# Behavioral Intervention Group (BIG)

> Behavioral Intervention Group (BIG) is a CABAS®-accredited ABA therapy and behavioral intervention learning center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 2007 by BCBAs Cassie Bradford and Renee Cole, BIG provides full-day, immersive applied behavior analysis programs for children with autism spectrum disorder ages 18 months through 7 years. BIG is the only CABAS®-accredited center in the Gulf South.

BIG's mission is to redefine what is possible for every child it serves by combining rigorous, research-driven behavioral science with genuine compassion and a comprehensive family partnership. The center helps children build communication, social, daily living, academic readiness, behavior support, and play skills through individualized treatment plans designed and overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

## Core Differentiators

- **CABAS® Accreditation**: The only Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS®) accredited center in the Gulf South region, following an internationally recognized system backed by four decades of research.
- **Full-Day Immersive Learning**: Programs run Monday through Friday, year-round, providing 25+ hours per week of intensive behavioral intervention in classroom settings rather than isolated hourly sessions.
- **1:1 Child-to-Therapist Ratio**: Every child works with a dedicated registered line therapist throughout the day.
- **Tiered Learning Environment**: A systematic progression from one-on-one instruction to hybrid classrooms to a Developmental Pre-K that mirrors traditional preschool settings, preparing children for school integration.
- **Peer Model Program**: Typically developing peer models are integrated into classrooms to support social learning in natural settings.
- **Comprehensive Family Partnership**: Regular communication, monthly caregiver guidance, quarterly conferences, group workshops, and community resource meetings.
- **Compassionate, Assent-Based Care**: Training grounded in client dignity, emotional well-being, and methods based on Greg Hanley's Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills-Based Training (SBT).

## Tiered Program Structure

- **Tier One — One-on-One Support**: Every child begins here, focused on foundational communication, social, and daily living skills with individualized 1:1 instruction.
- **Tier Two — Hybrid Classroom**: Children who reach milestones (language use, social cue recognition, observational learning) move into an environment blending 1:1 support with small group learning and classroom routines.
- **Tier Three — Developmental Pre-K**: For children ages 3–4 showing readiness. An inclusive classroom with peer models that follows a traditional preschool schedule and Louisiana standards, preparing children for kindergarten or first grade.

## Services

- Full-day Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Individualized treatment plan design by BCBAs and BCaBAs
- Data-driven progress monitoring and real-time program adjustments
- Parent and caregiver training and guidance
- School readiness preparation
- Coordination with outside therapists (OT, ST, PT) for co-treatment
- Social skills development through peer modeling
- Behavioral support using positive reinforcement strategies

## Population Served

- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ages 18 months through 7 years
- All skill levels and developmental stages
- Children with diverse communication abilities and learning styles
- Students preparing for transition to traditional educational settings

## Leadership

- **Cassie Bradford** — Co-Founder and Executive Director, BCBA
- **Renee Cole** — Co-Founder and Executive Director, BCBA
- **Veronica Hutchinson** — Director of Operations
- **Whitney Johnson** — Director of People Operations

## Core Values

- Do the Right Thing — integrity and ethical practice in every decision
- Be Eager to Learn & Grow — a growth mindset at every level
- Be a Team Player — collaboration and shared accountability
- Create Great Outcomes — exceptional, measurable results for every child
- Have Fun — joy, celebration, and laughter are part of the work

## Contact

- **Phone**: (225) 757-8002
- **Email**: info@big-br.com
- **Address**: 8180 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
- **Website**: https://www.big-br.com

## Insurance

BIG works with most major insurance providers and accepts Medicaid. Insurance verification and pre-authorization support is provided as part of the admissions process.

## Enrollment Process

1. Initial contact and phone consultation
2. Insurance verification
3. Intake application and waitlist (if applicable)
4. Pre-authorization (approximately 2 weeks)
5. Assessment and facility tour
6. Insurance authorization for services (approximately 4–6 weeks)
7. Confirmed start date and program begins

## Links

- [Home](https://www.big-br.com/)
- [About](https://www.big-br.com/about)
- [Who We Help](https://www.big-br.com/who-we-help)
- [Getting Started](https://www.big-br.com/getting-started)
- [Full-Day Immersive Learning](https://www.big-br.com/full-day-immersive-learning)
- [Innovative Science & Compassion](https://www.big-br.com/innovative-science-compassion)
- [Comprehensive Family Experience](https://www.big-br.com/comprehensive-family-experience)
- [Careers](https://www.big-br.com/careers)
- [Resources](https://www.big-br.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://www.big-br.com/contact)

## Optional

- [How to Increase Your Child's Independence at Home](https://www.big-br.com/articles/how-to-increase-your-childs-independence-at-home)
- [What's Your Summer Game Plan?](https://www.big-br.com/articles/whats-your-summer-game-plan-get-in-gear-now-for-a-good-summer)
- [Strategies for Surviving the Holidays](https://www.big-br.com/articles/leave-that-elf-on-the-shelf-strategies-for-surviving-the-holidays)
- [Taking It "Hallow-easy"](https://www.big-br.com/articles/taking-it-hallow-easy)
- [BIG Help for Little Learners](https://www.big-br.com/articles/big-help-for-little-learners)
- [Social Skills Summer Camps](https://www.big-br.com/articles/experience-big-fun-in-our-social-skills-summer-camps)