LEARN Behavioral Partners with Indiana-Based Behavior Analysis Center for Autism

 

The company will make significant investments in the clinical staff of the newly acquired company, while providing them with a patient-centric framework and other resources required to meet the unique needs of each child.

 

Baltimore, MD (February 18, 2021) – LEARN Behavioral, which specializes in the tailored treatment of children and young adults with autism based on contemporary, family-focused Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, announced the acquisition of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA)—a highly respected provider of ABA services to the autism community throughout Indiana.

BACA was co-founded by Carl Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D, who studied under the late  Jack L. Michael, Ph.D., a former psychologist and professor at Western Michigan University who is widely regarded as a seminal figure in the development of ABA therapy. Within the framework of ABA, BACA specializes in verbal behavior—an approach pioneered by psychologist and behaviorist B.F. Skinner—to teach children with language and social deficits.

“We were approached by a variety of potential suitors, but only LEARN Behavioral shared our commitment and capability to provide the highest quality care to our patients, as well as the willingness to invest in the clinical staff who render that care,” said Sundberg, BACA’s Chief Clinician and President. “The people who matter so very much to us couldn’t be in better hands.”

BACA’s other co-founder is Devon Sundberg, M.S., BCBA. In addition to serving as the organization’s CEO, she founded Women in Behavior Analysis (WIBA), a national professional group dedicated to empowering, celebrating and mentoring women behavior analysts, while highlighting their contributions to the field.

“I’m among the thousands of women in our field who admire Devon for her leadership, as well as the resources and recognition she’s provided women who care deeply about their service to the autism community,” said Hanna C. Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LEARN Behavioral’s Chief Clinical Officer.  “We look forward to continuing our deep involvement and support of the WIBA mission for years to come” added Rue. 

“BACA shares our commitment to clinical excellence and outstanding service to children and young adults with autism, as well as their families. We weigh a lot of factors when evaluating a potential acquisition, but none are more important than the strength of a provider’s mission, clinical staff and patient outcomes,” said Michael Maloney, CEO of LEARN Behavioral. “Carl, Devon and their colleagues excel in each of these areas, which is among the many reasons why BACA is an ideal fit for our network”

While BACA will continue to operate under its current brand, LEARN Behavioral will make significant investments in the clinical staff of the newly acquired organization, including providing ongoing training incorporating the latest research in the field of behavioral Analysis.   

“We’re excited to welcome the talented staff at BACA to our team, and to continue the pioneering work of Carl and Devon to provide exceptional ABA services to the Indiana community,” said Justin Funches, President of Autism Services at LEARN Behavioral.   “We look forward to investing in the professional growth of the team and leveraging their deep clinical expertise across our organization.”

With the acquisition of BACA, LEARN Behavioral’s growing, nationwide network of local providers now spans across 15 states and the District of Columbia. 

 

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral specializes in the tailored treatment of children and young adults with autism based on contemporary, family-focused Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as well as clinical insights and best practices refined through our decades of service to the autism community.

Led by a team of talented senior clinicians, including Dr. Hanna C. Rue, PhD, BCBA-D, our team includes more than 30 doctoral-level clinicians, and 450 Board Certified Behavior Analysts®—a concentration of professionals that is unmatched by any other provider. LEARN Behavioral’s heritage of clinical leadership is rooted in the work of William Frea, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Ronit Molko, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Glen Sallows, Ph.D., BCBA-D, and Carl Sundberg, Ph. D., BCBA-D, each of whom is a pioneer in the treatment of children with autism. 

 

About BACA

Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) provides world-class therapy to individuals with autism and other related developmental disabilities, utilizing the scientifically proven principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). We provide ABA therapy in Indiana with locations that are staffed with the highest trained and most experienced staff who work with individuals between the ages of 2 and 21.

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) Opens Newly Rebranded Learning Center in Little Rock, AR

The rain couldn’t stop us from celebrating our newly rebranded Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) Little Rock Learning Center. On Thursday, May 11th, we welcomed our staff, families, and the Little Rock business community members for an official open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony. This sensory-friendly “Splash into Summer” under the sea-themed event allowed children to participate in indoor and outdoor games and activities as parents toured the facility, met with the AST leadership team, and enjoyed refreshments.

The Little Rock Learning Center provides center-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to children in a learning-rich environment where they can work on skills such as communication, socialization, and activities of daily living in a group setting with one-to-one support. Here, you can expect to see us on the floor, working through the context of play at children’s levels. Our team is delighted to share that we’re currently enrolling preschool-aged children for daytime ABA services at our Little Rock Learning Center located at 1509 North Pierce St., Little Rock, AR 72207.

Prior to 2023, the Little Rock community knew this location and ABA provider as the UP Autism Center. In 2022, UP Autism joined the LEARN Behavioral Family of Providers to bring more resources and the latest research in ABA and autism to Arkansas. As part of this partnership, UP Autism was rebranded to AST, one of LEARN’s flagship ABA providers in Arkansas and the country. For over 20 years, AST has provided compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy to help children and their families find success in school and life. AST’s services are tailored to the unique needs of each child and family and consider caregivers a core partner in their child’s care.

To celebrate our new look, members of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce helped officiate a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a proclamation by Mayor Terry Hartwick was presented, marking May 11th, “Autism Spectrum Therapies Day.” We thank both chambers and Mayor Hartwick for their warm yet professional acknowledgment and for introducing us to other organizations with a mutual goal of helping families in need of autism services in our community. 

We look forward to nurturing the unique potential in children with autism and helping more families in the greater Little Rock area in the years to come by providing “serious fun and serious learning.” As Assistant Clinical Director Angel Dunlap says, “At AST, we believe the best learning occurs when having fun. We incorporate structured play opportunities into our sessions while teaching skills in an environment where children can thrive.”

For more information about our Little Rock Learning Center or to get started enrolling for services, we encourage you to visit our website. Our intake team is eager to answer any questions you might have regarding our clinical approach.

AST offers ABA therapy in its Learning Centers, client homes, and school-based settings, as well as social skills, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and diagnostic services in various locations across eight states from California to Louisiana.

To learn more about our services or find an AST location near you, please visit our website.

Nashua Learning Center: Specialized Autism Therapy in New Hampshire

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) is proud to announce the opening of the Nashua Learning Center, where kids with autism can receive comprehensive and specialized therapy services.

The Nashua Learning Center aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes learning, socialization, and independence. Located at 387 East Dunstable Road, it officially opened on June 6 with a ribbon cutting and open house.

The center serves Nashua and the surrounding areas of southern New Hampshire. It provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to help children with autism and other developmental concerns.  

“We are so excited,” BCI Clinical Director Meghan Van Nostrand said at the event. “After 20 years of delivering quality ABA services in homes, centers, as well as early intervention services in Massachusetts, to bring our very first Learning Center here to the Granite State, right here in Nashua. We’re very excited to be delivering compassionate, contemporary ABA services to children with autism in this community.”

BCI works with families in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, but also is part of LEARN Behavioral, a national organization made up of providers in autism treatment who specialize in delivering the highest form of personalized, evidence-based ABA therapy.

“By focusing on individualized goals that will address all aspects of life, we’re hoping to make meaningful change through these life-changing services,” Van Nostrand added.

An Autism Learning Center That Contributes to a Successful Community

Community leaders, including Nashua Chamber of Commerce President and CEP Wendy Hunt, were on hand to help celebrate the opening, tour the center, and meet the staff.

“I know that everybody has a personal story,” Hunt said. “One out of 35, I believe is the statistic of families in this country impacted directly by children or relatives with autism. And I know from my personal perspective, I have a nephew with autism, and so these services are invaluable to the quality of life not only for children but the families. And we are so thrilled to have you and respect so much what you do for our community.”

Click here to find out more about the Nashua Learning Center.

Northville Learning Center: Specialized Autism Therapy in Southeastern Michigan

Total Spectrum is proud to announce the opening of the Northville Learning Center, where kids with autism can receive comprehensive and specialized therapy services.

The Northville Learning Center aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes learning, socialization, and independence. The center, located at 43334 West Seven Mile Road, Suite 200, officially opened on May 14 with a ribbon cutting and open house.

The center serves Northville and the surrounding areas in the southeastern part of Michigan, about 30 miles northwest of Detroit. It provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to help children with autism and other developmental concerns.

“We are one of four sister sites in the metro Detroit area of Michigan East,” said Erica Boreczky, the center’s assistant clinical director. “We have one in Northville, one in Livonia, one in Sterling Heights, and one in Ann Arbor. We’re really excited to be part of so many different communities supporting all of our families and those that need us the most — our kids that we serve.”

An Autism Learning Center That Contributes to a Successful Community

City leaders, including Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull and Northville Public Schools Superintendent RJ Webber, were on hand to help celebrate the opening, tour the center, and meet the staff.

“This center doing ABA in the way it is for families — for students who are incredibly talented and gifted in so many ways and just need some additional help in navigating this world and how important that is — is really near and dear to my heart,” said Webber, a lifelong educator.

“An arbiter of a successful community is how we take care of those who need help. And I’m very grateful that you’re here,” he said.

“We serve 7,000 kids in our district. And with the rise that we’ve seen in autism spectrum, we can argue about why,” Webber added. “To me, ‘Why?’ is a decent question to answer for prevention. But what I’m most concerned about today is: What do we do today to help people today? When people talk about ‘Why do you think kids are doing this?’ or ‘Why do you think kids are doing that?’ or ‘Why is mental health an issue now?’ Sure, I’ll have that conversation with you. But I get more excited about people like you all who come in here and want to do something today.”

Northville’s mayor echoed Webber’s sentiments.

“We’re here getting the community ready for the future,” Turnbull said. “And we’re so fortunate that you’ve decided to be here in Northville.”

Click here to find out more about the Northville Learning Center.

Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, Learning Center Opening

Mount Pleasant Learning Center: Specialized Autism Therapy in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum proudly announce the successful opening of the Mount Pleasant Learning Center.

The Learning Center, which focuses on providing specialized and comprehensive applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism, officially opened on March 20.

It’s a place that fosters learning, socialization, and independence for children on the autism spectrum.

Tailored Treatment for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

“At our Mount Pleasant location, we hope to bring families in the Greater Racine County area compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder,” Linda Klotz, WEAP’s clinical director, said at the opening event.

“With a focus on tailored treatment, this new Learning Center offers individualized interventions to meet the specific needs and interests of each learner,” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited to open our doors to the community and provide these necessary services.”

Partnership Focuses on Helping Kids with Autism Thrive

Operated jointly by WEAP and Total Spectrum, organizations with a combined 35 years of experience serving children with autism across Wisconsin, the Mount Pleasant Learning Center provides a holistic approach to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to help children achieve their full potential.

The grand opening of the Mount Pleasant Learning Center allowed families to meet key members of the leadership team and featured participation from the local community, tours of the facility, and spring-themed activities for families.

“In Kenosha, we’re honored to be included at such a great event,” Kenosha Chamber of Commerce President Dave Strash said at the opening. “We are all about the business community celebrating business successes, and one of our favorite things to do is a ribbon cutting — especially celebrating a much-needed service like the one you guys are providing to the community goes beyond words.”

To find out more about the Mount Pleasant Learning Center, visit https://wiautism.com/blog/tour-our-mt-pleasant-aba-therapy-learning-center

Glendale Learning Center: Specialized Autism Therapy in Greater Milwaukee

The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum are proud to announce the opening of the Glendale Learning Center, where kids with autism can receive comprehensive and specialized ABA therapy services.

The Glendale Learning Center aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes learning, socialization, and independence. The center, located in a former chocolate factory in suburban Milwaukee, officially opened Oct. 18 with a ribbon cutting and open house.

“We’re hoping to bring families here in the Milwaukee County area compassionate, contemporary ABA services for children on the autism spectrum,” Managing Behavior Analyst Christina Murphy said at the event. “This new facility will allow us to provide one-on-one services in a group setting where kids can work on skills such as social skills, adaptive living skills, and communication skills — while building friendships.”

WEAP and Total Spectrum Open Glendale Autism Learning Center

The Glendale Learning Center is co-operated by WEAP and Total Spectrum — organizations that have a combined 35 years of experience serving children with autism across Wisconsin. They offer a comprehensive approach to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to help children reach their unique potential.

The opening of the Glendale Learning Center allowed families to meet the Glendale leadership team — Senior Clinical Director Heather Bania from WEAP and Clinical Director Brook Marcellis from Total Spectrum. The event included the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, tours of the facility, sensory-friendly fall-themed activities for families, and remarks from city leaders.

“I’ve been to a lot of ribbon cuttings lately,” Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy said. “It’s been really exciting to see how our local economy has rebounded from the pandemic, and we’ve seen so many new businesses open. But it’s really wonderful when it’s a new business like this that offers a very specialized service that really, truly meets the needs of those who need special care and special attention in the community.”

Partnership Focuses on Helping Kids With Autism Thrive

WEAP provides services for children up to age 6, and Total Spectrum provides services for children ages 6 and up. Together, they offer:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations
  • Center-based treatment
  • Home-based treatment programs
  • Social skills groups

The Glendale Learning Center is located at 4650 North Port Washington Road, Suite 10, Glendale, WI 53212. We proudly offer services to families residing in surrounding counties, including Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha.

WEAP and Total Spectrum are also part of LEARN Behavioral — a national organization focused on the same mission: to help kids with autism and other developmental disabilities find success. Together, they’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and their families by delivering personalized services that address their unique needs and goals.

The opening of the Glendale Learning Center is a milestone. It underscores LEARN’s commitment to providing specialized treatment and support for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s also about the community. The local collaboration between WEAP and Total Spectrum brings expertise and resources together. That will mean better treatment and better outcomes for every child in our care.

To find out more about the Glendale Learning Center, visit https://wiautism.com/locations/milwaukee/

Henderson Autism Learning Center: Comprehensive ABA for Greater Las Vegas

Tandem Therapy is proud to announce the opening of the Henderson Learning Center, where kids with autism can receive comprehensive and specialized ABA therapy services.

The Henderson Learning Center aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes learning, socialization, and independence. The center officially opened Oct. 24 with a ribbon cutting and open house.

“With the opening of our Henderson center, we hope to bring families here in Clark County area compassionate, contemporary ABA services for children with autism spectrum disorder,” Tandem Clinical Director Elvira Kuchuryan said at the event. “The new facility allows us to provide one-to-one therapy in a group setting, where kids can work on social skills, communication skills, activities of daily living skills, and socialization — while forming friendships.”

Tandem Therapy Services — a Leader in Autism Treatment

Tandem Therapy Services was founded in Las Vegas in 2000. In the last 20 years, it has grown to be a leader in the Las Vegas Valley for providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments for children with autism. The Henderson Learning Center expands Tandem’s services across the Greater Las Vegas area.

The open house gave families a chance to tour the center, meet the leadership team, and hear remarks from city leaders.

“We appreciate your commitment to using contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) to deliver tailored treatment exclusively to the unique needs of every child with autism within your care,” Henderson Councilwoman Carrie Cox said. “The city of Henderson looks forward to continuing a long and successful relationship with you as a community partner.”

Continuing the LEARN Behavioral Mission

At Tandem, applied behavior analysis (ABA) is at the core of everything we do. Our services include in-home and center-based ABA therapy.

Our Henderson Learning Center is located at 3041 W Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 150, Henderson, NV 89052. We provide ABA services to families who reside in Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite, and North Las Vegas.

While Tandem operates in Nevada, it’s also part of LEARN Behavioral, a national organization renowned for autism treatment. Both organizations share the same mission: to find success for every child in their care. They work together to provide personalized services that meet individual needs and goals.

The opening of the Henderson Learning Center shows Tandem and LEARN Behavioral’s commitment to helping children with autism and their families. The center will be a hub for high-quality ABA therapy services. This new location will help children with autism grow and develop. It will also give hope and support to their families. To find out more about the Henderson Learning Center, visit https://tandemtherapyservices.com/locations

Priorities ABA Opens Autism Center in Jacksonville, NC

Priorities ABA is proud to announce the opening of the Jacksonville Learning Center, where kids with autism can receive comprehensive and specialized ABA therapy services.

The Jacksonville Learning Center aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes learning, socialization, and independence. The center officially opened Nov. 30 with a ribbon cutting and open house.

“Here at our new location, our goal is to bring families here in the Onslow County area compassionate and contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” Amber Adams, managing behavior analyst at the Jacksonville Learning Center, said at the grand opening. “This new facility allows us to provide one-on-one therapy in a group setting, where kids can work on skills such as communications, activities of daily living, and socialization while forming friendships.”

Experienced ABA Provider for NC Families

Priorities ABA has more than 20 years of experience providing compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for families in North Carolina.

Priorities ABA has home and community-based services Jacksonville, Fayetteville, New Bern, and Charlotte. It also works with military families stationed at Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, New River Air Station, Fort Bragg, and other areas. It plans to open a center in Raleigh in 2024.

The opening of the Jacksonville Learning Center featured an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce, tours of the facility, opportunities to speak with the Jacksonville leadership team, and festive winter-themed family activities. It even included an option to get pictures taken with Santa in a sensory-friendly and supportive environment.

“As a chamber of commerce, we are always thankful when a business opens and expands because of the jobs it creates,” Laurette Leagon, president of the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce, said at the opening. She commended the center as a much-needed resource for the community.

Helping Kids With Autism Reach Their Full Potential

At Priorities ABA, applied behavior analysis is at the core of everything we do. Our services include ABA therapy based in our Learning Centers, the client’s home, or in the community.

The Jacksonville Learning Center is located at 806 Bell Fork Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540. We provide services to children and families who reside in Onslow, Jones, and Carteret Counties, Camp Lejeune, and New River Air Station.

Priorities ABA is part of LEARN Behavioral, a national organization dedicated to nurturing potential in children and young adults with autism — and supporting families from day one. 

We’re both focused on the same mission: to help kids with autism and other developmental disabilities reach their unique potential. Together, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and their families by delivering personalized services that address their individual needs and goals.

The Jacksonville Learning Center’s opening is a milestone that reaffirms LEARN’s mission. It’s making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families. It’s making a difference in the lives of families in the Jacksonville community and beyond.

To find out more about the Jacksonville Learning Center, visit https://prioritiesaba.com/locations/jacksonville/

BCI Opens Taunton, MA ABA Learning Center for Children with Autism

At LEARN Behavioral, we are proud to celebrate our provider, Behavioral Concepts Innovation (BCI), and their recent milestone event in Taunton, Massachusetts.

On Sept. 28, 2023, BCI hosted an open house and ribbon cutting — showcasing their dedication to providing high-quality applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for families with autism.

BCI’s History of Excellence

BCI has been providing ABA therapy to kids with autism throughout Massachusetts for more than 20 years. The company began by helping schools. Later, it became a Specialty Service Provider for the Department of Public Health, focusing on Early Intervention for children under the age of three. Today, BCI has grown to include 10 Learning Centers across the state of Massachusetts as well as home and community-based services in New Hampshire and Vermont.

In addition to ABA therapy, BCI also offers diagnostic services for children with developmental delays or suspected autism. Our mission is simple. We use contemporary ABA to help children diagnosed with autism discover the world around them. We teach them daily living skills so they can take part in their communities and reach their fullest potential.

The BCI Taunton Autism Learning Center

BCI’s newest location — Taunton Learning Center — will bring compassionate care close to home to families in the greater Taunton area.

The ribbon-cutting event included remarks from Kris Silva, president and CEO of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, as well as Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell. State representatives Carol Doherty and Norman Orrall also attended.

The event provided an opportunity for families, local leaders, and healthcare professionals to learn more about the support and resources that BCI can offer.

Continuing the BCI Mission

BCI’s Taunton Learning Center opening event was not only a celebration of BCI’s history and growth but also a reaffirmation of its mission. BCI is committed to offering quality ABA therapy and helping people with autism reach their full potential.

LEARN Behavioral is proud to partner with BCI and celebrate this important milestone. As they continue to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families, we look forward to the great work they will do in the Taunton community and beyond.

To find out more about the Taunton Learning Center, visit https://bciaba.com/locations/taunton

The Maryland Autism Waiver Program: What to Expect

If you’re a Maryland parent of a child with autism, you may be familiar with the state’s Autism Waiver program. The program provides therapy and support to people with autism at home and in the community. It promotes independent living skills and overall well-being.

For years, the program has had a long waitlist. The “End the Wait Act,” a new law, will change that by cutting the waitlist for autism services in half.

That’s where Trellis comes in. We’re a full-service provider that covers everything to do with autism services. We started as an autism waiver provider in 2001 and have grown to be the largest provider in Maryland today.

We provide services for more than 170 families across 10 counties. And our roster of about 250 employees is growing to meet the demand.

Understanding the Waiting List for the Maryland Autism Waiver Program

Maryland created the Autism Waiver waiting list to prioritize families who needed services the most. The registry has grown to almost 7,000 kids.

You may be among the thousands of families eagerly waiting for your turn to receive services. Being on the waiting list does not imply a lack of eligibility or importance. But it does signify the high demand for these services and the need for careful allocation.

The “End the Wait” legislation should speed up the approval process. You will receive a letter from the state saying when you can leave the waitlist and apply for services. Once you have met the eligibility criteria, your child will be able to begin accessing services.

Hope on the Horizon: Senate Bill 636

While the wait can be frustrating, it’s crucial to remain patient and persistent. The “End the Wait Act” (Senate Bill 636) offers hope. It signals a commitment from the state to reduce the waiting list for services by 50 percent.

As a parent, it’s natural to feel frustrated and anxious while waiting for your child to receive the autism waiver services. Staying informed can help you navigate this waiting period with resilience and hope, though. Remember, you are doing your best to care for your child. The Autism Waiver program is here to assist you, and Trellis can help you through it. Together, we can help make your transition to our services easier.