Bierman Autism Centers (BAC) is proud to announce the launch of Pilot the Penguin: Alex’s Learning Adventure, a children’s book released in honor of Autism Acceptance Month that celebrates the unique learning journey of every child. Observed each April, Autism Acceptance Month encourages communities to move beyond awareness toward deeper understanding and inclusion. With approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC, the story aims to help families celebrate individuality, progress, and the many different ways children learn and grow.
Written by Courtney Bierman, BCBA, President and Founder of Bierman Autism Centers, the book builds on Bierman’s beloved Pilot the Penguin character, first introduced through the Adventures of Pilot the Penguin coloring book and the Pilot the Penguin stuffed companion. Together, these efforts reflect Bierman’s commitment to creating meaningful, family-centered experiences that extend learning beyond the therapy center and into everyday life.
Pilot the Penguin: Alex’s Learning Adventure is a gentle, story-driven book designed to highlight individuality, resilience, and progress. The story offers families a warm, accessible way to talk about learning differences, growth, and belonging.
“Pilot was created to reflect what we see every day in the children and families we serve,” said Courtney Bierman, BCBA. “Though Pilot can’t fly alone, anything is possible with the right support, creativity, and encouragement. This book is a celebration of that belief.”
Launching during Autism Acceptance Month, Alex’s Learning Adventure reinforces the importance of acceptance by celebrating how every child learns and grows in their own way. Through Pilot’s journey alongside Alex, the story highlights themes of curiosity, perseverance, partnership, and the power of learning through play, which guide Bierman’s approach to care.
All current Bierman families will receive a copy of the book, and it will be included as part of the Day 1 welcome experience for new clients, along with a Pilot the Penguin stuffed companion.
The book is also available for purchase on Amazon for $20 at adventureswithpilot.com. One hundred percent (100%) of net proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT). Throughout the month of April, Bierman Autism Centers will match every purchase, doubling the impact of each donation in support of evidence-based autism care.
Copies of the book will also be donated to local libraries near Bierman centers, extending the message of acceptance and inclusion into the broader community.
To bring the story to life, Bierman Autism Centers will soon release a cozy read-along video featuring Courtney Bierman reading Alex’s Learning Adventure, giving families another way to experience the story together at home. Updates about the video will also be shared at adventureswithpilot.com.
Courtney Bierman began this work after autism touched her family personally. That experience led her into the field, where she saw both the progress children could achieve with effective intervention and the lack of accessible, outcomes-focused care available to many families. In 2006, she founded Bierman Autism Centers in her apartment, working with one child at a time, one family at a time.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Bierman Autism Centers has grown from a team of one into a multi-state community of clinicians and caregivers united by a shared mission. While the organization’s reach has expanded, its soul has not changed. Neither has its commitment to excellence, integrity, and making progress visible.
“We are outcomes-driven by design,” said Bierman. “We measure progress, learn quickly, and adjust fast because kids cannot wait. Momentum matters, and seeing progress sooner, not months later, changes everything.”
Pilot the Penguin has become a recognizable symbol of Bierman’s mission to create progress and possibilities® together. Over time, Pilot has appeared in earlier stories, resources, and family materials, representing resilience, teamwork, and the belief that limitations do not define potential.
“Pilot resonates because they represent encouragement without pressure,” said Bierman. “This story reinforces the idea that progress happens through support, patience, and play, which is at the heart of how we partner with families.”
Parents and caregivers interested in learning more about Bierman Autism Centers or inquiring about services can call (888) 795-9465 or email start@biermanautism.com.
Job seekers & future clinicians: Explore open roles at biermancareers.com.
Bierman Autism Centers provides play-based, individualized ABA therapy designed to help children with autism grow, thrive, and build meaningful life skills, including communication, independence, and self-advocacy. Founded in 2006, Bierman is privately held and clinically owned and operated.
Bierman is outcomes-first by design. Progress is measured consistently so families can see change sooner, and teams can make timely adjustments when something isn’t working, keeping children moving forward faster and reducing plateaus. Bierman operates like a teaching hospital for pediatric therapy, with a dual focus on delivering exceptional outcomes for children and developing outstanding clinicians and teachers through mentorship, training, and continuous learning.
Services include ABA therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and diagnostic evaluations, tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Bierman has celebrated 375+ successful graduations, and over 60% of graduates transition to general education, general education with support, or an inclusion classroom in about 18-20 months.
Bierman Autism Centers serves families across Arizona, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, and Rhode Island. To learn more about BAC’s approach and how it is creating progress and possibilities® for children, families, and clinicians, visit www.biermanautism.com.
