February 18, 2020 (Rockford, IL) – Caravel Autism Health is opening the doors to a new 6,000-square-foot center in Rockford that is specifically designed to serve children with autism and their families. The center, located at 6565 E. State Street, provides diagnostic evaluations, evidence- based therapy, and family guidance and counseling.
Caravel Autism Health’s clinical psychologists are specially trained in evaluating children for autism and other conditions. Caravel Autism Health’s team also specializes in creating and leading individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (“ABA”) therapy plans that help children with autism develop skills, create connections, and gain confidence.
One in 59 children in the U.S. has autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As awareness about autism grows, more families are seeking answers to their questions about autism and searching for outcomes-oriented therapy plans and programs.
Despite the prevalence of autism, there are significant provider shortages in many communities. Caravel Autism Health CEO Mike Miller says his team wants to help close that gap: “We are extending our reach by opening new centers so that our specialists can change children’s lives in more communities.” Founded in 2009, Caravel Autism Health now offers diagnostic and therapeutic services across five states.
“Due to limited access to autism specialists in our area, families had been encountering significant wait times for both diagnosis and therapy,” according to Jessica Popilek-Ayling, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and Clinic Director for Caravel Autism Health in Rockford. “We’re excited to open the doors to our new center, which is dedicated to meeting the needs of children and families in the Rockford area,” said Popilek-Ayling.
“Research – and our own experience over the last decade of serving families – shows that autism can be reliably diagnosed under two years of age,” explained Andrea Whalen, BCBA and Regional Director serving Caravel’s six Illinois locations. “Data clearly indicate that the earlier we can begin intensive ABA therapy, the better positioned children are to make the greatest gains possible.”
Caravel Autism Health will host a ribbon-cutting and grand opening event for the new center in early spring. Families, teachers, social works, pediatricians and others committed to helping children with autism are welcome to attend the event. To learn more, visit www.caravelautism.com or call the Client Intake Team at 847-558-2862.
About Caravel Autism Health
Founded in 2009, Caravel Autism Health is devoted to helping families navigate the challenges of childhood autism. Caravel’s team of autism health experts specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and therapy of children on the autism spectrum. Caravel’s research-based programs help children with autism reshape their development and embrace new ways of interacting with the world.
