Courtesy Photo Pictured is one of the learning spaces inside the new ABA Pathways — Alpena facility located at 350 Pinecrest St. in Alpena. The new center opens with a ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by an open house from 4 to 6 p.m.

ALPENA — ABA Pathways has been serving local children with Autism Spectrum Disorder since October 2020, and now they are opening a new center in Alpena.

ABA Pathways started in southeast Michigan in 2012 and expanded to Alpena in October 2020. In March 2021, Pathways opened their treatment center on Chisholm Street and has been providing ABA services to the community from that location since then. Pathways Autism Center is moving from its current Chisholm Street location to 350 Pinecrest Street, with a ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is invited.

“We are excited to open our new, fully remodeled clinic,” said Jenipher Swanson, co-founder and CEO.

The new clinic will serve children ages 18 months to 12 years old.

“The Pathways Autism Clinic layout is thoughtfully designed to facilitate its ABA treatment program, with safe and secure play areas, new equipment, and a bright and clean atmosphere,” Swanson said. “There is also a wonderful outdoor space complete with a playground area that is surrounded by a trees and grassland. This environment is conducive to the treatment provided and will be beneficial for clients and their families. The Pinecrest location is a great fit for us”

She explained some of the services available at the center.

“Our suite of services includes treatment plans to increase language and communication skills and reduce problem behaviors, social skills, and family guidance to ensure parents are involved in their child’s treatment programs,” Swanson mentioned. “Pathways has future plans to offer enhanced health services including occupational therapy and speech and language therapy at its Pathways Autism Center in Alpena.”

“The Pinecrest location is owned by Kelco, Inc., who worked closely with Pathways to build out the facility specifically for Pathways’ treatment programming,” Swanson noted. “The new space offers a large space for naturalistic teaching and socialization, safe and secure play areas, individualized treatment areas, and offices for family guidance meetings, telehealth services, and administration. As a medically necessary service, Pathways’ goal is to ensure its facilities reflect its high-quality treatment programs and professional staff. This new location is inviting with a custom-designed layout, new furniture and fixtures as well as ample parking and a great outdoor space”

While at the center, children receive one-on-one instruction and care provided by board-certified behavior analysts, registered behavior technicians, and behavior technicians.

“Each child is assigned a program supervisor, typically a board-certified behavior analyst, who completes an assessment and individualized treatment plan,” Swanson said. “While every child has a specialized plan written by the supervisor (BCBA) to accommodate their unique goals, our center follows a school readiness schedule to include circle time, lunch/snack breaks, skill acquisition and free play.”

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.

“Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior,” Swanson explained. “ABA therapy can help increase language and communication skills, improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, academics, and reduce problem behaviors. Positive reinforcement is one of the main strategies used in ABA, which encourages positive behavior change.”

Swanson noted all the positive benefits of ABA.

“ABA also teaches adaptive life skills necessary for participation in school, socializing, and independent living into adulthood,” Swanson said. “Sometimes that can focus on reducing maladaptive behaviors that interfere with daily activities, and replacing those behaviors with useful or appropriate responses. ABA enhances autonomy and independent functioning.”

Pathways is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Through accreditation, CARF assists service providers in demonstrating value by the quality of their services and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards.

As autism rates continue to increase, so does the need for quality services.

“With the CDC reporting rates of autism as high as 1 in 34, the need for quality treatment services is more urgent than ever,” Swanson said. While organizations like Head Start have done a great job providing pre-school services for neurotypical children, it’s really exciting to see an organization like ABA Pathways invest in our community so that neurodiverse children with Autism can receive the specialized services they need within the crucial window of 18 months to 6 years of age.

“ABA early intervention treatments are proven to reduce the long-term societal costs in supporting those diagnosed with ASD throughout their lifespan. As noted above, Pathways’ ABA treatment program effectively helps its clients develop the skills necessary to maximize their potential for independent living and participating in their communities. Pathways has become a trusted partner with its clients and their families and a recognized resource for autism services and increased awareness.”

ABA Pathways services are funded by Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Families interested in learning more can reach ABA Pathways at abaways.com or call the local clinic at 989-278-8878. The center is currently accepting new patients.

“Pathways’ leadership and staff would like to thank Kelco, Inc., including Bill Kelly, Mitchell Kelly, and Ryan Hunter for their collaboration and quality workmanship of the build-out at the Pinecrest property and we look forward to continuing to work with Mitchell and Bill,” Swanson said. “Also, Pathways’ leadership and local staff put in countless hours of work planning, assembling, and preparing the Pinecrest location for opening. Without the hard work and passion of all involved, Pathways could not be the success it is today and we are very grateful for their contributions.”

Reach Darby Hinkley at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or call 989-358-5691.