McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
McNeese State University broke ground on the renovation and expansion of the new McNeese Autism Program (MAP) clinical facility.
The Program provides functional assessment, functional behavior analysis, individualized treatment plan development and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based interventions to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. MAP also serves as the clinical placement site for graduate students earning a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis here at McNeese. These future Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are obtaining superior hands-on training while providing ethical compassionate care to children with behavioral challenges, communication barriers and developmental delays.
McNeese’s ABA graduate degree program began in 2008 and in 2013 became and has remained the only graduate program in the state accredited by the Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). It is another example of how McNeese is making a difference in workforce development in Southwest Louisiana.
Since Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020, MAP has been in temporary buildings located behind Navarre Stadium. The University is renovating and adding on to the former McNeese Police Department building on Ryan Street to house MAP. Once complete, the 8,460 square foot facility will house 16 session rooms, two group session rooms, a sensory room, a feeding intervention wing and an outdoor playground. For those in Southwest Louisiana navigating challenges related to neurodevelopmental disabilities, this means more access to services.
To learn more about the McNeese Autism Program, or to discover how you can support the future of behavioral health here in SWLA, please contact Brandi Cart, Operations Director, at bcart2@mcneese.edu.
