Bridging the Gap: The MASC BCBA Apprenticeship Program
When it comes to setting the next group of leaders up for success, Apprenticeship Programs are highly valuable in helping to prepare future Board Certified Behavior Analysts to become effective supervisors. The Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC) offers an Apprenticeship Program that supports individuals who are enrolled in coursework to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts […]
Autism Routines: How Structure Supports Learning Without Creating Rigidity
When caregivers search for autism routines, they’re usually looking for more than schedules or charts. They’re looking for ways to make daily life feel calmer, more predictable, and less overwhelming. At Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC) in Southern New Mexico, routines are used as a support system, not a set of rules. When built thoughtfully, routines help autistic […]
How ABA Therapy Uses Data to Make Meaningful Decisions
When families begin ABA therapy, one of the most common questions they ask is whether therapy is actually helping. Progress in ABA therapy is not based solely on guesswork or intuition. It is guided by careful observation, structured measurement, and ongoing clinical decision-making. At Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC) in Las Cruces, NM, ABA therapy is continuously […]
What Makes Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) Different in Autism Therapy
When families begin autism therapy, one of the most important and confusing questions is how therapy will be delivered. Many approaches may use similar language, but the experience for the child can feel very different. Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) stands apart because it prioritizes skill development, emotional safety, and child involvement from the very beginning. At Mariposa Autism […]
MASC Staff Spotlight: Kenia Portillo, Registered Behavior Technician
Hi, I am Kenia Portillo, and for the last two and a half years, I have served as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for the Aprendamos Family of Services Mariposa Autism Service Center. Aside from serving as an RBT, I am also an apprentice of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and currently completing my Master’s […]
Helping Kids with Autism Thrive During the Holiday Season
The holidays can be overwhelming for everyone. More events on our calendars, large family gatherings, and the hustle and bustle of preparing for the season can be stressful. If you have a child with autism, all of these stressors can be intensified, but with some simple preparations, and evaluating what has worked in the past, […]
Why Routines Matter for Children With Autism
Families searching for autism support often hear that routines are important — but rarely are they told why. For children with autism, routines are not about rigidity or control. They are a neurological support that helps children understand expectations, manage transitions, and access skills more consistently. At Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC) in Southern New […]
A Deeper Look at ABA Therapy: How Children Learn, Grow, and Thrive
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is often described simply as “evidence-based therapy for autism,” but that definition barely scratches the surface. At Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC) in Southern New Mexico, ABA is a dynamic, highly individualized, child-led learning system that helps children build meaningful skills across every part of life. ABA Is More Than Behavior Change, […]
MASC Staff Spotlight: Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services
Hello! My name is Trisha Braecklein, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Director of Autism Services for the Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC). I have been a part of the Aprendamos Family of Services team for the last five years. In my current role as MASC Director, I oversee the department and all clinical quality and […]
How Do I Get an Autism Diagnosis in Las Cruces?
If you’re wondering how to get an autism diagnosis in Las Cruces, we can help! Many caregivers begin this process unsure of where to start, who to call, or what kind of evaluation their child needs. At Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC) in Southern New Mexico, we help families understand each step.. Whether your child is showing […]
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