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I’m Felicia, one of the founders of Something to Say ABA. In this final installment of my series, I’m sharing how I transitioned from the classroom to the clinic, and exactly why my husband Matt and I are opening our doors in Springfield this Fall. If you missed my difficult decision to leave teaching, read Part 5 here. Let's dive into the final chapter. Looking Beyond the ABCs: Why I Hesitated to Become a BCBA A young toddler boy eagerly types on a laptop keyboard, "helping"

I’m Felicia, founder of Something to Say ABA. In this series, I’m sharing the path to opening my neuroaffirming clinic. If you missed the deeply personal story of the five years my husband and I spent raising our foster son, you can read Part 4 here. Today, we jump to the perfect storm of a global pandemic, and the heartbreaking moment I realized I had to walk away from the classroom... Navigating An Autism Classroom During a Global Pandemic: Exposing the Cracks and Systemic

I’m Felicia, one of the founders of Something to Say ABA. In this series, I’m sharing the pivotal, real-life moments behind my practice. If you missed how we helped my classroom students find their voices and how I found mine, catch up on part 3 here. Today, I’m sharing the most personal chapter of my journey—the story of the most important child to ever walk into my classroom. If I close my eyes, I can still picture Cubadie-Patoobadie exactly like this. Just soaking up the

I’m Felicia, one of the founders of Something to Say ABA, a new clinic opening in Springfield this Fall. In this series, I’m sharing the journey that led to my practice. If you missed how I found my calling and discovered the science behind behavior, read Part 2 here. Today, we step into the beautiful chaos of my first classroom… A First-Born’s Lesson in Not Knowing It All If only there was an interactive song for "How to Navigate Adult Professional Dynamics"! Navigating thos

I’m Felicia, a BCBA and one of the founders of Something to Say ABA. In this series, I’m sharing the real moments that shaped my approach to neuroaffirming therapy. If you missed how a little girl named Ivy changed my perspective on human connection, you can read Part 1 here. Today, we are jumping into my college years and the clinic that changed everything... The Heart of Autism Care: The Legacy of the Mentor Who Shaped My Path Driven by the profound connection I made with I

I’m Felicia, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and one of the founders of Something to Say ABA, opening here in Springfield this Fall and over the next few weeks, I’m going to share how I actually ended up in this field. I’ll be completely honest: trying to introduce myself online always triggers that distinct, middle-school-level panic of being forced to share "three interesting facts" in a room full of strangers. 😅 But since we are building a genuine community here

Deciding on the best environment for your child’s growth is one of the most significant choices you will make as a parent. Whether you have just received an autism diagnosis or your child has been in therapy for years, you may find yourself weighing different paths: full-time school, intensive ABA therapy, or a hybrid model of both. At Something to Say ABA, we view placement not as a permanent label, but as a "right for now" decision. To help families navigate this, we utiliz

If you step into a lot of ABA clinics today, you’ll find well-meaning professionals armed with laminated data sheets and color-coded clipboards, desperately trying to convince a three-year-old to sit at a table and point to a picture of a cow. They are sweating. They are exhausted. They are losing the battle to a piece of lint the toddler found on the carpet. Meanwhile, somewhere on the internet, a woman in a pink shirt and denim overalls is commanding the undivided attention

Waiting for an ABA clinic to open can feel like a daunting season of limbo. If you are eager to support your child right now but feeling overwhelmed by where to start, you are not alone. Read our top tips for lowering anxiety, building connection, and giving yourself some grace while we get ready to open our doors this Fall.

Worried about ABA therapy? We get it. The internet is full of conflicting stories, and your child’s happiness is everything. Let's separate fact from fiction. Our new blog post directly addresses the tough questions: Is it robotic? Is it just about compliance? We believe in a compassionate, assent-based approach that honors your child.

At Something to Say ABA, we prioritize affirming care and client well-being. Learn how our Springfield, IL clinic honors every moment by respecting assent—ensuring therapy is always a collaborative, joyful experience where your child’s voice is valued.

What is ABA therapy? At Something to Say ABA in Springfield, IL, we use the science of learning to build a bridge between a child’s inner world and their environment. Our play-based Applied Behavior Analysis acts as a translator for the world’s "unspoken rules," empowering children to communicate as their most authentic selves. Focused on assent and independence, our BCBAs and RBTs provide the map for every child to be heard. Experience modern ABA that prioritizes connection.