Meet Dr. Annette Nunez of Breakthrough Interventions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Annette Nunez.

Dr. Annette, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Fresno, CA. I attended Roosevelt High School which was a very diverse high school in a low-income neighborhood in Fresno. Many of the high school teachers weren’t very encouraging and one of my teachers failed me in English and told me I couldn’t write and wouldn’t do anything with my life. That comment in addition to lack of belief from that teacher lit a fire under me and was the push I needed to accomplish everything that I have accomplished today.

I attended UCLA as an undergrad where I received my BA in psychology and minored in Chicano/a Studies. I then went to Cal State Northridge where I received my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Colorado where I attended DU and received my Ph.D. in Quantitative Research Methods. I became a licensed LMFT in the state of Colorado and opened up my own private practice, Breakthrough Interventions.

While at UCLA I took a class from Dr. Ivar Lovaas who was a guru in the field of autism. Once in the course, I fell in love with Behavioral Therapy, the course, the kids and I decided to train with Dr. Lovaas at his clinic. My love for autism began at the age of 19 and has only become stronger through the years. When I started to work with children with autism, it was unknown. People would often say, “Oh, you work with artistic kids.” I would have to correct them and say autistic and the reference the movie, “Rainman.” I have worked in the field for over 26 years.

Through the years I have seen and helped thousands of children, developed a Social Competence Scale, I have written a book, traveled the world and lectured in different countries, opened up a prate practice in Denver and South Africa, started an #iaccept campaign, host a podcast, Behind the Breakthroughs, and written numerous articles and have done various television interviews. I have had many rewarding experiences. Through it, all, the most rewarding moments are when I work with a client and help them accomplish their goals. I take that high school experience and understand what it feels like when someone underestimates you and doesn’t believe in you. I take that feeling and do the opposite with my clients. I believe that they can and will accomplish anything they set their minds to!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I really believe in the power of the Universe and what is meant to be is meant to be. Everything that has happened on my life journey has really fallen in my lap. I guess I have been at the right place at the right time. Don’t get me wrong… I have worked very hard to get where I am today. I have sacrificed relationships, having children of my own, have had many sleepless nights, invested my own personal money to start new business ventures, etc. Has it been worth it? Yes! I live my life with no regrets. I am also constantly evolving both personally and professionally. I look new ways of self-care, and ways to stay healthy both mentally and physically. I understand the importance of self-care and if I don’t take care of myself I really can’t be available to help others.

We’d love to hear more about your practice.
Parents often refer to me as the “Autism Whisperer,” because I can get a child with autism to learn just about anything. I tell parents, “It is great that I can get your child to do A, B, and C, but if they are not doing it with you in their home environment then my work is pointless.”

During my 26 years of experience in working the field and helping hundreds of families, I have seen and have learned a lot. Over the years I have come to the realization that autism is more than just working with one individual, it is about working with all family members, especially the primary caretaker. What professionals fail to tell parents is that YOU are your child’s own expert, not the “experts” themselves. YOU have all the tools you need that will lead your child to success and I am just here to guide you. My mission is to coach and empower you to become your child’s own expert. Think of me as like an autism life coach.

It first begins with changing your mindset about autism. Autism has no limits so never allow anyone tells you that your child can’t and won’t accomplish something. Set the standards high for your child because your child CAN and WILL achieve any goal you set for them. Trust your instinct because you know your child the best. If a professional is telling you something that doesn’t feel right trust your instinct because your instinct will lead you to where your child needs to be. You must put in the work! Working with your child consistently for ten-minutes a day is better than not working with your child at all. Think positively because there will be many days when the “struggle is real.” When those struggles come it is important to reframe and find laughter in those situations because laughter is what will get you through those difficult times. Most importantly, I am here to teach you about the importance of self-care and taking time for yourself because if you are not ok then your child is not ok.

Autism is a journey and every family’s journey is different so don’t compare. My work is driven by YOU to help empower YOU to help your child find their path to breakthrough autism.

Professional Bio

Dr. Annette Nunez is the founder and director of Breakthrough Interventions, LLC. She is a licensed psychotherapist and has worked with children with ASD and other related disorders for over 22 years. She received a B.A. in Psychology, an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Quantitative Research Methods with a specialization in Child Development. At UCLA, she studied and trained with renowned autism expert, Dr. Ivar Lovaas in Discrete Trial Training (DTT). She also received training from the Institute for Child Development in California on the Floortime Approach and developed a successful behavioral program that combined aspects of DTT and Floortime.

As part of her doctorate work at the University of Denver, Dr. Nunez developed the Children’s Social Competence Scale (CSCS). The CSCS is an early intervention evaluation tool that measures social competency in young children. She served as the Program Director for Connect Us, a non-profit organization that helps children cultivate positive relationships through facilitated play. Her research interests include the mainstreaming and socialization of children with High Functioning Autism.

Dr. Nunez co-wrote and self-published the Friendship Is… book. She is also the co-owner of AMPublishing and currently writing about how parents and professionals view autism that will be published in 2019. She conducts many seminars both nationally and internationally and has consulted with many schools in China and South Africa. Dr. Nunez also consults and supervises the therapists at the Breakthrough Interventions site in South Africa. She was honored by the Autism Society of Colorado as a finalist for the 2011 Faces of Autism Professional Award. Dr. Nunez has been featured in the Huffington Post, NPR, The Jenny McCarthy Show, and FOX News. She currently hosts the podcast, Behind the Breakthroughs. Coming soon… Potential Health a CBD company.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My tenacity for life. When people tell me, “No.” that adds fuel to my fire and I have the mindset of, “Yes.” and I will do it better than you ever thought I would!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.btinterventions.com
• Phone: (720)341-2324
• Email: breakthroughinterventions@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ breakthrough_autism
• Facebook: Breakthrough Interventions, Breakthough Autism, iAccept Autism
• Twitter: @BTinterventions
• Other: breakingthroughautism.com

Image Credit:
KYMORA JAXSON Photography
Breakthrough Interventions

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