Programs treat, educate autistic children

In 2004, Kimberly Wallace, a mother of a child diagnosed with autism, founded Spectrum of Hope in Northwest Houston to help care for children and their families affected by disorders within the autism spectrum.

The clinic opened with only four clients, four therapists and one certified behavior analyst. Services were limited to day treatment or one-on-one therapy focused on early development for young children.

However, after opening a larger headquarters last summer, the business has grown to house more than 70 clients, 80 therapists and 11 certified therapists in less than eight years.

"Our clinic has served more than 150 families and children, providing applied behavior analysis treatment and behavioral intervention for autism spectrum disorders, Asperger's syndrome and a variety of other developmental delays," said Lynsey Jackson, executive director.

The new 12,000-square-foot facility can treat more than twice as many clients as the previous location and can offer more treatment programs, she said.

As of 2012, autism affects an estimated one in 88 children and is considered the fastest growing developmental disability in the nation.

"This number has historically increased every year," Jackson said. "From 1 in 500 in 1990 to 1 in 166 when Spectrum of Hope first opened in 2004 to the rates they are today. The expected rates of children being affected are predicted to be a 17 percent increase every year."

Overburdened school districts are unable to provide the level of service needed for most children on the spectrum, Jackson said, and speech and occupational therapy do not provide the same level of intensity or capacity that applied behavior analysis, or ABA, treatment involves.

"ABA therapy and treatment has come to be accepted as the most effective intervention for persons with autism," Jackson said. "[We] provide numerous services to children and families living with autism."

These services include the reduction of problem behavior, speech and communication development, social skills development, motor coordination skills, leisure skills, educational skill development, daily living skills and community skills.

List of Services

• Day Treatment — For children 2 to 7 years old, Focuses on early development skills and independence
• Hope Extended — For children 4 to 10 years old, Focuses on beginner academics and independent skills
• Hope Academy — For children 4 to 12 years old, Focuses on classroom and group skills
• In-Home — For children of all ages, Offers in-home therapy and consultation services for families
• Adolescent Program — For students 10 to 21 years or older, Focuses on independent skills in daily life
• B.A.S.I.S — Help with behavior assessment, support and intervention services, Other services for those on the spectrum

Spectrum of Hope, 11820 Cypress Corner, Houston, 281-894-1423, www.spectrumofhope.com