Beyond ABA: A Training on Autism-Affirming Behavioral Healthcare
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, join NovaOne and Avela for a practical training helping behavioral health leaders strengthen autism-inclusive care pathways within health plan benefits.
This session explores the evolving autism care landscape, from diagnostic evaluation and mental health care to skills-based services and neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and how benefit design, network strategy and care pathways can expand to meet members where they are.
Presenters will share insights from delivering virtual, strengths-based autism evaluations for children, teens and adults, along with practical guidance for clinical training, care management and behavioral health product development. Attendees will leave with actionable considerations for improving member experience, engagement and continuity of care.
Speakers:
Cynthia Anderson, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, Clinical Co-Founder, Avela Health
Janice Rybicki, Director, Client & Provider Success, NovaOne
By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the principles of autism-affirming, neurodiversity-informed behavioral healthcare and their relevance for health plan benefit design.
- Identify a broader range of autism-related supports and treatments beyond ABA, including diagnostic evaluation, mental healthcare and strengths-based supports.
- Recognize opportunities to improve autism care pathways within behavioral health benefits, including intake, evaluation and ongoing support.
- Apply practical engagement strategies that clinicians, care managers and member services teams can use when supporting autistic members and families.
- Evaluate how behavioral health product, network and care management strategies can better support autistic members across the lifespan.
Speakers
Dr. Cynthia M. Anderson is a licensed psychologist and holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her career has spanned clinical care, training, leadership, and research. Before joining Avela, she served as Director of the National Autism Center and Senior Vice President at May Institute, and she has held faculty and leadership appointments at Appalachian State University, the University of Oregon, and West Virginia University. Dr. Anderson has led and contributed to a sustained line of externally funded research on autism and developmental disabilities, with grant support totaling more than $15 million, including funding from NIH, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Education/Institute of Education Sciences. She has authored more than 80 publications and is committed to increasing knowledge about autism and advancing evidence-based, accessible care for autistic people.
-1.png?width=200&name=Janice%20Rybicki%20(1)-1.png "Janice Rybicki (1)-1")
Director, Client & Provider Succes, NovaOne
Janice is a Licensed Professional Counselor who started her clinical career working in community mental health with a primary focus on individuals with serious mental illness. In her role at NovaOne, Janice ensures clinical quality across our provider network while cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with both customers and providers. She leverages her clinical expertise to promote collaboration, strategic alignment, and meaningful outcomes for all stakeholders.
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