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. Held in collaboration with the Global Autism Project, the conference brought together ABA clinicians from across the country for two days of clinical learning, connection, and advocacy focused on improving access to quality autism treatment worldwide.

As part of the conference, attendees participated in a special community impact event in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and JW Marriott Austin. Together, they created a memorable experience for Sadie, a young girl whose wish to travel to Hawaii had recently been granted.

To celebrate her return, ABCaba attendees hosted a Jurassic Park-themed welcome home party, with more than 1,400 clinicians coming together to create a joyful and unforgettable moment. The event extended the excitement of Sadie’s wish and reflected the shared mission of bringing hope, connection, and meaningful experiences to children and families.

The JW Marriott Austin played a key role in bringing this experience to life, providing support that helped make the event possible. Their commitment to community impact and hospitality contributed to an environment where attendees could not only learn and connect, but also give back in a meaningful way.

“Our goal for ABCaba is to inspire clinicians through clinical thought leadership and research shared by experts in the field,” said Sharon Alpizar, Chief People Officer at Action Behavior Centers. “Every part of the conference was designed to bring the ABA community together and highlight the importance of mentorship, connection, and shared purpose.”

The inaugural ABCaba Clinical Conference marked an important milestone for Action Behavior Centers, creating space for clinicians to collaborate, grow, and contribute to meaningful community impact.

Together with partners like Make-A-Wish and JW Marriott Austin, we’re proud to support children, families, and communities in ways that extend far beyond our centers. Contact us today to learn more about our autism services, or explore our ABA therapy locations to find a center near you.