At the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, supporting others is at the heart of everything they do. From helping families navigate autism evaluations to creating memorable experiences for children and caregivers, this small but mighty team is making a meaningful impact through both their work and their culture of kindness.
The clinic team includes Clinic Coordinator Kim, who serves as the first point of contact for families and physicians while coordinating autism evaluations, and Billing and Insurance Coordinator Kim, who helps families navigate insurance and billing processes. Alongside Director and Psychologist Dr. Laura Hansen and Speech Language Pathologist Rebekah Whitt, the team works together to provide services and support for children and families across Alabama.
Beyond their clinical work, the team enjoys creating special experiences for the families they serve. Throughout the year, they host events such as Easter egg hunts, petting zoos, visits from Santa, pool parties, and other family centered activities that help strengthen connections within the autism community.
Wellness Through Connection and Kindness
When it comes to WellBAMA programs, the team enjoys opportunities to connect with others across campus. Favorite events include Quad in Motion, walking events near the Quad and Welcome Center.
“I love the opportunity to go to a space on campus I’ve never been and meet people I would not normally cross paths with,” one team member shared. “It’s inspiring to see people who are passionate about what they do.”
Building a Culture of Care
One of the team’s proudest accomplishments has been earning recognition as a Distinguished Kindness Workplace. Inspired by that achievement, they are developing a dedicated kindness area within their office and providing small tokens of appreciation for parents and caregivers, including lotions, lip balms, pens, and other thoughtful items.
The team also prioritizes spending time together. During professional development days, they balance clinic projects with team building activities such as escape rooms and pottery painting. These shared experiences have strengthened relationships and fostered a positive work environment.
“Having fun as a team makes working as a team fun too,” they shared. “It’s great to work with a group that genuinely enjoys each other’s company.”
Advice for Other Departments
Their advice is simple but powerful: be kind, be helpful, and support others whenever you can.
Whether interacting with colleagues, students, families, or members of the community, the Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic team believes kindness creates stronger connections and a more enjoyable workplace. Their commitment to caring for others, both inside and outside the clinic, serves as a reminder that wellness often begins with how we treat one another.