Early Warning Signs of ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can look different for each individual. In order to make a diagnosis, a doctor will look at an individual’s developmental history and behavior. ASD can be diagnosed as young as 18 months, or younger. A diagnosis by the age of 2 can be considered reliable when provided by an experienced professional. … Read more

The Important Role of Parents in ABA Therapy

An applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy team is comprised of several moving parts. There are the behavior therapists and analysts whom design, implement and evaluate behavior modification plans based on the principles of ABA. However, ABA therapy also involves a constant collaboration with other important individuals in the child’s natural environment including teachers, peers and … Read more

Behavior Analysis In Jamaica

When you envision Jamaica, what comes to mind? White sandy beaches? Waterfalls? Majestic mountain ranges and traditional island beats such as Reggae and Dance-hall? Maybe it’s the fastest man in the world and triple gold medalist, The Hon. Usain Bolt. It could even be the soul food that’s rich in signature spices and flavors accompanied … Read more

Karelix Alicea

M.S., BCBA, ITDS

Founder / President of Lotus Behavioral Interventions

Miss Alicea received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis under the direction of the esteemed Dr. Jacob L. Gewirtz at Florida International University (FIU), and is currently in the process of completing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University.

Following a period of almost 10 years of experience in the field, she founded Lotus Behavioral Interventions in 2009. Miss Alicea taught undergraduate-level behavior analysis coursework for several years at FIU and Carlos Albizu University, and is a graduate-level intensive practicum supervisor at Simmons College, Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and University of South Florida (USF), all of which are Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accredited programs.

She has presented on the benefits of sign language and telehealth services for children with autism in addition to ethical service delivery, supervision and entrepreneurship at various professional conferences, including the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA) and ABAI.

Miss Alicea is an active member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), and can render services in English, Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL) both face-to-face and via telehealth with the use of HIPAA-compliant technology.