Blanca Diaz

Blanca Diaz is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 12 years of dedicated experience serving the neurodiverse community. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Autism Spectrum Disorders, marking the foundation of a career deeply rooted in compassion and expertise. Blanca began her professional journey at an early intensive intervention behavioral therapy clinic, where she honed her skills in implementing behavior change procedures and behavioral skills training. Her work spanned various settings, including schools, homes, and clinics, supporting children from 24 months to 12 years of age, across a wide spectrum of abilities. From helping nonverbal children find their first words to guiding pre-teens in developing essential social skills, Blanca designed targeted behavioral interventions to decrease aggressive and self-injurious behaviors and to enhance verbal and communication skills. She was also instrumental in parent training and in the supervision and mentorship of new behavior analysts. Driven by a passion to broaden her impact, Blanca transitioned to working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum. At UM NSU CARD, within both the adult and behavioral divisions, she expanded her expertise—certifying herself in the PEERS program, and assisting in job-seeking programs that taught critical workplace interactions, resume preparation, and self-advocacy skills. She facilitated teen and adult social groups and delivered numerous autism trainings throughout the South Florida community, extending her influence to urgent care centers, dentist offices, and recreational organizations, pushing for ‘Autism Friendly’ environment throughout the community. In her current role at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Blanca has been pivotal in creating, running, and expanding The DRIVE Program over the past 2.5 years. The innovative program leverages immersive virtual reality technology to simulate a driving exam experience, providing students with immediate feedback through various driving scenarios. Guided by Blanca, participants learn to navigate these scenarios while managing their stress and anxiety. The program’s tailored curriculum not only teaches the rules of the road but also fosters confidence and reduces anxiety around the overall driving experience. Remarkably, 100% of DRIVE Program participants have progressed to real-world driving lessons, with 10 earning their driver’s licenses. Blanca and the program’s mission is to reduce driving anxiety, build confidence, and foster crucial driving skills through customized, interactive VR experiences for the neurodiverse. Her vision is a future where neurodiverse individuals are not limited by transportation barriers but empowered to drive safely and independently, enhancing their inclusivity, freedom, and opportunities for personal growth.