REBECCA M. RYAN J.D., M.Ed., B.C.B.A

“I can do ABA like I can breathe.”

When Rebecca Ryan’s 2-year-old son was diagnosed with Autism she didn’t take the news lying down. Her doctors told her to “just love and support him.” They comforted her with the idea that maybe he would be able to live in a group home rather than be institutionalized. Unwilling to accept that fate she began searching for a different answer. It took a while, but eventually she discovered ABA. With ABA she felt a promise of meaningful progress in changing the outlook of autism for her son.

Beginning her career in economics Rebecca soon found that she had a knack for ABA. She could understand autism and how ABA could positively change people’s lives. It was then that she decided to transition her skills into the ABA field. Influenced by her peers she learned how to go beyond conventional programming to really look at the individual child and create a program that fits their specific needs, likes, dislikes, and sensitivities.

Rebecca believes that Applied Behavioral Strategies can continue to influence the movement in the education and legislative communities that recognize the progress of ABA. She hopes to reach out to parents, teachers, children, administrators and legislators to promote the positive role ABA is playing for individuals with behavioral needs.

Rebecca lives in Austin, Texas with her Husband and 2 sons. She grew up in Alexandria Virginia and Houston Texas with her parents who she recalls as great influences - her Mom was a fighter, sticking up for those in need while her Dad was a dreamer who loved everything about life. Rebecca sees the world as an adventure and loves to travel. She enjoys reading, hiking, rock climbing, and learning. She measures success with every parent, student and teacher that acknowledges the difference she has made in their lives.