Episode 8: Empowering Parents Through Pathways Early Autism Intervention

In this episode, we’re joined by Renee Hoffman, BCBA, LPC, and Melissa Looney, BCBA‑student, to explore Pathways Early Autism Intervention— a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) parent‑training program designed to help families nurture early social communication skills in young children with, or suspected of having, autism. Pathways blends ABA principles with child development science to address the core social challenges of autism rather than just surface‑level behaviors. Developed by Renee and her business partner Michelle (a speech‑language pathologist and BCBA), Pathways grew out of their work in Early Childhood Intervention (Part C) programs and their shared belief that parents should be at the center of their child’s learning journey. Renee and Melissa also share how their backgrounds in education, speech therapy, and early intervention shaped their belief that the most powerful outcomes happen when parents are supported as their child’s first and most consistent teacher.