Apara Autism Center

The Backyard Adult Special Needs Center is a dedicated facility designed to enrich the lives of adults with special needs through individualized skills development and socialization opportunities. The center's core mission is to foster social and emotional growth, independence, and meaningful friendships in a safe and supportive environment. Key offerings at The Backyard include a comprehensive Adult Day Program for individuals aged 18 and older, which operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Participants engage in a variety of activities aimed at enhancing daily living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. The center also focuses on developing social skills and relationships, work practice, functional academics, and positive behavior. Creative and artistic skills are encouraged, promoting independence and personal choice among members. What sets The Backyard apart is its commitment to a person-centered approach, tailoring services to meet each individual's unique goals and needs. The center boasts a team of experienced staff, including a director with over 15 years of experience in special education, ensuring high-quality programs and services. The nurturing environment fosters community integration and provides opportunities for participants to build lasting friendships while gaining essential life skills.

Centria Autism in San Antonio is a "professionally managed center" that brings the resources and expertise of a leading national provider to the local community. Located on Grandstand Drive, the facility is designed to be more than just a clinic; it is a comprehensive developmental hub equipped with specialized amenities like a "Sensory room" and a "Rock wall." These features allow therapists to integrate sensory processing and gross motor development directly into ABA sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for children. Centria's mission is to help children with autism develop essential life skills through "scientifically proven" ABA therapy that is both effective and compassionate. A key differentiator for Centria is their commitment to "Skill-Based Treatment (SBT)" values. This approach represents a modern evolution of ABA that prioritizes increasing specific, functional life skills in a systematic way while ensuring the child remains happy, relaxed, and engaged. They view ABA as a "dose-dependent" therapy, advocating for intensity levels that match the child's clinical needs to maximize the "treatment effect." Centria offers both "Center-Based ABA" for structured peer interaction and "In-Home ABA" for working on skills in the natural family environment. Innovation extends to their service delivery models as well. Centria offers "Telesupervision," a technology-enabled model where a child works 1:1 with a technician while a BCBA supervises remotely via a secure platform. This ensures high-level clinical oversight is always available. They also prioritize early detection, providing access to "Diagnostic Evaluations" by licensed psychologists and using tools like the "M-Chat" screener. The center is also notable for its cultural competence, with team members fluent in "English, Spanish, and Arabic," making them a welcoming choice for San Antonio's diverse families. "Parent and Family Training" is integral to their model, with monthly sessions designed to teach families the principles of ABA so progress continues after hours. Centria accepts "most insurance policies" and works hard to make therapy accessible. Serving children from ages 1-12 in the center and up to 17 at home, Centria Autism combines the stability of a large organization with the personalized, sensory-rich environment needed for individual growth.

The Autism Therapy Group (ATG) in San Antonio offers a unique and engaging approach to ABA therapy by sharing space with "We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym." This partnership allows them to provide clinical ABA services in a fun, sensory-rich environment that feels more like play than therapy. Located in Universal City, just outside San Antonio, ATG combines the structure of clinic-based therapy with the flexibility of in-home services. Their program is designed to help children with autism develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and daily living. The facility features rock walls, zip lines, and sensory-safe play equipment, making it an ideal setting for working on gross motor skills and social play. ATG also emphasizes family involvement, offering training to help parents reinforce skills at home.