What I Do
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. He has been working with children and families with autism for 15 years. The program focuses on children age 0-6.
0 to 6 Years Is Crucial
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. 0-6 years is a crucial period for children with autism. This is the primary learning and developmental time for a child. Early intervention and a younger age often give children the best outcomes.
The Autism Programs We Offer
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. Kamloops Autism Programs offers centre-based programs, but there are also home-based programs available.
The Biggest Challenges of Parents to Autism
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. In this video, Gary explains the challenges for parents with autistic children. The first challenge is the initial shock. The second challenge is judgment from people in the community.
When a Parent Hears Their Child Is on the Spectrum
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. Receiving the diagnosis that your child is autistic is often challenging for a lot of parents. Most parents go through a grieving process. In this video, Gary explains that autism ranges from high-functioning to high-challenged kids.
A Common Challenge with Autism
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. Autistic children face a lot of challenges in their life time. Social challenges often are the biggest struggle. A common misconception is that children with autism are not social. The truth is, they want to be social, but they struggle with reading social cues so it becomes more difficult to interact with others.
The Way Our Program Works
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. The Kamloops Autism Program offers one-on-one training. Children will have the opportunity to work with Gary, along with a speech therapist, occupational therapist and a behavior consultant.
The People Truly Want to Work Together Here
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. For the community as a whole, accepting people with autism is a huge step. What Gary hears over and over from parents, is a wish that people would accept their child for who they are.
How I Got into This Line of Work
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. Gary discovered at a young age that he enjoyed working with people who have disabilities. In this video, Gary explains he doesn’t see them as people with disabilities, he sees them as “different abilities.”
The Unexpected Normalcy of Autism
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. Gary shares that there are unexpected normalcies in children who have autism. The unexpected joy is going from what parents have described as a “death sentence of autism” to realizing that autism is completely manageable.
Early Intervention is Crucial
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. In this video, Gary shares that every single child he has worked with has benefited from therapy. Early intervention is crucial. It’s the most important thing you can do for any child with disabilities.
Trust Your Intuition
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. It’s so important to trust your intuition. Gary urges parents to trust their intuition if they notice developmental delays in their child. The next step is seeking professional help.
Fostering Independence In Children With Special Needs
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. In this video, Gary explains the importance of fostering independence in children with special needs. Most parents assume their child will live in a group home for the rest of their life. Gary urges parents to foster independence in their child to ensure the best possibilities for their future.
Respite Is Hard to Get
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. A lot of parents are overwhelmed when caring for a child with special needs. In this video, Gary explains the importance of proper support being in place for the parents.
My Hope for the Future
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. In this video, Gary shares his wish for the future. Gary wish is to recognize the importance of early intervention along with the political and financial support to back it up.
The First Thing I Work on with Kids
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. For Gary, the word “never” doesn’t exist in his practices. A lot of parents hear what their child will “never” be able to do. In this video, Gary explains why would shouldn’t put focus on the word “never.”
A Story That Changed My Career
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. In this video, Gary shares the story that changed his career.
The Biggest Challenge as a Parent
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. In this video, Gary shares the biggest challenge for himself as a parent. One of his challenges is accepting that he doesn’t have all the right answers for his children. Another challenge Gary faces is trying to keep the fun, youthful spirit in his kids. The world doesn’t want children—the world wants young adults.
We Live in an over Parented World
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. It’s a shame that kids don’t get to be kids. In this video, Gary expresses his frustration living in an over-parented world.
What Free Play Means to Me
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. Children learn from their mistakes. Free play allows a child to make mistakes and learn from them. In this video, Gary explains why free time is so important.
Look at the Child and Say "How Can I Help?"
Gary Unser is the Behavior Services Coordinator for the Kamloops Autism Program. Gary's wish for the future is that the community will become more compassionate towards children with disabilities. The speech, the language and the occupational therapy can all be controlled—people's reactions can't.