Our story
Action Behavior Centers began with a simple but powerful mission: to make high-quality autism care accessible to families who need it most. What started as one family’s journey in Austin has grown into a nationwide commitment to help children reach milestone moments through compassionate, evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy.
See how it all began
2016 - 2018
- Ryan & Holly Lambert learn that a close family friend is facing long wait times for an autism evaluation and ABA therapy. Motivated to create meaningful change, Action Behavior Centers is founded in April. The first Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) joins soon after, laying the groundwork for the care model that still guides us today.
- The first Action Behavior Centers location opens in Austin, Texas. The center fills quickly as families find the support, guidance, and timely access they’ve been searching for.
- Families begin driving long distances from Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and surrounding communities to reach the Austin center. Seeing the growing need, ABC opens its second location in Round Rock, and it fills even faster than the first.
2019 - 2020
- With both Austin-area centers expanding rapidly, the founders recognize they are solving more than a local problem. ABC’s mission broadens as the organization begins addressing access challenges across Texas. To share data and outcomes with the broader field, ABC publishes its first White Paper, strengthening its commitment to research and transparency.
- New ABA centers open across Houston, San Antonio, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. ABC at Home begins offering home-based ABA therapy for families seeking autism treatment in a familiar environment.
2021 - 2022
- ABC expands into new states, opening centers in Denver, Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona, and Chicago, Illinois. The Clinical Council is established to support clinicians, guide outcomes-based care, and elevate therapy quality. The council brings together respected researchers and thought leaders who help shape ABC’s clinical vision.
- ABC launches its first ABC Academy service line in Allen, Texas, strengthening BCBA mentorship and clinical training. The first centralized BCBA training cohort begins, and we host our first ABC Leadership Summit to support professional growth across the organization.
2023 - 2024
- ABC continues expanding beyond Texas, opening additional locations in Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as Minneapolis, Minnesota. Families from new communities gain access to timely, compassionate autism support.
- ABC Academy opens its first Arizona location in Gilbert, and new academies open in Round Rock, Katy, and Austin, Texas. ABC opens its 200th ABA center, marking a major milestone. This year also includes the first ABCaba conference and the launch of our Compassionate Care Team.
2025 to present
Today, Action Behavior Centers is one of the largest ABA organizations in the country, with thousands of dedicated teammates across numerous states. While we’ve grown, our mission remains the same as it was at the beginning: help autistic children reach milestone moments through compassionate, evidence-based care, and ensure that families never have to wait for the support they deserve.
Purpose in Action
At ABC, our core values are not just words. They shape everything from how we care for children to how we support each other. They are the foundation of our culture and the reason so many teammates and families call ABC home.
- Caring: We lead with compassion, empathy, and respect.
- Learning: We believe in continuous personal and professional growth.
- Excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest clinical and ethical standards.
- Team: We collaborate and communicate openly with families and each other.
- Fun: We celebrate joy, connection, and the moments that make our work meaningful.
Leadership and clinical council
At the heart of every center is a team of highly engaged staff members who are dedicated to each child’s well-being. Our team includes BCBAs, Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®), and other qualified professionals specially trained in providing ABA therapy.
ABC leadership ensures our centers have the support, stability, and resources needed to deliver evidence-based care across every community we serve.
ABC’s clinical council, guided by Charna Mintz, Chief Clinical Officer, oversees clinical quality and integrity by setting standards, reviewing outcomes, and supporting Board BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) through ongoing training and mentorship.
Specialized teams, including the Compassionate Care initiative led by Dr. Greg Hanley and the Action Institute for Outcomes Research led by Dr. Linda LeBlanc, strengthen ABC’s commitment to ethical practice, impactful behavior support, and data-informed improvement.
Join us!
Are you compassionate and creative? Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of children with autism? Are you passionate about research and providing clinically excellent care? We would love to meet you!
Why families choose ABC
At Action Behavior Centers, our autism services help autistic children learn practical life skills, build independence, and reach milestone moments.
Our son has made outstanding progress during the last year, he is finally coming out of his shell and engaging in open play with other children. Thank you so much ABC for helping us!
Immediate access to care
Every child is unique, and every case of autism is different. Our BCBAs, who are master’s-level clinicians, work closely with families to develop customized care plans that reflect each child’s learning style and personality.
Autism evaluation services
Parental involvement is essential for your child’s ongoing success. Our Family Guidance sessions provide the support you need to help your child continue growing at home.
Insurance made simple
Our dedicated insurance specialists work directly with your provider to make sure everything runs smoothly from the start.
Proven success
ABA therapy is the most effective method for helping children with autism learn and grow. Families who work with us notice significant improvements in their child's communication, social skills, and ability to follow directions.
