Andrea Rios, M.Ed., BCBA., R.B.A. (Ont.)
Owner and Founder

About Andrea

Andrea Rios is a highly experienced Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ontario), specializing in the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviours and the development of essential skills. Holding a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts, earned in February 2012, Andrea became a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst later in September of that year. In 2018 Andrea further expanded her expertise by becoming a BCBA Reviewer for the Ontario Autism Program. With the regulation of Behaviour Analysis in Ontario on July 1, 2024, Andrea officially attained the designation of Registered Behaviour Analyst (Ontario).

Beginning their career in 2006 as an Instructor Therapist for the Autism Intervention Program, Andrea has amassed extensive experience across diverse settings. These include community organizations, hospitals, treatment centres for adults with severe behavioural challenges, and private clinics providing services to children with autism. 

With a focus on supporting older children and adults with dual diagnoses—such as autism, cognitive impairments, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—Andrea delivers targeted strategies to address complex needs.

Currently, Andrea works as a consultant for community organizations, providing guidance for adults with problem behaviours that necessitate Behaviour Support Plans due to the intrusive nature of required interventions. Additionally, she serves as the chair of the Clinical and Ethics Review Committee for an organization dedicated to adult services.

In her role as Clinical Supervisor for the Ontario Autism Program, Andrea collaborates with parents, caregivers, and educators to deliver community-based skill-building programs. Her philosophy emphasizes empowering families by involving them in the decision-making process and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to support their loved ones effectively. Recognizing the temporary nature of their involvement, Andrea prioritizes teaching and transferring skills to ensure lasting positive impacts.

Through a collaborative approach, Andrea and her team work closely with clients and their families to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

The expertise and experience our Program Supervisors bring to the families are in the following areas:

Children and Early Intervention:
  • Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI)
  • parent training
  • parent mediated intervention
  • interventions in other community settings such as schools and daycares
  • assessment of barriers to learning and set-up of treatment to overcome such barriers.
Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Dual Diagnoses
  • assessment and treatment of severe problem behaviours to comply with O. Reg. 299/10: Quality Assurance Measures.
  • caregiver training
Youth and Adults:
  • vocational training
  • self-regulation
  • anxiety
  • relationships.

Our Approach

We use Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), grounded in the universal principles of learning, to teach essential skills across various areas of human development and education. Each client benefits from a customized program designed to facilitate the acquisition of skills needed for success in all aspects of daily living, including at home, in school, and within the community. These personalized teaching programs empower your loved one to achieve their goals at their own pace while developing the skills necessary for a more independent and fulfilling life.
Our services are offered in a variety of formats to suit individual needs, including one-on-one in-home sessions, consultations, and parent-mediated intervention programs. Following comprehensive assessments, services are specifically tailored to meet your loved one’s unique learning needs and goals.