West Texas Autism is proud to be a part of BlueSprig Autism
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On Joining the BlueSprig Family...

"West Texas Autism Center will be celebrating its 7th birthday in June. In 7 years, WTAC has grown from one employee to 26, and its efforts have not gone unnoticed by others in the field. We are very pleased to announce that WTAC has been invited to partner with the largest and best ABA provider in the state of Texas. As of Monday, April 15, we will be West Texas Autism Center, A Division of BlueSprig. We are very excited about this amazing partnership. Staff will remain the same. On the surface, you will not notice anything different. Behind the scenes, there will be many exciting developments taking place in the form of additional support, training, advocacy and opportunities for staff and families. BlueSprig and West Texas Autism Center share the same values and vision for your kids, making this partnership an easy decision. We are so excited to join the mission of BlueSprig to change the world for children with autism."

WTAC Leadership Team

Julia Smith, ABA Specialist

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.

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

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
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.

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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

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
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
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
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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