Meet Sari Kuperstein | private behavior specialist in autism

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sari Kuperstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi sari, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Family enrichment and through this passion I’ve developed a variety of skills and learned how to apply them while remaining fluid to the needs of the family and that of my client. I’d like to shed some light on a corner of autism that’s barely recognized, as services are overflowing with newly diagnosed cases. How I do this, beyond home sessions, which are my favorite part, is to demystify possible causes of behaviors with data analysis of all autism services including school, add in random observations and with this information parents become more informed about why, when and length of time interventions are applied by the service providers such as headphones (ear defenders), a chew ring, helmet, gloves, breaks or free play and what led up to this throughout school and autism service sessions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run a practice as a private behavioral specialist for those on the extreme end of the autism spectrum, those who display extreme to severe behaviors, including excessive sensory issues. I am not selling anything or pushing a method. I use my 30 years experience working with families helping them to experience all that life has to offer without meltdowns or stimulation issues overwhelming and controlling the home and services.
My personal life brought me here to San Diego 4 years ago from New York. This is the first year that I’m showing families of autism what they’re able to do themselves to get some control of their autism technicians and get answers. My aim is to encourage parents to speak aloud about their concerns. My child is a fecal smearer. My child chews their hands raw and the “remedy” is gloves and now her face is raw. My child flaps continuously. My child destroys the home. Though the child presents severe behaviors, the family wellness must be taken into consideration as well. Living under these conditions takes a quiet toll on the family unit, which is barely recognized and nary addressed. My response is to give severe/extreme autism families a forum to speak. I’m meeting with families outside a friend’s little methodist church at 545 E. Naples Chula Vista on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12-1:30 so parents/grandparents can share their autism journey, ask questions and meet other families in a comfortable setting and maybe come away understanding that another way is possible. If you believe more can be done, you are right.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Southern California nightlife is alive with local bands Try Humphrey’s on shelter island. Mission Hill has the California pride vibe with fun places to eat and drink, but I always go to Petes in North Park for great food. San Diego Zoo is a favorite with guests. Stroll through and see animals up close in natural habitats, then ride the monorail back for a park overview. Torrey Pines is a day adventure for those that like to hike and swim. The cliffs offer a beautiful view along with a variety of flora and cacti as you wend your way down to the beach. For those from the east coast In and Out Burger is a must. But if you’re looking for authentic Mexican tamales go to
Tamales Ancira. Or Birria –look no further than King Birria in National city. Imperial Beach Pier allows fishing, but walk to the end and you’ll find the Tin Fish for delicious fish tacos. Check out the local surfers and art exhibits while shopping for SoCal memorabilia. Coronado island is a definite destination stop, offering a wide range of beaches and parks, plus a ferry to and from downtown San Diego, so catch a night game with the San Diego Padres. Southern California has a large variety of people with stores to match. Which means shopping. My favorite store for spices and eating exotic treats is the Balboa International Market. Then try the Mexican bakery La Cancha Bakery. Chill by the bay in Chula Vista and check out the local LowRides. A full day is needed for exploring the beautiful splendors of Balboa Park, hosting a Lily Garden, Air and Space museum and the Old Globe theater. For those who like to be closer to nature the Anza Borrego Desert state park is the place to be. We grab the pop-up or tent and go. Before leaving Southern California, eat under the stars at the Del Mar Hotel.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I had an excellent mentor from the very beginning of my introduction to the various forms of autism and through this training in an inclusive charter school I developed a talent, plus a realization emerged that not all behaviors are cemented into an autism diagnosis and another way is possible. I’d like to thank the families who also believed this to be true and welcomed me into their homes and wanted all the opportunities to enjoy what life has to offer. Like my young client Jordan. He went on to win the Presidential award for academic excellence.

Website: https://sdkbehaviors.com

Youtube: sdkbehaviors in autism

Other: https://sdkbehaviors.substack.com