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 and protect 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."
What autism advocacy looks like at ABC
Advocacy is built into everything we do at Action Behavior Centers. From the care our clinicians provide 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) help guide how we measure progress and strengthen individualized care.
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.
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.
Press Release
Understanding Neurodiversity: Embracing Differences
Neurodiversity celebrates different ways of thinking. Learn how embracing autistic strengths creates a more inclusive and accepting society.
Blog
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
Walk.Run.Roll: Kinetic Kids
Back to School Vendor Market
.webp)
San Antonio Neighbors Together
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
Jonna Lang
Sydney Anthony
Jaquelyn Bidlack
Maddy Cooper
Kris Corbin
Katherine Garcia
Brooke Leibig
Lauren Pirela
Elyse Powell
Brooke Shaffer
Phoebe Smith
Learn more about advocacy at ABC
Frequently asked questions
Our advocacy team is dedicated to supporting families and protecting access to autism services.
What is family advocacy, and why does it matter?
Family advocacy means using your voice and experience to help protect and expand access to autism services, including ABA therapy. When families share their stories with legislators, insurance companies, or fellow parents, it creates real momentum for meaningful policy change. At ABC, we believe families are the most powerful advocates for their children, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Do I have to participate in advocacy efforts to receive services at ABC?
Not at all. Participation in any advocacy activity is completely optional. We'll never pressure you to attend events, contact a legislator, or share your story publicly. Some families want to get involved in a big way, and others prefer to stay informed from the sidelines. Both are completely valid, and we respect whatever feels right for you and your family.
How will ABC keep me informed about policy changes that could affect my child's care?
We share advocacy news and policy updates through our quarterly newsletter, this page, and your local Family Advocate. If an ABA service policy modification, legislative change, or insurance update could affect access to your child's autism services, we'll make sure you have clear, straightforward information so you can decide if and how you'd like to respond.
