ABA therapy in school for students with autism
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The Use of ABA Therapy in School Settings

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-established and evidence-based approach that has proven to be highly effective in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Beyond clinical and therapeutic settings, ABA also plays a vital role in enhancing the learning experiences of students with autism in school environments. 

In this blog, we will explore how ABA is utilized in school settings to create supportive and inclusive learning environments for students with autism.

  1. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): ABA’s strength lies in its ability to tailor interventions to suit the unique needs of each student. In school settings, ABA is utilized to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with autism. These plans outline specific academic, behavioral, and social goals, as well as the strategies and accommodations required to help students achieve them. 
  2. Behavior Management: For students with autism, managing challenging behaviors can be a significant obstacle to learning. ABA provides a comprehensive framework for behavior management in schools. By utilizing functional behavior assessments, educators can identify the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and design behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address them effectively. 
  3. Social Skills Training: Social interactions can be particularly challenging for students with autism. ABA incorporates social skills training within the school curriculum to help students develop effective communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction skills. 
  4. Visual Supports and Schedules: Many students with autism benefit from visual supports and structured schedules to enhance their understanding and participation in school routines. ABA techniques include the use of visual schedules, social stories, and visual aids to assist students in comprehending expectations, transitions, and daily activities.
  5. Data-Driven Progress Monitoring: ABA’s data-driven approach is essential in tracking students’ progress and making informed decisions about their educational goals. Teachers and support staff collect data regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies as needed.

In conclusion, incorporating ABA in school settings has proven to be a transformative and empowering approach for students with autism. From developing individualized education plans and behavior management strategies to providing social skills training and using visual supports, ABA fosters a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. 

By recognizing and embracing the unique needs of each student, educators can unlock the potential of students with autism, enabling them to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Through the integration of ABA principles, schools become places of growth, understanding, and opportunity for all students, regardless of their abilities or challenges.

Searching for support for students with autism in Arizona or North Carolina schools?

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Cardinal Pediatric Therapies provides ABA therapy services for children with autism in North Carolina and the Greater Phoenix area, offering in-clinic and in-home therapy, parent training, and classroom readiness programs.

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©

2025

©

2025

Cardinal Pediatric Therapies

ABA Therapy Services

Felicia Freeman

Clinic Manager

I am Felicia Freeman, the Clinic Manager for Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. I have been in ABA for several years now and am passionate about the community that we serve. I started out as an RBT, decided to go the administrative route, and worked my way up to managing clinics. I choose this field every day because I enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and building strong teams that change lives.

Amanda Dean, MA, BCBA, LBA

Johnston County, NC

Amanda graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018 with her Masters in Psychology. She proceeded to complete her graduate certificate in ABA and became a BCBA in November 2020. Amanda has a passion for behavior reduction, tolerance training and functional communication training. She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her 3 children and husband. When she’s not working, Amanda is very involved in her local Pop Warner Cheerleading program where she is the Assistant Cheer Director and a head coach.

Becky Fronheiser

Operations Director

Arizona

Becky has worked in behavioral health for 7 years. She joined Cardinal in the spring of 2024.  Becky is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people and looks forward to supporting families with their specific ABA needs.  In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 6 kids and 4 grandkids and loves to travel and relax on the beach.

Matthew Wilkinson

Operations Director

Cary, NC

Matthew holds a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has worked in the pediatric field for the majority of his professional life and has a passion for helping bring the best care to children in need. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and day trips to the coast.

 

Trisha Iannotta Bieszczad, PsyD., BCBA

Triad, NC

Trisha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive expertise since 2016 in applying behavior analytic principles to improve the lives of children and adolescents. Her professional journey began with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, emphasizing child and adolescent development. This foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of psychological theories and practices, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a BCBA. Outside of her professional endeavors, Trisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her family & trying out new restaurants. Trisha’s dedication to both her career and personal interests reflects her commitment to continual growth and enrichment, both professionally and personally. Her multifaceted background allows her to approach each aspect of her life with a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for learning and exploration.

Tina Lee

Director of Finance

Tina Lee is the Finance Director for Cardinal with a variety of experience in the Healthcare Industry for over 13 years. She is compassionate and always eager to assist where she can. In the ever-changing Healthcare environment, Tina has played a vital role in putting processes in place to obtain high efficiency outcomes to help our clients get the care they need. Tina enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

William Evans

Director of Outreach and Recruitment

William is a UNCW Graduate who started his professional career working in Marketing and Recruiting for a local technology company before looking for an opportunity to take those skills and help others. In his spare time he plays hockey, including annually for the North Carolina Autism Hockey Tournament, which is dedicated to the raising money and awareness for organizations helping local families with children diagnosed with autism.

Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA, LBA

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way!  Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.  Alice‘s professional experience began with ABA in a school setting, and has worked in schools, homes, and clinics throughout the years while enjoying collaboration with related providers.  In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, exploring parks with her dog, Oliver, and trying new restaurants. 

Darrin Miller

CEO

Darrin has dedicated his education and career to the field of behavioral health. As a licensed therapist and master’s in clinical counseling he works to create solutions that improve the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder at a local, state, and national level. He strives to create a culture of caring and empathy while innovating solutions for improving families’ access to quality care as quickly as possible.