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autism diagnosis

HomepagePostsautism diagnosis
A clipboard with the word 'autism' being held by a person
Autism Blog
Jul 28, 2026
By Martin

Autism Screening vs. Autism Diagnosis: What’s the Difference?

Key Highlights Screening is a brief sorting tool that flags whether a child needs a closer look, while diagnosis is a comprehensive clinical determination of whether a child is autistic. A positive screening result is not a diagnosis, and a…
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A BCBA talking to a kid with autism during evaluation
Autism Blog
Jun 15, 2026
By Martin

Autism Diagnosis vs. Evaluation: Understanding the Differences

Key Highlights An autism evaluation is the full information-gathering process, while an autism diagnosis is the formal conclusion that comes out of it. Not every evaluation ends in an autism diagnosis, and a clear “no” can be just as helpful…
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A mother with her child with autism talking to an ABA therapist
Autism Blog
May 12, 2026
By Martin

Questions to Ask After an Autism Diagnosis: Navigating the Next Steps

Key Highlights An autism diagnosis is the beginning of a learning journey, not the final word. Asking the right questions early shapes everything that follows. Families should leave the diagnostic appointment with clear answers about severity level, co-occurring conditions, recommended…
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An RBT talking to a kid with autism
Autism ABA Therapy Blog
Apr 20, 2026
By Martin

Where to Get an Autism Diagnosis in Georgia

Key Highlights Early autism diagnosis leads to better long-term outcomes Georgia offers multiple diagnostic pathways: medical, school-based, and private clinics Wait times can vary significantly depending on provider type Insurance coverage and state programs may help offset costs A comprehensive…
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Recent Posts

  • Helping an Autistic Child Recover From a Meltdown
  • How ABA Therapy Helps Kids Handle Hearing “No”
  • How to Appeal an ABA Therapy Insurance Denial
  • What Parents Should Track During ABA Therapy
  • How to Help an Autistic Child Handle Waiting

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Recent Posts
  • A mother calming her autistic child after a meltdown

    Helping an Autistic Child Recover From a Meltdown

    Aug 21, 2026
  • A parent explaining to a kid with autism why she's saying no

    How ABA Therapy Helps Kids Handle Hearing “No”

    Aug 20, 2026
  • A parent with her kid with autism talking to an insurance agent about appealing for ABA therapy insurance denial

    How to Appeal an ABA Therapy Insurance Denial

    Aug 19, 2026
  • A father tracking her daughter's progress during ABA therapy

    What Parents Should Track During ABA Therapy

    Aug 18, 2026
  • A BCBA helping a kid with autism to wait

    How to Help an Autistic Child Handle Waiting

    Aug 17, 2026

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Rebecka Rodriguez

Rebecka Rodriguez is a compassionate and dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst committed to helping children reach their fullest potential. She works closely with families and clinical team members to develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that support meaningful and lasting progress. Rebecka values collaboration, open communication, and creating a positive environment where every child and family feels understood, supported, and empowered.

Olivia Ulrich

Olivia Ulrich is a dedicated and compassionate Board Certified Behavior Analyst committed to helping children and families achieve meaningful, lasting progress. She uses evidence-based practices to develop individualized treatment plans that support each child’s unique strengths and needs. Olivia values collaboration, open communication, and family involvement, working closely with caregivers and clinical team members to create a positive and supportive environment where every child can thrive.

Joanne Valcin

Joanne Valcin, M.A., QBA, LBA, is a dedicated Qualified Behavior Analyst with more than 10 years of experience providing behavior-analytic services across home, clinical, and remote settings. She holds a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis Practice and has extensive experience in behavioral assessments, treatment planning, data analysis, caregiver training, staff collaboration, and individualized intervention.

Joanne is passionate about helping clients build independence, improve their quality of life, and achieve meaningful, lasting progress. Her compassionate, client-centered approach—combined with her commitment to clinical excellence—makes her a valued member of the Kennedy ABA team.

Doug Fabian
Fabian is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed behavior analyst in North Carolina, New York, and Georgia, with more than eight years of experience in applied behavior analysis. He has held clinical leadership roles including Clinic Director, Lead Clinical Supervisor, and Senior BCBA, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and supporting children and adolescents with autism and developmental disabilities. Fabian specializes in clinical supervision, staff development, individualized treatment planning, caregiver collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
Laura Shepherd
Laura Shepherd, BCBA, is a dedicated behavior analyst committed to helping children and families achieve meaningful, lasting progress. She uses evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis principles to develop individualized treatment plans that support skill development, independence, communication, and positive behavior change.
Laura is known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach and her ability to build strong relationships with clients, caregivers, and clinical team members. She values collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and creating supportive environments where every individual can reach their full potential.
Constance Brown

Constance Brown is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive experience supporting children with autism and developmental disabilities. She specializes in functional behavior assessments, individualized treatment planning, data-driven intervention, and the supervision of behavior technicians. Constance holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and is committed to collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams to help clients build meaningful skills and achieve lasting progress.

Brittany Holman

Brittany Holman, M.S., BCBA, LBA, is an experienced behavior analyst specializing in assessments, treatment planning, parent training, and RBT supervision. She has supported children with autism across clinical, educational, and telehealth settings and is committed to helping clients and families achieve meaningful progress.

Blair Whisnant

Blair Whisnant is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and North Carolina Licensed Behavior Analyst with extensive experience providing ABA services across clinic, home, school, and virtual settings. She specializes in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, supervising RBTs, and collaborating with families and interdisciplinary teams to support meaningful client progress. Blair holds a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Carolina State University.

Edward Parker

Edward Parker, PhD, BCBA-D, is a highly accomplished behavior analyst whose doctoral training and advanced clinical expertise support his work with children, families, and professionals in the field of ABA. He is dedicated to delivering evidence-based care, mentoring clinicians, and promoting meaningful, lasting outcomes for the individuals he serves.

Mercedes Atkins

Mercedes Atkins is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than four years of experience providing individualized, play-based ABA services to children with autism and developmental disabilities. She specializes in behavioral assessments, data-driven treatment planning, caregiver and staff training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Mercedes is committed to helping clients build meaningful communication, social, and independent living skills while supporting families and clinical teams throughout the treatment process.

Chelsey Kim-Patroni

Chelsey Kim-Patroni, BCBA, LABA, LBA, is a compassionate behavior analyst dedicated to helping individuals with autism build greater independence and meaningful life skills. She has experience providing individualized ABA services across home, community, center-based, and telehealth settings, while supervising RBTs, collaborating with families, and developing evidence-based treatment plans. Chelsey holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and currently serves as a BCBA with Kennedy ABA/Bright Light ABA.

Timothy Henson

Timothy Henson, BCBA, is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst committed to helping children and families achieve meaningful, lasting progress. He uses evidence-based ABA strategies to develop individualized treatment plans, support skill development, and reduce challenging behaviors. Timothy values collaboration with families, caregivers, and clinical teams to ensure each client receives compassionate, high-quality care tailored to their unique needs.

Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) with ten years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. As a clinician at Kennedy ABA, Jessica specializes in ABA therapy, supervision, parent and caregiver coaching, professional training, mentorship, and behavior plan development grounded in evidence-based practice.
Jessica has worked with individuals ages 18 months to 23 years old across diverse service settings, including in-home, school, clinic-based, and community environments. She is dedicated to designing individualized and culturally responsive treatment plans that support meaningful progress and long-term success.
Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and maintains licensure as a behavior analyst in North Carolina, along with certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Committed to a holistic and collaborative model of care, Jessica believes in strength-based treatment, individualized programming, and active community involvement to empower clients and families. She is passionate about developing confident and competent clinicians through thoughtful supervision and mentorship, creating support systems that elevate the next generation of ABA professionals.
Christin Kennedy

Christin Kennedy is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst with Kennedy ABA, credentialed since 2021, with 10 years of experience in the ABA field. She began her career in 2016 as a Registered Behavior Technician and brings a strong clinical foundation, a passion for teaching meaningful skills, and a compassionate, family-centered approach to her work. As both a clinician and the parent of a child recently diagnosed with autism, Christin is deeply committed to supporting children and families with empathy, encouragement, and practical guidance. She loves working with the kids and families she serves and is dedicated to helping each child build confidence, independence, and lasting skills.

Laya Ginsberg

Laya Ginsberg is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) who is passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to thrive. For over five years, she has worked closely with children with developmental disabilities and their families, supporting growth in communication, social skills, independence, and daily living skills. Much of her experience has been with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including those with co-occurring diagnoses. With a strong background in early intervention, Laya believes that meaningful progress happens when therapy is individualized, collaborative, and centered around each child’s unique strengths. Known for her compassionate and family-centered approach, Laya is dedicated to reducing challenging behaviors, fostering skill development, and empowering children to reach their fullest potential while celebrating every step of their progress.

Hunter Weber

Hunter Weber is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in North Carolina with over eight years of experience in applied behavior analysis. He has worked across home, clinic, school, community, and telehealth settings, supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across a wide range of ages and support needs.

Hunter’s clinical experience includes assessment, treatment planning, parent training, staff supervision, behavior reduction, skill acquisition programming, communication development, adaptive living skills, social skills, safety skills, and transition planning. He has experience supporting clients with significant behavioral needs, including aggression, elopement, self-injury, tantrums, property destruction, and deficits in functional communication and daily living skills.

Hunter is passionate about ethical, individualized ABA services that focus on meaningful outcomes for clients and families. His approach emphasizes consistency, collaboration, caregiver involvement, and helping individuals build skills that improve independence and quality of life across real-world settings.

Samantha Greene

Samantha is in schools every day—working with kids in classrooms, at recess, in the cafeteria, and during the transitions that make or break a school day. She writes about school-based therapy from the front lines: how to help your child succeed in the classroom, what to ask for in an IEP meeting, and how to work with teachers who don’t understand autism. Samantha is currently pursuing her BCBA certification.

MEd in Special Education | Registered Behavior Technician | Pursuing BCBA certification | 5 years of clinical experience

Chris Bailey

Chris worked his way up from behavior tech to BCBA over the course of ten years. He’s done it all—in-home therapy, clinic sessions, school support, parent training. He writes about the realities of ABA: what works, what doesn’t, why some kids progress faster than others, and how to stay hopeful when progress is slow. Chris specializes in school-based ABA and works closely with teachers and IEP teams across North Carolina.

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis | Board Certified Behavior Analyst | 10 years of clinical experience

Dr. Monica Reyes

Monica has been in ABA for eighteen years. She’s published research, trained BCBAs, and worked with hundreds of families across North Carolina. She writes about evidence-based practice, ethical treatment, and what the research actually says about ABA therapy. Her posts are thorough, nuanced, and never dumbed down. Monica is bilingual in English and Spanish, and she believes families deserve to understand the science behind their child’s treatment.

PhD in Behavior Analysis | Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral | Bilingual English/Spanish | 18 years of clinical experience

Victoria Castillo

I received my Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from the Van Loan School Institute for Behavioral Studies at Endicott College. I currently work as a Quality Reviewer on the Quality Cycle Management Team at Encore Support Services, and serve as an adjunct professor for the Master’s in ABA programs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Endicott College. I completed my B.A. degree in Psychology at Southern Methodist University and M.S. degree in Behavioral Psychology at Pepperdine University. I completed my master’s thesis (Teaching Individuals with Autism to Solve Social Problems) and doctoral dissertation (An Evaluation of the Effects of Empathy Training on Racial Bias) under the advisement of Dr. Adel Najdowski. I have been a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) since 2018 and have worked with individuals with autism and related disorders and their families since 2015. Over the past 10 years, I have provided and supervised ABA therapy in home, school, clinic, and community settings, treating a variety of developmental diagnoses. My experience also includes providing consultation, serving as a care manager within the insurance industry, and working in quality assurance and management. I am passionate about the dissemination of behavior science and the delivery of quality ABA treatment. I have served as a guest reviewer for various peer-reviewed journals, presented papers at national and international conferences, and authored papers published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters.

Kaitlin Burdette

Kaitlin Burdette, MA, BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. She specializes in functional behavior and skills assessments, individualized treatment planning, and clinical supervision across home, school, community, and telehealth settings. Kaitlin has held clinical leadership roles and is licensed in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky.

Hunter Weber

Hunter Weber is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with eight years of experience supporting children, teens, and young adults with autism. He focuses on helping families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout their ABA journey. Hunter has led teams across multiple clinics, coached therapists and new BCBAs, and designed programs that build real-life skills, independence, and healthy family routines. He believes in meeting every child where they are, celebrating progress, and working closely with caregivers so they feel like true partners in the process. Outside of work, Hunter enjoys staying active, playing golf, cheering on the East Carolina Pirates, and spending time with his family. They have a full household with their three daughters and baby boy, along with their two dogs.

Beatriz Pacheco

I have three children. Two are grown adults (a 29-year-old son and a 25-year-old young lady), and my youngest son is 18. My youngest son was diagnosed with autism when he was 21 months old, which prompted my career change and my path to becoming a BCBA. I have been in the field since 2011 and became a behavior analyst in 2015

Colby Carriker

Colby Carriker is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a strong background in early childhood development and applied behavior analysis. She earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from East Carolina University.

Colby brings hands-on clinical experience across multiple levels of care, having worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, Behavior Technician, and now as a BCBA. Her experience spans home, clinic, and community-based settings, where she has supported children with autism and developmental delays using evidence-based, individualized treatment approaches.

With a foundation in early childhood education, safety care, and family collaboration, Colby is passionate about delivering compassionate, high-quality ABA services and partnering closely with families to support meaningful progress and long-term success.

Cassidy

With a strong background in HR, recruiting, and organizational management, Cassidy leads the hiring efforts at Kennedy ABA with a focus on quality, consistency, and care. She specializes in identifying skilled RBTs and BTs, guiding new staff through onboarding, and helping build teams that reflect the company’s values. Cassidy believes in thoughtful placements, clear expectations, and creating a positive experience for both clinicians and families.

Eliana M. Rhodes

Eliana is a dedicated Lead RBT with a background in child development and more than five years of ABA field experience. She excels at organizing treatment teams, mentoring new RBTs, and adapting teaching strategies to meet every child’s unique needs. Eliana is especially skilled in implementing functional communication training and building independence skills in daily routines. Her warm personality and steady support make her a favorite among families and team members alike.

Jasmine A. Corbett

Jasmine brings strong leadership and clinical insight to her role as Lead RBT, with eight years of hands-on ABA experience across home and school settings. She is known for her high energy, positive attitude, and skill in building rapport quickly with both children and parents. Jasmine oversees session fidelity, supports RBT training, and works closely with BCBAs to ensure each program is delivered with excellence. She has a particular passion for social-skills teaching and natural-environment learning.

Maya L. Trent

Maya has over six years of experience in ABA therapy and is known for her calm, structured approach that helps children feel safe, motivated, and confident. As a Lead RBT, she supports families, coaches new team members, and ensures treatment plans are implemented with consistency and care. Maya specializes in early-childhood intervention, communication development, and behavior-reduction strategies. Her passion comes from seeing small daily victories turn into life-changing progress for her clients.

Tanejah Buntley

Tanejah is a Registered Behavior Technician with over four years of experience providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children and families across both clinic and in-home settings. Her background includes supporting and mentoring RBTs in the clinical environment, collaborating with BCBAs, and helping ensure high-quality, compassionate care for each client.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and continued graduate-level study, Tanejah combines strong clinical knowledge with a family-centered, culturally sensitive approach. She values meeting each child where they are, celebrating meaningful progress, and supporting caregivers through open communication and practical strategies that truly help day-to-day life.

Above all, Tanejah is committed to fostering consistency, empathy, and growth for clients, families, and the clinicians she works alongside.

Brieanne Keener

Brie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who is passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals discover purpose, confidence, and joy in their daily lives. Her journey began in her mid-20s while working as an educator supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where she quickly developed a deep connection to the population she served.  Through mentorship and hands-on experience in a state facility, Brie found her calling in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and worked toward her BCBA certification. She believes in creating compassionate, person-centered treatment plans that celebrate each individual’s strengths while building independence and meaningful life skills.  Her approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) with ten years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. As a clinician at Kennedy ABA, Jessica specializes in ABA therapy, supervision, parent and caregiver coaching, professional training, mentorship, and behavior plan development grounded in evidence-based practice.
Jessica has worked with individuals ages 18 months to 23 years old across diverse service settings, including in-home, school, clinic-based, and community environments. She is dedicated to designing individualized and culturally responsive treatment plans that support meaningful progress and long-term success.
Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and maintains licensure as a behavior analyst in North Carolina, along with certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Committed to a holistic and collaborative model of care, Jessica believes in strength-based treatment, individualized programming, and active community involvement to empower clients and families. She is passionate about developing confident and competent clinicians through thoughtful supervision and mentorship, creating support systems that elevate the next generation of ABA professionals.
Caitlin Young

Caitlin Young has been a BCBA for 11 years, specializing in early intervention, pediatric feeding disorders and conducting initial assessments. She has worked across a variety of settings including home, clinic, school, and community environments. Caitlin finds joy in helping clients make meaningful progress and develop functional communication skills. Her goal is to help as many clients and families as possible access the care they need with compassion and understanding.

Christin Kennedy

Christin Kennedy is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, credentialed since January 2021. She began her career in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2016 as a Registered Behavior Technician, where she developed a passion for helping children and families thrive through evidence-based practices. With nearly a decade of experience in the field, Christin brings both clinical expertise and a compassionate, family-centered approach to her work. Outside of her professional role, Christin is a wife and a dedicated mother of two young boys.

Sarah Powell, BCBA

With a decade of experience as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Sarah brings both clinical expertise and a collaborative spirit to her role as Consulting Director at Kennedy ABA. She partners with the Kennedy team to strengthen clinical systems, establish sustainable practices, and ensure services are delivered with quality and compassion.
Sarah’s focus is on building a solid clinical foundation that not only supports organizational growth but also prioritizes the unique needs of each client and family. She believes that effective ABA services are built on trust, collaboration, and a personal touch, values that guide her work every day.