Building Understanding: How Andria of Neighborhood Heroes LLC Is Redefining Autism Support in Prince George’s County

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, The DMV Daily highlights professionals who are actively reshaping how communities understand and support children on the spectrum. Among them is Andria, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and founder of Neighborhood Heroes LLC, whose work is rooted in both professional expertise and personal purpose.

A proud graduate of Bowie State University and a product of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Andria has made it her mission to give back to the same community that helped shape her. Through Neighborhood Heroes LLC, a behavioral consultation service based in Prince George’s County, she is creating pathways for more inclusive, supportive, and compassionate learning environments.

With over seven years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, Andria has worked with children across a wide spectrum of developmental and behavioral needs. Her work spans home, clinic, and school settings, giving her a well-rounded perspective on how to best support children in real-life environments. As an approved vendor with Prince George’s County Public Schools, she continues to directly impact classrooms within her community.

Neighborhood Heroes LLC specializes in classroom-based behavioral consultation and early childhood support. The organization partners with schools and learning programs to provide services such as classroom observation, behavior intervention strategies, staff coaching, and training. A key focus of the work is helping educators build inclusive classroom environments while also supporting early intervention efforts for children with autism and other developmental needs. Each service is intentionally designed to integrate seamlessly into existing classroom routines, ensuring both students and educators benefit without disruption.

At the core of Andria’s philosophy is a powerful and often misunderstood truth: behavior is communication.

Rather than labeling children as “difficult,” she emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying message behind their actions. For many children with autism, behaviors can be expressions of unmet needs, responses to overwhelming environments, or attempts to connect. By shifting the focus from reaction to understanding, Andria believes meaningful progress can be made.

Her approach to early intervention goes beyond skill-building. It centers on creating environments where children feel safe, respected, and genuinely supported. This includes equipping teachers and caregivers with strategies that are not only effective, but also compassionate and realistic for everyday use.

Through her work, Andria is advocating for a broader shift in how behavior is approached in schools and early learning spaces. Her message is clear: every child deserves dignity, patience, and the opportunity to thrive in an environment that sees and supports them fully.

As Autism Awareness Month continues, voices like Andria’s serve as a reminder that true awareness is only the beginning—understanding, empathy, and action are what create lasting change.