Rebecca R. Timmins, M.S.
Rebecca R. Timmins is the founder and director of Celebrate Neurodiversity! Autism Child Care. She graduated with a Master of Science in cognitive and affective psychology from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2019. During her time at UWO, she served as a research assistant on three different research teams. As a graduate student, she served as lab supervisor to Dr. Hong’s clinical research team which worked largely on studies of mindfulness and entitlement. Rebecca’s thesis used EEG to examine the relationship between autistic traits in a neurotypical population and mirror neuron integrity. She has formal, advanced education in the neuropsychological underpinnings of ASD, along with one year experience as an ABA line technician. She holds certifications in all state-required trainings of child care workers such as CPR and AED, mandated reporter and shaken baby training completion.
“As an undergrad, I was fortunate enough to take a capstone course under my research mentor called “The Neuropsychology of Autism”, and it inspired me to become a behavioral line technician with kids on the spectrum. I enjoyed my time at the Appleton ABA center and fell in love with working with kids with autism… but with my cognitive and neuroscience background, there were some parts of behaviorism I disagreed with (such as how often it does not take into account neurological, cognitive, or emotional perspectives). Overall I view ABA as helpful, but I am excited to be able to incorporate cognitive natural stress reduction activities such as mindfulness training, yoga, biofeedback, music and the arts as a complimentary and new approach to child care for kids on the spectrum which is aimed to put tools in their hands for a lifetime that can be used to help shield against the psychological and physiological harm of stress and anxiety.”
“My goal in creating this center is to provide a revolutionary, holistic approach to child care for kids with autism and to encourage each individual’s strengths while minimizing weaknesses. I do not hold the disease view of autism spectrum and it is my solemn belief that every child with autism can excel in the areas they are most interested in. I am incredibly open-minded and always willing to learn new things, take advice and criticism, and most importantly grow! I feel privileged to be starting this endeavor with my assistant director and autism consultant Kaitlyn who can provide invaluable insight into developing the best strategies for our center, such as giving an inside perspective which only those on the spectrum can truly understand.”
