The autism therapy industry is changing — and not always for the better. In a recent NBC News report, experts warned about the growing role of private equity firms in buying companies that serve children with autism. Between 2017 and 2022, private equity firms were responsible for nearly 85% of autism company buyouts.
While these investments bring capital and efficiency, they also raise serious ethical concerns. The debate between Private Equity Firms vs. Owner-Operated ABA Centers has become one of the most important conversations in the autism treatment field today.
Private equity (PE) ownership has surged across healthcare sectors, including autism therapy. These firms often prioritize quick growth, aggressive cost-cutting, and high returns for investors.
Financial backing from PE firms can create larger networks and rapid expansion. However, experts like Jon Bailey of the ABA Ethics Hotline caution that profit-first strategies can erode the ethical foundations of autism care.
When business decisions prioritize margins over people, therapy quality often suffers. High staff turnover, heavy caseloads, and limited supervision can compromise care — especially in a field that relies on trust, consistency, and compassion.
As the NBC report highlights, parents and clinicians are speaking out, concerned that the business of autism therapy is overshadowing its mission.
In contrast, owner-operated ABA centers — including mission-driven franchises like Success On The Spectrum (SOS) — operate with a people-first mindset. These centers are often owned and managed by BCBA or individuals with a personal connection to autism, such as parents or family members of children on the spectrum.
That personal stake changes everything. Instead of chasing investor returns, owner-operators focus on quality outcomes, ethical leadership, and individualized care.
“When your heart is in the mission, you make better decisions for families,” says Nichole Daher, founder of Success On The Spectrum.
Owner-operators know their clients by name. They work closely with families, collaborate with staff, and ensure therapy plans are personalized and effective. This hands-on approach builds loyalty, trust, and measurable progress.
One key difference between Private Equity Firms vs. Owner-Operated ABA Centers lies in staff culture.
Private equity organizations often face high turnover due to corporate pressure and burnout. In contrast, owner-operated clinics foster long-term teamwork and accountability.
Owners invest in their people because they understand that great therapy starts with a great team. When staff feel supported and valued, they stay longer, perform better, and build stronger bonds with clients.
This culture of commitment often results in higher satisfaction for both families and employees — creating a more stable, compassionate care environment.
Owner-operated ABA centers also have the flexibility to adapt and innovate. Without corporate red tape, owners can quickly implement new research, update therapy programs, or launch community initiatives.
For example, Success On The Spectrum clinics host free Autism Proms, Festivals, and Parents’ Nights Out events to promote inclusion and family engagement. These initiatives go beyond therapy, building real connections within the autism community.
By contrast, large corporate PE providers often lack incentive to give anything or any time away without a return.
The difference between Private Equity Firms vs. Owner-Operated ABA Centers comes down to one question: Who is the care for?
Private equity treats therapy as a transaction. Owner-operators treat it as a mission.
In an industry where children’s futures are at stake, that distinction matters. The best ABA centers are led by individuals who see clients as people, not profit margins.
As the autism community continues to grow, families and professionals alike are recognizing that locally owned, mission-driven ABA centers — like Success On The Spectrum — represent the future of ethical, effective care.
To learn more about how you can open your own ABA Therapy franchise, visit SOSfranchising.com
Nichole Daher is an American entrepreneur, book author, autism advocate, and founder of Success On The Spectrum (SOS)-the first autism treatment franchise in the United States-known for its parent viewing rooms and quality-driven ABA services. She currently serves as CEO of SOS Franchising, where she provides support, resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to open their own Success On The Spectrum autism centers.
