GSEP Alumnus Jeffrey Skibitsky (MA ’08) Celebrates 15 Years of ABS Kids
This July, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology alumnus Jeffrey Skibitsky (MA ’08) celebrates a significant milestone as ABS Kids, the autism services organization he founded, marks 15 years of serving children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Founded in 2011, ABS Kids has grown into a leading provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and autism diagnostic services. Over the past 15 years, the organization has served more than 11,500 children, opened more than 70 ABA therapy and diagnostic centers nationwide, and expanded access to evidence-based autism care across California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.
As founder and president, Skibitsky oversees clinical initiatives throughout the organization, including service delivery, recruitment, and training for behavioral intervention teams. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), he has spent nearly two decades advancing autism treatment, advocacy, and access to high-quality care.
Prior to launching ABS Kids, Skibitsky worked with the Lovaas Institute and served in leadership and advocacy roles with organizations including the Utah Parent Center and the Disability Law Center. Under his leadership, ABS Kids has remained committed to delivering family-centered, evidence-based services while expanding to meet the growing demand for autism care nationwide.
Skibitsky credits his graduate education at Pepperdine University with shaping his approach to leadership and clinical practice.
“My experience at Pepperdine instilled in me a deep respect for research and lifelong learning, both of which continue to shape my work today,” said Skibitsky. “The university’s emphasis on scientific rigor taught me the importance of grounding applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy in evidence-based practices while remaining responsive to new discoveries in the field. At ABS Kids, that foundation guides our commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality clinical care for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Pepperdine prepared me to lead with both intellectual curiosity and a dedication to continually raising the standard of care.”
Skibitsky earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Vanderbilt University before completing a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University in 2008. As ABS Kids celebrates 15 years of impact, his work continues to reflect the values of scholarship, service, and leadership that define the GSEP community.