BALTIMORE, MD and MILWAUKEE, WI: LEARN Behavioral, the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, announced today the acquisition of Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) further expanding its provider network in the Midwest.

Founded in 1995 by Dr. Glen Sallows and Dr. Tamlynn Graupner, WEAP has been a pioneering force in the treatment of autism in Wisconsin and across the world. In addition to being a NIMH approved replication site for the groundbreaking research by Dr. Ivar Lovaas, WEAP played a significant role in advocating for increased access to ABA treatment in Wisconsin. Drs. Sallows and Graupner, who will be retiring as a part of the transaction, commented, “We are so proud of what WEAP has become and are extremely excited about its future. In LEARN, we have found a partner whose national presence and clinical focus will help WEAP prosper while creating new opportunities for our clients and career growth for our employees.” Michael Maloney, LEARN’s CEO, continued, “We are excited to continue Drs. Sallows and Graupner’s legacy of excellence, and we thank them for their contributions to the field.”

WEAP’s Executive Director and 20  year veteran of the company Mary Smith , BCBA, further stated, “For more than 20 years, WEAP has been the premier ABA provider in the state of Wisconsin, and our partnership with LEARN will ensure that we will continue to be for the next 20 years.”

In combination with Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), LEARN now provides services in three midwestern states, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. Justin Funches, President of LEARN’s autism provider network said, “WEAP’s stellar clinical reputation, scale, and legacy of research are tremendous additions to the LEARN Provider Network. We are excited to work together with the WEAP executive leadership team to support more families in Wisconsin and across the rest of the Midwest.”

About Wisconsin Early Autism Project

Founded in 1995, WEAP is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young children with autism in Wisconsin.  Using the principles of Applied Behavior  Analysis, WEAP designs intensive treatment programs to form lasting and life-changing gains for its clients. In addition to ABA, WEAP also provides psychological assessments and counseling services.  WEAP has clinics in Madison, Milwaukee (Brookfield), Green Bay and Eau Claire and serve families throughout the state. www.wiautism.com

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN is the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs. LEARN specializes in behavioral health treatment based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and is committed to providing programs and services that are family-focused, community minded, and delivered with the highest clinical integrity. The LEARN team delivers more than 1.5 million hours of services annually and is comprised of more than 3,000 passionate professionals dedicated to nurturing every child’s personal best. www.learnbehavioral.com

BALTIMORE, MD and PORTLAND, OR: LEARN Behavioral, the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, announced today the acquisition of Oregon based Play Connections Autism Services further expanding its provider network in the Pacific Northwest.

Founded by Melanie Kong-Shaw, MA, BCBA, LBA in 2008, Play Connections has been a pioneer in the growth of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment in Oregon.  According to Melanie, “Since its inception, Play Connections has been an advocate for access to high quality ABA services in the state of Oregon. Over the past 10 years we’ve trained dozens of behavior analysts and helped hundreds of families. Partnering with LEARN, begins the next chapter in Play Connection’s history and will allow us to expand our services to more families in the state.”

In combination with Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) Seattle/Bellevue office, LEARN now provides services in both Washington and Oregon. Justin Funches, President of LEARN’s autism provider network continued, “Melanie is an exceptional clinician that shares our commitment to professional development of staff and delivery of exceptional clinical services. Together we are excited to continue to support the Portland community and the greater Pacific Northwest.”

About Play Connections

Play Connections supports young learners with autism through a motivation-based intensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program with a focus on Verbal Behavior strategies. The Play Connections Early Learner Program is specifically designed to give young children, ages 2-6, a jump start in acquiring meaningful communication and critical skills that provide a foundation for lifelong learning. The team of behavior analysts and behavior technicians at Play Connections believe in a close working relationship with parents and ongoing collaboration with all team members in order to ensure consistency and the best possible outcome for each child in the program. www.playconnections.com.

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN is the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs. LEARN specializes in behavioral health treatment based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and is committed to providing programs and services that are family-focused, community minded, and delivered with the highest clinical integrity. The LEARN team delivers more than 1.5 million hours of services annually and is comprised of more than 3,000 passionate professionals dedicated to nurturing every child’s personal best. www.learnbehavioral.com.

BALTIMORE, MD – Learn It Systems is changing its name to LEARN Behavioral to better reflect its focus on behavioral health market. Over the past several years, the organization has transformed into one of the leading networks of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, and the new brand better aligns this vision.

Michael Maloney, LEARN Behavioral’s CEO and Founder shared, “This name change reflects the evolution of our organization and our dedication to grow and support the behavioral health needs of the communities we serve. We are very proud of the difference we make in the lives of our clients and their families, and we are excited to do even more good as we move forward and expand our footprint.”

LEARN’s primary focus is the delivery of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism and related disorders in their homes, schools, and in its learning centers. ABA is the only evidence based therapy for children with autism. Justin Funches, President of LEARN’s autism provider network, continued, “LEARN’s network of autism service providers is of the broadest and highest quality in the country. The hallmarks of our clinical services are truly individualized treatment, a collaborative approach, data-driven decision making, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes for our clients and their families.”

The LEARN team currently includes more that 3,000 professionals passionate and purposeful about finding success for every child in their care. The team, one of the broadest in the industry, includes behavior analysts, technicians, teachers, psychologists, therapists and other specialist who embrace LEARN’s culture of clinical excellence and professional growth.

ABOUT LEARN BEHAVIORAL

LEARN is the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs. LEARN specializes in behavioral health treatment based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and is committed to providing programs and services that are family-focused, community minded, and delivered with the highest clinical integrity. The LEARN team delivers more than 1.5 million hours of services annually and is comprised of more than 3,000 passionate professionals dedicated to nurturing every child’s personal best. www.learnbehavioral.com.

COLUMBIA, MARYLAND. Trellis Services, one of the largest and most respected autism services organization in Maryland, announced the opening of a new learning center in Columbia, Maryland.

Ryan High, BCBA, Trellis’s Assistant Clinical Director shared, “We are thrilled to be able to offer excellent center-based option for families in Howard County. Our early learning center will address a variety of areas including: communication, social skills, academic readiness, daily living skills, and the reduction of problematic behavior. Our goal is to prepare our clients for kindergarten, while also equipping them with the crucial skills they need to navigate their world with independence and confidence for years to come.“

The new center is located 8970 MD-108 Suite B, Columbia, MD 21045, and serves children age 2 to 8. Trellis also provides home-based services throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Carroll County, and in it main learning center in Sparks, Maryland.

About Trellis Services

Trellis is one of the largest and most respected autism services organizations in Maryland. Since 2001, Trellis has supported children and families all across the state through home, school, community based services, and at their learning centers. Their passion and dedication to providing the highest standards of care enable Trellis to continuously meet and exceed their clients’ expectations. Trellis is a part of the LEARN Provider network. www.trellisservices.com

BALTIMORE, MD and WATERTOWN, MA: LEARN Behavioral, the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, announced today the acquisition of Watertown, Massachusetts based Advances Learning Center further expanding its provider network in the New England area.

Founded by Katherine Johnson, MA, BCBA in 2002, Advances is widely recognized as one of the highest quality providers of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the Greater Boston area.  According to Katherine, “Advances was founded based on the need for families to have high-quality ABA services. Over the past 16 years we’ve built a team that we are really proud of. Partnering with LEARN, opens us up to extraordinary opportunities for organizational growth, professional development, and staff advancement.  I’m particularly excited to begin work on opening our second center, which has been a goal for some time now.  We are now in a position to make headway on our ultimate goal: getting services to every family who needs them.”

In combination with recently acquired BCI, LEARN now provides services across the state of Massachusetts and serves more than 700 families. Justin Funches, President of LEARN’s autism provider network, continued, “Advances shares our commitment to clinical excellence and creating an exceptional learning environment for staff. Together we are excited to continue to support to the Greater Boston community.”

About Advances Learning Center

Advances Learning Center serves children and adults with autism and other special needs in the Greater Boston area using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Advances focuses on teaching skills that will have the most significant impact on the lives of clients and their families; evidence-based treatment is tailored to each individual.  Advances is committed to partnering with all members of a client’s family and treatment team toward the ultimate goal: preparation for greater independence in the community. Advances offers center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, social skills groups, in-home ABA services, parent training, and school-based services and accepts both public and private insurance. www.advancesonline.com.

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN is the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs. LEARN specializes in behavioral health treatment based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and is committed to providing programs and services that are family-focused, community minded, and delivered with the highest clinical integrity. The LEARN team delivers more than 1.5 million hours of services annually and is comprised of more than 3,000 passionate professionals dedicated to nurturing every child’s personal best. www.learnbehavioral.com. 

COVINGTON, LOUISIANA –  Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), one of the leading providers of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the country, announced the opening of its new Learning Center in Covington, Lousiana.  The new center will offer services for children ages 18 months to 8 years of age on the Northshore.  AST will continue to offer home-based services across the Greater New Orleans including  parts of Ascension, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.

AST’s Clinical Director for Louisiana, Dr. Rebecca Mandel-Blasia, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, shared, “We are excited to open our second center in Louisiana, and bring our services to the Northshore community. AST is committed to providing the highest-quality services to children with autism and their families.”

About AST

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) is a leading provider of behavioral health treatment utilizing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). AST’s clinical philosophy is grounded in working collaboratively with families, insurers, and schools to deliver high-integrity, individualized treatment plans that use the latest science to guide interventions. AST is part of the LEARN Provider Network, the leading autism treatment network serving 2,500 families across 9 states. autismtherapies.com.

LIVONIA, MICHIGAN –  Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), one of the leading providers of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), announced the opening of its new Learning Center in Livonia, Michigan.  The new center will offer services for children ages 18 months to 8 years of age.  AST will continue to offer home-based services across the Detroit Metropolitan area including Wayne, McComb, and Oakland Counties. 

AST’s Clinical Director for the Metro-Detroit area, Scott McPhee, MA, BCBA, shared, “We are excited to be able to offer center-based services to children in Livonia and the surrounding communities.  Livonia’s motto of “Families First” resonates with our clinical philosophy at AST; our services are family-focused, our approach collaborative, and our treatment individualized. We are excited to bring our national resources to this vibrant community.”

About AST

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) is a leading provider of behavioral health treatment utilizing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). AST’s clinical philosophy is grounded in working collaboratively with families, insurers, and schools to deliver high-integrity, individualized treatment plans that use the latest science to guide interventions. AST is part of the LEARN Provider Network, the leading autism treatment network serving 2,500 families across 9 states. Learn more at autismtherapies.com.

BALTIMORE, MD. LEARN Behavioral, the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, announced that Justin Funches has been named President of LEARN’s autism provider network.

Michael Maloney, Founder and CEO of LEARN, commented, “Over the last 4 years, Justin has been instrumental in transforming our organization into one of the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children with autism, and I am excited for Justin to continue to expand our network, improve our clinical infrastructure and build our industry leading team.”

Prior to this role, Justin was the Vice President of Operations for Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), LEARN’s largest provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In this new role he will oversee all operations for LEARN’s autism provider network.

In addition, Robert Haupt, MA, BCBA was named Executive Vice President of LEARN’s autism provider network.