Beyond therapy to reclaiming joy

COEUR d’ALENE — Jon Ball's work with adults on the autism spectrum isn’t only about teaching tasks and skills, it's about helping his clients “reclaim their joy.”

Ball, a caregiver with All Ways Caring Home Care, was recognized nationally as a 2022 Direct Support Professional of the Year by the American Network of Community Options and Resources.

Chosen from thousands of nominations, Ball stands out for the work he does to “ensure the individuals he serves can live meaningful, productive and inclusive lives,” said All Ways Caring account coordinator Ashley Dusa.

Though Ball studied business administration in college, he’s spent decades working with those who have disabilities. His well developed resume includes 10 years during which Ball and his wife Barbara cared for 17 foster children while they lived in California. The children placed in the Ball home had varying degrees of disability and it was one of Ball’s earliest opportunities to work with children on the autism spectrum.

This inspired him to do extensive research on the subject, he said. And continued learning is part of Ball’s success.

One of Ball’s clients, Jesse Younkin works with him several days a week. Meeting at 6:20 a.m. most days, they start off at the Kroc Center for a six mile ride on a stationary bike, a mile walk and varying other exercises.

Younkin has lost 40 pounds since starting work with Ball three years ago. They also work together tending to two rows in a community garden, growing broccoli, leeks and a variety of wildflowers.

“That teaches them so much,” Ball said. “So much grounding and interactions with the vibrations of nature.”

Ball teaches his clients meditation techniques. He uses methods like applied behavior analysis (ABA), a therapy commonly used for those with autism who may need assistance with communication, motor skills or sensory processing. ABA therapy breaks down goals into very small steps which are then “organized into a logical order and taught one small step at a time,” according to Caravel Autism Health in Coeur d’Alene.

A huge proponent of using music therapeutically, Ball said it can “instruct centeredness, calmness and the ability to create the life they desire.” He encourages each client to develop a positive and healthy “understanding of themselves.” Drumming circles are a favorite way to incorporate music therapy, he said.

Viewing each client as a precious and unique individual, Ball said he "experiences the essence of people," and teaches them to “look for the light” they have inside.

“When you start expressing the light, that's when you know you have it,” Ball said. “I see Jesse as a light and it just transfers.”

“I love to see my clients flourish and become more independent,” Ball said.

Most of Ball’s clients have “language barriers,” he said. He teaches and provides his clients “alternative means to communicate their needs.”

For example, one client was “so sensitive to sound,” that he was throwing objects at those around him. Ball provided him with a “quiet please,” card. This allowed him a way to clearly and effectively communicate what he needed and calmed his aggressive behavior. The client's mother told Ball that this small difference changed the way their entire family related to one another, he said.

“I look for meaningful cues and teachable moments,” Ball said.

Ball has been with All Ways Caring Home Care for five years, and has no plans to change careers anytime soon. His wife Barbara was an employee at All Ways Caring as well, but has since retired.

“I’m honored to be selected as this year’s Idaho Direct Professional of the year,” Ball said. “Supporting my clients day in and day out is such a rewarding job and it’s exciting to be recognized for my hard work as a trusted experienced caregiver. My clients have different challenges, needs and personalities. But I love having the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives and help them achieve their personal goals.”