ABA Autism Programs

The Kaufman Children’s Center offers applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs with a specialization in applied verbal behavior (AVB) for children on the autism spectrum. Experienced board-certified behavior analysts and speech-language pathologists work together to help children understand and use language for functional and social communication. Many children also receive occupational therapy at the KCC for a true team approach to the treatment of autism.

Signs of ASD

Indications your child needs an ASD eval

All About ABA

About ABA and why it's best first step

ABA Options

Learn more about ABA for kids age 2-7

Get Started

How to begin ABA services at the KCC

Our Staff

Meet the staff who will work with your child

Therapist Tips

Ideas to help your child outside the therapy room

Signs & Symptoms of ASD

Autism is a spectrum disorder and therefore it can range from very mild to severe. Some children may seem to be developing typically and then appear to regress and lose skills around 18-24 months. Other children may have developmental delays that are apparent earlier.

Because early intervention is so important to minimizing the delays associated with autism, it is critical to diagnose and treat autism as soon as it is suspected.  A “wait and see” approach may be suggested by some, but if you are worried about autism, it is important to seek an evaluation by qualified professionals right away.

  • Does not reliably turn and respond when called by name
  • Does not demonstrate “pretend” play
  • Does not show they understand language by responding to directions (touch tummy, go get)
  • Has few words or delayed speech
  • Does not point to show interest in something
  • Becomes easily upset by changes in routine
  • Has interests that seem odd or obsessive, such as ordering items or lining them up
  • Does not use eye contact to support communication
  • Engages in mannerisms such as flapping or twisting hands or fingers
  • Does not use gestures to communicate but rather uses hand leading to show what they want

The M-CHAT is a two-stage parent-report screening tool to assess risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was designed to identify children 16 to 30 months of age who should receive a more thorough assessment for possible early signs of ASD or developmental delay. Click below to complete the screening for your child.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Treatment

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) uses the most research-based methods to treat autism spectrum disorder and maximize a child’s ability to function successfully across all aspects of school and home. Therapy includes both structured teaching and naturalistic teaching that occurs during play and other activities of daily living.

ABA offers a two-prong approach: it helps children acquire critical skills to be successful and also identifies and reduces challenging behaviors that interfere with daily life.

Critical Skills Taught in ABA

  • Communicating wants and needs
  • Understanding language
  • Imitating the motor actions of others
  • Developing appropriate play skills
  • Social skills and group behavior
  • Toilet training
  • Early cognitive/academic skills

Behaviors Reduced in ABA

  • Repetitive behaviors that interfere with learning
  • Tantrums when not given something they desire
  • Tantrums when told to do something that is less preferred
  • Difficulty with waiting
  • Difficulty with transitions throughout the day

Some inexpensive learning options can be found here:

Treatment Options at the KCC

The Kaufman Children’s Center’s intensive early ABA program has enjoyed a reputation of excellence for over 10 years.  We were providing the highest quality treatment long before most centers in Michigan came to exist.

Our ABA program is unique in that it includes an emphasis on communication (verbal behavior). Highly trained speech-language pathologists provide input on a daily basis to successfully address the unique needs of children with autism who also struggle to produce speech.

Children also benefit from the coordination of ABA, speech-language, and occupational therapists who work together daily under one roof. Our team approach ensures support of all of the child’s goals to the maximum extent across all settings.

The KCC offers ABA treatment within our beautiful, state-of-the-art clinic. Children may also receive ABA in the home setting or in both settings for a combined approach.  Home-based programs are staffed with the same technicians who provide services in our clinic setting.

Center-based ABA Treatment

Autism programs on site at the Kaufman Children's Center

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Home-Based ABA Treatment

Autism programs in the child's natural environment

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Click arrows right and left to tour our facilities!

How to Begin ABA Services

Our staff is excited to help you get started at the Kaufman Children’s Center! Here’s what to expect.

GET A DIAGNOSIS

Your first step is to schedule an autism diagnostic evaluation at an approved autism evaluation center (AAEC). Contact your insurance provider to locate an AAEC that is in your network. A recommendation for ABA is typically made at this time. Please note: although we provide treatment for autism at the KCC, we do not diagnose autism.

GIVE US SOME INFO

Please give us some basic information about your child via our ABA intake form HERE. Once you submit the form, one of our board-certified behavior analysts will give you a call. They will discuss your child’s needs with you and provide information on the status of our waiting list.

RECEIVE AN ASSESSMENT

An effective ABA program starts with a thorough assessment. We review your child’s areas of strengths and needs and obtain input from you as the parent/caregiver. Every ABA program is individualized as is as unique as the child for whom it is designed. We use the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Planning Program (VB-MAPP) as our assessment and tool for selecting goals.  Because have access to speech-language pathologists daily for every child, we can identify the most appropriate goals for improving speech intelligibility and language processing.

ABOUT INSURANCE

Kaufman Children’s Center provides ABA treatment through the following providers: Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan, and Blue Care Network. That said, you should contact your individual plan to determine if ABA is a covered benefit. An authorization for treatment will need to be obtained.  You are responsible for any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance costs.

ABA Program Staff

All members of the KCC staff represent the highest standards of excellence in their field and have extensive experience in pediatric therapy. Continuing education is supported and encouraged to ensure our methods are as up-to-date as possible. Our staff members are part of the KCC team because of their expertise, outstanding clinical skills, and their warmth and insight into children.

AMANDA PRATER

CLINICAL DIRECTOR – K1
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in applied behavior analysis, both from Western Michigan University.

She was named an ABA clinical director in 2021, after first serving as a BCBA and K1 program director.

Before joining the KCC, Amanda was a behavior analyst in a residential treatment facility, conducting functional analyses and developing clinical programming for children with severe challenging behavior.

She enjoys training staff and parents to positively impact the families we provide services for.

Amanda and her husband Chris have two boys.

LINDSAY MUNCEY

CLINICAL DIRECTOR – K2
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Lindsay earned her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Western Michigan University and her master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Ball State University.

She was named an ABA clinical director in 2021, after first serving as a BCBA and K2 program director.

Before becoming a board-certified behavior analyst at the KCC, she worked here for many years as an ABA tech.

She says the best part of her job is learning from all of the wonderful kids and their families.

Lindsay and her husband Max have two daughters, a cat named Albie, and a French mastiff named Marty.

ALYSON BONO

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Alyson earned her bachelor’s degree in child development from Central Michigan University and her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University.

She has worked at the KCC since 2015 and was a lead ABA tech before becoming a BCBA and starting in her current position.

Alyson’s favorite part of her job is seeing the kids’ cute faces every day and helping them learn new skills.

She has two cats (Otis and Elliot) and loves spending time on the lake, listening to live music, and spending time with her family.

KRISTI BUCCELLATO

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Kristi earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Wayne State University.

She obtained her master’s in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis in autism at Ball State University.

Before becoming a BCBA, Kristi was a longtime ABA tech here at the KCC, and had previous experience as a tech at a different facility.

Outside of work, Kristi enjoys camping and going on adventures with her three kids.

HAILEE HALL

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Hailee graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in neuroscience and psychology. She went on to earn her master’s in special education from Oakland University.

Hailee was an ABA tech at the KCC before getting her BCBA certification. She had previous ABA experience before that, and also worked as a psychometrist intern at a mental health facility.

Hailee enjoys reading, sports and travel. She has a poodle/yorkie mix named Poochie Edward.

SHARITA PARHAM

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Sharita earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in American sign language at Central Michigan University.

She later obtained a post-bachelor’s degree in speech pathology at Wayne State University and a master’s degree in education through Arizona State University.

Before becoming a board-certified behavior analyst, Sharita worked as an ABA technician for several years.

Sharita is a dog mom to an adorable German Shepherd mix named Chandler.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, finding a binge-worthy TV show, and experimenting with recipes and home DIY projects.

KRISTYN PARKER

BCBA SUPERVISOR
Board-Certified
Behavior Analyst
MA, BCBA, LBA

Kristyn earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Central Michigan.

She was a senior ABA tech at the KCC before becoming a BCBA and has previous ABA experience in the hospital setting.

Kristyn enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

KRISTI WOJNO

RBT/STAFF TRAINER
Board-Certified Assistant
Behavior Analyst
MS, BCaBA, LBA

Kristi earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Central Michigan University.

She and her husband Eric have two children.

Practicum Partnership with MSU & WMU

Kaufman Children’s Center is proud to be an approved practicum site for the prestigious ABA graduate programs at both Michigan State University and Western Michigan University. Our board-certified behavior analysts work closely with these graduate students, sharing proven techniques and supervising a quality fieldwork experience as they strive to complete their own BCBA coursework.

ABA Administration

KAYLA PERDUE

ABA Clinic Coordinator

Kayla earned a BA in family life education from Concordia University. She has experience in the ABA field as both a tech and a scheduling coordinator.

Kayla has two daughters with big hearts who keep her on her toes. She loves spending time with her fiancé, family and friends. Kayla is a cheerleading coach and enjoys summer time and going camping.

VERA GJERGJAJ

ABA Staff Manager

Coming soon

ABA SLPs & OTs

Dedicated speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists are integral members of our team and have specialized and ongoing training in ABA. SLPs offer strategies to maximize speech-motor and functional communication skills. OTs work with kids to generalize skills across all environments, including activities of daily living, fine motor skills, and sensory processing.

SLPs and OTs in our program work with each child’s supervising BCBA to seamlessly coordinate treatment with ABA goals to ensure carryover of skills throughout the day.

JULIA SZYMANSKI

Occupational Therapist (ABA)
MOT, OTRL

Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from Concordia University and her master’s in occupational therapy from Eastern Michigan.

Throughout college, Julia worked as a preschool aide and did her level two student fieldwork working with kids with severe autism, ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

She enjoys spending time with her family and doing anything outdoors, such as camping and going to the beach.

Julia married her husband John in 2022.

SIMONE FRAME

Speech-Language Pathologist
MS, CCC-SLP

Simone earned her undergrad degree at Calvin College and her master’s in speech-language pathology from Saint Mary’s College.

In addition to speech, she is also certified in behavior management.

Simone loves to crochet and garden.

ABA Technicians

We only hire the highest-qualified candidates and our ABA technicians are dedicated to awesome outcomes. Each tech has education/experience in a related field, undergoes a background check, and receives a minimum of one month’s training before working with children. Ongoing education is also provided so our staff stays current on the newest methods.

ERIN FRANKLIN

Lead ABA Tech

Erin earned a BS in psychology at Towson University, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.

She has completed additional coursework in family and human services and previously worked as a reading tutor.

Erin enjoys swimming, cooking with her boyfriend, traveling (including a trip to Alaska) and spending time with friends and family.

 

LAUREN GOLD

Lead ABA Tech/RBT

Lauren earned her BA at Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in psychology and minoring in counseling. She has previous experience as a behavior tech.

Lauren loves being active and is an avid hiker and runner. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

AUDREY LAPORTE

Lead ABA Tech/RBT

Audrey earned a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Michigan State University, where she graduated with honors. She has previous experience as a behavior technician.

Audrey has a dog name Doug.

CHANEL MARTIN

Lead ABA Tech/RBT

Chanel earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts and sign language through a dual program from Oakland University and Siena Heights University. She also completed a large amount of coursework in psychology and sociology, graduating as a member of the honor society.

Before coming to the KCC, Chanel worked in the culinary field and often volunteered for sign language interpreting conferences. She has completed over 300 working in the sign language field. She and her husband have two children.

SHEENA PARIKH

Lead ABA Tech/RBT

Coming soon

TESSA SMITH

Lead ABA Tech/RBT

Tessa studied organismal biology and child education at Schoolcraft College and graduated from the University of Michigan – Dearborn with a BA in psychology and a minor in art history.

She has previous experience working in daycare as an assistant teacher and then a lead teacher.

Tessa and her partner Rob are working hard to buy a home for themselves and their puppy.

RACHEL STEED

Lead ABA Tech

Rachel earned a BS in education at Bowling Green State University, majoring as an intervention specialist. She has previous experience in elementary and Montessori schools in a variety of positions, including as a substitute teacher, teacher’s aide, and paraprofessional. She enjoys working with children and has a passion to teach.

Rachel has a golden doodle named Rusti.

DALLAS WHEELOCK

ABA Tech/RBT

Dallas earned a BA in communication sciences and disorders from Central Michigan University. She previously worked in respite and direct care at JARC and has a strong knowledge of American Sign Language.

Dallas’ favorite things in the world are her dachshund and gecko. She enjoys being active and loves to rollerblade.

EMILY BERDAN

ABA Tech

Emily has attended Arizona State University and Oakland Community College and holds an associate’s degree in general studies. She will begin working toward a degree in communication sciences and disorders at Wayne State University in Winter 2025.

Emily is a three-time recipient of Starbucks Partner of the Quarter award.

BOBBI RHEA COOPER

ABA Tech

Coming soon

MORGAN COPSEY

ABA Tech

Morgan earned an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assistance at Owens Community College in Ohio. Before coming to KCC, she had two years of experience as a registered behavior technician.

In her free time, Morgan enjoys playing sand volleyball.

ELISE CYRIAX

ABA Tech

Elise studied elementary education at Oakland University and early childhood education at Macomb Community College. She has previous experience in ABA.

BRENNA DIRKSE

ABA Tech

Brenna earned her bachelor’s degree in cognitive science from the University of Michigan.

She has 2 1/2 years experience as an ABA tech.

Brenna enjoys reading history, traveling, and cooking. She loves cats and has two boys: Scooter and Louie.

AMIRA FARRIS

ABA Tech

Coming soon

MIRACLE HENRY

ABA Tech

Miracle began working with special needs kids at Blossomland Learning Center in Berrien Springs as a short-term summer job. She was asked to become a permanent staff member at the end of the season, which was rare in that job position, and stayed until she went off to college.

Miracle earned her bachelor’s degree psychology with a child development minor at Central Michigan University and is also certified as a patient care technician.

She loves kids and it warms her heart to play and work with them, or even to just put a smile on their faces.

Miracle also loves dogs and playing volleyball and basketball.

REBECCA HOWELLS

ABA Tech

Rebecca earned an associate’s degree in speech and language science and a bachelor’s degree in human communication science, both from the University of Portsmouth.

She has previous experience as an ABA tech, special education paraprofessional, and speech and language assistant.

Rebecca enjoys crafting and spending time outdoors with her husband and son.

LAUREN HUGHES

ABA Tech

Lauren earned a BA in early childhood development and learning from Central Michigan University.

She has previous experience as a special education teacher.

JILIA JOHNSON

ABA Tech

Jilia earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Kalamazoo College, where she earned two awards for leadership.

Jilia loves traveling around the world and is soon to start her own photography and scrapbook buisness.

KENDALL LUBERTO

ABA Tech

Kendall is currently attending Macomb Community College. She is a dual citizen and is related to Sharon Tate.

CAMRYN McCRARY

ABA Tech

Camryn is attending Oakland Community College. She is a certified birth doula.

ABIGAIL PAIGE

ABA Tech

Coming soon

FLYNN PARKER

ABA Tech

Flynn is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has experience teaching in early childhood classrooms.

CHRISTINA PAYNE

ABA Tech

Coming soon

SHANIQUA SPENCER

ABA Tech

Shaniqua is currently attending Henry Ford Community College, working on an elementary education degree.

She loves to cook and enjoys art museums.

LAURA TAMBE

ABA Tech

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in psychological science from the University of Kore Enna and a master’s in social psychology from the University of Milano Bicocca, both in Italy.

She enjoys reading and Japanese food.

SAMANTHA VANSICKLE

ABA Tech

Samantha earned an associate’s degree in general education from Macomb Community College and studied elementary education at Oakland University. She is currently finishing a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis through Purdue Global University and hopes to continue on to earn her master’s in ABA.

Samantha has worked with young children for over 10 years in childcare facilities and preschools. Her duties grew from support staff to assistant teacher, and she took on lead teacher duties when needed.

Samantha has two French bulldogs, Moxi and Mowi, and has a lifelong love for horses and their beauty. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and being outside in nature.

RILEY WELSHEIMER

ABA Tech

Riley earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Trine University in Illinois, where she also played soccer.

ABA Assistants

No staff members found here.

Therapist Tips for Development of Kids with ASD

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