Tag: ABA

What You Didn’t Know About the Hurdles of Autism Care in Illinois

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FEATURED POSTS

What You Didn’t Know About the Hurdles of Autism Care in Illinois
October 1, 2025
What is BABAT and What to Expect at the BABAT ABA Conference?
September 25, 2025
LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Sturbridge, MA
September 2, 2025
Anthony Ianni
Anthony Ianni: The First Division I Basketball Player Diagnosed with Autism
August 27, 2025

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.

What is BABAT and What to Expect at the BABAT ABA Conference?

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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.

BABAT Key Takeaways

  • The BABAT Conference is the flagship annual meeting of Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis, typically held in October.
  • The 2025 BABAT Conference will take place October 15-17 in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the DCU Center.
  • Attendees include behavior analysts, graduate students, researchers, educators, and companies in service delivery, technology, and continuing education.
  • Sessions cover autism services, interfering behavior, teaching methods, ethics, diversity, staff supervision, sustainability, and policy.
  • The event is ideal for board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs), students, researchers, and organizations seeking continuing education units (CEUs), networking, and professional development.
  • Past highlights include award ceremonies, student mixers, hybrid sessions, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and advocacy.

When is the BABAT Conference?

BABAT Dates and Location

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.

How to Register for BABAT

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.

What is the BABAT Conference Format?

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.

BABAT Travel and Accommodations

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.

Who Should Attend the BABAT Conference?

The BABAT Conference draws:

  • Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) seeking continuing education units (CEUs) and networking
  • Board-certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs)
  • University faculty, researchers, and symposium chairs
  • Graduate students and doctoral candidates presenting posters
  • Program directors, clinical supervisors, and ABA agency leaders
  • Behavior technicians and line staff interested in professional growth
  • Professionals in education, psychology, and speech-language pathology
  • Policymakers and administrators with an interest in applied behavior analysis (ABA)

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.

Interested in a career helping children with autism? Explore rewarding ABA career opportunities. 

What Companies Attend the BABAT Conference? 

Exhibitors are an important part of the BABAT Conference experience. Past exhibitors have included:

  • ABA agencies and service providers like LEARN Behavioral
  • Educational publishers and journal representatives
  • Continuing education and professional development organizations
  • University programs recruiting graduate students

Exhibitors often sponsor sessions or provide networking events. Conference participants can connect directly with vendors, explore new resources, and learn about employment opportunities.

Topics Discussed at the BABAT Conference

The BABAT Conference features invited speakers, symposia, panel discussions, workshops, and poster sessions. Programs balance applied, conceptual, and translational behavior analysis.

Key topics include:

  • Strategies for children with autism spectrum disorders
  • Assessing and reducing interfering behavior
  • Supporting appropriate behavior in schools, clinics, and homes
  • Ethics in practice, supervision, and service delivery
  • Staff training and supervision
  • Diversity issues in ABA
  • Data collection and research design
  • Policy and insurance issues for Massachusetts providers
  • Sustainability and socially significant interventions
  • Technology in ABA, including telehealth and digital data systems
  • Poster sessions for student and practitioner research
  • Networking events, student mixers, and mentoring

CEU Opportunities

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.

Highlights from Past BABAT Conferences

  • 2024: Introduced hybrid format, added wellness and networking sessions, and emphasized sustainability and advocacy.
  • 2022: Focused on trauma-informed ABA, expanded CEUs, and honored practitioners and students.
  • 2019: Marked 40 years of BABAT with reflections on its 1979 founding and the future of ABA in Massachusetts.

Historical Legacy

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.

What Does LEARN Behavioral Do At BABAT?

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:

  • Hosts an exhibitor booth to meet attendees and answer questions
  • Shares information about our ABA services and clinical programs
  • Highlights research and training initiatives across our national network
  • Promotes career opportunities for students and professionals in behavior analysis
  • Supports sessions, networking events, and student activities through sponsorships

Tips for Attending the 2025 BABAT Conference

For anyone interested in behavior analysis, tips for making the most of the conference include:

  • Register early for discounts and CEU packages
  • Review the program and choose sessions that fit your goals
  • Join networking events to build connections
  • Visit exhibitors for tools, resources, and partnerships
  • Balance research symposia with applied workshops
  • Plan CEU credits in advance
  • Students: prepare a short summary of your research for posters and mixers
  • Follow up afterward to keep your new connections

To learn about careers in ABA, visit our page: Careers in ABA.

FAQs: What People Ask About the BABAT Conference

What is the BABAT Conference?

An annual meeting of Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis (BABAT) focused on applied behavior analysis (ABA).

What is BABAT?

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.

Who attends the BABAT Conference?

BCBAs, BCaBAs, graduate students, faculty, clinicians, supervisors, and companies working in behavior analysis.

What topics are covered at the BABAT Conference?

Sessions cover autism intervention, interfering behavior assessment, appropriate behavior development, ethics, staff training, sustainability, diversity, and policy issues.

5 Tips for Navigating Autism Treatment for Your Multilingual Child

Author: Clinical Development Manager Maia Jackson, M.S., BCBA | Updated On
Clinically Reviewed By: Geneviève Marshall, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

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.

1. Look for providers who speak your native language. 

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.

2. Request translation services.

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.

3. Consider the assessment language.

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.


4. Ensure the program is visually representative of your child and your family.

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. 

5. Discuss your language and other cultural values with your team.

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.

What is Contemporary ABA?

Updated On
Clinically Reviewed By: Geneviève Marshall, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

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.  

What’s Next After Early Intervention Services?

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What’s next after Early Intervention Services in Massachusetts? At BCI, you don’t have to experience a disruption in services after your child turns three. Learn more about how we bridge the gap for our early learners as they prepare for kindergarten by watching the video below.

Reducing Behavior Technician Burn Out

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Melissa Furman, a Clinical Director for Total Spectrum- Michigan West joins us to discuss the importance of staff retention in the field of ABA and to share her recent research that is looking to improve staff satisfaction and reduce turnover. We explore the importance of consistency for families utilizing services as well as the factors leading to burnout in the field. Melissa shared how her recent work is helping both these goals, “Implementing an incentive plan to increase positive descriptive feedback during field supervision creates a happier environment, fuels good work, and provides a space where BT’s want to come to work.”

All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Autism: Symptoms and Signs

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Dr. Genevieve Marshall, BCBA, breaks down myths about autism, the early signs of autism, and what you can do to keep yourself informed on best practices. To learn more about ABA therapy and services available to you, visit https://learnbehavioral.com/services/find-a-location

Advocating for Your Family and Good, Contemporary ABA With Arfa Alam

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Arfa Alam is a senior manager at the Partnership for Public Service, a non-profit that envisions a dynamic and innovative federal government that effectively serves our diverse nation. Prior to joining the Partnership, Arfa performed labor human rights and social responsibility work in more than 40 countries in both the public and private sectors. Arfa joins us to share her experience and deep conviction for the appropriate care, and rights for all. She is the proud mother, wife, and sister of disabled and differently-abled individuals, including her two autistic sons, her husband who lives with early onset Parkinson’s disease, and her twin sister, who is deaf and was the first person in life to teach her about differences and empathy. 

As she shares, “As a first-generation American, it is particularly important to me to bring awareness, acceptance, and inclusion to our communities for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergences.” Arfa’s passion for public service stems from her experience as a first-first-generation Muslim-American with special needs family members. We are grateful for the opportunity to have this discussion with Arfa and we look forward to having her with us again soon.

For more information:

https://www.bestbuddies.org/

https://marybarbera.com/

All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).