Mississippi Center for Autism

05/29/2026

Happening tomorrow!

Premier Professional Counseling is inviting the community to a day focused on connection and mental wellness.

05/28/2026

We Lost a Force...
Karen Sock wasn't just a supporter of MCARDD. She was a cornerstone of this community, a woman who showed up when it mattered and never stopped showing up.
She gave her time. She gave her resources. She gave her belief in what we were building here—a place where every family, regardless of their circumstances, could access the support they desperately needed. Karen understood that mission on a level most people never reach. She didn't just write checks. She volunteered. She advocated. She made sure people knew that autism families in Mississippi deserved better, and she put her energy behind making that happen.
Karen was a pioneer in every sense of the word. She didn't wait for permission to make change. She didn't ask if it was convenient. She saw what needed to be done and she did it—whether that was for MCARDD, in her community, or in the countless lives she touched throughout her years.
Losing her leaves a hole we can't fill. But her legacy? That stays.
Rest in power, Karen. We'll keep going because you showed us how.

05/20/2026

Looking for BCBA and a BCABA - The Mississippi Gulf Coast
Job Title: Full-Time BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst)

We are seeking a compassionate, organized, and motivated Full-Time BCaBA to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the delivery of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services while assisting with authorizations, client documentation, and communication with insurance and billing departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical & Administrative Support

• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of ABA treatment plans under the supervision of a BCBA
• Maintain professional communication with families, staff, and providers
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of services and client records

Reporting & Communication

• Communicate Billable Hours and Cancellation Reports to the Executive Director weekly
• Maintain communication with Billing Staff regarding authorization approvals, denials, and appeals

Client Eligibility & File Management

• Confirm Medicaid eligibility for clients monthly
• Maintain organized and compliant client files and records

Authorizations

• Document and track FBA due dates and insurance requirements
• Obtain parent signatures prior to authorization submissions
• Ensure completion of assessments and authorization request forms for each insurance provider and client
• Submit authorization requests through online portals and/or fax
• Track authorization status and communicate outcomes appropriately

Appeals

• Contact insurance agencies regarding appeal requirements and procedures
• Gather and organize required appeal documentation
• Follow up with insurance companies as needed
• Communicate appeal updates with Billing Staff

Qualifications

• Current BCaBA certification required
• Bachelor’s degree in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Education, or related field
• Experience working with children and families in an ABA setting preferred
• Knowledge of Medicaid and insurance authorization processes preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Professional and supportive work environment
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Full-time employment benefits package available

We are looking for a dedicated professional who is passionate about helping clients and families while supporting the operational success of our ABA services program.

05/14/2026

🚨🎓 FINAL CALL — SEA APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED! 🎓🚨

We heard you, and we’re giving families a little more time!

The Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) application deadline has been extended to MAY 20, but this is your LAST chance to apply.

SEA empowers students with disabilities to build confidence, independence, and real-world skills for success after high school.

👉 Register here:
https://usmforms.formstack.com/forms/total_application

⚠️ Eligibility Reminder:
Participation is pending approval through the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS), and students must be actively enrolled with MDRS to participate.

🔁 Please SHARE to help us reach every eligible student before time runs out!

05/14/2026

MSPTI would like to remind families about these upcoming IDD Provider Fair events happening across Mississippi.

Each fair brings together families, individuals, and professionals to connect directly with providers who offer services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Event Dates & Locations:

• May 14 - Ellisville State School (Ellisville, MS)
• May 19 - South Mississippi Regional
Center (Long Beach, MS)
• July 29 - North Mississippi Regional
Center (Oxford, MS)
• August 5 - Hudspeth Regional
Center (Pearl, MS)
• August 13 - Boswell Regional Center (Magee, MS)

2:00-3:30 PM at each location
Door prizes at 2:30 & 3:00 PM

These events unite providers, families, and advocates to strengthen Mississippi's IDD community through leadership, education, and collaboration.

If you're a support coordinator, case manager, transition specialist, or family member - this is your chance to learn, connect, and grow together.

Questions? Contact Steven Allen at 601-906-3871 or email steven.allen68@aol.com.

Let's keep building bridges that make life better for Mississippi families with disabilities. BO

05/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DwHmtwBaM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Buffalo Bills are set to make their new Highmark Stadium one of the most sensory-inclusive sports venues in the world.

The new stadium will include 7 sensory rooms designed for autistic and sensory-sensitive fans — reportedly more than any other stadium worldwide.

For many autistic people, attending live sports can be overwhelming due to:
• loud crowd noise
• bright/flashing lights
• constant announcements
• packed concourses
• unpredictable sounds and energy

The sensory rooms are being designed to help fans regulate and decompress without having to leave the game completely. Features are expected to include quieter environments, sensory tools, calming lighting, and spaces away from the noise of the stadium.

The Bills are also partnering with KultureCity, an organization focused on sensory accessibility, to help make the experience more inclusive for fans and families.

Small changes like this can make a huge difference in whether autistic people feel able to attend large public events comfortably.

Would sensory-friendly spaces make stadiums more accessible for you? 🏈

05/11/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1J75TJk1f6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

Autism Awareness Month has been nothing short of amazing.

We were thrilled to spend time and support the A Latte Abilities Color Walk & Roll. We had so much fun and the event was one that we were so honored to support and meant even more for us to experience.

Thank you to A Latte Friends for their inclusion and phenomenal partnership!

04/21/2026

The WV ATC is pleased to announce an upcoming series of 4 virtual presentations designed to provide valuable information and tips to parents and caregivers of individuals with autism. The series begins on April 28th and will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:30 pm through May 19, 2026, and each session will address a specific topic. They are free and open to the public but do require registration. Please visit the following website or use the QR code in the attached flyer to access the registration website.

Registration available at: https://www.marshall.edu/atc/pes