ABA Autism Clinic
“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village.”
Coach Elaine Hall
At Partners In Learning, we are committed to early intervention through inclusive practices as we continue to provide services, resources, and support for children and their families. The center offers applied behavior analysis (ABA) services in a unique model that is one of a kind in the state. We have the ability to provide 1:1 intervention, small and whole-group opportunities within our childcare and NC-PreK setting.
Our educators are trained in the fundamentals of ABA to offer additional support to children with autism and continuity of care within the classroom setting. We seek to increase independence, self-advocacy, and overall happiness in each of our clients. At Partners In Learning, we utilize principles and interventions rooted in the science of applied behavior analysis to help your child communicate more effectively, advocate for themselves, and connect socially in ways that are meaningful to the individual. By focusing on teaching the skills a child might need to advocate for themselves, we are often able to reduce or eliminate the need for problem behavior.
Our mission is to serve a neurodiverse population in an inclusive setting with kindness, creativity, and expertise rooted in the principles of applied behavior analysis. We offer an individualized approach to treatment in a variety of environments in which to offer services and support, including childcare classrooms, small social skills groups, 1:1 intervention, and NC-PreK classrooms. We utilize evidence-based interventions to help our clients find their voice and integrate into this inclusive environment while celebrating and honoring their neurodiversity.
Early intervention and access to specialized therapies are critical to addressing these challenges and supporting children’s development and well-being.
Parent-Mediated Intervention
At Partners In Learning, we are committed to supporting families through our parent-mediated intervention (PMI) of Applied Behavior Analysis, a collaborative program where we work right alongside you and your child to build skills that last a lifetime. Rather than stepping back while a therapist takes over, this model is all about guiding you as you learn practical, everyday strategies. Together, we focus on helping your child gain greater independence and build deep, meaningful relationships within your home and community.
What Your Weekly PMI Sessions Look Like:
- Side-by-Side Coaching: We’ll guide you step-by-step through real-life moments like playtime, mealtime, community outings, etc. so you feel confident using new tools in your everyday routine.
- Goals That Fit Your Life: We focus on what matters most to your family, whether that’s helping your child ask for what they need, play with siblings, or get through morning transitions with less stress.
- Hands-On Learning: You’ll learn how to encourage your child’s communication, help them advocate for themselves, and handle tough moments before meltdown triggers occur.
- Open, Supportive Updates: We’ll check in regularly on how things are going, celebrating the wins together and adjusting strategies whenever something isn’t working for your family.
- Real-World Success: Everything you practice is designed to carry over naturally into family outings, playdates, and daily life and we will even practice with you in those community settings.
Our mission with PMI is to bring support directly into your home life with kindness, creativity, and care by focusing on things that matter to you. By focusing on both you and your child, we honor your family’s unique routines while celebrating everything that makes your child who they are. Through this true partnership, we want to help bring more joy, ease, and confidence to your family’s daily journey.
Alana Iannello, MAT, BCBA, Director of Autism Services
Alana has worked alongside individuals, families, school systems, and advocates in the autism community for over two decades. She had the opportunity to provide community-based services to individuals on the autism spectrum early in her career, prior to entering the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system. In this setting, she taught in a classroom supporting students with autism, before taking a role as an autism consultant for the district. 
She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus in Special Education, as well as being licensed as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). She worked with a variety of families across the state during her time with the Autism Society of North Carolina over the last six years, providing in-home behavior analytic services to families in the Charlotte, Asheville, and Morganton areas. In her time with the Autism Society, she also delivered presentations, workshops, and ongoing coaching to school systems, service providers, and other stakeholder groups. She has experience implementing and overseeing programs that emphasize the integration of evidence-based practices in intervention for neurodiverse children, adolescents, and adults. Current areas of focus include equity in education and behavioral intervention, social emotional learning, naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions, and promoting self-advocacy skills for individuals in the autistic community. She is excited to join Partners in Learning to continue this journey!