Behavior analyst licenses suspended for failure to report suspected abuse at Plano autism center, officials report

The mother reported to the center on May 12 that the child had told her about possible sexual abuse involving two behavior technician employees.

PLANO, Texas — The licenses of four behavior analysts have been suspended for failure to report suspected abuse at an autism center in Plano, according to a release from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

TDLR ordered an emergency suspension of three behavioral analysts and one assistant behavioral analyst on Aug. 17 after the four failed to make legally required reports of suspected child abuse involving a 4-year-old at the Apara Autism Center in Plano, according to the release. 

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The mother reported to the center on May 12 that the child had told her about possible sexual abuse involving two behavior technician employees. Two of the behavioral analysts reported the incident to their direct supervisors and then the incident was handled internally by review of camera footage and never reported to proper authorities. 

Hospital staff reported the assault to law enforcement and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) after the mother took the child in for a sexual assault exam. The criminal investigation falls under law enforcement jurisdiction, and registered behavior technicians are licensed under the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, not TDLR. 

Texas law requires any professional with reasonable cause of abuse or neglect is obligated to make the report to law enforcement within 24 hours, according to the release. “Behavior analysts across Texas provide important, compassionate services that help people build skills, gain independence, and improve their quality of life,” said Courtney Arbour, TDLR Executive Director. “Keeping Texans safe, especially children and other vulnerable clients is our highest priority. When abuse is suspected, each professional has a duty to report directly to the proper authorities, and TDLR will take action when that responsibility under the law is not met.”

The four individuals who lost their licenses and must immediately stop providing services are: 

Nicole Ercan, behavior analystAmberly Bossert, behavior analystKarah Pack, behavior analystAlice Agyeman, assistant behavior analyst

The suspensions will remain in effect for one year unless otherwise ordered by TDLR or a court.