McNeese Student Finds Her Passion with MAP

The McNeese State University Autism Program (MAP) is part of the McNeese Department of Psychology and Counseling nationally recognized training program in applied behavior analysis (ABA). The focus of the program is to provide high-quality care by maintaining a small caseload and developing specialized treatment for each client. 

McNeese graduate students working towards a master’s degree in psychology degree with an ABA concentration complete coursework approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.  

Graduate student Shaniqua Jefferson, Lake Charles, has a personal connection to the McNeese Autism Program. Her brother was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was a young child. When he began therapy at MAP, Jefferson was allowed to observe one of his sessions. She was intrigued! 

Jefferson began her studies at McNeese but in a different major. She worked at the MAP Clinic as a student worker for two years. 

“While working at the clinic, I fell in love with ABA! I decided to change my major and pursue a future in ABA,” Jefferson explained. 

Her brother also began to benefit from the ABA services he received at MAP. He began to talk and was completing day-to-day activities independently. This had a huge impact on her family members as they began to connect more with her brother and he was able to communicate his needs. 

“It was an indescribable feeling to see him finally be able to interact with us my family more and have a level of independence that he didn’t have before,” Jefferson said. 

Jefferson graduated from McNeese with a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration in behavioral sciences, as well as a minor in psychology. McNeese’s on-campus graduate ABA program is the only program in the state accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)®, so it was an easy decision to stay for graduate school.

“I found my passion at McNeese! I was lucky enough to be able to get experience in the field that I wanted to pursue before graduating. My position as a student worker at the MAP Clinic was the beginning of my journey and set me on the path that I am today,” Jefferson exclaimed. 

For more information on McNeese’s ABA program, go to www.mcneese.edu/academics/graduate/applied-behavior-analysis.