Texas State, Action Behavior Centers partner for education of autism specialists

Staff Reports

SAN MARCOS – Texas State University and Action Behavior Centers (ABC), a leading provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism, have entered into a strategic partnership through which ABC’s employees will have access to a customized graduate ABA degree curriculum at Texas State tailored to meet the growing need for qualified board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) serving children on the autism spectrum.

“For several years now, graduate students in the Autism and ABA program at Texas State University have identified ABC as a destination of choice to pursue their careers in ABA,” said Russ Lang, professor of special education and executive director of Texas State’s Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support (CARES). “ABC’s reputation for delivering effective evidence-based practices and for supporting their BCBA and registered behavior technician teammates aligns with our goals and empowers this partnership.”

Through this partnership, ABC employees who enroll in Texas State’s graduate program will be placed in exclusive student cohorts with coursework tailored to prepare graduates for careers as clinical supervisors at ABC. ABC’s senior clinical team will also contribute to the curriculum and participate in regular guest lecture series. Graduates from the program will have guaranteed placement in ABC’s growing portfolio of ABA clinics.

“I’m delighted to partner with Texas State as we jointly develop the next generation of ABC clinicians,” said Charna Mintz, chief clinical officer at Action Behavior Centers and leader over ABC’s clinical council of advisors. “Historically, Texas State alumni have been outstanding clinicians at ABC including many of our clinical directors.”

“Forging strategic public-private partnerships that serve the communities of Texas is one of our key initiatives,” said Michael P. O’Malley, dean of the College of Education at Texas State. “We have a shared interest in improving access to the highest quality clinicians and in making a difference for the growth and learning of youth on the Autism spectrum and for their families.”

About Action Behavior Centers

Founded in 2017, Action Behavior Centers is a leading applied behavior therapy (ABA) provider offering comprehensive services and support to improve the lives of children on the autism spectrum. The provider’s high-quality, center-based care combined with its dedication to helping young children reach their full potential has made ABC one of the fastest growing and highest quality providers in the industry. Headquartered in Austin, ABC has more than 70 clinics in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and Illinois. Learn more at www.actionbehavior.com.

About Texas State’s Autism and ABA Program

The Autism ABA concentration is part of the special education graduate program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. The Autism ABA concentration prepares graduate students to become board-certified behavior analysts with expertise in school- and clinic-based behavioral services.

Students in the program receive the Association of Behavior Analysis International’s Verified Course Sequence (VCS), opportunities for supervised practicum in the on-campus Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support (CARES) and up-to-date coursework and research experiences directly aligned with the needs of the people served and with modern expectations in field.

The goal is to prepare future behavior analysts and special educators with skills, knowledge and professional judgement necessary to be successful, impactful and ethical practitioners. For more information, visit www.education.txstate.edu/ci/Graduate-Programs/Special-Education/autism.html.