Our Founder
At FirstBehavior®, our work is grounded in the belief that behavior tells a story. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, we examine behavior through a developmental lens considering how a child's strengths, challenges, experiences, environment, and stage of development interact to shape daily functioning.
Founded by Jessica Atkins, Doctoral Researcher, our practice works with children, adolescents, and families navigating concerns related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, executive functioning, emotional regulation, learning differences, and social-emotional development. Our approach combines evidence-based practices with practical strategies that can be implemented at home, school, and within the community.
We believe that understanding the "why" behind behavior is the foundation for meaningful support. By identifying developmental patterns, environmental influences, and individual strengths, we help families make informed decisions that promote growth, resilience, and long-term success. Our goal is to provide thoughtful guidance, individualized recommendations, and collaborative support that empower families to better understand their child's development and foster positive, lasting change. Through a developmental and behavioral perspective, we strive to help each child reach their full potential while supporting the families and professionals who care for them.
Clinical Philosophy
Behavior does not occur in isolation. Every behavior develops within the context of a child's biology, relationships, environment, and developmental stage. By understanding these factors together, interventions can be more effective, individualized, and supportive of long-term developmental outcomes.