Aubrey is unique. She’s the first Lovaas Center student with Down syndrome and autism. It was difficult to predict if Down syndrome would prevent the ABA from being effective. However, Aubrey’s rapid progress has demonstrated Lovaas ABA can help with aggressive and defiant behaviors, regardless of the causes. Aubrey’s family had tried everything — from specialized care to a variety of medications — in an effort to stop her kicking, hitting, and biting. As Aubrey grew older, it became increasingly difficult to handle her, and to handle all the anxiety, depression, and sheer exhaustion that parents of special needs children often face. Just before they lost all hope, they contacted The Lovaas Center. Aubrey began ABA just a year ago and her negative behaviors have already been drastically diminished. As her mother said, “Before Lovaas, I wondered how we’d be able to continue caring for Aubrey at home because she was becoming stronger and more unmanageable. Now, it’s amazing. It’s like we’re a regular family again.”