The Kansas City Autism Training Center

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The Kansas City Autism Training Center

KcATC provides professional, research based interventions and training for children diagnosed with autism and their families.

08/20/2026

✨Meet a staff member: Chelsea ✨

What is your favorite activity to do with your students?

I love reading books and playing board games! Good books capture the attention of the group and spark a discussion about what we can learn from the story. Games teach SO many components- direction following, sportsmanship, playful teasing, number recognition, following the rules despite setbacks, fine motor skills. I love when all these components come together so students can happily play with friends and family.

What is your favorite classroom moment or memory?

One of many was celebrating a new holiday this year- Peep Day. Students colored paper eggs and had to take care of them all morning. They hatched in the afternoon and the magic was so thrilling for them! Another is giving my class eyeball stickers to put around the room, we had a Mr. Trash Can, Mr. Phone, etc.

What is your favorite skill to teach your students?

I love teaching advocacy skills- teaching kids in role play outside of challenging moments and then see the skill generalize to real life. Seemingly small moments make the biggest difference for students in the classroom, the community, and at home.

What is one thing you hope every student knows when they leave your classroom?

Do what matters and be the real you!

If you could spend one day as any fictional character, who would you pick?

Madeline! One of my favorite books growing up, I always admired her bravery.

08/18/2026

Every moment matters. 💙

One of our favorite things is listening to our staff share the stories and memories that have stayed with them throughout their time at KcATC.

Sometimes, it’s the big milestones.

Other times, it’s the small moments that may seem simple to someone else, but mean everything to the person who experienced them.

One story that really stood out to us was about earning a student’s trust. 🤍

Trust doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s built through consistency, patience, showing up, celebrating the little wins, and letting a student know that they are safe, supported, and understood.

And we know that story resonates with so many of our staff and families.

Because sometimes the most meaningful progress isn’t something you can measure on a chart it’s a student finally reaching for you, choosing to engage with you, or feeling comfortable enough to let you into their world.

08/13/2026

At KcATC, we know that choosing the right place for your child is one of the biggest decisions a family can make.

That’s why we invite every family to come experience our school in person.

When you schedule a tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through our learning spaces, meet members of our team, ask questions, and learn how our individualized, evidence-based programs are designed to help every child reach their full potential.

We provide center-based, in-home, and community support, along with parent training because we believe the best outcomes happen when families are supported, too.

08/12/2026

Learning doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. 💛

Sometimes the simplest moments become the most impactful.

By turning a morning routine into a pretend phone call, we’re creating a fun, engaging way to build confidence, communication, and independence.

When learning feels exciting, our students are more motivated to participate, practice, and grow.

It’s a reminder that creativity can turn everyday routines into incredible learning opportunities.

08/04/2026

Just like that, another Summer Camp is in the books. ☀️💙

What an incredible few weeks filled with laughter, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

From lake days and trips to the farmers market to a school sleepover and so many other adventures, it was a summer our campers won’t soon forget.

One of our favorite parts of camp is welcoming back familiar faces, seeing former students reconnect with friends, make new memories, and continue building the relationships that began here is something truly special.

While we’re sad to see summer come to an end, we’re so grateful for every smile, every adventure, and every moment we shared.

Thank you to all of the families who made this summer so memorable.

Until next year, Summer Camp. We already can’t wait to do it all again! 💛☀️

07/28/2026

This video is such a small glimpse into Leo’s incredible growth we’ve had the privilege of witnessing over the past seven years. 💙

From the little boy who first walked through our doors to the amazing young man he is today. Watching his confidence grow, celebrating milestones big and small, and seeing his personality shine brighter with each passing year has been such a gift.

It’s hard to put into words what it means to watch a child grow over so many years, but moments like these remind us why we do what we do.

07/21/2026

We are now welcoming new students and families to join our KcATC community. If you’re looking for a supportive, individualized learning environment, we’d love to connect with you.

Visit the link this link to learn more: https://www.kcatc.org/kind

07/16/2026

One unforgettable night. A year of life-changing impact.

Join us as we celebrate 20 Years of Brilliance and invest in another year of changing lives. ✨

07/09/2026

✨Meet a staff member: Ron Johnson (Executive Director)✨

What originally drew you into this field?

My son Ben was born in 1987, and by 30 months he could speak in six-word sentences. Then came a sudden regression; lost words, behavior changes, and after years of searching for answers, we received his autism diagnosis in 1990. What’s remarkable in hindsight is that Ben’s birth coincided almost exactly with Dr. Ivar Lovaas’ landmark UCLA study on ABA. We were fortunate that Dr. Don Baer helped us connect with therapists using that approach. In 1999, the U.S. Surgeon General endorsed ABA as the gold standard, and the only therapy covered by insurance. We knew that before most people did.

What has kept you at KcATC for so many years?

Watching parents discover the science of ABA, and seeing the light come on when they realize what’s possible for their child. That moment never gets old, and I love to see their changes.

What are you most proud of in your time here?

I’ve had the privilege of working with and meeting so many wonderful people during my time here, and I’ve been honored to witness the remarkable transformations in the children we’ve served.

What’s one misconception people have about autism services that you wish they understood better?

Many people picture ABA as a rigid or cold process. But when it’s done well, the thing you notice most is how happy the kids are. Children want to learn when the conditions are right; learning becomes joyful. That surprises people.

What does working at KcATC mean to you personally?

It means I get to provide other families with something we didn’t have. When Ben was diagnosed in 1990, we were largely on our own. We had to find therapists, figure out Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and navigate a system that wasn’t designed for children like him. It was overwhelming.

It’s great to change a family’s live and be a part of their child’s transition. Give them hope and a different future!

07/07/2026

This is a Kindergarten built around your child. Insurance-funded Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services are woven into the school day as a natural part of how your child learns, alongside full school days, real friendships, and high expectations for everyone.

We teach children to find the work itself rewarding, to learn alongside peers, and to draw on their own motivation and judgment as they grow. That means social skills, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, group learning, and everyday classroom routines so they are ready for the demands of first grade and beyond.

If this sounds like what your child needs, we would love to connect. Submit a Kindergarten Readiness Inventory at this link!
https://www.kcatc.org/kind

Address

10842 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO
64114

Telephone

+18167080540

Website

http://www.kcatc.org/

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