A recent Rolling Stone UK piece titled “A New Business Model Is Transforming the Autism Treatment Industry” shines a spotlight on a shift happening across autism care — and prominently features Success On The Spectrum (SOS). Rolling Stone UK The article argues that traditional ABA clinics, often backed by private equity, face challenges in maintaining service quality, staff retention, and ethical standards. In contrast, SOS is transforming the ABA industry by offering a franchise-based model that balances growth with accountability.
Autism now affects one in 36 children in the U.S., according to CDC data. Rolling Stone UK Despite growing demand, approximately 67% of children with autism still lack adequate access to care due to clinic shortages or geographic barriers. Rolling Stone UK
Much of the traditional ABA industry is dominated by private equity (PE) ownership, which pursued rapid consolidation between 2017 and 2022. Rolling Stone UK That trend stirred concern because PE-run clinics sometimes prioritize profitability at the expense of supervision, training, or consistent quality.
From its founding in 2015, SOS disrupted that model. Rather than follow the high-speed acquisition route, SOS chose the franchising path — combining systemic structure with mission-driven oversight. Rolling Stone UK+1
By franchising, SOS ensures that every clinic upholds rigorous standards enforced by a central Quality Assurance team. It provides detailed training, routine audits, and financial support systems. This helps maintain care consistency across locations while scaling responsibly.
Because of this foundation, SOS has grown steadily: today, over 50 clinics operate in 16 states, and SOS plans to open 20–30 more in the near future. Rolling Stone UK Each new center expands access while sustaining therapeutic integrity.
Rolling Stone UK positions SOS as a counterpoint to the profit-first model. The article argues that franchising allows SOS to combine scalable growth and ethical care — a rare balance in the ABA space. Rolling Stone UK
Other companies, like Hi-5 ABA and Essential Speech and ABA Therapy, are now embracing similarly aligned franchise approaches. Rolling Stone UK This signals a broader shift: the ABA industry is evolving from fragmented clinic chains to mission-anchored franchise networks — and SOS is leading that evolution.
Accountability built in: The corporate franchisor enforces audits, corrective training, and performance benchmarks.
Mission-first entrepreneurs: Many franchisees are parents or advocates who bring lived experience to their centers.
Transparent environments: Parent viewing rooms and collaborative engagement ensure that families feel included.
Sustainable growth: SOS expands gradually, ensuring that support systems keep pace with clinic openings.
Because of these features, when you say “SOS is transforming the ABA industry,” you’re describing more than growth. You’re describing a new paradigm — one where values drive expansion rather than being an afterthought.
As SOS continues to expand, its strategic model is setting a template for other providers. In an industry long dominated by cost pressures and fragmented systems, SOS is transforming the ABA industry in real time — showing that you can scale, stay accountable, and deliver compassionate care.
If you’re curious to see how SOS’s approach works or explore franchise opportunities, 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.
