Every family’s journey with autism looks different, but many parents know what it feels like to search for care that truly fits their child. For Paul Swanson, that search led his family to Maxim Behavioral in Spokane, Washington, and to a care team that now feels like family. Paul shared their story with us in his own words, and we’re honored to pass it along to you.
Ten Years of Growth
When Gaebriel was 2 years old, his family received news they never expected. He was diagnosed with level 3 autism and was not yet using spoken words. Paul knew right away that his son would get the help he needed and deserved. Just four months later, Gaebriel began applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. That was 10 years ago. Today Gaebriel is 12, he’s talking and he keeps making the kind of progress that, in Paul’s words, “nobody believed was possible.”
If your child has a new diagnosis, Gaebriel’s story is a reminder that growth often unfolds over years rather than weeks. Each new skill builds on the one before it, and the steady work you put in today can open doors you can’t yet imagine.
When Therapy Suddenly Stopped
Then came a setback many families will recognize. Gaebriel’s ABA clinic closed, and he went several months without therapy. Paul turned to someone he trusted: Dr. Bryan Lebo of Airway Heights Pediatrics, Gaebriel’s pediatrician for the past five years. Dr. Lebo and his wife, Heather, put in the work and found Maxim Healthcare Services, which provides ABA in the home, at school and wherever a child needs support most. It was exactly what the Swansons were looking for.
If you find yourself in a gap in care, your child’s pediatrician can be a powerful ally. They know your child’s history and can help you find providers in your area. It also helps to ask any ABA provider where services can take place, since support that reaches into your home and your child’s school can make it easier for new skills to show up in everyday life.
Holding Out for the Right Fit
From his first meeting with Maxim leadership, Paul felt their values matched his family’s. “They cared about what we wanted, asked the right questions, everything,” he said. But Paul also knew that the people who show up every day matter most. After past experiences, he didn’t want a rotating group of providers doing the bare minimum and working straight from the book. “We needed someone who was real, someone who Gaebriel could connect with,” he explained. “Someone born for this job.”
Maxim had a behavior technician in mind who wouldn’t be available for a few months, and Paul chose to wait, even when temporary placements were offered. When Carol finally arrived, she brought open arms, plenty of joy, a bit of sarcasm and complete genuineness. Within minutes of meeting, she and Gaebriel clicked.
“We waited for a reason, and this was it. I was beyond happy we did, and so was Gaebriel.”
The connection between your child and their technician is the foundation everything else is built on, and it’s worth advocating for.
Meet Gaebriel’s Care Team
Paul was clear that this story belongs to the whole team. Carol Atkins is Gaebriel’s Certified Behavior Technician (CBT), working with him directly during day-to-day sessions. Matthew Shehi is his Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who designs and oversees Gaebriel’s treatment plan and guides the goals that Carol and the family work toward together. Both are part of the Maxim Behavioral team in Spokane, which Paul describes simply as “amazing.”
In ABA, the technician and the BCBA work hand in hand, and parents are a key part of that team too. When everyone is aligned on the same goals, the skills your child practices in sessions have a better chance of carrying over to home, school and beyond.
Progress Beyond the Plan
When sessions began, Paul’s goal was to gain tools to help Gaebriel accept denials without escalating and to navigate the new challenges that come with the preteen years. What the family gained went much further. Gaebriel now handles bathroom trips on his own, takes baths with zero issues and accepts “no” without big problems. Escalations happen less often, and he’s more active, earning the things he wants.
“We gained a family member who came with the knowledge and experience needed to make improvements we never expected.”
Progress in ABA often shows up first in everyday routines like these. Celebrating those wins, big and small, helps your child and your whole household see how far you’ve come.
It Takes a Village
Paul is quick to credit everyone who has supported Gaebriel along the way: Dr. Lebo and Heather, family and friends, Maxim as a whole and, of course, Carol. “The structure and support we have has gotten us further than most expected, and we couldn’t do it without our village,” he said.
His message to other parents, whether you’re just beginning your journey or years into it, comes straight from the heart:
“Ask the hard questions, reach out and advocate for your child and yourself. Give yourself the grace you deserve. Know that things DO get better, things will work out and you’ve got this. It takes a village, and if Maxim is a part of that village, you’ll have more support than you ever thought possible.”
Looking for ABA Support for Your Family?
Maxim Behavioral provides ABA therapy in homes, schools and communities, with care teams who take the time to get to know your child. Connect with our team to learn about services near you.
