face—Danielle mentions that the average ABA therapist works anywhere between 25-30 hours per week. These working hours are often subject to the therapist’s geographic location and proximity to children with care needs.