Relias  acquires Autism Training Solutions

Private equity-backed Relias Learning continues to scale its health and human services e-learning network with the acquisition of Autism Training Solutions

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Autism Training Solutions joins Relias Learning in third bolt-on acquisition

Relias Learning, a leader in online training for human services organisations acquired Autism Training Solutions (ATS) in 2014.

This strategic move significantly enhances Relias’ training library by adding over 2,000 Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) video clips and more than 60 hours of expert instruction, reinforcing its position as a top provider of educational resources in the field of human services.

Expanding resources for ABA professionals

ATS specializes in training for ABA professionals, offering a comprehensive eTraining solution that features five key components: online video interventions, interactive activities, assessments, supervision, and certification. This acquisition boosts Relias Learning’s capacity to provide expert instruction on essential topics like behavior planning, differential reinforcement, and the principles of behavior management.

Relias Learning’s CEO, Jim Triandiflou, views this as a significant opportunity to cater to the increasing demand for quality training, especially as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to grow across globally.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for Relias to serve a rapidly growing market and ensure that our customers always have the very best training and education solutions available,” Triandiflou said.

Meeting the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder

With ASD affecting one in 68 children and becoming the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., there is an urgent need for effective medical, behavioral, and developmental health services. To address this, the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has introduced a new Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) credential, requiring frontline staff to complete 40 hours of competency-based ABA training.

ATS is approved by the BACB for continuing education credits and aligns with the National Autism Center's (NAC) National Standards Project. These credentials affirm ATS’ reputation for providing industry-leading content reviewed by top behavior analysts and experts.

ATS embraces new chapter following acquisition by Relias

Emaley McCulloch, co-founder and president of ATS, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that Relias’ Learning Management System will enhance how ATS customers train their staff in response to ever-changing industry regulations.

Emaley commented: “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Relias family. The ability to leverage ATS courses and create custom content through Relias will help families receive the very best in quality care.”

Looking ahead: growth and innovation for Relias Learning

Relias Learning continues to experience robust growth, integrating new content and exploring new industries. The acquisition of ATS is part of a broader strategy to expand its reach and deliver top-tier training across the healthcare and human services sectors.

“We continue to see strong organic growth for Relias in our core markets,” Triandiflou noted, “and the ability to integrate new content and industries is another exciting growth opportunity.”

About Autism Training Solutions

Autism Training Solutions (ATS) is an online education provider focused on training professionals in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders and related behavioral disabilities. With dynamic, naturalistic video examples and interactive exercises, ATS helps government agencies and private practices improve their training programs.

About Relias Learning

Relias provides workforce enablement solutions for over 12,000 healthcare and human services organizations, supporting 4.5 million caregivers worldwide. Relias helps its clients attract talent, elevate care quality, and reduce risk. The Relias family of brands — including Nurse.com, Relias Academy, and Relias Media — shares a commitment to improving the lives of society's most vulnerable populations.

Building Relias: private equity's key role in expanding through M&A

Vista Equity Partners combined five leading e-learning providers in the health and human services sector, starting in 2012 with the acquisition of Essential Learning from a retiring co-founder.

Two months later, Vista acquired Virginia-based social care e-learning business Silverchair Learning, and in August 2012 combined Essential Learning and Silverchair to form Relias Learning. New CEO Jim Triandiflou was brought in to scale Relias.

Three acquisitions quickly followed: senior care e-learning provider Care2Learn from Vector Learning (April 2013), palliative care e-learning provider Hospice Education Network (Jan 2014), and finally Autism Training Solutions (Jun 2014) in an M&A transaction led by Mark Sapsford.

In October 2014, Relias Learning was sold to German media conglomerate Bertelsmann by Vista Equity Partners and LLR Partners (who co-invested in May 2013).

How selling my business helped millions around the world

Emaley McCulloch, founder of Autism Training Solutions (ATS), shares how selling her company amplified the impact of her mission to help children with autism. Originally starting by training teachers, doctors, and parents, Emaley realised that the internet could quickly scale the impact she could make. 

 

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