LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in Azusa, CA.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Los Angeles County Families

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new Azusa Learning Center at 212 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA  91702.

AST is Azusa’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-12 years. The new Azusa Learning Center provides center-based, in-home, and school-based ABA Therapy, early intervention, parent education, and a School Readiness Program.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to Azusa and the greater Los Angeles area,” said Teresa Suen, M.A., BCBA, Regional Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.” 

Key Features of the Azusa Learning Center:

  • Large facility with an indoor gross motor room for physical and social development.
  • ABA therapy, which includes an enriching environment, unique play-based learning spaces, a School Readiness Program, and one-on-one support.
  • No waitlist and flexible treatment hours (which includes a Saturday make-up clinic) to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • On-site parking in a private, gated parking lot.
  • Serving children 2- 12 years old with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located near public transportation and easily accessible via I-210, I-605, and I-10, for families in the region.


The center is now enrolling new clients based in Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, Duarte, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, Monrovia, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, West Covina, and the surrounding areas with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About AST

AST, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. The Azusa Learning Center is among AST’s ABA therapy locations in the Los Angeles area, with existing Learning Centers in Long Beach and San Gabriel.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Azusa Learning Center, call (866) 727-8274 or visit https://autismtherapies.com/locations/losangeles

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in Menifee, CA.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Riverside County Families

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new Menifee Learning Center at 29950 Haun Road, Menifee, CA 92586.

AST is Menifee’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-13 years. The new Menifee Learning Center provides center-based, in-home, and school-based ABA therapy, Social Skills Programs, and parent education.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to Riverside County and the Inland Empire area,” said Joanie Gonzales, Center Director. “We value being a part of the community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.” 

Key Features of the Menifee Learning Center:

  • Large facility which includes an indoor soft playground for physical and social development.
  • ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
  • Hybrid services. Center-based and in-home services, which are not common for providers.
  • Assent-based learning, child-focused, and parent education as part of therapy.
  • No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children 2- 13 years old with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located near Menifee Community College and easily accessible via I-215 for families in the region.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Banning, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Jacinto, and Temecula with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About AST

AST, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. The Menifee Learning Center is among AST’s ABA therapy locations in the Inland Empire, with existing Learning Centers in Riverside, Temecula, and Victorville, CA.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Menifee Learning Center, call (866) 727-8274 or visit https://autismtherapies.com/locations/inland-empire

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in New Bedford, MA.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Bristol County Area Families

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new New Bedford Learning Center at 392 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740.

BCI is New Bedford’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-6 years. The New Bedford Learning Center provides early intervention, center-based and in-home ABA therapy, diagnostic services, after-school and weekend services, and parent education.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services in the South Coast region,” said Aerin Parish-Toscano, MS, BCBA, LABA, Regional Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the New Bedford community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.” 

Key Features of the New Bedford Learning Center:

  • Large facility which includes an indoor gross motor space for physical and social development.
  • ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
  • No waitlist and flexible treatment hours (after-school hours, weekend hours, and full-day/half-day hours) to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children 2- 6 years old with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located near downtown; accessible by public transportation and walkable from many local schools.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Attleboro, Brockton, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, New Bedford, Raynham, Seekonk, Somerset, and Taunton with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About BCI

BCI, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, BCI has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

In addition to the New Bedford Learning Center, BCI has existing center-based ABA therapy Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Newton, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a location in Nashua, NH.

For more information or to enroll a child at the New Bedford Learning Center, call (508) 363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/new-bedford

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Milwaukee, WI.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Milwaukee County Area Families

Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum, providers of LEARN Behavioral, are proud to announce the grand opening of its new Milwaukee Learning Center at 5369 N 118th Court, Milwaukee, WI 53225.

WEAP and Total Spectrum are Milwaukee’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children. The new Milwaukee Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, diagnostics, and Youth Club and Social Skills Programs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce in September 2025. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team, including Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region; Brooke Marcellis, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Total Spectrum Regional Clinical Director – Wisconsin; Mary Smith, BCBA, Vice President Clinical Services; and Hannah Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Chief Clinical Officer.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to greater Milwaukee area,” said Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region. “We value being a part of the Milwaukee community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child in our care.” 

Key Features of the Milwaukee Learning Center:

  • ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
  • Diagnostic and center-based services in the city of Milwaukee.
  • SMART Board room, indoor gym, and outdoor playground.
  • No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children ages 2-6 with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located and easily accessible via I-41 for families in the region.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Milwaukee County with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About WEAP & Total Spectrum

WEAP and Total Spectrum, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, are two of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. Together, they have provided evidence-based autism services for over 30 years and are dedicated to delivering personalized ABA therapy, helping children and families find success.

The Milwaukee Learning Center is WEAP and Total Spectrum’s sixth center-based ABA therapy location in the Greater Milwaukee area. The companies already have Learning Centers in Glendale, Oak Creek, Brookfield, Mount Pleasant, and West Bend, WI.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Milwaukee Learning Center, call (262) 432-5660 or visit https://wiautism.com/locations/milwaukee.

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

Behavioral Concepts New Learning Center Now Open in Lawrence, MA

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Essex County Area Families

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center at 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 132, Lawrence, MA 01843.

BCI is Lawrence’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-6 years. The new Lawrence Learning Center provides parent education, diagnostics, Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, and in-home ABA therapy.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce was held on June 23, 2025. During the ceremony, Ana Levy, Councilor at Large, City of Lawrence, offered greetings and remarks. State Representative Francisco Paulino, Mayor Brian A. DePeña, Michael Bevilacqua, President/CEO of Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, and District Director Marina Acosta from Senator Pavel Payano’s office attended, along with a number of city council members, school committee members, and Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commercemembers.

Official citations were presented to the BCI leadership team by Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Michael Bevilacqua and Chairman Michael Sullivan, the Lawrence City Council representatives, and the City of Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePena.

Ribbon-cutting attendees had an opportunity to tour the facility and meet BCI’s leadership team, Meghan Van Nostrand, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, Senior Regional Clinical Director and Ashley Williams, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, Vice President.

“We are excited to open our doors and bring compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder to families in Essex County and beyond,” said Meghan Van Nostrand, Senior Regional Clinical Director at BCI. “We value being a part of the Lawrence community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child in our care.” 

The new Lawrence Learning Center provides center-based contemporary ABA therapy, as well as family treatment guidance and assessment in the city of Lawrence. There are very few ABA centers in Lawrence. The Learning Center serves children 2- 6 years old with personalized therapy plans.

With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules, the center is now enrolling new clients in the Essex County area and beyond.

About BCI

BCI, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, BCI has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

The Lawrence Learning Center is BCI’s fourteenth center-based ABA therapy location, with existing Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, New Bedford, Newton, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a location in Nashua, NH.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Lawrence Learning Center, call 508-281-9411 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/lawrence

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Waldorf

No Waitlist and Expanded Year-Round Services for Charles County Area Families

SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center at 11885 Holly Lane, Suites 1 & 2, Waldorf, MD 20601.

SPARKS ABA is Maryland’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 2-14 years. As the only ABA provider in the Waldorf region, this center is essential for enhancing local support for families.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Charles County Chamber of Commerce was held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. During the ceremony, Maryland State Senator Arthur Ellis and Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., Chairperson, Board of Education, Charles County Public Schools, shared greetings and offered remarks. Churon Lanier, Legislative Director of the Office of Delegate C.T. Wilson, Chairman, Economic Matters Committee, also spoke.

Official citations were presented to the SPARKS leadership team by Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager at the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, and Ralph Patterson, Vice President of the Charles County Board of Commissioners.

Guests included members of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Arthur Ellis, Charles County State Senate Representative, Yonelle More Lee, Chairperson of the Charles County Board of Education, representatives from Charles County Parks and Recreation, and Chanel Smith, Kidz Kab Express Founder and CEO.

Ribbon-cutting attendees had an opportunity to tour the facility and meet SPARKS ABA’s leadership team, Angela Chang, MA, BCBA, LBA, Managing Behavior Analyst, Kayla Bagnato, MEd, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director, and Geneviève Marshall, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, Senior Regional Director.

“We are thrilled to open our doors and bring compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to families in Waldorf and the surrounding areas,” said Kayla Bagnato. “Through highly personalized support, we aim to empower each child and young adult to gain independence to succeed in school and life and reach their highest potential.”

The new Waldorf Learning Center offers a modern environment for children to receive contemporary ABA therapy, parent education, and center-based services. The center also features an innovative Launchpad Learning Program, which focuses on children with autism ages 2 to 6 who are ready to transition from a one-on-one learning environment to a group setting to help prepare them for school. With Launchpad, half the day involves group activities with a 3:1 staff-child ratio, developing team skills and independence, and the other half of the day focuses on individual instruction, addressing personal growth areas.

With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours that include after-school evening hours to accommodate busy family schedules, the center is now enrolling new clients in the Charles County area and beyond.

SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Waldorf Learning Center, call (240) 222-7956 or visit https://www.sparksaba.com

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

What is Contemporary ABA?

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.  

Ableism and Ableist Misconceptions

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.  

ABA Intervention

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.  

What to Look for in an ABA Program 

  • Will I participate in determining the goals of treatment for myself/my child? 
  • How are your staff trained? 
  • How is my child’s program developed? Do all clients receive the same program or are they individualized? 
  • Will there be parent goals as part of my child’s program? 
  • How often is my child’s program modified or revised? 
  • How is data collected and reported? 
  • How often will I see data on my child’s progress? 

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.  

Planning Fun Summer Activities for Children with Autism

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:

Shaping the Future: Influential Women in Autism and ABA Therapy

March is Women’s History Month. It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women in all walks of life.

In the area of autism and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, many women have made a lasting mark. They’ve broken barriers. They’ve conducted significant research, and they’ve paved the way for better understanding and treatment of autism.

Today, we spotlight seven women who have shown us what it means to lead with passion, dedication, and commitment. They are making a difference, and their work continues to inspire future generations of women in the field.

1. Temple Grandin: The Trailblazing Voice in Autism Advocacy

Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is a name synonymous with autism advocacy. Born in 1947, she was diagnosed with autism in early childhood. Despite the challenges, she went on to become an esteemed academic and animal behaviorist. She has gained recognition for writing books and delivering speeches on autism and animal behavior. Today, she is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University.

2. Greta Thunberg: Championing Climate Action and Autism Acceptance

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist. She has gained global recognition for her efforts to fight climate change. She’s also known for being openly autistic. She has referred to her autism as her “superpower,” and has discussed how it has helped her in her activism by allowing her to focus intensely on topics that interest her. Greta has used her platform to advocate for acceptance and understanding of autism. On her Facebook page, she identifies herself as an “Autistic climate justice activist.”

3. Breanna Clark: Shattering World Records and Autism Stereotypes

Breanna Clark is an American Paralympic athlete who was diagnosed with autism at age 4. She competes in T20 category races, a classification for athletes with intellectual impairments. She has represented athletes with autism on an international stage. Off the track, she’s been an advocate and role model for people with autism.

4. Ronit Molko: A Powerful Force in Autism Therapy and Entrepreneurship

Ronit Molko, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is another luminary in the field. She is a thought leader and subject matter expert in autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and behavioral healthcare. She co-founded Autism Spectrum Therapies (acquired by Learn It Systems) and is a LEARN Behavioral board member. In this All Autism Talk podcast, she talks about how ongoing research is helping us better understand the unique challenges girls with autism face.

5. Devon Sundberg: Shaping the Future of ABA Therapy and Autism Awareness

Devon Sundberg, MS, BCBA, co-founded the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA). She has made significant contributions to the field of behavior analysis, both through her work at BACA and as the founder of the Women in Behavior Analysis conference. In this All Autism Talk podcast, she shares how raising three daughters helped open her eyes to how gendered life can be — and about the need for more women in the autism field.

6. Hanna Rue: Pioneering Innovations in Autism Treatment and Research

Hanna Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is chief clinical officer for LEARN Behavioral. Her research interests are broad and include the identification of evidence-based practices for the treatment of autism. Her influence in the field of autism is evident in her wide-ranging work that spans clinical care, research, and advocacy. She has made significant contributions to STEM fields, sharing her insights through various platforms, including top-performing podcast episodes about autism, and extending her influence and reach in the autism community.

7. Sabrina Daneshvar: Revolutionizing the Field with Innovation and Compassion

Sabrina Daneshvar, Ph.D., BCBA-D, serves as the senior vice president of clinical services at LEARN Behavioral. Her research interests include video modeling and teaching social skills. This work has contributed to developing innovative strategies for improving social skills in children with autism. Sabrina has also taught, mentored, and trained many graduate students pursuing their degrees.

These are just a few women who have helped to shape the field of autism and ABA therapy. Their work underscores the importance of early intervention, peer support, and recognizing the diverse signs and symptoms of autism in girls and women.

We celebrate these women and everyone who has made contributions to advance our understanding of autism. They provide hope and inspiration to countless families across the world affected by it.

Tips and Resources for Families during COVID-19 with Katherine Johnson, BCBA

The sudden disruption in routine due to COVID-19 is challenging for all individuals to manage as we adjust to a new, and hopefully short-lived, normal of staying at home and ceasing most of our regular activities. For families of individuals with autism and other disabilities, the disruption can be especially challenging.

Richie has a conversation with Katherine Johnson, BCBA and founder of Advances Learning Center to share helpful tips and resources for you and family during this time.

Katherine has a Master of Arts degree in Behavior Disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University Teachers College and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Charter Certificant). Katherine has taught in both private and public schools at pre-school and elementary levels and has provided educational consultation services to public schools and home programs. She has taught undergraduate behavior analysis courses at Northeastern University and graduate level courses at Simmons College, has provided parent training through the May Institute, and is on the Advisory Board for the undergraduate psychology program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Regis College. Katherine also currently serves as Vice President of MassCAP.

Resources Discussed:

Go Noodle: https://www.gonoodle.com/ 

Privilege Points: http://www.privilegepoints.com/

For more helpful tips and resources, sign up for our Parent Newsletter at LearnBehavioral.com/parentresources.

All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).