Autism Partnership – Progressive ABA Therapy for Children with ASD
Since 1994, Autism Partnership has been dedicated to providing high-quality ABA treatment services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
At Autism Partnership Seal Beach, the flagship headquarters of Autism Partnership, we provide individualized autism treatment services for families throughout Orange County, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, and surrounding Southern California communities using the Autism Partnership Method® (APM®), our progressive approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Developed through decades of research, clinical expertise, and hands-on experience, APM® goes beyond traditional ABA by emphasizing:
- Individualized teaching
- In-the-moment clinical judgment
- Motivation-based learning
- Flexible and natural teaching strategies
- Meaningful skill development across everyday environments
Our experienced consultants and therapists collaborate closely with each family to develop personalized treatment programs that support each child’s unique strengths, developmental needs, and long-term goals.
Progressive ABA Therapy Services Across Southern California
Autism Partnership Seal Beach provides ABA therapy and autism services for families across Orange County, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, and surrounding Southern California communities.
Whether your child is beginning early intervention, developing school readiness skills, or preparing for greater independence, our clinical team focuses on helping children build meaningful communication, learning, social, behavioral, and daily living skills that support long-term progress and success.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow
Speak with our team to learn how we can help your child build communication, social, and independence skills.
Visit Our Seal Beach Office
Address
200 Marina Drive Seal Beach, CA 90740
Phone
(562) 431-9293
Email
info@autismpartnership.com
Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Progressive ABA Services in Seal Beach Center
Autism Partnership Seal Beach is committed to providing individualized ABA treatment programs designed around each child’s unique strengths, learning style, and developmental needs, helping children with ASD build meaningful skills and greater opportunities for long-term success.
We provide a range of Progressive ABA therapy and autism support services, including:
Individual ABA Therapy
Our highly trained therapists provide individualized ABA therapy using the Autism Partnership Method® (APM®) across clinic, home, school, and community settings to support meaningful skill development and progress.
Group Intervention
Structured group activities help children develop cooperation, social interaction, flexibility, communication, and learning skills with peers in supportive environments.
Social Skills Programs
Children learn how to communicate, interact, play, and participate more successfully with peers across both structured and natural social settings.
Jumpstart Program
Our Jumpstart Program is an intensive one-week APM® training led by consultant-level staff that helps identify the most effective teaching and behavior strategies to accelerate progress and guide future treatment planning.
RES-Q®
We offer an intensive one-week consultation program designed to help families manage severe and challenging behaviors through practical Progressive ABA strategies that support a safer and more positive home environment.
Consultation Services
We provide families with individualized guidance, autism advocacy support, and Progressive ABA strategies while also assisting schools and educators in developing effective intervention programs for children with ASD.
Parent Training
We provide families with practical support and effective strategies to manage challenging behaviors and daily living difficulties while helping parents confidently support their child’s development at home.
School Support
Our clinical team offers training, consultation, and individualized Progressive ABA strategies to help schools, teachers, and staff effectively support students with ASD across educational settings.
Why Families Choose Autism Partnership Seal Beach
Every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is different. That is why we do not follow a preset curriculum or one-size-fits-all approach.
At Autism Partnership, each child receives an individualized ABA treatment program tailored to their strengths, challenges, learning style, and developmental goals. Our clinical team continuously adjusts teaching strategies based on your child’s progress to create the most effective and meaningful learning experience possible.
Our consultants and supervisors bring decades of experience providing ABA treatment for children across the autism spectrum. Using the Autism Partnership Method® (APM®), our team focuses on helping children develop meaningful communication, social, learning, behavioral, and independence skills that improve long-term quality of life.
Before children can successfully develop communication, social, and academic skills, they first need to learn foundational “learning how to learn” skills such as:
- paying attention
- following instructions
- coping with frustration
- staying motivated to learn
We also work to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning so children can become more successful and independent over time.
Our Progressive ABA approach focuses on making learning engaging, motivating, and meaningful. Rather than relying heavily on artificial rewards, we help children become motivated by social interaction, play, achievement, and real-life experiences.
This helps children apply their skills more naturally across home, school, and community environments.
In addition to one-on-one ABA therapy, children also need opportunities to learn and interact with peers. When appropriate, we incorporate social groups, play dates, and group learning activities to help children build communication, flexibility, cooperation, and social interaction skills in more natural settings.
Our goals go beyond academics. We focus on helping children develop communication, play, friendships, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and greater independence.
We believe meaningful relationships, confidence, and participation in family and community life are important parts of successful autism intervention.
Parents are an essential part of their child’s progress. Through ongoing parent support and coaching, we provide practical strategies that families can use in everyday life to better support their child’s development.
At the same time, we believe parents should be parents first — not full-time therapists. Our goal is to support families while helping them maintain a healthy and sustainable balance throughout their child’s treatment journey.
Meet Our Clinical Team at Autism Partnership Seal Beach Center
With over 50 years of clinical and research experience, Autism Partnership has consistently demonstrated that children with ASD have remarkable potential to learn, develop, and thrive.
With high-quality ABA intervention, many children can build meaningful communication, develop social relationships, increase independence, and enjoy a higher quality of life. Achieving these outcomes requires specialized expertise, individualized treatment, and experienced professionals who understand the complexities of autism treatment.
Dr. Ronald Leaf, PhD, CPBA-AP Co-Founder and Executive Director of Autism Partnership
Dr. Ron Leaf has been working in the field of ABA since the 1970s, training under Professor Ivar Lovaas at UCLA where he completed his doctorate. A licensed psychologist, he has consulted with families, schools, and programs nationally and internationally, and has co-authored several widely used clinical texts including A Work in Progress and Crafting Connections.
Jeremy Leaf, MA, BCBA, NYLBA, CPBA-AP Clinical Director of Autism Partnership
Jeremy oversees clinical operations across Autism Partnership and provides consultation to families, school districts, and ABA programs both nationally and internationally. He holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), New York Licensed Behavior Analyst (NYLBA), and Certified Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Professional (CPBA-AP).
Julie Stiglich Director of Autism Partnership
Julie Stiglich is a Director at Autism Partnership, where she oversees operations and supports the organization’s long-term growth and clinical mission through strategic planning and operational leadership.
With more than 35 years of professional experience, Julie has extensive expertise in administration, operational systems, and organizational management. Prior to joining Autism Partnership, she worked within the Developmental Disabilities Division at Straight Talk, Inc. in Long Beach and has held multiple leadership roles focused on operations and service excellence.
Tracee Parker, Ph.D., BCBA Associate Director of Autism Partnership
Tracee Parker has worked in the field of ABA treatment and autism research since 1979, with extensive experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities. Her clinical and research background includes five years working with Dr. Ivar Lovaas at the UCLA Young Autism Project, contributing to pioneering early intervention research and long-term autism treatment studies.
Since earning her doctorate in 1990, Dr. Parker has provided consultation, training, presentations, and support to agencies, school districts, and families both nationally and internationally.
Kristel Perepelitsyn, MS, BCBA, NYSLBA, Director of Parent Support
Kristel Perepelitsyn attended Azusa Pacific University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Special Education. She also earned her master’s degree in Special Education from California State University in Long Beach. Kristel joined Autism Partnership in 2012 as a treatment analyst and is currently serving as the Director of Parent Support at the clinic in Seal Beach, California.
In addition to her work with parents, Kristel also provides consultation to school districts, mentoring to treatment analysts, supervision for clients, and is a part of the Jumpstart team.
Sanford J. Slater, Ph.D., CPBA-AP, BCBA, LBA Consultant of Autism Partnership Seal Beach
Sanford J. Slater has worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities since 1981. He trained under Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas at the UCLA Young Autism Project alongside Dr. Ronald Leaf and Dr. John McEachin, and joined Autism Partnership in 1994.
Dr. Slater has provided consultation, training, and support to professionals, school districts, and families across the U.S. and internationally, while also contributing to autism research, publications, and professional education initiatives.
Richard Schroeder Consultant of Autism Partnership Seal Beach
Richard Schroeder began his career in autism treatment in 1992 at the UCLA Young Autism Project under the supervision of Dr. Ivar Lovaas, where he later became a supervising student therapist.
He joined Autism Partnership when it was founded in 1994 and has since worked closely with Dr. Ronald Leaf and Dr. John McEachin. Over the years, Rick has provided high-quality ABA treatment and support for children and adults with ASD as a therapist, supervisor, parent trainer, consultant, and national and international presenter.
Elizabeth Darrah, M.Ed., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Elizabeth Darrah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She joined Autism Partnership Seal Beach in 2015 after first connecting with the organization during an internship in Alaska.
Since joining Autism Partnership, Elizabeth has worked across one-to-one intervention, school shadowing, social skills groups, case supervision, classroom-based programs, parent education, and staff training. She continues to support families through clinical supervision, parent coaching, and consultation services for schools and community programs.
Heather Wicorek, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Heather Wicorek is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Since joining Autism Partnership in 2016, she has worked across one-to-one intervention, home and clinic-based programs, social skills groups, school support, and classroom instruction for children with ASD.
Heather currently serves as a Treatment Coordinator, where she develops individualized treatment programs, provides parent training and staff support, and consults with public school districts on school-based intervention and staff development. She is also part of the Seal Beach Jumpstart team, providing intensive direct intervention services.
Jade Weir, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Jade Weir is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. She has worked with children with ASD since 2012 and completed a two-year internship with Autism Partnership Foundation in 2017, where she received extensive training in Progressive ABA.
Jade currently serves as a Treatment Coordinator at Autism Partnership, providing individualized supervision, parent support, and staff training. Since 2021, she has also led training for newly hired staff within the Enriched Consultation Services (ECS) model, helping ensure children receive high-quality, individualized autism treatment services.
Norma Torres, M.Ed., RBT Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Norma Torres is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with a Master’s degree in Education in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College. Since joining Autism Partnership in 2013, she has gained extensive experience working with children with ASD across one-to-one intervention, social skills groups, school shadowing, and research settings.
Norma is currently part of the leadership team at Autism Partnership Seal Beach, where she leads social skills groups and provides training and support for clinical staff and Treatment Analysts.
Shannon McCourt, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Shannon McCourt is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott University. She joined Autism Partnership Foundation in 2018 and completed a two-year intensive internship focused on the principles of Progressive ABA.
Shannon currently serves as a Treatment Coordinator at Autism Partnership, where she provides clinical supervision, family support, staff training, and consultation services, including Jump Start and Crisis RES-Q® programs. She is also one of AP’s certified Pro-ACT instructors, providing crisis intervention training for staff members.
Caitlin Speece, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator
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Nibedita Medhi, MS, BCBA Treatment Coordinator
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Meet Our Clinical Team at Autism Partnership Seal Beach Center
With over 50 years of clinical and research experience, Autism Partnership has consistently demonstrated that children with ASD have remarkable potential to learn, develop, and thrive.
With high-quality ABA intervention, many children can build meaningful communication, develop social relationships, increase independence, and enjoy a higher quality of life. Achieving these outcomes requires specialized expertise, individualized treatment, and experienced professionals who understand the complexities of autism treatment.
Dr. Ronald Leaf, PhD, CPBA-AP Co-Founder and Executive Director of Autism Partnership
Dr. Ron Leaf has been working in the field of ABA since the 1970s, training under Professor Ivar Lovaas at UCLA where he completed his doctorate. A licensed psychologist, he has consulted with families, schools, and programs nationally and internationally, and has co-authored several widely used clinical texts including A Work in Progress and Crafting Connections.
Jeremy Leaf, MA, BCBA, NYLBA, CPBA-AP Clinical Director of Autism Partnership
Jeremy oversees clinical operations across Autism Partnership and provides consultation to families, school districts, and ABA programs both nationally and internationally. He holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), New York Licensed Behavior Analyst (NYLBA), and Certified Progressive Behavior Analyst Autism Professional (CPBA-AP).
Julie Stiglich Director of Autism Partnership
Julie Stiglich is a Director at Autism Partnership, where she oversees operations and supports the organization’s long-term growth and clinical mission through strategic planning and operational leadership.
With more than 35 years of professional experience, Julie has extensive expertise in administration, operational systems, and organizational management. Prior to joining Autism Partnership, she worked within the Developmental Disabilities Division at Straight Talk, Inc. in Long Beach and has held multiple leadership roles focused on operations and service excellence.
Tracee Parker, Ph.D., BCBA Associate Director of Autism Partnership
Tracee Parker has worked in the field of ABA treatment and autism research since 1979, with extensive experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities. Her clinical and research background includes five years working with Dr. Ivar Lovaas at the UCLA Young Autism Project, contributing to pioneering early intervention research and long-term autism treatment studies.
Since earning her doctorate in 1990, Dr. Parker has provided consultation, training, presentations, and support to agencies, school districts, and families both nationally and internationally.
Kristel Perepelitsyn, MS, BCBA, NYSLBA, Director of Parent Support
Kristel Perepelitsyn attended Azusa Pacific University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Special Education. She also earned her master’s degree in Special Education from California State University in Long Beach. Kristel joined Autism Partnership in 2012 as a treatment analyst and is currently serving as the Director of Parent Support at the clinic in Seal Beach, California.
In addition to her work with parents, Kristel also provides consultation to school districts, mentoring to treatment analysts, supervision for clients, and is a part of the Jumpstart team.
Sanford J. Slater, Ph.D., CPBA-AP, BCBA, LBA Consultant of Autism Partnership Seal Beach
Sanford J. Slater has worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities since 1981. He trained under Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas at the UCLA Young Autism Project alongside Dr. Ronald Leaf and Dr. John McEachin, and joined Autism Partnership in 1994.
Dr. Slater has provided consultation, training, and support to professionals, school districts, and families across the U.S. and internationally, while also contributing to autism research, publications, and professional education initiatives.
Richard Schroeder Consultant of Autism Partnership Seal Beach
Richard Schroeder began his career in autism treatment in 1992 at the UCLA Young Autism Project under the supervision of Dr. Ivar Lovaas, where he later became a supervising student therapist.
He joined Autism Partnership when it was founded in 1994 and has since worked closely with Dr. Ronald Leaf and Dr. John McEachin. Over the years, Rick has provided high-quality ABA treatment and support for children and adults with ASD as a therapist, supervisor, parent trainer, consultant, and national and international presenter.
Elizabeth Darrah, M.Ed., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Elizabeth Darrah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She joined Autism Partnership Seal Beach in 2015 after first connecting with the organization during an internship in Alaska.
Since joining Autism Partnership, Elizabeth has worked across one-to-one intervention, school shadowing, social skills groups, case supervision, classroom-based programs, parent education, and staff training. She continues to support families through clinical supervision, parent coaching, and consultation services for schools and community programs.
Heather Wicorek, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Heather Wicorek is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Since joining Autism Partnership in 2016, she has worked across one-to-one intervention, home and clinic-based programs, social skills groups, school support, and classroom instruction for children with ASD.
Heather currently serves as a Treatment Coordinator, where she develops individualized treatment programs, provides parent training and staff support, and consults with public school districts on school-based intervention and staff development. She is also part of the Seal Beach Jumpstart team, providing intensive direct intervention services.
Jade Weir, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Jade Weir is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. She has worked with children with ASD since 2012 and completed a two-year internship with Autism Partnership Foundation in 2017, where she received extensive training in Progressive ABA.
Jade currently serves as a Treatment Coordinator at Autism Partnership, providing individualized supervision, parent support, and staff training. Since 2021, she has also led training for newly hired staff within the Enriched Consultation Services (ECS) model, helping ensure children receive high-quality, individualized autism treatment services.
Norma Torres, M.Ed., RBT Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Norma Torres is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with a Master’s degree in Education in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College. Since joining Autism Partnership in 2013, she has gained extensive experience working with children with ASD across one-to-one intervention, social skills groups, school shadowing, and research settings.
Norma is currently part of the leadership team at Autism Partnership Seal Beach, where she leads social skills groups and provides training and support for clinical staff and Treatment Analysts.
Shannon McCourt, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator of Autism Partnership
Shannon McCourt is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott University. She joined Autism Partnership Foundation in 2018 and completed a two-year intensive internship focused on the principles of Progressive ABA.
Shannon currently serves as a Treatment Coordinator at Autism Partnership, where she provides clinical supervision, family support, staff training, and consultation services, including Jump Start and Crisis RES-Q® programs. She is also one of AP’s certified Pro-ACT instructors, providing crisis intervention training for staff members.
Caitlin Speece, M.S., BCBA Treatment Coordinator
/
Nibedita Medhi, MS, BCBA Treatment Coordinator
/
Small Steps. Meaningful Progress.
Life-changing growth is possible — and we see it every day at Autism Partnership Seal Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions at Autism Partnership
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-based approach that helps children develop important communication, social, learning, and daily living skills while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning and development. At Autism Partnership Seal Beach, our ABA programs are highly individualized to meet the unique needs of each child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), supporting meaningful progress across home, school, and community environments.
The Autism Partnership Method® (APM®) is Autism Partnership’s progressive approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), developed through more than 30 years of research and clinical experience. Unlike more traditional ABA approaches, APM® emphasizes individualized teaching, in-the-moment clinical judgment, and flexible strategies that adapt to each child’s learning needs in real time.
Treatment is provided across clinic, home, school, and community settings to help children build meaningful skills that generalize more naturally into everyday life.
The recommended number of ABA therapy hours varies based on your child’s individual needs, developmental level, learning goals, and specific challenges. Research and clinical experience have shown that intensive, high-quality early intervention is often linked to stronger progress and developmental outcomes for many children with ASD.
At Autism Partnership Seal Beach, many children begin with approximately 20 to 45 hours of therapy per week. As your child builds new skills, becomes more independent, and progresses across home, school, and social settings, treatment goals and therapy recommendations are regularly adjusted to support their ongoing development.
Research has consistently shown that early intervention can support stronger developmental progress for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Starting ABA therapy during the early years may help children build important communication, social, learning, and daily living skills during key stages of development.
At the same time, it is never too late to begin treatment, as ABA therapy can benefit individuals across different ages and developmental levels.
At Autism Partnership Seal Beach, we provide Progressive ABA therapy and autism treatment services for children as young as 20 months old through school age and beyond.
Autism Partnership Seal Beach is conveniently located in Southern California at:
200 Marina Drive
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Our center supports families across Orange County, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, and surrounding Southern California communities, with convenient access from nearby residential and school areas.
At Autism Partnership Seal Beach, children receive individualized Progressive ABA therapy across clinic, home, school, and community settings to help build meaningful skills that support long-term success in everyday life.
Autism Partnership Seal Beach is currently in-network with Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna. For families using other insurance providers, we can provide superbills to support reimbursement requests through your insurance company.
