Julianne Xenakis '20 puts behavioral psychology into practice
Julianne Xenakis is a junior psychology and political science major.
She writes: “I took Behavior Analysis with Dr. Bell and now I am able to directly apply the concepts I studied for the purpose of enhancing lives and giving back to the community. This quarter, I am starting an internship program with the ABRITE organization. ABRITE is a not for profit organization which provides in-home care to children with developmental delays. Most of the children I will be working with are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. ABRITE employs the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to help their learners develop new skills that their parents thought were never possible. Certified as a Registered Behavioral Technician, I will be providing intervention services to children and their families throughout Santa Clara and San Jose. I have seen, firsthand in my family, how ABA can transform a child’s life and provide them with the tools and skills to alleviate some of the difficulties which accompany an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
I am excited to embark on this venture and helping children with autism develop skills which will improve their quality of life and allow them to function more optimally.”