Family Advocacy at Action Behavior Centers

At Action Behavior Centers, our Family Advocacy team partners with families to share clear, reliable information about legislative initiatives that may impact access to autism services, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. We advocate for meaningful policy change to help expand access to medically necessary autism treatment, while also connecting families to trusted resources, local support, and community events.

Family advocacy stories

Families are at the heart of our advocacy efforts at Action Behavior Centers. Hear from families who have used their voices to take action!

"When my son started ABA at ABC, I just wanted him to have a fighting chance. I didn't let myself dream too big. Fast forward a few years, and he's in a gifted first-grade program, competing in Jiu-Jitsu and winning. I'm not exaggerating when I say ABC changed the trajectory of our family's life. If you're on the fence or feeling overwhelmed, I just want you to know: it's worth it. Your child has so much in them. They just need the right people in their corner."

Diamante J.

What autism advocacy looks like at ABC

Advocacy is built into everything we do at Action Behavior Centers. From the care our clinicians provide in-center to the work we do with legislators and insurance partners, we advocate every day to help protect access to evidence-based services for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Our approach is grounded in meaningful outcomes that matter to families. Insights from the Action Institute for Outcomes Research (AIoR), led by Dr. Linda Leblanc, help guide how we measure progress and strengthen individualized care.

We know families advocate for their child every day. Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sharing your experience with others, sending an email, or speaking with a decision-maker in your community.

At ABC, advocacy is:

  • Patient-centered and individualized
  • Family-led and caregiver-informed
  • Grounded in data and evidence-based practices
  • Focused on access to medically necessary treatment
  • Proactive in removing barriers to care
  • Collaborative with providers, payers, and policymakers
  • Respectful of neurodiversity and dignity
  • Focused on meaningful outcomes like independence and quality of life

Advocacy is not:

  • Political campaigning or politicizing care
  • Confrontational or dismissive of family voice or priorities
  • Time-consuming or difficult to participate in
  • Provider-centric at the expense of patient need
  • Confrontational with stakeholders working in good faith
  • One-size-fits-all thinking or short-term fixes
  • Ignoring data, progress, or lack of progress
  • Resistant to oversight, accountability, or quality standards

Advocacy in action: Our approach

Advocacy at ABC is grounded in partnership, transparency, and respect for each family’s voice. We believe meaningful change happens when families are informed and empowered to engage.

Education

We help families learn about policy changes, insurance updates, and system-level decisions that may impact their child’s access to ABA therapy.

Collaboration

We partner with clinicians, payers, community organizations, and policymakers to support long-term, sustainable access to autism services.

Amplification

When families get involved, we help elevate their voices by offering opportunities to share their experiences with decision-makers who can influence change.

Our commitment to clear boundaries

Every family approaches advocacy differently, and we honor that. What does this mean for you?

  • Participation in advocacy efforts is always optional
  • We don’t tell families what to say or how to advocate
  • Families choose their own level of involvement based on what feels right for them

Current advocacy focus areas

Insurance coverage

Medicaid policy changes

Patient-centered and individualized treatment

Workforce & licensing requirements

Facility requirements

Continuity of care protections

Waitlist reduction

Early identification & diagnostic access

Advocacy News

See how Action Behavior Centers is working to expand access to autism services through advocacy, community partnerships, and nationwide initiatives.

How ABC and The Kindness Campaign® Are Supporting Emotional Learning for Thousands of Texas Students

How ABC and The Kindness Campaign® Are Supporting Emotional Learning for Thousands of Texas Students

Action Behavior Centers, a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hosted its annual Leadership Summit on February 27-28 at the Gaylord Texan® Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. 

Mar 3, 2026
4
min

Press Release

Family Impact Stories: Autism Acceptance in Action

Family Impact Stories: Autism Acceptance in Action

At Action Behavior Centers, we offer evidence-based ABA therapy that celebrates every child’s strengths and neurodiversity.

Jun 17, 2025
4
min

Blog

Supporting Athletes and Families at Special Olympics Texas Through Community Impact Event

Supporting Athletes and Families at Special Olympics Texas Through Community Impact Event

Action Behavior Centers, a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hosted its inaugural ABCaba Clinical Conference on June 13 and 14, 2025, in Austin, Texas.

Jun 3, 2025
4
min

Press Release

Expanding Access to ABA Therapy: ABC’s Advocacy Efforts & Breaking Industry News

Expanding Access to ABA Therapy: ABC’s Advocacy Efforts & Breaking Industry News

Action Behavior Centers is leading advocacy efforts to expand Medicaid coverage for ABA therapy in Texas and Colorado, helping more children diagnosed with autism access life-changing early intervention services.

May 1, 2025
4
min

Blog

Creating Employment Opportunities for Adults Diagnosed with Autism Through 29 Acres Community Partnership

Creating Employment Opportunities for Adults Diagnosed with Autism Through 29 Acres Community Partnership

Action Behavior Centers, a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hosted its inaugural ABCaba Clinical Conference on June 13 and 14, 2025, in Austin, Texas.

Dec 11, 2024
4
min

Blog

A Memorable Moment for a Make-A-Wish Child Through Community Impact Event

A Memorable Moment for a Make-A-Wish Child Through Community Impact Event

Action Behavior Centers, a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hosted its inaugural ABCaba Clinical Conference in May 2024 in Austin, Texas.

May 3, 2024
3
min

Press Release

Upcoming events

Take action and let your voice be heard. Explore upcoming advocacy events in your area or learn more by joining our newsletter.

April 2026

Kinetic Kids EXPO

Location:
San Antonio
Date:
June 12, 2026 10:00 AM
CST
Cost:
Free

Walk.Run.Roll: Kinetic Kids

Location:
San Antonio
Date:
July 25, 2026 2:00 PM
CST
Cost:
Free

Back to School Vendor Market

Location:
San Antonio
Date:
September 12, 2026 12:00 PM
CST
Cost:
Free

San Antonio Neighbors Together

Location:
San Antonio
Date:
October 6, 2026 5:00 PM
CST
Cost:
Free

Meet our team

Our advocacy team is dedicated to supporting families and protecting access to autism services. They work closely with providers, community partners, and policymakers to elevate family voices and help drive nationwide policy change.

Bryan Davey, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy

Jonna Lang

Family Advocacy Manager

Brooke Leibig

Family Advocate – Houston

Brooke Shaffer

Family Advocate – Phoenix

Elyse Powell

Family Advocate – Tucson

Jaquelyn Bidlack

Family Advocate – Austin

Katherine Garcia

Family Advocate – Austin & San Antonio

Kris Corbin

Family Advocate – Chicago

Lauren Pirela

Family Advocate – Houston

Maddy Cooper

Family Advocate – Dallas-Fort Worth

Phoebe Smith

Family Advocate – Denver

Sydney Anthony

Family Advocate – San Antonio

Frequently asked questions

Our advocacy team is dedicated to supporting families and protecting access to autism services.

Apply now

Can Action Behavior Centers help me become a BCBA?

Yes! The Everest Program is a fully supported fellowship program designed to help aspiring clinicians progress from RBT to BCBA. It offers study materials, unrestricted fieldwork hours, and personalized coaching from clinical supervisors—all while getting paid!

What kind of training and mentorship does ABC provide?

ABC offers a week-long intentional onboarding class, best-in-class personal and professional growth classes, skill-based training through BadgeUp, the Skill Up Program for clinical continuing education, and mentorship from a council of clinical leaders.

How does ABC ensure quality care through caseload management?

Our caseloads are intentionally small (an average of six children per BCBA), so each child receives the personalized attention they deserve, and our teammates can do what they do best. 

Are there opportunities for international experience at ABC?

Yes! Through our partnership with the Global Autism Project, teammates can apply to join the SkillCorps program and bring their expertise to communities around the world.

How does ABC support BCBA career growth?

We take a true hire-to-retire approach. From day one, you’ll have access to leadership training, mentorship, and frequent performance reviews that address readiness for the next role.