West Texas Autism Center

Specializing in
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

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A NOTE FROM THE OWNER

"My goal for the West Texas Autism Center is to help children with autism achieve their full potential and thereby enjoy lives that are as independent and fulfilling as possible. I believe that being the parent of a child with a disability, as well as an educator and therapist, has enabled me to see difficult situations from a unique perspective. I derive a great deal of satisfaction from working with families and helping them understand the best treatment options for their children."

-Melissa Richardson, M.Ed., BCBA

Owner
West Texas Autism Center, LLC

Meet Our Staff

Melissa Richardson, ABA Specialist

About Melissa Richardson M. Ed., BCBA

Owner of West Texas Autism Center, LLC

Melissa Richardson and her staff provide ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy to children and adults. Melissa has teaching experience in general and special education as well as at the college level, where she worked as an academic advisor for students with disabilities and as an adjunct psychology instructor.

Melissa has worked as an educational diagnostician, autism consultant and BCBA for hundreds of schools in Texas and other parts of the US.

Melissa founded the inaugural West Texas Walk Now for Autism Speaks in 2004 and co-chaired the walk for 8 years, raising over a million dollars for autism research. She has attended press conferences and spoken with researchers and legislators in Washington D.C. regarding autism.

She has been a member of the Texas State Autism Network under the direction of the Texas Education Agency and served as a working board member for King David's Kids Autism Support Group in Abilene.

Melissa has presented at state and national autism conferences, medical symposiums, and most recently at Harvard University. She won the Springboard Ideas Challenge at Abilene Christian University for her business plan related to social skills development for adults with autism. She has been featured on news and educational television programs, in newspaper and magazine articles as well as an autism documentary, and has won numerous awards, including the Elite Educator Award for her service to students with special needs. In 2014 she won the 20 Over 50 Award in Abilene for Business Leadership.

Julia Smith, ABA Specialist

About Julia Smith M. Ed., BCBA

Clinical Director

Julia's roots are deep in the local community. She is a graduate of Cooper High School; her mother was a teacher in Abilene and her father was a physical therapy professor at Hardin Simmons University. Julia and her husband James have two precious children, Mason and Madeline.

Julia taught students with special needs from 2004 to 2010 in Abilene and the DFW Metroplex. She has worked at the Abilene State Supported Living Center with adolescents with developmental disabilities and with at-risk students in a Regional Youth Detention Center. Her experience includes equipping parents and educators with the skills necessary to teach individuals with developmental disabilities and providing on-on-one ABA therapy to children and adults.

WTAC Leadership Team

Abilene ABA Autism Team

Kelsey Riewe

BCBA Clinical Supervisor

Abilene ABA Autism Team

Dr. Trube Miller

BCBA-D Behavior Analyst

Abilene ABA Autism Team

Kayla Cox

BCBA Behavior Analyst

Abilene ABA Autism Team

Amanda Gafford

BCaBA Assistant Behavior Analyst

Abilene ABA Autism Team

Shelley Mayfield

Director of Finance & Operations

Abilene ABA Autism Team
West Texas Autism Center Staff

West Texas Autism Center Staff in Abilene

West Texas Autism Center Staff

West Texas Autism Center Staff in San Angelo

WTAC Involvement

WT Autism Table

Services

West Texas Autism Center offers private therapy sessions in our clinical locations in Abilene and San Angelo. We also offer social skills group clinics for all ages at our Abilene location.

Through our relationship with the Abilene Independent School District, we facilitate social skills groups on some elementary and middle school campuses. For those not in our local community, we regularly provide training for educators and parents as well as observation and consultation in school systems throughout the state of Texas.

Community Involvement

We love the families and communities that we service, and we are so proud to participate in events close to home! West Texas Autism Center is a proud member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Military Affairs Committee.

Melissa Richardson, ABA Specialist
Melissa speaking about ABA at Harvard University

WTAC has proudly sponsored the Dixie Little League Softball Teams, the Busted Putter Golf Classic to benefit Dyess AFB, the Farm and Ranch Expo, and various other community events in Abilene and San Angelo.

We are also proud to be gold sponsors for the Big Country Walk for Autism in Abilene and silver sponsors for the Walk for Autism in San Angelo. You may see us at events for Dyess and Goodfellow Air Force Bases and many other local events, and we hope that you'll drop by to say hello!

National Involvement

We are also proud to contribute to the understanding of autism and ABA at a national level. We have embraced all opportunities to share our experiences and knowledge and learn from others at national conferences and medical symposiums.

We stay connected to large national organizations and regularly participate in continuing education opportunities.

WHAT IS ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding socially significant, learned behavior and its relationship with the environment.

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HOW IS ABA DIFFERENT?

ABA treatment is overseen and/or implemented by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). BCBAs have received Master’s or Doctoral level training in behavior analysis.

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IS IT EFFECTIVE?

ABA is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for children with autism. It has been endorsed by many government agencies, including the US Surgeon General.

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ABA has been endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General for Treating Children with Autism

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About Applied Behavior Analysis

West Texas Autism Center
West Texas Autism Center
ABOUT ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding socially significant, learned behavior and its relationship with the environment. ABA utilizes research-based techniques to increase useful behaviors and to decrease undesirable ones. ABA is often carried out one-on-one in formal, structured settings; clinical settings; or during natural routines such as playtime or snack time. Academics, language, self-help, play and social skills are among the many areas that can be taught using the principles of ABA.

ABA'S EFFECTIVENESS

ABA is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for children with autism. It has been endorsed by many government agencies, including the US Surgeon General. The National Research Council's book Educating Children with Autism (2001) concluded that ABA was the best research supported and most effective treatment for the main characteristics of autism.

A 2007 clinical report of the American Academy of Pediatrics states that the benefit of ABA based interventions in autism spectrum disorders "has been well documented" and that "children who receive early intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make substantial, sustained gains in IQ, language, academic performance, and adaptive behavior as well as some measures of social behavior.”

HOW ABA IS DIFFERENT

ABA treatment is overseen and/or implemented by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). BCBAs have received Master’s or Doctoral level training in behavior analysis. They are skilled in the analysis of socially significant behavior problems and are thereby able to help determine why they occur so that effective treatments can be implemented.

BCBA’s develop Behavior Intervention Plans and treatment protocols, based on their findings. They collect data in order to evaluate if a specific treatment has been effective in bringing about behavioral change.

Applied Behavior Analysis is not used exclusively to treat individuals with autism, but because these children typically experience significant language delays, BCBA’s often utilize a behavioral approach to teach communication skills. After administering a behavioral language assessment, they develop a curriculum with specific educational objectives and monitor the child's progress in the acquisition of language skills.

HELPFUL LINKS

Why See a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?

BCBAs have received Master's or Doctoral level training in behavior analysis. They are skilled in the analysis of socially significant behavior problems and thereby able to help determine why they occur so that effective treatments can be implemented. BCBAs develop Behavior Intervention Plans and treatment protocols, based on their findings. They collect data in order to evaluate if a specific treatment has been effective in bringing about behavioral change. Applied Behavior Analysis is not used exclusively to treat individuals with autism, but because these children typically experience significant language delays, BCBAs often utilize a behavioral approach to teach communication skills. After administering a behavioral language assessment, they develop a curriculum with specific educational objectives and monitor the child's progress in the acquisition of language skills.

Testimonials

Parents and Professionals

Dr. Lori Ernsperger

International Presenter and Author of: Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions for Addressing Everyday Challenges

"I am pleased to support and recommend the services of Melissa Richardson and the West Texas Autism Center. I have had the great privilege of working with Melissa for many years and can attest to her passion for educating children with developmental disorders, particularly students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Melissa is very knowledgeable about ASD and brings a tremendous amount of gentle caring and an optimistic approach for both parents and professionals.”

Autism Professionals
Autism Parents
Kim Wombles

Parent

"I first spoke with Melissa in 2008 when my youngest was diagnosed with autism. She has been there to answer all questions and to act as an ally with parents and the school system to ensure that students with autism were offered the services they needed. She has worked tirelessly with the Autism Walk for eight years so that families across the region could have a great day at the zoo with their children on the spectrum. Melissa's compassion for and joy in the children she works with is always apparent."

Monte Parker

State Lead for Texas Leadership for Autism Training Project

"Melissa Richardson has a deeply held commitment to children and families of individuals with autism spectrum disorders that is phenomenal. She is a tireless collaborator working with service providers, families and diverse elements in the community to provide unique opportunities for students with ASD. This work goes far beyond simple acceptance into the community – it is a shining example of belonging to and becoming a part of the community at all levels I have always been impressed by her organizational skills. While holding responsibility for several important areas, she does not hesitate to accept additional responsibilities that far exceed typical expectations - delegating, coordinating, encouraging and delivering products ahead of schedule. While I know that she has carefully planned the next steps in her career I believe that she would be a treasured asset regardless of her choices.”

Autism Professionals
Mark Roithmayr

President, Autism Speaks

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Melissa Richardson since 2005 when she began the West Texas Walk Now For Autism Speaks event. Melissa has led the autism community’s efforts, building relationships that provided access and resources for families throughout the West Texas region. Melissa creatively partnered with Autism Speaks, educators, service providers and families to build a caring, supportive community. She has used her influence and resources to help Autism Speaks provide critical information to families and has provided the autism community with professional and compassionate support and resources. It has been an honor and a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with advocates like Melissa who are committed to helping families in the crusade to shine a light on autism. I am grateful for her tremendous dedication to provide critical autism services.”

Autism Professionals
Ruth Aspy, Ph.D., and Barry G. Grossman, Ph.D.

The Ziggurat Group, Authors of: The Ziggurat Model: Designing Comprehensive Interventions for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome

"Melissa Richardson, founder of the West Texas Autism Center, is a respected leader in the field of autism in Texas. Her work has lead to the improvement of services for numerous children and adolescents with ASD. The West Texas Autism Center meets a real need for children with ASD and their families. Because of Melissa Richardson’s extensive background and expertise, the West Texas Autism Center provides true excellence in autism services.”

Autism Professionals
Autism Parents
Tamara Swinney

Parent

"I have a 9 year old son who has severe autism. He has struggled at school with social interaction, transition, and his behavior at times has been out of control. Melissa Richardson has played a huge role in my son’s education. She has gone to the classroom and observed him, and actually showed the teachers how to handle him. She not only helped at school but also gave us techniques for home. Because of all of the information and work done by Melissa, the teachers now know that he is very capable of learning and that he can be taught. In May 2010 my husband passed away and Melissa helped my son with his grief. She made a social story for him to look at when he was having a difficult time with the loss of his Dad. My son now is thriving in school and in life. He is now reading and writing, and his behavior has improved to the point of no longer needing a behavior plan. He has improved so much in the last year and I contribute his success to the help and determination of Melissa Richardson."

Mary Lou Garrett, PT, DPT, PCS, C/NDT

Director of Clinical Education, Hardin-Simmons University

"Who do parents and professionals turn to when questions about autism are swirling in their minds? Who can explain the intricacies of sensory and behavioral issues children with autism display in terms we can understand? Who can we trust to calm our fears and show us a better way out of the situation?

Melissa Richardson is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate educator with a wealth of information she loves to share with parents and professionals alike. Melissa dissects the intricate and difficult subject of autism in a way each of us can grasp. In this situation, knowledge is power…power to overcome obstacles in order to live productive and functional lives.”

Autism Professionals
Autism Parents
Tonya Taylor

Parent

"When we moved to Texas, we needed some guidance in our journey dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome. Our son, Zachary was not dealing well with the transition of moving, and Melissa came to his school and worked with his teachers. By the end of the year, my son and his teachers had become successful in working with each other. When I needed advice about a how to handle a situation at school or at home, Melissa was the one I called. Sometime, I didn’t like the answer she gave, but I knew she would tell me the truth and I accepted it. At IEP meetings that seemed to never come to an agreement, Melissa attended and resolved them each time. She also encouraged me to learn and teach others about autism awareness. With her support over the last five years, our family haa attained knowledge and peace in our life. Melissa Richardson has been a mentor, mediator, and friend."

Autism Parents
Wayne and Tricia Hester

Parents

"When we found out Micah was autistic, we were terrified. Melissa has been there step by step to successfully walk us through the maze of raising a child with autism. She reached out to help our son, our family, teachers, friends and our community. Not only has Micah flourished in life because of Melissa’s help, but our family, Micah’s teachers, and our community have grown in the process as well. Because of her help, today we not only have a happier, more integrated son, but a happier, healthier marriage. We traveled to conferences, medical doctors, psychologists and counselors, but in the end it was the training, interventions and referrals she provided to us that were the most effective and beneficial for our son. The temptation is to focus on his autism, but Melissa reminds us that he is first and foremost a child, with the same thoughts, feelings and dreams as all children. Melissa is able to offer real solutions to real problems. She is a leader, coach, teacher, advocate, trainer and therapist all rolled into one."

Melissa Burson

Teacher

"I am a parent and an educator of kids on the spectrum, and without question, Melissa is the first person I would call for advice, questions, or help. My daughter would refer to her as "my Melissa" after all her help through school issues.”

Autism Professionals

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