House Bill 872 Allows Students Across Louisiana to Access ABA Therapy in School

Updated On July 30, 2024

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Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed HB 872 into law, which seeks to expand access to ABA therapy in public schools.

Earlier this May, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed HB 872 into law. The bill, written by Rep. Dustin Miller (D-Opelousas), amends an existing Louisiana law (Act 696) passed in 2018. Act 696 was designed to make sure families of children with autism and other conditions requiring behavioral health therapy services could access those services in the public school setting.

HB 872 amends Act 696 by providing more detail on how school leaders must work with families and providers. It gives the state rulemaking authority to create a dispute resolution process to be used when families and school leaders disagree on access to behavioral health services, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy.

HB 872 came about because many Louisiana families were frustrated that some school districts were unwilling to allow outside ABA therapists into schools.

Other districts had policies that allowed outside therapists but put up other roadblocks to access. Those setbacks included:

Delays in approving criminal background checks for licensed and registered ABA therapists
Overly burdensome insurance requirements for providers
Strict limits on the time and duration of ABA therapy
Rules that prevented board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and behavior technicians (BTs) from adhering to treatment plans

The new law helps families get ABA therapy faster. HB 872 says that school districts can’t force ABA providers who are licensed, certified, or registered by the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board to do another background check. This is if they show they passed a check by the Louisiana State Police and are in good standing with the board.

The bill also stops school districts from denying families the ability to have an outside behavioral health provider come into the school. That provider can conduct an evaluation, assessment, or implement a treatment plan at school to establish medical necessity or delivery of medically necessary services. The legislation further clarifies that therapy services can happen during any part of the school day, including during instructional time.

If school administrators and parents disagree about delivery of services or a treatment plan, the law requires them to use the dispute resolution process. The state Department of Education will develop the process.

The Louisiana Coalition for Access to Autism Services (LCAAS) is a statewide coalition of ABA therapy providers. It was instrumental in helping to craft the language in HB 872 and getting it across the finish line. The organization worked with families of children with autism. They made sure the law will protect access to ABA therapy services in schools. They also worked with the Louisiana School Boards Association and other public education stakeholders to alleviate their concerns. Rep. Dustin Miller, who chairs the House Health and Welfare Committee, was also an advocate for access to autism therapy services.

5 Benefits of Early Intervention for Autism

Updated On November 6, 2023

Clinically Reviewed By: Jocelyn Thompson, LCSW, BCBA Vice President, Clinical Services, LEARN Behavioral

Discovering that your child has been diagnosed with autism can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience for parents and caregivers. It can make you feel uncertain, overwhelmed, and worried about what to do next.

It’s important to know that early detection and intervention can not only make a significant difference in your child’s development — but also offer a sense of reassurance and ease for you as a parent.

What Is Early Intervention?

“Early intervention” for children with autism refers to the process of identifying and addressing developmental domains — including social, communication, and behavioral skills — as early as possible in a child’s life. It involves providing specialized support, therapies, and services designed to meet the unique needs of each child with autism.

The age range for early intervention is most effective when started as early as possible, ideally before the age of 3. Research has shown that the earlier a child with autism receives intervention, the better their outcomes are likely to be in terms of improved skills, reduced behaviors that interfere with development and learning, and overall quality of life.

The positive impact of early intervention for children with autism is undeniable. It paves the way for their growth and progress.

Here are five compelling reasons why embracing early intervention can put your mind at ease and set your child on a path toward fulfilling their potential:

1. Early Intervention Can Improve Your Child’s Socialization Skills

Children with autism often struggle with social interaction and communication, which can lead to isolation and difficulties in making friends. Early intervention can help children develop socialization skills by providing opportunities for them to interact with others in a structured and supportive environment. This can include teaching them how to initiate conversations, understand social cues, and form friendships.

2. Early Intervention Helps Improve Your Child’s Communication Skills

Many children with autism struggle with communication — whether it’s speaking, processing language, or using non-verbal cues. Early intervention through applied behavior analysis (ABA) can help children express themselves and better understand others, which can lead to improved socialization and overall quality of life.

3. Early Intervention Helps Your Child Learn Appropriate Behaviors

Sometimes life with autism can be challenging. There can be a fair share of meltdowns and tantrums. Early intervention through ABA addresses these often difficult moments and helps children learn appropriate behaviors and how to strengthen ways to learn and interact with others.

4. Early Intervention Sets Your Child Up for Academic Success

Children with autism can struggle academically, which can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. With the help of early intervention, though, children and families can prepare for future academic success. During early intervention, young learners develop social and communication skills that will benefit them not only in their daily lives but also in the classroom once they enroll in school.

5. Early Intervention Can Improve Family Dynamics

Autism can be challenging not just for the child, but for your entire family. Early intervention supports your family by providing resources and tools to help you better understand and support your child. It can also help reduce stress and improve overall family dynamics between you and your child, as well as your child and their siblings.

These are just a few of the many reasons why early intervention for kids with autism is beneficial. By starting treatment early, children with autism can develop the skills and abilities they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives.

Jocelyn Thompson, LCSW, BCBA, is the vice president of clinical services at LEARN Behavioral. During undergrad, she studied under the direction of Dr. Ivar Lovaas and completed an internship at the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention. Jocelyn has worked with diverse populations as a behavior analyst and social worker for the past 15 years.

For more resources on early intervention, listen to our podcast episode featuring Dr. Geraldine Dawson, co-creator of the Early Start Denver Model, and read our blog on brain plasticity and early intervention written by Ronit Molko, Ph.D., BCBA-D and Dr. Evian Gordon, Chairman and CEO of Brain Resource.

Five Steps to Help Your Child with Autism Make Friends

Updated On January 3, 2024

Date Revised: August 29, 2023

Parents and caregivers of children with autism often worry about them making friends.

This is understandable since social deficits are a key part of autism. Children on the spectrum often need support to learn social norms. They may also have difficulty with their behavior when they are with friends. They might need help managing their actions and learning coping skills.

As a new school year begins, how can you help your child make friends? What role should you play in your child’s friendships, and what steps can you take now? Here are five tips.

Step 1: Seek behavioral or therapeutic support.

If your child acts out, especially if it puts them in danger, focus on that first. Find an experienced applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider. A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) will help your child learn appropriate behaviors. If your child has difficulty communicating, a BCBA can help them learn language and communication skills. This will give your child a foundation for the social skills they need to start making friends.

Step 2: Create social opportunities with siblings or close family members.

Most likely, your child spends a lot of time with brothers, sisters, and close relatives. For this reason, family time can provide opportunities for frequent and focused learning. You can help your child practice these skills. Try activities that involve taking turns and asking to borrow things. Activities can also involve pretending and playing alongside others. They’re all opportunities to build social skills.

For instance, set up a scenario for your child to work on taking turns with family members. Taking turns is important for developing social skills like listening and resolving conflicts. Children learn social rules, like taking turns and sharing, through simple play.

Step 3: Join a support group in your area.

Social media makes it easier than ever to share resources and events. You can also set up play dates for your children. Families can lean on each other for support, share information, and lend a listening ear.

If you’re not part of any online groups, think about joining one. You can connect with other families with children who have autism or special needs. Then, you can take part in similar activities. Often, children with autism join in activities like Special Olympics, sensory Sundays, or local social events.

Families with children in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community often become close friends. If possible, find families whose children go to your child’s school. This can help your child feel more comfortable at school, especially in the first days and weeks.

Step 4: Speak with your child’s teacher and IEP team about social goals.

To include social goals in your child’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), take steps now since you can’t go to school with them. Talk to your child’s IEP team about their social skills progress and difficulties. You can also invite their BCBA to IEP meetings. When everyone agrees on what’s important, it sets your child up for success.

Step 5: Plan after-school and weekend activities with other families.

Your ABA provider may also offer after-school social skills groups. Those can give your child a safe and friendly environment in which to socialize. It can also help them practice socializing with peers. Each group has a behavior technician or analyst for personalized support. If your provider offers a social skills group for your child’s age range, consider signing up.

Like your child, you can take part in social events, too, and make friends with fellow parents. School events and parent evenings let you meet and talk with others. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. Over time, this sort of interaction can lead to friendships for both you and your child.

As you get ready for the upcoming school year, keep in mind that school is about more than just academics. It’s about fostering friendships. Use these tips to set up your child for friendship success.

For more tips on raising children on the autism spectrum, read our blog post, “Help Your Child Build Friendships With Kids With Autism.”

LEARN Behavioral Part of $4.7 Million Grant to Study Autism Intervention

Updated On August 24, 2023

Baltimore, MD — LEARN Behavioral is part of a multimillion-dollar grant to study autism intervention.

The National Institutes of Mental Health awarded the $4.7 million, five-year grant to researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders). LEARN was one of two ABA providers selected to help MIND Institute researchers study 300 children who receive therapy.

Researchers will test the effectiveness of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) of treatment. ESDM is designed for children between the ages of 1 and 4. The innovative model teaches communication and play skills through everyday activities.

“This partnership will help us disseminate best practices amongst clinicians in our field, improve outcomes for kids, and enhance caregiver support and training,” says Jocelyn Thompson, LCSW, BCBA, Vice President of Clinical Services at LEARN Behavioral. “We hope it leads to the best care possible for those with autism and their families.”

The ESDM approach is different from other interventions. It is based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) and child development science. Instead of using traditional structured teaching techniques, ESDM focuses on meaningful interactions. These interactions are based on what the child is interested in. ESDM helps children learn and grow by making interventions feel like natural play.

The study will train behavior analysts in the ESDM approach. These analysts will then train behavior technicians in community agencies. The researchers will create videos called “micro-learnings” to help therapists learn best practices.

The MIND Institute team will train for three months. After that, they will have monthly meetings with agency supervisors. During the study, MIND researchers will observe the ESDM approach and make sure it’s done correctly. The study will record one session per month for each of the 300 children. Researchers will track their progress over a six-month period.

LEARN Behavioral and its partner agencies are committed to providing culturally sensitive care. The training will be available in English and Spanish. LEARN Behavioral aims to offer top intervention services for families with autism.

For more information about LEARN Behavioral and its start in the autism community, click here.

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About LEARN Behavioral:

LEARN Behavioral is a leading collective group of ABA providers that nurtures the unique potential in children, teens, and young adults with autism and other disabilities. We provide tailored treatment programs based on contemporary, family-focused applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. We’re collaborative and innovative, making a positive impact on people’s lives. For more information, visit their services page here.