Laura Lapen, PhD

Laura Lapen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and Founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Spectrum LLC. She received her Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Therapy in 1996 and then a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2018.  Laura began working with families and children with special needs very early on in her career. Behavior analysis immediately became her primary interest as she discovered its efficacy and ability to help those with special needs.  She has been working in the applied behavior analysis (ABA) field for over 20 years and has garnered extensive experience working with individuals with autism and related disabilities in school, home, clinic and group settings.  Laura provides trainings to families, school teams and paraprofessionals about ABA.  Her passion for the field has let her to found Beyond the Spectrum, whose mission is to educate and improve the lives of children with disabilities and their   families.  My specialty is applying principles of learning to improve socially important behaviors of children and adults with development disabilities, assessment, treatment, prevention of problem behaviors, and developing alternative treatments for severe problem behavior.  Laura is proud to be working in the community she is so passionate about.