The integration of medical applied behavior analysis services within school environments represents one of the most complex and consequential practice areas in the field. As Rebecca Urbano Powell's panel presentation highlights, providing medical ABA in schools requires navigating the intersection of healthcare and educational systems, each with its own laws, funding mechanisms, eligibility criteria, and professional cultures.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Council of Autism Service Providers
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Join Free →This panel presentation will explore the integration of medical Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services within school environments, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities this setting presents. ABA is a well-established, evidence-based approach for treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. When implemented in schools, ABA services can significantly enhance students' educational experiences and outcomes. Key topics to be discussed include: Determining Medical Necessity Across Treatment Settings: The importance of conducting thorough assessments across settings to identify medical necessity per setting and to create individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient. This includes identifying dosage per setting based on the goals selected and data utilization in calculating dosage per goal. Collaboration and Coordination: Strategies for effective collaboration between ABA providers, school staff, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a cohesive approach to student care. Understanding the entitlements and laws: Deep discussion on IDEA, ADA, MHPAEA, and other regulations that impact the delivery of services in school, and their impact on providers. Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical issues related to providing ABA services in a school setting, including maintaining confidentiality and ensuring informed consent. The panel will feature experienced ABA providers and legal professionals who will share their insights and experiences, highlighting successful examples and practical solutions to common challenges. Attendees will interact with the panelists in asking questions as well as in engaging in dialogue about topics brough by the chair and are encouraged to submit questions or discussion points ahead of time so they can be raised during the presentation. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively deliver ABA services in schools, ultimately supporting the academic and social success of students with developmental disabilities.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| APA | 0 | — |
| COA | 1 | — |
Rebecca has been working in the field of ABA since 2001 in clinic, community, home and school settings. From 2005-2014 she helped start and grow the ABA program at Tustin Unified School District in Orange County, CA to 80+ staff and 120+ students. She formed Seven Dimensions Behavioral Health in 2018 which offers clinical ABA and an ABA based Day Treatment program for preschool through adult transition. In 2022, Rebecca was elected Treasurer on the COABA (Colorado Association for Behavior Analysis) Executive Board. She is a member of the team which helped draft the bill for Medically Necessary Treatment in Schools and successfully helped lobby for its passage. She was elected as the President of COABA for 2024-2026 and is also a Subject Matter Expert for APBA Public Policy Committee. Rebecca was appointed to the Advisory Board for Rethink with the intent to improve ABA practice management and data collection systems to meet the needs of ABA clinicians. She is passionate about representing providers across the U.S. as one universal voice.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.