CASP names Rebecca Thompson director of government affairs

The Council of Autism Service Providers has hired Rebecca Thompson to lead government affairs, bringing more than two decades of autism services and advocacy experience to the Boston-based trade group. CASP is leaning on Thompson’s background in ABA, clinical research and multi-state policy work as it pushes autism policy across all 50 states.

Why it matters: - CASP is adding a veteran advocate with experience in autism diagnosis, ABA services, clinical research and state and federal policy. - The hire strengthens CASP’s push to support public policy work across 50 states for people with autism and their families.

What happened: - The Council of Autism Service Providers hired Rebecca Thompson as director of government affairs. - Thompson brings more than 20 years of experience in autism services. - Thompson’s background includes work in autism diagnosis in children, applied behavior analysis services, clinical research and federal and state advocacy. - Thompson is a licensed psychologist and holds a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral credential. - Thompson spent much of her career at LEARN Behavioral, where she served as vice president of advocacy and director of clinical services.

The details: - Thompson has led government affairs efforts in 17 states. - Thompson’s clinical research was published in Behavior Analysis Practice. - Thompson has held several public policy leadership roles, including president of the Wisconsin Autism Providers Association. - Thompson also served as chair of Massachusetts Providers for ABA Access & Quality. - Thompson served as president of Illinois Providers for ABA Access & Quality. - Thompson was a board member of Autism United Wisconsin. - Thompson served as a provider representative on the Wisconsin Governor’s Autism Council. - CASP is a nonprofit trade association founded in 2016. - CASP represents more than 475 autism service provider organizations in all 50 states and multiple countries. - CASP says it supports members by cultivating, sharing and advocating for best practices in autism services. - CASP also develops clinical practice guidelines for ABA and educates legislators about policy. - CASP’s website is More information.

Between the lines: - CASP appears to be prioritizing policy and advocacy expertise as autism services face ongoing state-by-state regulatory and reimbursement differences. - Thompson’s mix of clinical and lobbying experience gives CASP a leader who can connect provider operations with public policy goals. - Lorri Unumb, CEO of CASP, said Thompson is already proven as a professional and effective advocate who speaks up for the families CASP serves.

What's next: - Thompson is expected to help coordinate CASP’s government affairs work across the country. - CASP will likely use Thompson’s state-level experience to deepen engagement with lawmakers and regulators. - Thompson said she is focused on making the biggest impact for people with autism and their families through CASP’s advocacy efforts.

The bottom line: - CASP is betting that Thompson’s long record in autism services and advocacy will sharpen its policy voice as it works across all 50 states.