Having a child with autism and behavioral challenges is incredibly challenging and isolating at times. Jan Bersin has been the lifeline on the other end of the phone for me many times. I have had to call Jan in the middle of situations involving my son's violent episodes and Jan has always been there to provide a calm and re-assuring voice.
The thing that stands out for me is that she makes me feel like I am the only person she is talking to that day when I know she must deal with many, many families a day. She provides exceptional care by making me feel heard and not alone. Having a child with extreme challenging behaviors can be isolating and at times embarrassing. I have called in the midst of crisis and Jan has acted as if it were not out of the ordinary at all helping me feel calmer and not so alone.
While I know she deals with many situations like mine. She never makes me feel like "here we go again" but instead she affirms that my situation is hard and offers practical and supportive help. I have also really appreciated that Jan takes the time to call me back, sometimes several times to make sure I have the information I need. She also takes the time to explain things in ways that I can understand.
Thank you Jan for all that you do to care for families.