Corporate philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping a more inclusive society. Many businesses today are using their platforms to support underserved communities, and few embody this mission as powerfully as Success On The Spectrum (SOS).
Founded in 2015 by Nichole Daher, SOS has become a national leader in autism therapy and advocacy. As the first ABA therapy franchise in the United States, SOS is redefining what quality care and community support look like for families affected by autism. Now, as part of its continued outreach, SOS invited Sylvester Stallone to Autism Prom, shining a spotlight on inclusion and acceptance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2.8% of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. Yet many still struggle to access consistent, high-quality treatment. Shortages in clinics, long waitlists, and geographic barriers often prevent families from getting help when they need it most.
SOS addresses this challenge head-on. With more than 50 clinics across 16 states — and plans to open 20 to 30 more in the coming year — the organization continues to expand access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
Each SOS clinic provides one-on-one therapy in sensory-friendly environments, ensuring that every child receives individualized attention. This focus on compassionate, evidence-based care has positioned SOS as both a healthcare innovator and a community advocate.
Nichole Daher’s vision for Success On The Spectrum stems from personal experience. As a stepmother to a child with autism, she saw firsthand the frustration of limited care options and rigid systems. Determined to find a better way, she built SOS on the principles of accessibility, transparency, and quality.
“Our mission is to create more access to care and set a quality standard that parents will demand,” Daher explains.
By franchising her model, Daher created a scalable system that empowers local entrepreneurs while maintaining high clinical standards. Unlike profit-driven corporate chains, SOS places people and purpose at the heart of its business model.
Beyond therapy, SOS is deeply invested in creating joyful, judgment-free spaces for individuals with autism. One of its most beloved initiatives is the Houston Autism Prom, an annual sensory-friendly celebration during Autism Acceptance Month.
This year, the seventh annual Houston Autism Prom will take place on April 8, 2025, at Seismique — a vibrant, interactive art museum in Houston. The event will welcome more than 400 attendees for a night filled with music, lights, and memories designed with sensory needs in mind.
To elevate awareness and advocacy, SOS invited Sylvester Stallone to Autism Prom, along with his son Seargeoh Stallone, who is on the autism spectrum. The invitation honors Stallone’s openness about his family’s journey and his advocacy for inclusion.
“When you want to promote a mission, having a celebrity behind it can be far more effective,” says Daher.
SOS hopes Stallone’s presence will bring national attention to autism acceptance and inspire more people to join the movement.
Event details are available here: Free Autism Prom Houston Tickets.
SOS’s impact goes far beyond therapy sessions. Through its Community Outreach Program, the organization hosts free sensory-friendly events year-round — from Autism Proms and Festivals to Parents’ Nights Out.
These gatherings create safe, welcoming environments where children and families can socialize without fear of judgment or sensory overload.
“You know, it creates a world where they belong and can feel accepted,” says Daher. “The general public isn’t always aware of how difficult typical settings can be. Our events make sure families feel seen and supported.”
Such initiatives not only celebrate individuals with autism but also build bridges of understanding throughout local communities.
By combining therapy, outreach, and education, Success On The Spectrum is transforming the autism landscape. Its model demonstrates how businesses can thrive financially while creating measurable social impact.
The organization continues to grow rapidly, backed by dedicated franchisees who share Daher’s mission. As the autism therapy industry evolves, SOS remains at the forefront — proving that accessibility, quality, and empathy can coexist.
Houston Chronicle Article: https://houstondaily.com/stories/666186589-success-on-the-spectrum-inviting-sylvester-stallone-to-2025-autism-prom
