This document provides an update and objectives for an ABA training program at Michigan State University. It discusses: 1) The rationale for ABA training due to the increasing diagnosis of ASD and shortage of certified providers. 2) A review of accomplishments in 2014-2015 including hiring faculty, developing a practicum and early learning institute. 3) Objectives for 2015-2016 including developing an MS in ABA, expanding certificate and early learning programs, and a new interdisciplinary course on autism assessment and intervention. 4) Details are provided on the proposed MS in ABA, certificate program, practicum supervision, expanding the early learning institute, and a new autism assessment course. The goals are to increase the

1. Marisa Fisher, PhD, BCBA-D
Joshua Plavnick, PhD, BCBA-D
12/11/15 Update for RAIND
Michigan State University
Autism Training Initiative –
Preparation of Behavior Analysts

2. Rationale for ABA Training
As many as 1 in 45 children diagnosed with ASD
Interventions based on or including elements of
ABA constitute almost all evidence-based
practices for individuals with ASD
Major shortage in certified individuals (BCBAs) to
deliver ABA interventions
Estimated shortage in Michigan is approximately 800
BCBAs
Autism insurance now covers ABA, we need
qualified providers

3. Review: FY 2014-2015 Objectives
Objective Outcome
Hire 2 BCBA-D Faculty Dr. Gabrielle Lee
Dr. Kate LaLonde
Hire ABA Program Coordinator Kate Colaluca
Recruit additional 7 students to graduate
certificate program – complete coursework in
one year
This month, 8 students will complete
coursework for this program
Develop BACB approved practicum 1000 hr, 3-course sequence approved by
BACB and MSU
Develop Early Learning Institute 8 children with ASD enrolled and attending
Needs analysis of ABA training in the state 351 participants in Michigan completed
survey of barriers and needs in ABA training
Continue to develop University Panel in ASD
(and related disabilities)
Small panel met quarterly to begin planning
LEND application and assess opportunities for
MSU within the state of Michigan

4. Sustainability of
Programs
Program growth led to
current search for tenure
stream position
Needs assessment
informed Masters of
Science in Applied
Behavior Analysis
program (fall 2016)
Early Learning Institute
projected to be revenue
producing program

5. FY 2015-2016 Objectives
Develop a Masters program in ABA and
accept 15 student cohort
Accept 30 students into ABA graduate
certificate program
Provide supervision of ABA fieldwork for
current students in Michigan
Expand Early Learning Institute
Develop graduate level interdisciplinary
course in ASD assessment and intervention

6. Master of Science
in Applied
Behavior Analysis
Hybrid program, though students
must be on campus
21 Credits in coursework
10 Credits and 1000-hr Practicum, all
on campus or local school districts
6 Thesis credits
Fulfills accreditation requirements of
ABAI
Emphasis on scientist practitioners
Approved by COE Curriculum
Committee
Preparing to submit to BACB
Project a fall 2016 cohort
High interest program

7. Graduate
Certificate
Program
Students complete masters in
related area
Add 6-course graduate
certificate sequence
Meets requirements of BACB
coursework
Must complete independent
fieldwork
Desirable to many Masters
students in Special Education
Project fall 2016 cohort of 30
students

8. Supervise ABA
Fieldwork
Offered scholarship for 4
practicum credits – accepted
applications from 4 current
students
Will supervise ABA
programming in greater
Lansing area
All consumers are school
aged individuals with ASD
High quality supervision from
BCBA-D MSU faculty

9. Expansion of Early
Learning Institute
Currently discussing
possibilities with different
programs in area
Objective to start a 2nd
site in a community-
based setting
Priority on replicating
inclusion model at
current ELI site

10. CEP 982:
Advanced
Topics in
Assessment
and Intervention
of Autism
Spectrum
Disorders
Hybrid Graduate Course
piloting Spring 2016
Multidisciplinary course
Address critical issues,
practices, and research
relevant to assessment and
intervention with individuals
with ASD across the lifespan
Currently have 4 enrolled
(Kin, HDFS, MSW, Child Dev)
and 3 auditing (SPED, Psy),
with several others interested
Will offer again Fall 2016