ABA Therapy Expands Access in New York and Philippines
New therapy centers and training programs aim to improve autism care for families across two nations.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Autism
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Behavior analyst Cherry Ann Chishti has established therapy clinics in New York and training academies in the Philippines to broaden access to autism support. These centers provide Applied Behavior Analysis therapy intended to help children develop social, communication, and daily living skills.
Why it matters
Expanding the reach of specialized autism services can help address gaps in access to care for children and families. By training caregivers and professionals in hybrid programs, this work aims to ensure that evidence-based behavioral support is available in diverse communities.
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a therapeutic framework used to support individuals with autism by targeting social, communication, and independence goals. The efficacy of these interventions is grounded in 20 years of clinical experience and specialized education practices.
The players
Cherry Ann Chishti
A Board-Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst who founded clinical centers and training academies to improve autism service access.
Ascend ABA P.C.
A provider of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy operating two clinical centers in New York.
Chishti Care International
An organization founded in Quezon City to support families through behavioral therapy and caregiver training.
International Behavior Therapist Training Academy
A training body that provides hybrid programs for educators and parents to enhance the quality of autism care.
The details
The clinics utilize Applied Behavior Analysis to help children improve their social skills, communication, and daily functioning. Additionally, the International Behavior Therapist Training Academy offers hybrid parent-training programs designed to equip educators and families with strategies for effective behavioral support.
Timeline
Over 20 years ago, Cherry Ann Chishti began her career in special education.
Health Landscape
This development reflects the broader trend of integrating hybrid caregiver training models into traditional behavioral health delivery. By bridging resources across borders, the initiative moves toward a more collaborative, scalable approach to managing autism care.
If you are a parent or caregiver exploring ABA services, you may want to discuss the qualifications of local providers and available training programs with your child's pediatrician. Assessing whether a clinic offers parent-training resources can be a valuable part of choosing the right care.
The takeaway
Accessing specialized autism support often involves combining direct clinical therapy with caregiver training to ensure consistency. Families should feel empowered to ask prospective clinics about their training programs for parents and the professional credentials of their staff.
Further reading
For more on the current standard of care and supporting evidence for children, see our coverage on Autism.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GMA Network.
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