BCBA Must Read: For the Love of Autism
Heyyy, BCBA Ruby here 🌈
As ABA professionals, we often find ourselves immersed in data, interventions, and the technical side of things. But sometimes, it's important to reconnect with the heart and humanity behind it all. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share a book that really moved me:
For the Love of Autism: Stories of Love, Awareness, and Acceptance on the Spectrum by Tamika Lechee Morales, the founder of the Autism Hero Project.
Here’s the thing—I had the privilege of meeting Tamika at an Autism Awareness event, and I bought her book right then and there. Listening to her speak about her personal journey and the mission behind the Autism Hero Project made the book feel even more meaningful. Her passion for autism advocacy and her commitment to creating a more inclusive world for individuals on the spectrum is incredibly inspiring.
Why this book is a must-read for ABA professionals:
For the Love of Autism is a collection of real-life stories, each offering a unique and powerful perspective on life with autism. The stories come from family members, educators, and individuals with autism, and they focus on love, awareness, and acceptance.
Tamika’s words go far beyond clinical strategies—they dive deep into the emotional and human side of autism. I found myself so emotional while reading some of these stories that they actually brought me to tears. As someone who doesn’t have children of my own yet, seeing an autism diagnosis from the parents’ side was eye-opening. It helped me better understand the emotions, challenges, and deep love that come with raising a child on the spectrum.
This book reminded me that, while we as BCBAs are trained to focus on interventions and data, at the core of what we do is people. It’s about the families, the experiences, and the lives we touch.
Through the Autism Hero Project, Tamika has been an advocate for highlighting the strengths and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum. Her book is an extension of that mission, offering readers the chance to reflect on what truly matters: compassion, empathy, and creating a world where all individuals are accepted and celebrated.
If you’re in ABA (or planning to be), this book is an absolute must-read. It’s a heartfelt reminder that, as much as we focus on technical skills, empathy and understanding are at the core of truly supporting our clients and communities.
Affiliate note: I may earn a small commission if you purchase through that link—at no extra cost to you! I only share books and resources I genuinely believe can make a difference in your journey.
💬 Let me know if you’ve read it—or if you end up grabbing a copy! I’d love to hear which story resonated most with you.
With care and caffeination,
Ruby 💕
