Association for Behavior Analysis International

Presenting Author: Lorri Shealy Unumb, J.D.

At ABAI's 20th Annual Autism Conference in January 2026, Dr. Lorri Shealy Unumb presented Favors, Facts and Fishnets: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Autism, and the Parental Voice. When her son was diagnosed with autism two decades ago, health insurance did not cover ABA at all. Today, most insured families in America have ABA benefits. This session will focus on the lessons learned from the groundbreaking, parent-led autism insurance reform movement and consider how the successful advocacy strategies can now be applied to address still-needed policy reform. Further, to examine and discuss what to do about: • gaps and caps in coverage (e.g., adults!), • non-insurance products masquerading as insurance, and • the significant restrictions that sometimes discourage or block providers from recommending and delivering needed intensity. Finally, to brainstorm ABA outcomes that are meaningful to a family.

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Target Audience:

Behavior analysts, clinicians, administrators, and advocates interested in autism services and policy reform. This session will be especially relevant for professionals seeking to understand the parent led autism insurance reform movement, apply effective advocacy strategies, and address current coverage gaps and systemic barriers. Parents and caregivers invested in shaping meaningful ABA outcomes may also find value in this discussion.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify different types of health insurance policies and why they matter
2. Understand the protections afforded in ABA by the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
3. Understand why Medicaid pays for ABA