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

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."