Dr. Berenice de la Cruz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA has worked with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities since 2001 in school, home, clinic, and community settings as a teacher, therapist, supervisor, director, and professor. Dr. de la Cruz is an Assistant Professor and the inaugural Program Coordinator of the Applied Behavior Analysis Program at Texas A&M-San Antonio at the College of Education and Human Development.
Read our interview with Dr. Berenice below!
What is your connection to Autism and/or the Autism community?
As an undergraduate student studying psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso, I responded to an add looking for students to provide ABA services to a four-year-old child with Autism. I was drawn to his parents’ determination to teach him to talk, play, and interact. The joy I shared with him and his family when he learned new skills was unlike any other I had experienced. That is when I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I am blessed to work with individuals with Autism and their families since 2001.
Why did you decide to join the AST Board?
I became a part of the AST Board because the mission and vision of AST aligns with my values. Autism Society of Texas has done so much good for our Texas community, and I wanted to be involved with furthering AST’s mission especially as it relates to supporting Spanish-speaking families and supporting public policy efforts that benefit Texans with Autism and their families.
What do you like most about AST or serving on the Board?
What I like most about serving on the AST Board is working with like-minded professionals to bring resources across the state. As a professor, I enjoy encouraging my students to get involved in their community and inviting them to participate with me in AST events.