As Radical Minds approaches its tenth year serving Nebraska families, we are reflecting on what ethical, clinician-led Applied Behavior Analysis care looks like and why it matters now more than ever. The autism services landscape has changed significantly over the past decade, bringing increased access alongside new challenges around oversight, incentives, and quality of care.
When we began, families in Nebraska had very limited access to ABA services, and long waitlists were common. Radical Minds was founded to help meet that need with a clear and enduring focus: thoughtful, individualized care guided by what is best for each child.
Over time, the field has expanded rapidly. While greater availability has helped many families, it has also made it harder to distinguish between care driven by clinical judgment and care shaped by financial or operational priorities. Families deserve clarity, transparency, and services rooted in ethics rather than volume.
Care Happens in Clinics, but Accountability Extends Beyond Them
Most of our work takes place where it should, inside our clinics, day in and day out, alongside children and families. But last fall, that commitment required sustained engagement beyond our walls.
In September, I testified before the Nebraska State Legislature and worked directly with state policymakers on issues related to oversight and accountability in autism services. Coverage of that legislative discussion is available from Nebraska Public Media:
During the same period, we invited senior leadership from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to visit our Blondo clinic to see firsthand how ethical, clinically driven ABA care is delivered. That visit took place in December and made Radical Minds the first ABA clinic outside of the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to host senior DHHS leadership.
National Reporting on Autism Services and Oversight
Following my September testimony, I participated in interviews with journalists examining autism services in the context of Medicaid rate changes, utilization patterns, and oversight. Reporting from Virginia Public Media explores these issues at a national level, including why states are reexamining standards of care in autism services:
https://www.vpm.org/2025-12-23/its-the-gold-standard-in-autism-care-why-are-states-reining-it-in
That reporting later led to an interview with The New York Times, focused on over-utilization in the field and the growing influence of private equity in autism care. That article is expected to be published in the coming months.
Why This Matters for Families
We share this not for recognition, but for clarity. The care your child receives does not exist in isolation. The standards, incentives, and oversight that shape this field affect not only individual families, but entire communities, this state, and families across the country.
It matters when providers are willing to step forward, speak honestly about the realities of care delivery, and accept responsibility beyond their own organizations.
We are doing this work because we believe it is important. Important for your child. Important for families who may not yet know what questions to ask. Important for Nebraska. And important for the long-term health of the field nationally.
As we approach our tenth year, we remain committed to doing this work with care, integrity, and purpose.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s care.
In Partnership,
Corey Cohrs, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, LIMHP
Founder and CEO
