COMING SOON—Our NEW Learning Centers in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Roseville, and Westland, MI! Learn More
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Our new Chicago, IL Learning Center had a successful grand opening! We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Northern Illinois.
For families of children with autism and other developmental needs, choosing places to go for fun outings often means looking for spaces that are quieter, less crowded, and easy to navigate. Those kinds of environments can keep kids comfortable and engaged without too much sensory input.
Sensory-friendly spaces can support that. Some offer structured programs with smaller groups and adjusted sound or lighting. Others are simply calm, predictable places where families can move at their own pace and take breaks when needed.
In and around Roseville, Michigan families have options. These five spots, all within a short drive, offer a mix of indoor and outdoor settings that work well for lower-stimulation outings.
Huron Park has a simple layout with a large, open greenspace and a playground. The park feels manageable, and families can shift between the playground and open grass without long transitions or crowded pathways. It also has a walking track, bike trail, ballfields, a fitness court, an inline skate area, picnic areas with shelters, tables, grills, and restrooms.
Tips for families: Walk the space once before your child starts playing so they can see where everything is. Bring a familiar toy or snack to help with transitions between activities.
The South Branch of the Clinton-Macomb Public Library offers a structured, low-pressure environment with a well-organized children’s area. Visits can be brief and flexible, and staff can help guide families to quieter corners or simple activities.
Tips for families: Start with a short visit, and leave before your child gets overwhelmed. Let your child choose one activity so the outing feels predictable.
A short drive from Roseville, St. Clair Shores Public Library provides another steady option for a low-stimulation outing, with a children’s section designed for browsing and quiet activity. The space supports short, focused visits, which can help families avoid overstimulation while still giving children a chance to engage.
Tips for families: Set a simple goal, like picking out one or two books. Build a routine by visiting the same section each time.
St. Clair Shores Civic Arena offers public ice-skating sessions in a controlled, predictable environment. The space is contained, the activity is repetitive, and families can move at their own pace, which can work well for children who benefit from routine and clear boundaries. Sessions vary in size and noise level, but earlier or less busy times tend to feel more manageable. The structure of skating, with a clear start and stop, can also help children understand what to expect.
Tips for families: Check the public skate schedule so you can choose a quieter session. Bring familiar gear or take breaks as needed to keep the experience comfortable.
Lake St. Clair Metropark gives families access to wide paths, water views, and enough space to spread out, which can help reduce sensory overload. Even on busier days, the size of the park makes it possible to find quieter areas, and the clear layout helps keep the experience predictable.
Tips for families: Choose one small area of the park instead of trying to see everything. Bring comfort items like headphones or a favorite object for breaks.
For families in Roseville, finding the right places to go is one part of helping a child build comfort and confidence in the community. Total Spectrum supports children and families through applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and related services that focus on communication, daily living skills, and routines. If you are looking for support in the Roseville area, Total Spectrum is here to help you take the next step.
Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Lansing Learning Center at 111 Edgewood Blvd., Suite 14 & 15, Lansing, MI 48911.
Total Spectrum is Michigan’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and young adults ages 2-22 years. The new Lansing Learning Center provides center-based and in-home ABA therapy and parent education.
“We are excited to open our doors and bring compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to Lansing and the surrounding area,” said Cheryl Geniesse, M.A., BCBA, Regional Clinical Director. “We look forward to helping find success for every individual and family.”
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Lansing and beyond, with no waitlist for daytime hours and flexible treatment hours.
Total Spectrum is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, one of the nation’s leading providers of contemporary ABA therapy. Total Spectrum has been delivering evidence-based services for more than 10 years, helping children and young adults with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
Total Spectrum has locations throughout Michigan. For more information or to enroll a child at the new Lansing Learning Center, call (844) 263-1613 or visit https://totalspectrumcare.com/locations/lansing
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.
We’re thrilled to have a local ABA therapy Learning Center in Oak Creek, Wisconsin! To learn more about our center, visit here.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Andy Bondy and his wife, Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, who are the co-founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. They’re also the creators of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Together, they share about the origins and updates of PECS, their work around the world, and the release of the 3rd Edition of the PECS Manual.
We explore the importance of everyday language when discussing effective teaching strategies, the power of collaborative teamwork, and the need for truly individualized support. Andy and Lori also provide a forward-looking perspective on the future of PECS and emphasize why embracing cross-cultural understanding is essential for effective communication.
Join us for this insightful conversation that offers evidence-based communication practices designed to empower parents, educators, and clinicians.
View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/the-story-of-pecs
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.
Hear from Regional Clinical Director Cheryl Geniesse, M.A., BCBA, as she shares insights about our Ann Arbor Learning Center and the comprehensive autism services we provide. Learn more about ABA therapy in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by visiting: https://totalspectrumcare.com/locations/ann-arbor.
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.”
View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/eye-gaze-technology-and-equity-in-action
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.
Was your child recently diagnosed with autism? Are you beginning to navigate treatment for your child? Before you get started, check out these seven FAQs about 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.
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 means that our behavior analysts deeply understand their responsibility to positively and meaningfully impact the lives of the individuals served.
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.
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.
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.
Not all autistic folks benefi t from discrete trials or tabletop 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.
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.
When pursuing a career in autism therapy, it’s essential to understand the qualifications and roles of professionals in the field.
Two key titles you will encounter are known as board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs). Though they sound similar, they have distinct differences.
The main difference between the BCaBA vs BCBA titles is the level of education and supervision required for each. Let’s explore more about each role.
The titles “BCaBA” and “BCBA” are the two main certifications in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. That may sound like a lot of alphabet soup, but let’s break it down:
The roles also require a different level of supervision.
There is a difference between BCBA and BCaBA coursework required. To become a BCBA, coursework covers ABA therapy for autism, ethics, measurement, experimental design, and behavior assessment. Additionally, candidates must complete supervised fieldwork and pass the BCBA exam.
For BCaBA certification, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis, education, or a related field is required. Like the BCBA, candidates need coursework in ABA, ethics, measurement, experimental design, and behavior assessment. They also need to complete supervised fieldwork and pass the BCaBA exam.
Both certifications require continuing education to stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
BCaBAs and BCBAs both work with people who have developmental disabilities, such as autism, to help them change their behavior and lead more fulfilling lives.
These professionals use scientific approaches such as ABA therapy. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, learning centers, and the community.
BCaBAs and BCBAs conduct assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and work with families who have kids on the autism spectrum.
Supervision requirements and levels of autonomy differ between BCaBAs and BCBAs. BCBA candidates need a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised experience, including at least 75 hours of face-to-face supervision from a qualified BCBA. BCaBA candidates require 1,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 50 hours of face-to-face supervision.
One difference between a BCaBA and BCBA is that BCBAs generally have more autonomy, conducting assessments, developing behavior plans, and directly supervising others. BCaBAs, while crucial in treatment, work under a BCBA’s guidance, using behavior plans and collecting data. Together, they use evidence-based interventions tailored to each person’s needs.
Career prospects for BCBAs and BCaBAs are promising, driven by the growing demand for autism therapies. BCBAs can work in schools, clinics, and private practices, often holding supervisory roles and conducting assessments.
Both roles offer advancement opportunities. BCBAs can pursue advanced certifications like BCBA-D, leading to higher-level positions and research opportunities. BCaBAs can gain experience, pursue higher education, and take on more responsibilities, such as supervising other BCaBAs.
Specializations within behavior analysis — such as early intervention or verbal behavior — allow professionals to focus their expertise and advance their careers. Staying informed and pursuing ongoing professional development can lead to successful and fulfilling careers in autism therapies.
Across the country, BCBA salaries typically range from $55,000 to $85,000 per year, influenced by experience, location, and work setting. BCaBAs earn between $35,000 and $55,000 per year, with similar influencing factors.
Geographic location, level of experience, specialization, and work setting all affect BCBA vs BCaBA salary levels. BCBAs and BCaBAs working in educational institutions or private clinics may earn higher salaries compared to those in nonprofit organizations.
While BCaBAs earn lower salaries, they play a crucial role in providing behavior analysis services under BCBA supervision. Ultimately, career goals, desired responsibility level, and commitment to professional development should guide the choice between these positions.
If you’re seeking a career in autism therapy, both roles are crucial positions. You can start at one level and work your way up through education and experience. It’s common for people to earn an assistant certification before working toward becoming a BCBA.
Many BCBAs first earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or ABA, then pursue a master’s degree in ABA or a related field. The job growth rate for BCBAs is projected to be 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average for psychologists.
To learn more about BCBA or BCaBA job opportunities available at LEARN, visit our careers page.
Our new Northville, MI Learning Center had a successful grand opening! 🎉 We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Northville.
