Autism therapy is extremely important for families with members affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The autism therapy industry has grown tremendously in recent years, which is largely due to awareness being more prevalent and laws that now mandate insurance coverage for autism treatment. In the United States alone, the market is expanding at a significantly faster rate than other healthcare sectors, with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy being recognized as the gold standard when it comes to treating autism.
However, as the demand for these services surges, caregivers struggle to get off of waitlists for these services. Approximately 79 percent of caregivers reported spending time on a waitlist for ABA services, with the average waiting time being 5.5 months. Service providers' structures and priorities are being scrutinized more carefully. At the core of this discussion is whether autism therapy should be driven by individually-owned or private equity interests.
Between 2017 and 2022, private equity firms completed 85 percent of all mergers and acquisitions in autism services. It is the highest rate among healthcare segments, as private equity-backed providers control a large portion of autism care in the United States. This type of model prioritizes profitability, which can result in high caseloads, less parent involvement, and inconsistent quality of service.
The rapid expansion enabled by private equity funding has brought accessibility to previously underserved areas but frequently sacrifices the level of care and attention for each individual. According to the British Medical Journal private equity ownership in healthcare can sometimes result in higher costs for patients and challenges in maintaining consistent service quality, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the unique needs of vulnerable populations like children with autism.
Individually-owned clinics balance growth and quality by focusing on manageable caseloads, fostering direct parental involvement, and maintaining a team of highly skilled professionals. These models align operational decisions with a core mission to serve families and improve outcomes. Children receiving consistent, individualized ABA therapy demonstrate significant gains in communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior.
Individually-owned clinics are often deeply integrated into their neighborhoods. As the industry evolves, the dichotomy between profit-driven and quality-driven care raises important questions about long-term sustainability and ethical responsibility in autism treatment.
Success on the Spectrum (SOS) is redefining the autism therapy industry with their franchise model. Since its founding in 2015, SOS has grown to over 50 clinics across 16 states, becoming the first ABA therapy franchise in the U.S. Unlike private equity, SOS has built its model on owner-operators and mission-driven values, offering comprehensive therapy services such as ABA, speech, and occupational therapy.
Beyond community events, SOS’s franchise model empowers local business owners—often parents of children with autism—to maintain a personal connection to the families they serve. This localized approach ensures that care delivery remains consistent and mission-focused, even as the organization scales nationally. Each franchise adheres to stringent quality standards, including a one-to-one student-to-technician ratio and sensory-friendly clinic designs, ensuring every child receives personalized attention.
The driving force behind SOS is Nichole Daher, whose personal journey inspired her to revolutionize autism care. A former nuclear medicine professional, Daher transitioned to autism advocacy after becoming a stepmother to a child with autism. Recognizing the gaps in existing services, she launched SOS in Houston, Texas, in 2015.
“Many ABA companies are operated by private equity investment groups, where financial considerations can sometimes take precedence over individualized care for children.”
“At Success on The Spectrum, our owners are often parents of children with autism who understand firsthand what it takes to provide meaningful care. This ensures that decisions, like purchasing a trampoline to support a child’s energy needs, are made quickly and with the child’s best interest in mind—not delayed by budget approvals.”
Through SOS Franchising, Daher trains business owners to replicate her success, making high-quality autism care accessible across the U.S. Her leadership style incorporates ethical practices, transparency, and a commitment to each family she encounters. By prioritizing quality over profits, Success on The Spectrum exemplifies the potential of community-focused care models to create lasting impact—not only for children with autism but for society at large.
Media Contact
Company Name: SOS Franchising
Contact Person: Joe Souza
Email:Send Email
City: New York
Country: United States
Website: https://sosfranchising.com
