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We’re thrilled to have a local ABA therapy Learning Center in Oak Creek, Wisconsin! To learn more about our center, visit here.
In this episode, we sit down with Karem Alnatafgi and Heather Teichman from the Illinois Providers for ABA Access and Quality (IPAAQ) to explore the challenges and complexities of providing high-quality ABA therapy in Illinois. From limited access and inconsistencies in care to the impact of licensure laws and the corporate practice of medicine, they break down the issues that shape the autism services landscape across the state.
While the conversation centers on Illinois, these challenges are far from unique — providers, families, and advocates across the country are facing similar obstacles. Karem and Heather emphasize the power of provider collaboration, community involvement, and advocacy to drive change not just locally, but nationwide.
This conversation offers insight, hope, and a call to action for anyone invested in improving autism services across the U.S.
View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/hurdles-of-autism-care-in-illinois
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.
People often say that history is written by the victors. When the colonists won the American Revolution, they described the war as a noble struggle to escape tyranny. Had the British won, history books might have called it a heroic effort to save the empire from ungrateful rebels.
In the same way, most people in America are able-bodied, so they decide what is “normal.” For example, we might see an autistic brain or someone with poor eyesight (but stronger other senses) as less valuable. But really, these are just different ways of thinking and living.
For more than 60 million Americans with disabilities, this can be a challenge. They have to fit their lives into a world designed for able-bodied people, even though it would be easy to make the world work for everyone.
Contemporary treatments include the individual in planning when possible. Contemporary practices change in response to the voices of those who have received therapy in the past.
Ableism is when able-bodied people assume everyone is like them and fail to see the challenges people with disabilities face.
Ableism includes unfair ideas, such as thinking people with disabilities always need help, even if they don’t ask for it. Not all disabilities are visible, which can lead to wrong assumptions about mental illnesses being different from physical ones. These false beliefs make it harder for people with disabilities to be treated equally and included in society.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for autism, supported by decades of research. It isn’t a single therapy method. Instead, it’s a flexible approach that uses different techniques to help children build the skills they need to thrive at school and in daily life.
Recently, ABA has increasingly become the target of much controversy as self-advocates are speaking up about their experiences. They reject the idea that teaching people with autism the skills deemed necessary without their input or choice. Some advocates say independence is meaningless without happiness and that people with autism should choose their own goals, which might not include fitting in with others.
ABA, which is essentially the science of good teaching, has a long history and was originally developed in the 1960s by a group of researchers at the University of Washington. ABA was used to treat individuals with developmental disabilities and initially was a rigid, highly structured and teacher-directed program, which led to some of the negative experiences and associations with ABA. Historically, for example, ABA was used to reduce or eliminate “stimming” – repetitive physical movements and sounds that may soothe and reduce anxiety. We now better understand that stimming helps people with autism manage their sensory processing and their environments.
Just like in other areas of medicine and science, the field of ABA has advanced in a significant and meaningful way to become a play-based, naturalistic, family-focused and individualized, contemporary treatment that is tailored to the unique needs and goals of everyone. A good ABA program collects and reports data to show effectiveness. Providers must demonstrate success, validated by parents, through goals set with the family. If your provider doesn’t follow this approach, they may not be using best practices.
ABA now adapts to individual needs by learning from adults. While negative experiences must be addressed, dismissing ABA entirely overlooks its success for many. Good programs focus on the client, seek consent, and value input. Research and ask key questions when choosing a provider.
Your child’s program should be client-centered and future looking, which means that your family and relevant caregivers are providing input into your child’s strengths and challenges, and that you and your child are helping to guide the goals of his/her program based on your preferences and needs.
The science of ABA has a long history with decades of research to support its development and evolution. While ABA is most widely known in its application to autism, ABA was developed, and has been applied, to address many circumstances regarding behavior that matter to society. ABA is applied in many different areas, including mental health, animal training, organizational behavior management, marketing, forensics, sports, and physical health, to name a few. Just as other areas of science and medicine advance and application of treatments change, so has the field of ABA. Many lives have been impacted by ABA for the better. It is incumbent upon the professional community to listen, learn, and evolve its practice so that their services are as relevant and effective as possible. After all, the purpose of ABA is to help children with autism achieve the goals that matter most to them and their families — goals that foster growth, independence, and joy in their everyday lives.
What is contemporary ABA and how does this person-centered approach help children with
autism find success?
BABAT originally stood for the Bay State Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, founded in 1979. Today, the organization is called Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis, but it continues to use the acronym BABAT and hosts the annual BABAT Conference.
The BABAT Conference, also known as the BABAT ABA Conference, (ABA stands for applied behavior analysis), is the most visible event. For more than four decades, it has brought together thousands of attendees to learn, share research, and collaborate on ABA. It is one of the most established behavior analysis conferences in the United States.
The annual conference reflects BABAT’s broader mission: to support professional growth, influence public policy, and expand the reach of ABA in Massachusetts and beyond.
The 2025 BABAT Conference, officially called the Reach Conference, will be held October 15-17 at the DCU Center, 50 Foster St., in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Registration for the 2025 BABAT Conference is through BehaviorLive, with options including early bird pricing, member and nonmember rates, student discounts, and continuing education unit (CEU) add-ons.
Recent BABAT conferences have used hybrid formats for in-person and virtual attendees. In 2024, participants joined sessions online, earned continuing education units (CEUs) remotely, and accessed recordings through BehaviorLive. The format allows students and practitioners outside Massachusetts to take part without traveling.
Worcester is central in Massachusetts, close to Boston, Providence, and Hartford. Hotels near the DCU Center offer conference rates, so book early. The venue is on the MBTA Commuter Rail, and parking is available.
The BABAT Conference draws:
Graduate students gain opportunities to present posters, receive mentoring, and network. Practitioners can stay current with best practices, licensing updates, and insurance policies in Massachusetts.
Exhibitors are an important part of the BABAT Conference experience. Past exhibitors have included:
Exhibitors often sponsor sessions or provide networking events. Conference participants can connect directly with vendors, explore new resources, and learn about employment opportunities.
The BABAT Conference features invited speakers, symposia, panel discussions, workshops, and poster sessions. Programs balance applied, conceptual, and translational behavior analysis.
BABAT is a Behavior Analyst Certification Board–approved CEU provider. Sessions indicate when CEUs are available, and BehaviorLive tracks participation for in-person and virtual attendees.
For more than 40 years, BABAT has advanced professional practice, supported students, and advocated for ABA in Massachusetts. It is recognized as one of the leading regional ABA conferences in the United States.
LEARN Behavioral participates in the BABAT Conference as an exhibitor and sponsor. Our team connects with behavior analysts, students, and researchers to share resources, career opportunities, and continuing education.
At the conference, LEARN Behavioral often:
For anyone interested in behavior analysis, tips for making the most of the conference include:
An annual meeting of Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis (BABAT) focused on applied behavior analysis (ABA).
BABAT originally stood for the Bay State Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, a professional association founded in 1979. Today, the organization is called Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis. It supports applied behavior analysis (ABA) practice, research, and advocacy.
When is the BABAT Conference 2025?
October 15-17 in Worcester, Massachusetts.
BCBAs, BCaBAs, graduate students, faculty, clinicians, supervisors, and companies working in behavior analysis.
Sessions cover autism intervention, interfering behavior assessment, appropriate behavior development, ethics, staff training, sustainability, diversity, and policy issues.
What is contemporary ABA and how does this person-centered approach help children with
autism find success?
The CalABA Conference is the annual meeting of the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA). It is one of the premier events for professionals in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and is sponsored by CalABA, a nonprofit founded in 1998.
The annual meeting brings together thousands of behavior analysts, educators, researchers, and service providers to discuss best practices, share research findings, and advance the field of ABA, particularly as it relates to autism services.CalABA’s mission is to promote the science and practice of behavior analysis through education, research, and advocacy (CalABA Official Site). The annual conference supports this mission by fostering collaboration and continuing education.
The CalABA Conference is typically held each year between February and March. Dates vary slightly year to year. Attendees are encouraged to check the official CalABA events page for the most current schedule and location details.
The CalABA Conference draws a diverse audience of:
Historically, companies that provide ABA therapy services for children with autism send teams to participate, recruit talent, and showcase their innovations. Some exhibitors include assessment tool publishers, technology firms, and universities with ABA programs.
The CalABA Conference agenda is rich with presentations, workshops, and symposia covering topics such as:
Attendees can earn continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain professional certifications.
For more on how ABA helps children with autism, visit our blog: How ABA Helps Build Communication Skills.
Past CalABA Conferences have featured notable keynote speakers such as Linda LeBlanc, who holds a doctorate in psychology, and Gregory Hanley, a behavioral psychologist and BCBA-D.
Highlights include:
LEARN Behavioral typically hosts an exhibitor booth where attendees can meet clinical leaders, ask questions, and learn about LEARN’s personalized approach to ABA. The team often includes BCBAs and doctoral-level clinicians who share real-life case examples and practical strategies used in LEARN’s work with children and families across California. LEARN also offers continuing education sessions, giving behavior analysts a chance to earn CEUs while engaging with current research and best practices. The booth serves as both an educational and networking space for professionals in the field.
Anyone invested in the practice, research, or application of behavior analysis can benefit. Specific reasons to attend include:
To learn about careers in ABA, visit our page: Careers in ABA.
Dates can vary, so check calaba.org for updates.
The conference is open to anyone interested in behavior analysis, including BCBAs, RBTs, educators, students, and family advocates.
Registration fees vary by membership status, student status, and how early you register. Discounts are often available for early registration and CalABA members.
Yes. Attendees can earn CEUs for attending designated sessions, which are crucial for maintaining BACB certification.
The location rotates among major California cities such as Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
What is contemporary ABA and how does this person-centered approach help children with
autism find success?
Language development is a critical component of the day-to-day lives of young children. It is used within a variety of contexts, including playing with peers, building relationships, functionally communicating needs, etc. As such, there is a heavy emphasis on language and communication built into most applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs. Because such a heavy emphasis is placed on language, it is important that practitioners are mindful of the specific language or languages that are incorporated in the therapeutic setting. The Association for Science in Autism Treatment recommends supporting bilingualism for children with autism by encouraging family-centered, culturally sensitive language choices.
By promoting the use of the family’s native language, children have an increased likelihood of communication opportunities with their immediate and extended families, friends, and community. In addition to having more opportunities to communicate, the quality of the interactions will be more meaningful as caregivers are more likely to effectively express their own emotions, hold their child’s attention, and more thoroughly discuss topics of interest when using their native language (Zhou, et al., 2019). There are also benefits to multilingualism outside of the familial unit. Research has shown that children who are raised in multilingual homes tend to demonstrate higher perspective talking skills than children who do not (Zhou, et al., 2019). Despite all of the benefi ts to speaking one’s native language, families often face a number of barriers, especially when seeking out autism-related services.
While we live in a culturally diverse country, English remains the dominant language in most regions of the U.S. When children turn on the TV, chances are the shows they watch are in English. When they go to school, they will receive a primarily English education and their peers will speak primarily English. Autistic individuals who receive behavior analytic treatment in the U.S. are likely receiving those services in English. Despite all of these barriers, there are ways for parents and caregivers to advocate for their bilingual children and family.
One of the first measures to take when selecting a service provider is to request clinicians who speak your native language. Bilingual service providers can be hard to find and it may take time, but let your provider know your preference so they can attempt to hire and/or pair you with appropriate staff members.
In cases where there are no staff members available to provide services in your native language, consider asking for translation services. Even if you are proficient in English, it may be easier or feel more comfortable for you to communicate in your native language. Per the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, the clinician you are working with should make every effort to effectively communicate with you and provide you with the opportunity to ask questions and participate in the development and implementation of your child’s program.
If your child speaks a language other than English, it is important to discuss the benefits of your child being assessed in that language. Providers use assessment results as a tool to guide the clinical program and decision making. Having the results of the assessment in your child’s primary or dominant languages will give a more accurate picture of your child’s strengths and areas of need. The starting point of the program will be more representative of your child’s language abilities.
Visual tools and stimuli are often used as prompts, supports, and/or reinforcement systems within many ABA programs. These visual supports may serve to outline a schedule for the day, visuals might accompany a short narrative or story describing a social scenario your child might encounter, or you might see visual images used as reminders or prompts of what steps come next in routine with multiple steps, such as hand washing. These visual items should be representative of your child and your family. Discuss incorporating your native language and culture into these items in order to promote their use and acceptance by your child. If your child accepts the stimuli and is motivated to use them, effectiveness of their intended purpose will likely increase.
Per the Ethical Code for Behavior Analysts, your cultural norms, traditions, and expectations should be extended through all aspects of the ABA program. Social interactions, communication, play activities, and activities of daily living are areas that are addressed in many ABA programs and are going to be affected by language, culture, and traditions. Discussing the ways your language and culture impact your day-to-day routines and expectations will help the clinical team develop and implement a program that is best suited to your child and your family.
Serving as the navigator and advocator of your child’s services is a huge role. Advocating for language will often be just as important as advocating for hours, goals, or other supports. Use your team to provide support and to feel empowered to be the advocate your child and your family need.
We are thrilled to announce that we have expanded our reach by opening several new Learning Centers over the past year! This has been an incredible year of growth and excitement for LEARN Behavioral, allowing us to help even more children and families find success in school and life. Check out some of the exciting highlights below, and browse our newest locations here.
Was your child recently diagnosed with autism? Are you beginning to navigate treatment for your child? Before you get started, check out these seven FAQs about ABA therapy.
ABA therapy is designed to support autistic individuals and their families, achieve their identified goals, and improve their quality of life. ABA-based interventions are supported by decades of research and enhance social, communication, play, and adaptive skills. Services incorporate the needs and interests of the autistic individual and their caregiver(s). A behavior analyst delivers the ABA services with the help of behavior technicians, who often provide direct care to the autistic individual. Services are tailored to the individual’s unique needs, with their feedback, and evolve over time. Services for children may look quite different than services for adults, given the individuals’ needs differ over time.
At LEARN, we refer to our approach as “contemporary ABA.” It is an evolved approach to ABA therapy that promotes individualized treatment, naturalistic and play-based teaching, and is person-centered. LEARN provides a contemporary approach that acknowledges the evolution of ABA, values the individual and their family, and creates space for individuality. Practicing contemporary ABA means that our behavior analysts deeply understand their responsibility to positively and meaningfully impact the lives of the individuals served.
Your child’s hours will be determined between you and your behavior analyst. Your behavior analyst recommends hours based on assessing your child’s needs, other therapies received, and your feedback as the parent/caregiver. Focused programs range from 10-25 hours per week, and comprehensive programs range from 30-40 hours weekly. At LEARN, we provide home-based, center-based, and community-based services, and you can reach out to your local clinical director to find out which services are available in your area.
Absolutely! Each autistic person we serve is unique, and we believe that should be celebrated. Our goal is to promote individual interests and incorporate those into ABA therapy. Behavior analysts make individualized recommendations for services, including hours based on the child and customized goals that fit their needs. Behavior therapists receive training on how to understand the preferences of their clients and include those in sessions to make them fun, rewarding, and engaging.
Listening to the perspective of autistic folks has informed our approach to ABA therapy and led us to incorporate neurodiversity into our practice. Our goal is to elevate the autistic voices in our community, including the individuals we serve, our neurodivergent employees, and the greater neurodivergent community. We’re deeply committed to person-centered ABA therapy practices and promote assent-based care, meaning we validate the identities and experiences of neurodivergent folks and create space for autistic voices to be heard and upheld.
Not all autistic folks benefi t from discrete trials or tabletop work. For example, a two-year-old child with lots of energy may benefit more from a play-based approach with the therapist sitting on the floor and embedding learning opportunities in play with their favorite toy. Behavior analysts overseeing the treatment plan take time to assess the individual’s needs and work collaboratively with the family to identify an approach to treatment that will work best for the child.
We understand that not everyone seeks ABA therapy, feels it’s the best fit, or perhaps, thinks it’s the right time to try. As with other medical services, the patient (along with their caregiver, if a child) has the right to decide when, if, and what treatment is right for them. Not all ABA therapy providers have the same approach, either, and LEARN supports a family’s right to choose a provider that meets their needs and is a good match for their treatment goals. We want families and our clients to be excited about services and encourage collaboration on our journey together.
Michael Maloney, Founder and CEO of LEARN Behavioral, joins us to share about his early career in education and how a small consulting company grew into an organization that now provides autism services in over 17 states (23 with LEARN Academy). In this conversation, we also explore his insights about the changing landscape of services for families. Michael shares, “In the last ten to twelve years, there has been an absolute sea change. When we started, four states covered services, and now all 50 do. Parents often had to pay out of pocket, and few could afford to. The financial burden has lessened so significantly because of the growing awareness and advocacy.”
Watch the video interview at www.allautismtalk.com.
Summertime offers opportunities and challenges for all parents. For parents of children with special needs, both may seem magnified. Here are some helpful tips to consider when planning your child’s summer break:
PLAN AND DISCUSS AHEAD OF TIME
As summer begins, discuss with your child any changes and plans that might occur. Give your child multiple opportunities to ask questions and to process what their summer might be like. Find out if there are activities that he or she might like to explore. Offer examples and be prepared to discuss details of what might be expected.
CONSIDER A DAILY SCHEDULE
Schedules are often difficult to create and maintain, but having one in place can be a huge stress reducer. During the school year your child may be used to a morning routine, a predictable school schedule and consistent after school activities. The summer can undo much of that, so having a schedule in place can give some comfort and predictability. It can also allow you to program important goals, such as practicing social skills, keeping up with academics, and reducing video game and TV time. Ideally, an outside activity such as sports would be on the schedule each day. Even if a child doesn’t participate on a team, a sports or exercise activity that can be performed in the yard, at a gym, or on a play date has obvious health benefits, and increased physical activity helps reduce repetitive behaviors and improve sleep.
KEEP UP THE HOMEWORK ROUTINE
It’s okay to have less of it, but keeping a homework routine in place can be valuable, since you’ve worked hard to develop and maintain this routine throughout the school year. A more casual approach over the summer can result in setbacks when school begins again. Plus, it’s a positive and productive routine in which you can insert more social skills related content. Consider buying a workbook on social and emotional skills that can be a focus of the summer homework routine.
WORK ON SOCIAL SKILLS
This is the biggest opportunity provided by the summer break. Working on social skills goals can take many forms—as a homework assignment, as mentioned above, or expanding involvement in the community, sports, and play dates. Some parents forget that activities like swim lessons, barbecues, and vacation trips can all be valuable new settings to prompt the use of social skills. A summer job, in any form, often provides social opportunities.
TURN OFF THE VIDEO GAMES AND TELEVISION
Many of us struggle with this, since video games and television provide a much-needed break for parents, providing easy and low-cost entertainment. While it’s easier said than done, limiting these activities is critical for social development and critical thinking. We all know that sitting in front of any machine for long periods is counterproductive, so, enough said!
REMEMBER THAT IT’S YOUR SUMMER TOO
Without the routine of the school year, summer can feel like an extra burden to parents as they try to keep their children occupied and happy. Remember that summer is for everyone, so try to include activities that are interesting to you, too, and can hopefully be enjoyed by the whole family. The beach, an outdoor festival or concert, a hike or sculpture garden— whatever you plan, it’s okay to create a few summer memories of your own.
Watch our Parent Video: Summer Activities for Kids with Autism in Your Community
Here are some additional resources to help make your season great for the whole family:
