Book an Appointment with Marie Alice Stout, LSW, LCADC

Book an appointment today with Marie Alice Stout, LSW, LCADC.
About Me
I have nearly a decade of experience working in the field of substance use, mental health, and peer support, having begun my career as a Recovery Specialist. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University and am both a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). In addition, I am certified in Mindfulness, C-DBT (Cognitive Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and Telehealth Counseling.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and action-oriented. I aim to help each individual uncover their potential, overcome fears, and navigate life’s challenges through a blend of evidence-based techniques and supportive guidance. Together, we will create a personalized action plan to strengthen coping skills, communication, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy.
I believe that therapy is not just about healing—it’s about growth. Whether you’re working through addiction, mental health concerns, difficult relationships, or a negative self-image, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to help you develop insight, resilience, and tools for lasting change. My mission is to help you move forward with confidence and reclaim your inner strength.

Book your appointment with Marie Alice, today!

Collaborating for successful ABA and Mental Health goals!

The Power of Wraparound Collaboration: Transforming Mental Health and ABA Services
At Step Up Family Services, we believe that healing and growth don’t happen in isolation—they happen through connection. That’s why we champion the wraparound model: a collaborative, family-centered approach that brings together a team of professionals, caregivers, and community supports to create a unified plan for each individual’s success.

What Is Wraparound Collaboration?
Wraparound collaboration is more than just a buzzword—it’s a structured, holistic approach to care. Originally developed to support children with complex emotional and behavioral needs, the wraparound model ensures that all service providers—mental health therapists, ABA specialists, educators, and family members—work together toward shared goals 1.

At the heart of this model is a dedicated care coordinator who ensures communication flows smoothly between all parties. This person helps align strategies, track progress, and adjust plans as needed, ensuring that the individual’s needs remain front and center.

Why It Matters in Mental Health and ABA Services
Mental health and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services often intersect, especially for children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or trauma-related challenges. Without collaboration, these services can become fragmented—leading to confusion, inconsistent strategies, and missed opportunities for progress.

Here’s how wraparound collaboration makes a difference:

Consistency Across Environments: When ABA therapists and mental health counselors share insights and strategies, children receive consistent support at home, in school, and in therapy sessions.
Family Empowerment: Families are not just passive recipients of care—they’re active members of the team. Wraparound planning ensures their voices are heard and their strengths are leveraged.
Faster, More Sustainable Progress: Unified goals and coordinated interventions reduce redundancy and accelerate growth.
Crisis Prevention and Response: With a team in place, families have a built-in support network ready to respond to challenges before they escalate.
Real Impact, Real Stories
At Step Up Family Services, we’ve seen firsthand how wraparound collaboration transforms lives. Whether it’s a child learning to regulate emotions more effectively or a family finally feeling supported and understood, the outcomes speak for themselves.

One parent shared:

“My daughter currently receives services through Step Up and we could not be happier. They have gone above and beyond and consistently exceed our expectations. My team is amazing and I cannot thank them enough for their continued support.”

Our Commitment to Holistic, Family-Centered Care
With locations in Brick and Parsippany, NJ, our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), licensed therapists, and care coordinators are dedicated to providing personalized, wraparound support. Whether through in-home ABA therapy, outpatient counseling, or diagnostic services, we’re here to walk alongside you—every step of the way.

Ready to experience the difference of wraparound care?
Contact us today to learn how we can build a support team tailored to your family’s needs.

NO WAITLIST ASSESSMENTS

ADHD vs. Autism: Differences and Importance of Early Diagnosis

If you’re noticing signs that your child might be struggling with focus, social interactions, or sensory sensitivities, it’s natural to wonder if ADHD or autism could be the cause. While both conditions can share some overlapping traits, each has its unique characteristics—and understanding the difference can make a world of difference in providing the right support.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key distinctions between ADHD and autism and highlight why an early, accurate diagnosis is so important in helping your child thrive.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects behavior and focus.

It is characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms often present themselves in childhood and can continue into adulthood. ADHD is a common condition, affecting approximately 7 million children in the United States alone.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors characterize it.

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects individuals differently and can range from mild to severe. It is estimated that 1 in 36 children in the United States has ASD.

ADHD vs Autism: What are the Key Differences?

While both ADHD and autism can affect behavior and social interactions, there are key differences between the two conditions that set them apart.

Here are some of the most notable differences:

Autism:

Speech challenges, including delays, unusual patterns, or lack of spoken language.
Difficulty with social communication and interaction, such as understanding social cues or connecting with others.
Repetitive behaviors, like rocking or pacing.
Sensory sensitivities, leading to being overly or under-reactive to light, sound, taste, smell, or touch.

ADHD:

Inattention, resulting in difficulty focusing and staying on task.
Impulsivity, leading to behaviors like blurting out comments or acting without considering consequences.
Hyperactivity, often showing as excessive energy, movement, or talking.

Understanding these distinctions helps tailor support to meet each child’s unique needs.

Why is Early Diagnosis Important?

Early diagnosis plays a vital role in supporting individuals with ADHD or autism. With accurate identification, families can access resources and interventions such as behavioral and social skills therapy and medication to help manage symptoms and promote growth.

Early diagnosis also helps us better understand how and why behaviors manifest. This knowledge is essential for creating tailored strategies that address specific challenges.

For example, someone with ADHD may benefit from a structured routine, while an individual with autism may need support in understanding social cues. Also, early diagnosis allows for early intervention, improving long-term outcomes. But what if you're an adult and you suspect you might have ADHD or autism? Don't worry—plenty of resources are still available to help you.

Many adults are diagnosed with these conditions later in life, and with the right support, they can still succeed in their personal and professional lives. By identifying and addressing challenges early on, individuals can develop coping mechanisms and strategies that help them navigate their environments successfully.

Get Support for Your Child in Brick and Parsippany, NJ

Step Up Family Services understands that raising a child with unique developmental needs comes with challenges—and finding a place that truly supports your family can be difficult.

Our Community-based ABA Learning Center offers the compassionate, evidence-based support your child needs to thrive. Our program is thoughtfully designed to provide comprehensive support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental challenges, offering guidance in a safe, nurturing environment. Contact us today.