As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder continues to rise, Regis College in Weston is creating a program to train professionals in the most common treatment therapy.

Next year, the college will begin a master of science program in applied behavior analysis, which is used to improve certain kinds of behavior, such as communication, that are difficult for people on the autism spectrum. The demand for these services increased last year after a new state law required some health insurance plans to cover the cost of diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders.