What Is Action Behavior Centers?

An Innovative Approach to Autism Support

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) is a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, dedicated to improving the lives of children on the autism spectrum through personalized, evidence-based treatment programs. With a mission rooted in compassion and scientific rigor, ABC has established a significant presence across multiple states, making high-quality autism care accessible to families seeking impactful intervention services.

Comprehensive ABA Therapy Services for Children with Autism

What does Action Behavior Centers do?

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) focuses on providing specialized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy tailored for children on the autism spectrum. With a foundation built on early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), ABC offers evidence-based treatments designed to help children develop essential skills and reduce challenging behaviors. The organization was founded in 2016 in Austin, Texas, and has since expanded to operate over 200 centers across several states including Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, and Minnesota.

ABC’s team comprises approximately 1,100 graduate-level clinicians who are all trained as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). These therapists work closely with children, often in small, personalized teams led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The aim is to provide attentive and effective care, making sure each child’s progress is supported through a consistent and positive environment.

The organization’s approach emphasizes the child's participation and comfort during therapy sessions. Therapists are trained to recognize and honor the child's assent—both verbal and non-verbal cues indicating willingness to engage. This approach ensures that children feel safe and respected, which is vital for meaningful progress.

Services provided by ABC

Action Behavior Centers offers a range of services to support children and their families. These include:

Service	Description	Additional Details
ABA Therapy	Center-based and at-home programs using positive reinforcement.	Small therapy teams, typically one BCBA lead, up to 8 children.
Diagnostic Evaluations	Autism diagnosis through tools like ADOS-2.	Early identification to enable timely intervention.
Parental Training	Guidance to help parents support their child's development.	Family guidance meetings tailored to each family.
Insurance Navigation Assistance	Help with understanding and managing insurance coverage.	Simplifies access to ongoing therapies and services.
Support in Schools and Community	Collaborations with educators and community providers.	Extends support beyond therapy centers.

In December 2024, ABC announced a partnership with nonprofit 29 Acres to create employment opportunities for adults with autism, reflecting its broader mission of community integration.

Approach to therapy and participant wellbeing

ABC’s therapy approach is research-based and deeply personalized. The organization specializes in early intervention techniques, notably EIBI, which has proven effective for young children. Using positive reinforcement, therapists help children acquire new skills and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning.

A core priority at ABC is the child’s wellbeing. Therapists are all trained to respect and respond to children’s cues, ensuring they are willing and comfortable to participate in sessions. The environment is designed to be welcoming and stimulating, fostering engagement and learning.

This commitment to individualized care, along with collaborative efforts involving speech and occupational therapists, supports children’s developmental progress in a way that honors their unique needs and preferences. ABC’s mission is rooted in helping children on the autism spectrum thrive and reach their full potential through compassionate, data-driven therapy.

A Growing Network of Centers and Expertise

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) has rapidly expanded since its founding in 2016, now operating over 200 therapy centers across multiple states including Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, and Minnesota. This growth reflects the increasing demand for specialized autism support services and ABC's commitment to providing accessible care.

Originally established as a single center in Austin, Texas, ABC has grown into a major provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, considered the gold standard in autism treatment. Their broad geographic footprint now allows children to access personalized, evidence-based interventions in their local communities.

The organization employs about 1,100 graduate-level clinicians, all trained to deliver high-quality behavioral therapy. Their team typically includes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and several Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) working in small, focused teams. This team structure ensures each child receives individualized attention focused on reducing symptoms like self-harm and aggression.

ABC’s team also collaborates with occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists to deliver comprehensive care. They emphasize early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) and use positive reinforcement techniques to foster skill development.

Overall, ABC’s network combines extensive clinical expertise, a broad physical presence, and a strong mission to support children on the autism spectrum and their families.

Organizational Mission and Leadership

What is the background and organizational mission of Action Behavior Centers?

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) was established in 2016 with the primary goal of transforming the lives of children with autism through the delivery of high-quality, empirically supported ABA therapy. The founders, Holly and Ryan Lambert, envisioned creating a supportive environment where children could develop essential skills and reduce autism symptoms such as aggression and self-harm.

Starting as a single center in Austin, Texas, ABC quickly expanded its reach. Today, it operates over 200 centers across multiple states including Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, and Minnesota. This growth reflects its commitment to broadening access to effective autism interventions.

At its core, ABC's mission is to help children aged 2 to 14 on the autism spectrum achieve their full potential and improve their quality of life. The organization emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based care, leveraging the gold standard treatment, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Leadership at ABC is characterized by a team of highly trained clinicians, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). The organization fosters a team-based approach, ensuring personalized and responsive therapy tailored to each child's needs.

ABC also places a high priority on creating a nurturing, respectful environment that values the child's assent — both verbal and non-verbal cues — and integrates collaboration with other specialists like occupational and speech therapists.

Overall, ABC’s organizational mission combines a deep commitment to clinical excellence with a caring, child-centered approach that supports families and promotes meaningful developmental progress.

Additional Information

In 2022, ABC attracted investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners, which recognized its strong outcomes, supportive culture, and data-driven management. The firm’s multi-year evaluation led to an acquisition valued at $840 million. Moreover, ABC's recent partnership with nonprofit 29 Acres aims to create employment opportunities for adults with autism, highlighting its broader mission to foster community inclusion and support beyond direct therapy services.

Reputation, Ownership, and Collaborations

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) is generally regarded as a reputable provider of autism therapy services. Based on customer reviews, ABC holds an average rating of 3.8 out of 5, reflecting a level of service that most families find satisfactory. The company’s official website, actionbehavior.com, provides additional information about its programs and outcomes.

Ownership of ABC is held by Charlesbank Capital Partners, a private investment firm. The firm acquired ABC in 2022 for $840 million, highlighting its confidence in the organization’s clinical results and supportive culture. Currently, Charlesbank is actively managing a strategic sale process involving ABC, suggesting ongoing interest in the company's growth and value.

In addition to focusing on clinical excellence, ABC has engaged in meaningful collaborations. Notably, in December 2024, ABC announced a partnership with the nonprofit 29 Acres to create employment opportunities for adults with autism, demonstrating its commitment to broader community involvement and support for individuals beyond children. These initiatives reflect ABC's dedication to making a positive societal impact, fostering a supportive environment both within its centers and in the wider community.

Innovations and Future Initiatives

What programs and initiatives related to autism does ABC engage in?

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding support for individuals on the autism spectrum, not only through therapy but also via innovative programs. A notable recent initiative is the partnership established in December 2024 with the nonprofit 29 Acres. This collaboration aims to create employment opportunities specifically for adults with autism, reflecting ABC's broader mission of fostering inclusion across the lifespan.

Beyond employment, ABC offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support children and families. These include diagnostic evaluations such as ADOS-2, parental training, insurance navigation assistance, and both center-based and at-home therapy options. The organization also emphasizes personalized support through Family Guidance Meetings, which help tailor interventions to each child's needs.

Through these programs, ABC commits to building a robust, supportive environment that not only addresses the immediate needs of children with autism but also supports their growth into adulthood. These initiatives underscore ABC’s vision of creating lasting positive impacts and continuously advancing the services they provide.

Empowering Through Evidence-Based Care

Action Behavior Centers stands as a prominent leader in autism treatment, combining scientific rigor with compassionate, personalized care. Their expansive network, dedicated team, and innovative programs highlight their unwavering commitment to helping children with autism reach their full potential and supporting their families at every stage of their journey.

References

• Action Behavior Centers | Charlesbank Capital Partners
• Action Behavior Centers - CB Insights
• Action Behavior Centers - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding
• Action Behavior Center – AuSM - Autism Society of Minnesota
• Our Story - Action Behavior Centers
• Action Behavior Center – AuSM - Autism Society of Minnesota
• Action Behavior Centers - ABA Therapy for Autism - LeadIQ