Behavioral Concepts, Inc.'s Anthony Palacios receives Autism Resource Center Central's Guiding Star honor

The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts recently recognized Anthony Palacios, an ABA therapist at Behavioral Concepts, Inc., with its Guiding Star Award at its annual gala at the Wachusett Country Club on May 18. He was one of 19 teachers/educators/therapists honored by the Center for their work with children with autism spectrum disorders.

The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts serves as an information and referral service for children and families affected by disorders within the Autism Spectrum; Autism, PDD NOS and Asperger's. It’s annual Guiding Star awards recognizes the work of school teachers, educators and therapists. Award-winners are nominated by the families of students. Palacios was nominated by Kristen Saad for his work with her son Trevor.

“The Autism Resource Center Central provides a number of wonderful services and children with autism and their families. The Guiding Star Award is one of the nicer resources offered by the Center as it gives families a more formal way to thank teachers and ABA therapists like Tony for the wonderful work they do,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc. “Tony has been with us for almost twelve years and this award could not go to a more deserving person.”

Palacios began with Behavioral Concepts, Inc. in 2004. Yet his interest in working in this field began by caring for his brother, a special needs child. After serving in the Army—including a seven-month tour of Afghanistan—he took a job as a camp counselor where he found himself taking care of several children with autism spectrum disorder.

“Taking care of my brother and being in the military gave me a nice foundation to be an ABA therapist,” said Palacios. “By taking care of my brother, I learned the patience needed in working with kids who face learning challenges. The military taught me the value and discipline you learn with routine. Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder also value routine. Routines provide stability and help them grow.”

As for the Guiding Star Award, Palacios adds, “I’m grateful for the award and to the Saad’s for nominating me. Trevor is a great kid. I do owe a debt of gratitude to my co-workers at BCI and BCI itself. It is very much a collaborative effort there and we are able to provide the level of service that we do because we work as a team and support each other. BCI also provides training on a very consistent basis that enables us to continually improve.”

Palacios resides in Worcester with his wife Colleen. In addition to his work with BCI, he attends Fitchburg State University. His goal is to one day earn and board certified behavior analyst (BCBA®) certification.

The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts is a non-profit located at 71 Sterling Street in West Boylston, Massachusetts (508-835-4278). You can find more information at www. www.autismresourcecentral.org. For more information on Behavioral Concepts, Inc., visit www.bciaba.com.