For Crystal Covington, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities is both a profession and a personal mission. As an occupational therapist, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate, she has dedicated nearly two decades to helping children and families build more independent and fulfilling lives. Drawing from her experiences as both a sibling and a parent of individuals with autism, Covington brings a unique perspective that resonates deeply with the families she serves.
Finding her calling in occupational therapy
Covington’s path into occupational therapy was not a traditional one.
“I wanted to be a veterinarian,” she said with a laugh. While attending Bucknell University, she began as a chemistry major before changing direction and exploring other career options. After researching occupational, physical, and speech therapy, she found occupational therapy to be the best fit.
“I did research and felt that OT was the best fit for me,” she said.
Covington earned her degree from Long Island University in Brooklyn and went on to work for New York City Public Schools for more than 16 years. She also worked with the Young Adult Institute, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in group homes. Today, she continues practicing occupational therapy, teaches as an adjunct professor at Dominican University, and runs businesses focused on advocacy and accessibility.
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“I love what I do,” she said. “I love treating and working with clients.”
A personal connection to autism
Much of her passion comes from her own family experiences. Covington grew up with a brother who has autism and an intellectual disability, and she later became the mother of a son with autism and ADHD.
“I always had the sibling perspective,” she said. “Now that I’m a mom, it’s just a different lens.”
Because of those experiences, families often feel understood when they work with her.
When I tell them my situation, it actually helps,” she explained. “They don’t feel like they’re being judged because that’s my life as well.”
Helping families move beyond survival mode
When asked what caregiving means beyond daily responsibilities, Covington emphasized the importance of quality of life.
“Being able to enjoy life as a family and not be in survival mode all the time,” she said.
She believes caregivers frequently spend so much energy caring for others that they forget their own needs.
“Caregiver burnout is a very real thing,” she said. “Caregiving is not only about giving yourself to the other person, but giving yourself to yourself.”
Challenges families continue to face
One of the biggest challenges families face, she said, is a lack of resources and programs. After moving from Queens to Orange County, she quickly noticed the difference.
“In the city they have summer schools and special programs for children with autism,” she said. “Moving up here, there’s nothing like that.”
She also sees families struggling with long-term planning and concerns about what will happen as children become adults.
“What happens once that child becomes 40 or 50?” she asked. “We need resources to help families plan for the future.”
Small victories, lasting impact
Despite the challenges, Covington finds inspiration in the progress she sees every day. She recently shared the story of a 10-year-old boy with autism she has been treating since last fall. When therapy began, he often experienced behavioral outbursts and resisted participating. Today, he eagerly joins sessions and communicates more independently.
“Now when I come in, he automatically comes and sits down and waits for me to start,” she said. “He’s communicating more verbally, making choices, and participating more.”
His parents have noticed the difference as well.
“We’re helping him become as independent as possible,” Covington said.
Building stronger communities for caregivers
Looking ahead, Covington believes communities can play a larger role in supporting caregivers and reducing feelings of isolation.
“We need community to be more open-minded,” she said. Families should feel welcomed in schools, churches, activities, and public spaces without fear of judgment.
She also hopes to see greater investment in programs, services, and professionals who work with individuals with disabilities.
“We should be putting money into programming so people can have a healthy and well-balanced life,” she said.
For caregivers feeling overwhelmed, Covington offers a simple but powerful message: ask questions, seek support, and trust yourself.
“You’re the one that knows your child best,” she said.
Through her work and advocacy, Covington continues to remind families that they are not alone—and that with the right support, they can move beyond survival mode and build lives filled with possibility.
