Dr. Hanna Rue and Jonathan Lehmann join us to discuss the importance of early diagnosis and the potential of a new tool aimed at addressing health disparities, particularly for families from diverse backgrounds. In this episode, we explore the application of the EarliPoint device, which uses eye gaze tracking technology to diagnose autism in children aged 16 to 30 months. Dr. Hanna Rue emphasizes, “We all know that access to diagnostics can be extremely challenging. Within the Boston area, some families are waiting three years. Research supports that the earlier you start with services, the better outcomes you have.”
Ribbon Cutting Celebration Held at New SPARKS ABA Learning Center in Springfield, VA
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SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, celebrated the opening of its new Springfield Learning Center by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5501 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151.
SPARKS ABA is Virginia’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 18 months to 15 years. The Backlick Rd. Learning Center is SPARKS ABA’s second location in Springfield.
Hosted by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting celebration was held on June 4, 2026.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Holly Hicks Dougherty, President of Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Ricardy Anderson, Fairfax County School Board, shared greetings and remarks. Members of the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce and other guests were in attendance.
Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet SPARKS ABA leadership team, Kayla Bagnato, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director, and Misha Meyer, M.S., BCBA, LBA, Managing Behavior Analyst.
“We’re proud to expand our reach and bring compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy to even more families in the greater Springfield area,” said Kayla Bagnato. “This new space is designed to support both individual growth and peer collaboration. It’s a place where children can gain essential skills—and where their journey toward success in school and life begins.”
The new Springfield Learning Center offers center-based ABA services, SPARK Saturdays (social skills group), and parent education/training. Key features of the Springfield Learning Center include a gross motor space for physical and social development and Launchpad Learning, an innovative school readiness program for children ages 3 to 6. There is no waitlist, and flexible treatment hours are available, including after-school hours, to accommodate busy family schedules. Outside of the center, the Springfield team offers in-home ABA therapy.
Bridging the gap between ABA and school
The Launchpad Learning Program at the Springfield Learning Center focuses on children with autism ages 3-6 years old who are ready to transition from a one-on-one learning environment to a group setting to help prepare them for school. With Launchpad, half the day involves group activities with a 3:1 staff-child ratio, developing team skills and independence, and the other half focuses on individual instruction to address personal growth areas. The Launchpad Learning Program ensures children are truly prepared socially, behaviorally, and academically before transitioning into a traditional school environment.
The center is now enrolling new clients in Springfield and beyond with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. For more information or to enroll a child at the Springfield Learning Center, call (703) 291-3558 or visit https://www.sparksaba.com.
About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.
SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Springfield, VA
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No Waitlist and Expanded Year-Round Services for Fairfax County Area Families
SPRINGFIELD, VA… SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of its new Learning Center at 5501 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151.
SPARKS ABA is Virginia’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 18 months to 15 years. The Backlick Rd. Learning Center is SPARKS ABA’s second location in Springfield.
“We are thrilled to open our doors and expand our compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and families throughout Fairfax County,” said Kayla Bagnato. “Through highly personalized support, we aim to empower each child and young adult to gain independence to succeed in school and life and reach their highest potential.”
The new Springfield Learning Center offers center-based and in-home ABA services, SPARK Saturdays (social skills group), and parent education/training.
Key Features of the Springfield Learning Center:
Large facility which includes a gross motor space for physical and social development.
ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
Serving children ages 18 months to 15 years old with personalized therapy plans.
Launchpad Learning – a school readiness program for children ages 3 to 6.
No waitlist and flexible treatment hours that include after-school hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
Conveniently located right off I-495 and I-395, and easily accessible for families in the region.
The center is now enrolling new clients in the Fairfax County area and beyond.
SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. For more information or to enroll a child at the Springfield Learning Center, call (703) 373-7557 or visit https://www.sparksaba.com.
About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.
SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Woodbridge, VA
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SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of its new Learning Center at 14059 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193.
SPARKS ABA is Virginia’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 2-15 years. The Woodbridge Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, diagnostic services, speech, and occupational therapy. Saturday Social Skills groups are also offered. Outside of the Learning Center, the Woodbridge team offers in-home and community-based ABA therapy.
“We are thrilled to open our doors and bring compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to families in Woodbridge and the surrounding areas,” said Merlyn Nair, Center Director. “Through highly personalized support, we aim to empower each child and adolescent to gain independence to succeed in school and life and reach their highest potential.”
Key Features of the Woodbridge Learning Center:
ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
Experienced clinical team and a family partnership approach.
Diagnostic services and speech and occupational therapy provided on-site.
No waitlist and flexible treatment hours – including part-day schedules and evening hours – to accommodate busy family schedules.
Serving children 2-15 years old with personalized therapy plans.
Conveniently located near I-95. Just 35 minutes away from Washington D.C. and easily accessible via public transportation for families in the region.
About SPARKS ABA
SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. In addition to the Woodbridge location, SPARKS ABA has Learning Centers in Fairfax, Manassas, and Springfield, VA, and Landover and Waldorf, MD.
The Woodbridge Learning Center is now enrolling new clients in Dale City, Dumfries, Fredericksburg, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Occoquan, Triangle, Woodbridge, and surrounding areas with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.
From Coast to Coast: How Angela Chang Continued Her Career with LEARN Behavioral After a Cross-Country Move
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After 14 years with LEARN Behavioral, Angela Chang didn’t want to leave the company behind when she and her husband decided to move from Southern California to Maryland. Thanks to the organization’s national presence, she didn’t have to.
Angela, a managing behavior analyst, had been with Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), working in Monrovia, California. When she relocated to Bowie, Maryland, she transferred to SPARKS and is now managing the newly opened Waldorf Learning Center.
Both AST and SPARKS are among LEARN Behavioral’s network of brands providing high-quality applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy across the country. Thanks to LEARN’s national network, Angela figured out how to seamlessly transfer to another job within the organization. Her story of transition reflects LEARN’s commitment to supporting clinicians, expanding access to care, and delivering personalized ABA nationwide.
Angela and her husband had long planned to move out of California for a slower pace of life. “We just wanted a slower walk of life, more access to nature, less traffic,” Angela says.
Planning Ahead Paid Off
Angela began planning her transition two years before the move. She searched LEARN’s internal careers page to see which regions had openings for her role and reached out to clinical leaders at SPARKS and Trellis Services, both based in Maryland.
Her clinical director in California helped her connect with local directors in Maryland. Angela also traveled there about a year in advance to tour facilities and determine the best fit.
“I’d rather have things lined up and be overprepared and know what’s going to happen,” she says. “At least I know I’m checking all of my boxes.”
She finalized her wedding and her cross-country move within weeks of each other. Thanks to early planning, she stepped into her new position without missing a beat.
From In-Home to Center-Based Care
Angela continues to support mid-tier supervisors and helps lead onboarding at the Waldorf Learning Center. As a leader in the Emerging Behavior Analyst (EBA) program both at AST and SPARKS, she mentors technicians working toward their board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certification, modeling how to manage caseloads and navigate professional challenges.
Her new setting differs from her previous in-home and school-based work. “Here, I’m managing not just people, but everything else that goes into running the center, from making sure we have enough supplies to keeping the walls decorated,” she says.
She also serves on LEARN’s Neurodivergent Advisory Committee (NAC), helping improve communication, workplace inclusivity, and clarity of HR materials across departments.
Advice for Others Considering a Transfer
Angela encourages others within LEARN to consider transferring if life leads them to a new location, or if they are looking for a different set of professional growth opportunities.
“Talk to your director,” she says. “The process can take time, especially if there isn’t a position available right away. Stay organized and communicate with everyone who could potentially be impacted by your transition in both your personal and professional lives.”
LEARN Behavioral’s nationwide network offers flexibility for employees to continue their careers across state lines. Angela’s story is just one example of what’s possible with thoughtful planning and a strong support system.
Want to learn more about internal transfers and job opportunities within LEARN Behavioral? Visit LEARN’s careers page to explore current openings across the country.
SPARKS Opens New Learning Center in Manassas, VA
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With over 10 years of experience providing compassionate contemporaryABA therapy to children with autism, we’re delighted to share that we opened a new SPARKS Learning Center this fall in Manassas, Virginia. The new center held an open house that included an official ribbon-cutting with their local Chamber of Commerce and opportunities for families to tour the facility, speak with the leadership team, and participate in fun activities. This new location offers a supportive, learning-rich environment where children with autism can work on individual skills in a group setting.
We couldn’t be more excited to support more families in the communities we serve. To learn more about where our services are located, find a location.
Advocating for Your Family and Good, Contemporary ABA With Arfa Alam
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Arfa Alam is a senior manager at the Partnership for Public Service, a non-profit that envisions a dynamic and innovative federal government that effectively serves our diverse nation. Prior to joining the Partnership, Arfa performed labor human rights and social responsibility work in more than 40 countries in both the public and private sectors. Arfa joins us to share her experience and deep conviction for the appropriate care, and rights for all. She is the proud mother, wife, and sister of disabled and differently-abled individuals, including her two autistic sons, her husband who lives with early onset Parkinson’s disease, and her twin sister, who is deaf and was the first person in life to teach her about differences and empathy.
As she shares, “As a first-generation American, it is particularly important to me to bring awareness, acceptance, and inclusion to our communities for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergences.” Arfa’s passion for public service stems from her experience as a first-first-generation Muslim-American with special needs family members. We are grateful for the opportunity to have this discussion with Arfa and we look forward to having her with us again soon.
All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
The Importance of Sticking to Consistent ABA Therapy
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By Ashley Williams, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D
Schedule Transitions Make Sticking to ABA Therapy Even More Important
Anyone in charge of the family calendar knows how important it is to stick to a schedule. It helps keep life on track.
For children on the autism spectrum, a steady schedule is even more important. A daily routine can create a sense of structure and predictability. It can reinforce a sense of stability and allow them to focus better on learning and interacting with others.
When family schedules change — like the transition from summer to back-to-school — it can be anxiety-provoking. The sudden shift from a relaxed summer schedule to a structured school routine can be overwhelming. However, maintaining a consistent daily routine during this transition can help alleviate some of this stress and anxiety.
Back to School and Back to ABA Therapy Services
For children with autism, continuing with applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy when going back to school gives them a big advantage.
It helps to improve social, communication, and learning skills through reinforcement strategies. It also provides them with a set of tools to navigate the complexities of the school environment, helping them to learn how to interact with their peers, follow instructions, and interact in a classroom setting—all of which should be fun.
ABA therapy can be tailored to meet each child’s unique needs and goals, making it an effective way to support their overall development and learning. By incorporating play-based activities and strategies, children not only enjoy themselves but also experience the joy of learning through play.
5 Reasons Why Consistent ABA Services Are Essential
Skill Maintenance: Consistency in ABA services helps children maintain the skills they have already learned. Without ongoing practice and reinforcement, they may experience skill regression, which can impede their progress. Consistent ABA services reinforce learned skills across different settings.
Generalization of Skills: ABA services can provide opportunities to practice and generalize their skills in different environments. By working on skills outside the traditional school setting — such as in community settings or during recreational activities — your child can learn to adapt to skills across various real-life situations.
Individualized Support: Consistent ABA services allow for ongoing individualized support tailored to the specific needs of your child. ABA programs are highly individualized, focusing on the unique goals and interests of each child. Continuity of services allows you and your team to monitor your child’s progress, adjust goals as necessary, and introduce new skills based on your child’s development and needs.
Behavior Management: Summer break may have introduced changes in routine and increased leisure time, which can sometimes lead to challenging behaviors. As your child goes back to school, consistent ABA services provide behavioral strategies and interventions to address and manage these behaviors effectively. ABA professionals can work closely with you and your child to develop behavior support plans and provide guidance on how to address challenging behaviors as they arise.
Transition Preparation: For those transitioning to a new school or educational setting in the upcoming academic year, consistent ABA services can facilitate a smoother transition. ABA professionals can focus on specific skills that will support your child’s adjustment to the new environment. That focus can include social skills, communication, and self-help skills. By addressing these areas during times of transition, your child can feel more prepared and confident when starting their new educational journey.
For children with autism, transitioning back to school requires a careful balance between preventing skill regression and having fun. At LEARN, our goal is both. A collaborative relationship between your family and your behavior analyst can help you create a steady schedule that works during this time of transition and sets your child up for ongoing success in school and life.
Ashley Williams is a senior clinical director at LEARN Behavioral.
How ABA Therapy Helped Our Children Succeed: Insights from Two BCBA Moms
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In this informative video, two Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) moms, Heather and Trisha, share their personal experiences with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and how it has helped their children succeed. For more information about our ABA Therapy services, visit: https://lrnbvr.com/yt-aba-moms
Q&A About ABA Therapy for Children with Autism
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FAQ for Caregivers
Was your child recently diagnosed with autism? Are you beginning to navigate treatment for your child? Before you get started, check out these FAQs about ABA therapy.
What is the goal of ABA therapy?
ABA therapy is designed to support autistic individuals and their families, achieve their identified goals, and improve their quality of life. ABA-based interventions are supported by decades of research and enhance social, communication, play, and adaptive skills. Services incorporate the needs and interests of the autistic individual and their caregiver(s). A behavior analyst delivers the ABA services with the help of behavior technicians, who often provide direct care to the autistic individual. Services are tailored to the individual’s unique needs, with their feedback, and evolve over time. Services for children may look quite different than services for adults, given the individuals’ needs differ over time.
What is “contemporary ABA” therapy?
At LEARN, we refer to our approach as “contemporary ABA.” It is an evolved approach to ABA therapy that promotes individualized treatment, naturalistic and play-based teaching, and is person-centered. LEARN provides a contemporary approach that acknowledges the evolution of ABA, values the individual and their family, and creates space for individuality. Practicing contemporary ABA therapy means that our behavior analysts deeply understand their responsibility to positively and meaningfully impact the lives of the individuals served.
How many hours of ABA therapy will my child receive?
Your child’s hours will be determined between you and your behavior analyst. Your behavior analyst recommends hours based on assessing your child’s needs, other therapies received, and your feedback as the parent/caregiver. Focused programs range from 10-25 hours per week, and comprehensive programs range from 30-40 hours weekly. At LEARN, we provide home-based, center-based, and community-based services, and you can reach out to your local clinical director to find out which services are available in your area. Check out this video to learn about the number of hours clinically recommended for your child.
Are your ABA therapy services individualized?
Absolutely! Each autistic person we serve is unique, and we believe that should be celebrated. Our goal is to promote individual interests and incorporate those into ABA therapy. Behavior analysts make individualized recommendations for services, including hours based on the child and customized goals that fit their needs. Behavior therapists receive training on how to understand the preferences of their clients and include those in sessions to make them fun, rewarding, and engaging.
How is neurodiversity integrated into your approach to ABA therapy?
Listening to the perspective of autistic folks has informed our approach to ABA therapy and led us to incorporate neurodiversity into our practice. Our goal is to elevate the autistic voices in our community, including the individuals we serve, our neurodivergent employees, and the greater neurodivergent community. We’re deeply committed to person-centered ABA therapy practices and promote assent-based care, meaning we validate the identities and experiences of neurodivergent folks and create space for autistic voices to be heard and upheld. Learn more about our commitment to neurodiversity here.
Will my child be required to do discrete trials and sit at a table?
Not all autistic folks benefit from discrete trials or table-top work. For example, a two-year-old child with lots of energy may benefit more from a play-based approach with the therapist sitting on the floor and embedding learning opportunities in play with their favorite toy. Behavior analysts overseeing the treatment plan take time to assess the individual’s needs and work collaboratively with the family to identify an approach to treatment that will work best for the child.
What if someone doesn’t want ABA therapy?
We understand that not everyone seeks ABA therapy, feels it’s the best fit, or perhaps, thinks it’s the right time to try. As with other medical services, the patient (along with their caregiver, if a child) has the right to decide when, if, and what treatment is right for them. Not all ABA therapy providers have the same approach, either, and LEARN supports a family’s right to choose a provider that meets their needs and is a good match for their treatment goals. We want families and our clients to be excited about services and encourage collaboration on our journey together.
Reviewed by Dr. Ashley Williams, PhD, LABA, BCBA-D, Sr. Clinical Director
To learn more about ABA, visit our website. You can also search our locations here.
