Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-02-2021 12:28 PM
    I am wanting to open an autism center in my area. What are some steps rhat I need to take or who to contact to get this started? I have created the beginning of a business plan. Funding would be a big factor. Anybody have any suggestions/ideas? Thanks in advance! 


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    Vanessa Tollefson
    Advanced Behavioral Therapy Technician
    WI Early Autism Project
    Sheboygan WI
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  • 2.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-03-2021 12:03 AM
    I can take it offline if you want details

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  • 3.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-03-2021 12:11 AM
    Yes Scott, please send me information.

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    Vanessa Tollefson
    Advanced Behavioral Therapy Technician
    WI Early Autism Project
    Sheboygan WI
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  • 4.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-05-2021 03:13 PM
    Hi Scott,
    Could you please send me information as well? My organization is a before/after school and PreK program. A lot of what we do is run out of Catholic schools, but we are thinking about opening more of our own brick and mortars. We are thinking about building something closer to a community center that would hold before/after schools and toddler and PreK classrooms that can be used after hours to host events for the community. We don't know what to expect cost wise or where to look for for funding. You can email me at hleslie@le3-inc.org if you would like. Thank you in advance!

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    Hannah Leslie
    Special Programs Coordinator
    LE3 Inc
    Williamsville NY
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  • 5.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-06-2021 12:08 AM
    Hi Hannah,

    My experience is mainly in special education. I've run an early childhood special education company for 20 years. We started in a studio apartment providing homecare (OT, PT, speech), then added centers in 2013. Thus, I know a lot about the Early Intervention Program and Preschool Special Education. I'm a psychologist and have evaluated many young children to determine if they qualified for special education services due to autism or other developmental delays or disabilities. I can share my experiences building well regarded organizations and the key things that I believe are needed to make programs successful. Reach out to me if you would like to chat about your opportunity and I can share my thoughts and try to be helpful.

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    Scott Mesh, PhD, CEO
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmeshnyc/
    Los Niños Services (NYC) www.losninos.com
    Young Child Expo and Conference www.youngchildexpo.com
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  • 6.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-06-2021 09:05 AM
    Hi Scott,
    Thanks for getting back to me! I will keep your offer in mind if we start to reach out into the special ed realm more as we expand our programming! Your work is very important and I'm glad you find it rewarding and successful.
    Best,
    Hannah

    --
    Hannah Leslie
    Special Programs Coordinator 
    Locally Enriching Educational Experiences 
    35 California Drive
    Williamsville, NY 14221
    716-295-9861





  • 7.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-03-2021 09:06 AM
    I do not have any suggestions on how to find funding, but I wanted to say you have a wonderful idea and I hope your vision for your center comes to life.

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    Denise Williams
    Assistant Director
    KinderCare
    Jackson MI
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  • 8.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-04-2021 12:33 AM
    Hi Vanessa, 

    I see in your signature that you're a behavior tech. Are you an RBT? And if so, are you considering an autism center that provides behavioral therapy, or other forms of treatment/support?

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    Anne Bonomo
    Program Director
    Young Mind Community Center
    Tempe AZ
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  • 9.  RE: Autism Center Ideas

    Posted 01-05-2021 11:04 AM
    Hi Vanessa,

    What a great venture to take on. Have you started with state licensing? That will guide many of the parameters, especially when it comes to the facility itself.


    Best of Luck!

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    Casey Williams
    Traing and Development Consultant
    UNM Early Childhood Services C
    Albuquerque NM
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