ABS Kids launches new ABA location
ABS Kids opened a new applied behavior analysis (ABA) center in Provo, Utah, its 12th in the state.
The new location, officially opening on May 6, will offer ABA therapy and autism diagnosis services.
Salt Lake City, Utah-based ABS Kids provides in-home, in-school and center-based ABA therapy for children and families. The company nearly doubled their footprint in 2023 and now operates 31 centers in California, North Carolina, Tennessee and Utah.
“Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children with autism, and this new ABA center will allow us to reach even more families in need of high-quality therapy and diagnostic services,” Mellanie Page, executive vice president of ABS Kids, said in a statement. “Like other locations, this new center in Provo is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, resources and experts to deliver personalized and compassionate care to each child.”
ABS Kids has raised at least $25.5 million in funding, according to public documents. Private equity firms Petra Capital Partners and Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital have invested in the company.
Child development provider Powerback Pediatrics launches ABA services in Nebraska
Powerback Pediatrics, formerly Encore Pediatrics, announced its rebrand simultaneously with the news that it was expanding its ABA services to multiple cities within Nebraska.
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-based Powerback provides pediatric services, including ABA therapy, school-based therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. It operates in Nebraska, Arkansas, New York, Illinois and Missouri.
The provider will offer ABA therapy for children from birth to high school in select markets. Its Nebraska ABA services, available in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Hastings and several other Nebraska cities, are offered in homes, schools, or local community settings like daycare centers.
“I am proud to be able to support my local community through Powerback Pediatrics, and I know that our dedication to providing an empowered approach to ABA therapy will make a significant difference in the lives of Nebraskan children with autism,” Andrew Prine, clinical director at Powerback Pediatrics, said in a statement.
Powerback approaches ABA therapy with a team-centered approach, according to the company, with dedicated care teams consisting of client advocates, Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBAs) and registered behavior technicians. The team works with a patient’s school and physician as needed.
The Pompano Beach Department of Cultural Affairs receives autism center certification
The Pompano Beach Department of Cultural Affairs, located midway between Miami and Palm Beach, is now a Certified Autism Center (CAC).
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) determines which locations are CACs. To receive the certification, organizations must complete training and a certification process to understand and welcome visitors with autism and sensory sensitivity.
“I am incredibly proud of the collaborative effort between the cultural arts and tourism departments that led to these certifications,” Pompano Beach mayor Rex Hardin said in a statement. “Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in the arts, we saw an opportunity to enhance our services by providing autism sensitivity and awareness training to our staff. This collaboration not only underscores our commitment to accessibility but also reflects our shared vision of creating welcoming environments for all visitors, including those with sensory sensitivities.”
IBCCES provides cognitive disorder training and certification for health care, education and corporate professionals through specialized programs worldwide.
Greater Miami area seeks to become a Certified Autism Destination
Another Florida location also recently became a Certified Autism Center (CAC).
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau became a CAC through the IBCCES as part of an effort to transform Greater Miami and Miami Beach into a Certified Autism Destination (CAD).
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is an independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization designed to attract visitors to Miami Beach and the Greater Miami area.
The CAD designation provides visitors with a variety of trained and certified options for entertainment, recreation and hospitality. The initiative seeks to increase inclusivity and the number of visitors to the Miami area.
“We’re thrilled to work with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau as its team expands their focus on accessibility,” IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb, said in a statement. “This is the first step to enhance the visitor experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers and make a huge difference for millions of families all over the globe.”
Burrell Behavioral Health opens its second autism center
Springfield, Missouri-based Burrell Behavioral Health opened a new autism center in Springfield.
The new center will treat teenage and adult people with autism, according to AOL.com. It is designed to meet the needs of patients aging out of programs for younger children.
“We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of the Burrell Autism Center in both services and location,” the company wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Congratulations to director Seth Allen and the incredible team for opening a second location at 1370 E. Primrose St. in Springfield!”
Along with autism services, Burrell offers therapy, psychiatry, residential services and addiction recovery, among other services, for youth, adults and families.
Burrell was among four providers to partner with Mend, a telehealth platform for mental and behavioral health in March.
