Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) is excited to announce the opening of a new autism therapy center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, located at 110 Enterprise Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The center is scheduled to open in late June and will serve families throughout Nash County and the surrounding communities.

This marks Lighthouse’s sixth location in North Carolina, continuing our commitment to expanding access to high-quality, center-based ABA therapy across the state. Conveniently located about 56 miles from Raleigh, the Rocky Mount center will provide families in Central North Carolina with greater access to specialized autism services close to home.

Comprehensive Autism Services for Rocky Mount Families

The new 7,500+ square-foot center will accommodate up to 28 children and will feature four therapy pods designed to support both individualized one-on-one therapy and collaborative group learning opportunities.

Services offered at the Rocky Mount center include:

• ABA therapy
• Lighthouse Fusion® (integrated speech support within ABA therapy)
• Autism diagnostic testing
• Pre-academic learning programs
• Social skills groups
• Parent training and support

Lighthouse Fusion® is our innovative clinical model that blends speech therapy directly into a child’s daily ABA programming. By embedding communication goals throughout the day, children are able to build speech and language skills in natural, play-based settings — often making greater progress while having fun.

A Commitment to the Rocky Mount Community

“Our team is passionate about bringing compassionate, individualized care to Rocky Mount,” said Clinical Regional Director Natalie Yates. “We are committed to creating a supportive environment where children can thrive and families feel empowered every step of the way.”

Clinical Senior Regional Director Karen Merkel added, “Expanding into Rocky Mount represents our continued dedication to serving families across North Carolina. We’re excited to build strong relationships within this community and provide high-quality services that make a meaningful difference.”

In addition to delivering essential autism services, Lighthouse Autism Center is proud to contribute to the local economy by creating new career opportunities for clinicians and support staff in the area.

We look forward to welcoming families to our Rocky Mount center and becoming an active, supportive part of the community.

For more information or to enroll your child, call 704-803-4500 or visit www.lighthouseautismcenter.com.

We’re excited to share that Lighthouse Autism Center is opening a brand-new location in Cedar Falls, Iowa in June 2026.

Our new center, located at 2300 Main Street, Suite #301, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, will serve up to 21 families in Cedar Falls and the surrounding communities. This marks our seventh location in Iowa and our second center in Black Hawk County, following our Waterloo opening in 2024.

For us, this isn’t just growth. It’s a deeper commitment to families in this community.

Expanding Access to High-Quality, Compassionate ABA Therapy

At Lighthouse Autism Center, our mission has always been simple: deliver exceptional, compassionate, play-based ABA therapy that helps children thrive.

Like all Lighthouse Autism Center locations, the Cedar Falls center will offer center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech support, and autism testing.

Our innovative Lighthouse Fusion® model integrates speech therapy directly into daily ABA programming. Instead of separating services, children receive coordinated, collaborative care throughout their day — helping them make greater progress while learning in immersive, imaginative, and engaging environments.

A Growing Need for Autism Services

Autism spectrum disorder continues to impact more families every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

As the need for evidence-based services grows, so does our responsibility to ensure families have access to high-quality care close to home. Opening a second center in Black Hawk County allows us to reduce barriers, shorten wait times, and support more families in the Cedar Falls area.

Rooted in Family, Focused on the Future

Lighthouse Autism Center was founded in 2012 by parents of a child with autism. That perspective continues to shape everything we do. We understand firsthand the urgency families feel after a diagnosis — and the importance of finding care that is both clinically excellent and deeply compassionate.

Today, we serve families across Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Carolina. Every center is built around the same promise: individualized, play-based programs designed to help children build meaningful communication, independence, and life skills. And now, we’re honored to bring that promise to Cedar Falls.

Now Enrolling in Cedar Falls

If you’re a parent or caregiver in the Cedar Falls area and would like to learn more about services at our new center, we’d love to connect with you.

Call us at 563-526-0533 or contact us here to get started.

We can’t wait to welcome new families and bring the love of Lighthouse to Cedar Falls.

Why Caregivers Need Support 

In our earlier posts in this series, we explored why caregiver self-care matters and how small, realistic habits can support your well-being. We talked about pausing, protecting your energy, meeting basic needs, and finding moments of calm in the middle of busy days. 

But for many caregivers, there’s a question underneath all of that advice: “How do I make space for self-care when I’m doing everything myself?” 

The answer, for many families, begins with connection. A good support network makes self-care possible.  

Where to find Support 

Support can come from many places, and no single network has to meet every need. Often, the strongest systems are built from a mix of personal, community, and professional support. 

Family and Friends 

Family members, close friends, or trusted neighbors can be an essential part of your support network. Sometimes support looks like help with childcare, transportation, or errands. Other times, it’s simply having someone who understands your situation and listens. 

Many caregivers find that people want to help but aren’t sure how. Being specific—such as asking someone to be an emergency contact or to help during certain transitions—can make it easier for others to step in when needed. 

Online Communities 

Online caregiver and autism communities can provide understanding, encouragement, and shared experiences—especially during times when in-person connection feels difficult. These spaces can be helpful for emotional support, resource sharing, and reassurance that what you’re experiencing is valid and common. 

Respite Care 

In addition to personal connections, some families can access support through government programs or grant-funded services. One important option is respite care, which provides short-term care so caregivers can take time to rest, attend appointments, or manage other responsibilities. 

Depending on your location, resources may be available through Medicaid waivers, state or county disability services, nonprofit organizations, or local family resource centers. The Autism Speaks Resource Guide is a great place to start looking for respite care opportunities near you.  

Steps to Build Your Network 

Building a support system doesn’t happen overnight—but small steps can add up. 

Start by identifying a few people you trust and consider what kind of support might be helpful. Share your needs openly and clearly, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Keep contact information accessible, especially for emergencies, and remember that professional and community resources are part of your network too. 

Most importantly, give yourself permission to accept help. After all, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Caregiving is not meant to be done alone. 

How Lighthouse Supports Your Family 

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we believe supporting caregivers is an essential part of supporting children. Our team works to create strong partnerships with families and can help connect you with resources, answer questions, and provide guidance as needs change over time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. 

We’re excited to share that Lighthouse Autism Center is expanding insurance options for military families. We’re now accepting TRICARE at select locations and states—helping more families access high-quality, center-based autism services.

Lighthouse Autism Center locations in North Carolina, as well as our Mishawaka, Indiana (Edison Road) center, are now enrolling families covered under TRICARE East. Additional locations in Nebraska and Iowa are expected to begin enrolling families under TRICARE West as early as March 1, 2026, pending final payer timelines.

This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing barriers to care and ensuring families can access compassionate, evidence-based autism therapy—no matter where military life takes them. At Lighthouse, we provide individualized, play-based ABA therapy designed to help children with autism build communication skills, independence, and confidence in a supportive, center-based environment.

Military families often face unique challenges when it comes to finding consistent, high-quality care, especially when relocating or navigating insurance coverage across states. By accepting TRICARE at select locations, we’re taking an important step toward making autism services more accessible for these families and supporting children in reaching their fullest potential.

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States, with approximately 1 in 31 children diagnosed, according to the latest CDC data. As the need for evidence-based services continues to grow, we remain focused on expanding access to care in the communities we serve.

Founded in 2012 by parents of a child with autism, Lighthouse Autism Center has grown into a leading provider of center-based ABA therapy, with locations across Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Carolina. Across all of our centers, our focus remains the same: clinical excellence, compassionate care, and play-based programming that helps children reach meaningful milestones while supporting families every step of the way.

Families interested in TRICARE-covered services are encouraged to contact us for the most up-to-date enrollment information.