Written by: Grant Ritchey, 6/30/2026
Original article: https://racinecountyeye.com/2026/06/30/caravel-autism-health-opens/
MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. — Caravel Autism Health celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new Mount Pleasant clinic on June 24, expanding access to early childhood autism services in Racine County.
Caravel Autism Health, located at 6051 Regency West Drive, began construction in February 2026 and welcomed its first clients on June 1.
Caravel Autism Health provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism in Racine County and surrounding communities, Clinic Director Melissa Hass said.
Caravel Autism Health serves children diagnosed with autism. Credit: Grant Ritchey / Racine County Eye
The clinic serves children ages 18 months to 6 years.
“The clinic provides an important service because early and consistent intervention can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development and quality of life,” Hass said. “Our goal is to help children build communication, social, daily living, and learning skills that allow them to be more independent and successful in their homes, schools, and communities.”
By supporting both children and their families, Hass said, “we help create stronger outcomes and improve access to care for families throughout the region.”
Timeline: How the Mount Pleasant Clinic Came Together
- February 2026: Construction begins at 6051 Regency West Drive in Mount Pleasant
- June 1, 2026: Caravel Autism Health opens its doors and begins serving clients
- June 24, 2026: Ribbon-cutting ceremony held
Where is Caravel Autism Health located in southeastern Wisconsin?
Caravel Autism Health serves families across southeastern Wisconsin, with centers in Franklin, Kenosha, and now Mount Pleasant, Hass said.
“We have identified a need for autism services throughout southeastern Wisconsin, as many families face long waitlists and significant travel distances to access care,” Hass said.
According to researchers, up to 61% of diagnostic centers report wait times of four months to over a year, while families frequently travel over three hours to reach specialists.
According to a recently published report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among 8-year-old children in the United States increased to 1 in 31 in 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020 — underscoring the growing demand for accessible autism services like those provided by Caravel Autism Health.
“Opening a clinic in Mount Pleasant helps increase access to services closer to home, allowing children and families to receive support within their own community,” Hass said.
Read more stories about autism.
How many children can Caravel Autism Health serve?
The Mount Pleasant Caravel Autism Health clinic has the capacity to serve approximately 30 children at a time, depending on individual treatment schedules and service needs, Hass said, adding that she hopes to continue expanding access to services for families in the area.
Caravel Autism Health provides ABA therapy, which helps children develop skills in communication, social interaction, daily living, and cognitive development, Hass said.
“Our goal is to help each child build the skills they need to become as independent as possible and prepare them for important milestones and transitions, such as entering school, participating in their community, and succeeding in everyday life,” Hass said.
❓ What We’ll Check Next
The Mount Pleasant clinic opened with a capacity for approximately 30 children. Racine County Eye will follow up to report on how quickly that capacity is reached and whether Caravel Autism Health moves forward with expansion plans Hass referenced.
Caravel Autism Health opened its doors in Mount Pleasant on June 1. Its ribbon-cutting was held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
How readers can contact Caravel Autism Health
Families interested in learning more about Caravel Autism Health services can contact the clinic directly through its website, by phone, or by reaching out to the clinic team to discuss referrals, evaluations, and availability. You can request care by clicking here.
