Lighthouse Autism Center Expands to High Point, North Carolina

Big news for families in the Piedmont Triad community — Lighthouse Autism Center is bringing its innovative, play-based autism therapy model to High Point, North Carolina!

Opening November 24, 2025, the new center located at 719 N Elm St, High Point, NC 27262 will feature the bright, welcoming spaces and natural learning environments that families have come to love at Lighthouse. Every detail, from the colorful therapy rooms to the carefully selected play materials, is designed to make learning fun and meaningful for children with autism.

At the High Point center, families will have access to a full range of services, including:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Autism diagnostic testing
  • Parent support and education
  • Pre-academic learning

This expansion marks an exciting milestone in our mission to bring high-quality autism services to more families. It also creates new job opportunities for therapists, clinicians, and support staff, contributing to both the local community and North Carolina’s growing network of autism care providers.

Growing to Meet Families Where They Are

Earlier in 2025, Lighthouse Autism Center opened its first North Carolina locations in Hickory, Monroe, Statesville, and Smithfield. Now, with the addition of High Point, we’re continuing to respond to the increasing demand for compassionate, evidence-based autism services in North Carolina.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the U.S., and the need for quality therapy options has never been greater. At Lighthouse, we’re committed to making sure every child and family can access the care and support they deserve.

“2025 will mark a major milestone for Lighthouse Autism Center with expanding outside the Midwest to North Carolina,” Traci Meador, Director of Special Programs and Expansion Operations, said. “We are thrilled to bring our services to more families, supporting and empowering them along their autism journey. Our commitment to excellence and community-focused care drives us to extend our impact where it is most needed.”

About Lighthouse Autism Center

Lighthouse Autism Center was founded in 2012 by parents of a child with autism — and that personal story still guides everything we do. From one center in Indiana, Lighthouse has grown to become the Midwest’s leading provider of center-based ABA therapy, now serving families across Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Carolina.

Our unique Lighthouse Fusion® approach combines ABA and speech therapy in collaborative, play-based sessions led by dually certified BCBA/SLPs. This model helps children make faster progress in communication, social skills, and overall development — all while having fun.

At Lighthouse, we believe every child has incredible potential. Our team is dedicated to helping them shine, one milestone at a time.

Families in High Point and surrounding communities can learn more about enrollment and career opportunities at www.lighthouseautismcenter.com.

PECS and Its Use in ABA Therapy – Lighthouse Autism Center

The picture exchange communication system, or PECS, is a teaching system that can help an autistic child or another individual with speech difficulties improve their communication skills. We take a look at PECS’ role in ABA therapy and unpack how it works.

A curly-haired child wearing a black shirt holds a purple tablet

What Is the PECS System and How Is It Used In ABA Therapy?

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a teaching system that can help autistic children and other individuals with speech difficulties improve their communication skills. At Lighthouse Autism Center, PECS is one of the tools we use in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to support independence, confidence, and stronger outcomes. Let’s take a closer look at what PECS is, how it works, and the benefits it can provide for children in therapy. 

Picture Exchange Communication System and Its Role in ABA Therapy

Many autistic children have difficulties communicating verbally. PECS provides a structured, evidence-based way to help them express their needs and their wants while reducing frustration and building social connections. In our ABA therapy programs, PECS is used alongside other strategies to promote progress in communication, social development, and daily living skills. 

What Is PECS in ABA?

The Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, is a communication system that was developed in the USA in 1985 by Andy Bondy, Ph.D., and Lori Frost, M.S., CCC-SLP, the founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. 

This system was introduced to support autistic preschoolers in the Delaware Autism Program. Today, PECS is widely used across the world as a form of picture communication for autism, supporting children and adults with speech or language delays.

PECS is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system that draws on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and the work of psychologist B. F. Skinner and his research from the book “Verbal Behavior”, which also forms part of the foundation of verbal behavior therapy used in many ABA programs today. Unlike other methods, such as sign language or pointing systems, PECS was designed to encourage children to initiate communication, not just respond.

How PECS Works

One of the downsides to other programs and methods designed to help those with communication issues, such as sign language and picture point systems, is that they rely on the teacher to initiate communication with a student. This creates a situation where the student learns to only respond in communication and to never initiate it themselves. The main goal of PECS is to help address this by teaching students to communicate more spontaneously using specific prompting and reinforcement strategies and avoiding verbal prompts, as well as improving their functional communication skills. 

Implementing PECS

Whether you are using PECS for autism or other causes of communication-related challenges, it has a specific process that you need to follow.

Complete Reinforcer Sampling

Before the PECS protocol is implemented, it’s important to first complete “reinforcer sampling.” Reinforcer sampling simply refers to the creation of an inventory of activities, toys, or other items that the student likes so that these items can be used as motivators during PECS. 

This inventory is created using an assessment process that can be completed in numerous ways, such as asking caregivers or observing the student, seeing what they choose most and least often, and presenting the learner with pairs of options to see what they like the most. The reinforcers that are chosen will need to be consistently appealing to the learner in order to assist with PECS.

The Six Phases of PECS

These are the six phases of PECS:

Phase 1: How To Communicate

In phase one, the student learns to initiate communication by exchanging pictures for things they really want or activities they want to take part in with a second trainer, who is the student’s communicative partner. (These desirable items and activities were identified during the complete reinforcer sampling stage.)

Phase 2: Distance and Persistence

During phase two, the student learns to use this skill of exchanging a picture to get something they want in different places. They learn to do this by seeking out their communicative partner. They are also taught to initiate communication with other communicative partners using the same system. This is accomplished using different desirable items and activities. 

Phase 3: Picture Discrimination

During phase three, the student is now tasked with asking for two or more of their favorite things, using multiple pictures. These images are stored in a PECS Communication Book, which allows for easy removal and return of images used by the student.

Phase 4: Sentence Structure

In phase four, the student learns to complete basic sentences using what are known as Sentence Strips. These strips begin with an “I want” picture, with the student adding the picture of the item they desire to the strip from the PECS Communication Book. Once the student has demonstrated the ability to make this request, additional detail is added to these statements using descriptors, including the number, color, shape, or size of the object that they want.

Phase 5: Responsive Requesting

Phase five asks the student to engage with the question “What do you want?” and to respond using the skills and tools they learned in phase four. When asked this question, the student must use the Sentence Strips and pictures from their PECS Communication Book to provide an answer.

Phase 6: Commenting

In the final phase of PECS, the student learns to answer other questions such as “What do you see?”, “What do you hear?” and “What do you smell?”. This is done by teaching them to use additional phrases such as “I see,” “I hear,” and “I smell” on their sentence strips, expanding their requests beyond “I want.”

The Benefits of the PECS System for Autism

There are many benefits to teaching using PECS. Here are some of the advantages that come with using PECS with autism therapy:

  • Supporting clearer, more functional communication
  • Encouraging independent initiation of communication
  • Reducing frustration and negative behaviors
  • Building early social skills and relationships
  • Easy to learn for a student’s partner
  • Helping communication partners (teachers, caregivers, peers) understand the child more easily
  • Supporting speech development in some learners

Find Out More About Lighthouse Autism Centers and How We Use PECS

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we provide PECS for autism treatment and to help our students achieve better outcomes. We also provide autism resources so that you can better navigate this spectrum disorder and gain more insight into our Lighthouse Fusion® ABA therapy program and how it can help your child. Contact us to find out more about how we can help.

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

Smithfield Open House at Lighthouse Autism Center

You’re Invited: Smithfield Open House at Lighthouse Autism Center

We’re excited to announce that Lighthouse Autism Center is officially opening its newest location in Smithfield, North Carolina, and we’d love for you to celebrate with us!

Join us for a community open house on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at our brand-new center, located at 300 South 3rd St., Suite C, Smithfield, NC 27577. The event is free and open to the public, and everyone is welcome.

What to Expect at the Open House

We’ve planned a fun and engaging evening for families, providers, and community members. Activities will include:

  • Pumpkin painting
  • Games for kids and families
  • Food and refreshments
  • Live demonstrations of therapy techniques
  • Guided tours of our new center
  • Meet-and-greets with our clinical leadership and staff

It’s a perfect chance to explore the new center, enjoy some family fun, and get to know the team who will be working directly with children and families in the Smithfield community.

Why This Matters

The need for autism services has never been greater. According to the CDC, 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and many families face long waitlists and barriers to receiving timely support.

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we’re committed to changing that. Our Smithfield center will offer diagnostic evaluations for children ages 2–6, helping families get answers during the most critical window for early intervention. Research shows that children who begin therapy earlier often make the greatest developmental gains.

Our Approach: Fusion ABA

We’re especially proud to introduce families in Smithfield to our innovative Fusion ABA model, which integrates speech therapy with applied behavior analysis (ABA). This collaborative approach helps children make faster progress while keeping therapy engaging and fun.

As part of our commitment to the community, we’ll also be partnering with local organizations like the Partnership for Children to connect families with additional resources and support.

A Word from Our Team

“We are thrilled to bring Lighthouse Autism Center to the Smithfield community,” says Maggie Gendel, vice president of business development. “This event is an opportunity for families, providers, and community partners to not only see our beautiful new center, but also to experience firsthand the compassionate care and innovative Fusion ABA model that makes Lighthouse unique.”

Event Details

Where: 300 South 3rd St., Suite C, Smithfield, NC 27577
When: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the community

Lighthouse Autism Center Opens New Center in Monroe, Indiana!

ABA Therapy Center is Now Open in Monroe, North Carolina

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) is excited to announce the opening of a new center in Monroe, North Carolina, on August 11, 2025. This marks another important milestone in our continued expansion, which now spans multiple states and supports hundreds of families across the country. What started as a modest effort to help a few families has grown into a network of centers providing specialized autism services to communities in need.

Our Monroe center offers a wide range of services tailored to the individual needs of children with autism and their families. These services include ABA therapy, the innovative Lighthouse Fusion® ABA therapy approach to speech support, autism diagnostic testing, pre-academic learning programs, and more. Each of these services is designed to promote growth, learning, and independence for children on the autism spectrum.

New Monroe Autism Center to Support Families

We are thrilled to open our newest play-based ABA therapy center in Monroe, North Carolina. This center will provide families in the area with access to essential autism services, delivered in a welcoming and supportive environment. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Monroe community, supporting families, and helping children with autism reach their full potential.

As we expand into Monroe, we’re proud to offer more than just top-notch therapy—we are also committed to contributing to the local economy by creating new job opportunities. This growth reflects our ongoing dedication to meeting the rising demand for autism services and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

Lighthouse Autism Center: Leading the Way in Autism Therapy

Lighthouse Autism Center is a recognized leader in the field of autism therapy, known for its child-centered approach and dedication to providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment. Our state-of-the-art centers create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment, where children can thrive through play-based therapy.

One of the key features of our approach is Lighthouse Fusion® ABA therapy, a unique method that integrates speech support directly into a child’s daily ABA programming. This innovative model allows children to make faster progress in speech development, all while engaging in fun and meaningful activities. By blending speech therapy with ABA, Lighthouse Fusion provides more opportunities for speech practice and communication skills throughout the day, helping children unlock their potential more quickly.

We are excited to bring our proven model to Monroe, where we will offer a full spectrum of services, including ABA therapy, speech support, diagnostic testing, and parent support. Our expert team of clinicians is committed to providing compassionate care and ensuring that each child receives the support they need to grow, learn, and succeed.

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center in Monroe or to enroll your child, please contact our Family Outreach Coordinator or visit our website. We look forward to joining the Monroe community and making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families affected by autism.

Monroe Center Contact Information

216 N Charlotte Avenue
Monroe, North Carolina 28112

Family Outreach Phone: 704-803-4500

Don’t see an autism center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Find a Center Near You

Interested in finding an autism center near you? Click Find a Center below to view a full list of current autism therapy centers.

Lighthouse Autism Center is Expanding with a New Center in Smithfield, North Carolina

Lighthouse Autism Center is opening a second location in Smithfield, North Carolina

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) is thrilled to announce the opening of our fourth location in North Carolina in the town of Smithfield, approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh. Scheduled to open in October 2025, this new center reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality autism therapy services for families across the state of North Carolina.

Lighthouse Autism Center overlay ontop of an Autism Center building in the background

From our beginnings serving a small number of families to becoming a trusted name in autism care across multiple states, Lighthouse Autism Center has always prioritized growth with purpose. The addition of this location allows us to extend our reach and help even more children with autism thrive.

Our Smithfield center will offer the same comprehensive and innovative services that families have come to expect from Lighthouse Autism Center. These include:

  • Play-Based ABA Therapy: A child-centered approach that makes learning enjoyable and effective.
  • Lighthouse Fusion®: An innovative therapy model that integrates speech therapy directly into ABA programming, providing more opportunities for meaningful progress.
  • Diagnostic Testing: Comprehensive evaluations to ensure families receive accurate and timely diagnoses.
  • Pre-Academic Programs: Tailored activities designed to prepare children for success in educational settings.

Smithfield Autism Center: Leading the Way in Autism Therapy

Every aspect of our services is designed with individualized care in mind, ensuring that each child receives the tools and support they need to reach their full potential. By opening this new location, we aim to better serve the Smithfield community and provide more convenient access to life-changing autism therapy.

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we take pride in being a leader in autism care. Our team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Our unique Lighthouse Fusion® approach exemplifies our commitment to innovation by combining play-based ABA with speech therapy, enabling children to achieve greater progress in less time.

We are excited to bring these transformative services to the families of Lincoln Indian Village and surrounding communities. By collaborating closely with families and utilizing evidence-based practices, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with autism.

Smithfield Center Contact Information

300 South 3rd Suite C

Smithfield, North Carolina 27577

(704) 803-4500

Don’t see an autism center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Find a Center Near You

Interested in finding an autism center near you? Click Find a Center below to view a full list of current autism therapy centers.

LAC Introduces Behavior Treatment Committee

Lighthouse Autism Center is excited to introduce the latest initiative in our commitment to clinical quality: the Behavior Treatment Committee (BTC)! The BTC is a beacon of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy excellence, where Lighthouse clinicians gather to collaborate on treatment and behavior plans when circumstances become challenging. It provides a collaborative, round-table environment to celebrate ideas and develop treatment plans that utilize the least restrictive interventions and deliver the best possible outcomes.

Lighthouse has drawn members of the BTC from areas encompassing clinical services, compliance, and training.

According to Chief Clinical and Compliance Officer Leila Allen (MA, BCBA, LBA), the BTC is instrumental in developing treatment plans that utilize the least restrictive interventions and deliver the best possible outcomes. “The whole purpose of the BTC is to give our team support. None of us, no matter the experience, is an expert in everything, and it’s hard to not get stuck in the details for some of our learners who present with more complex needs. By bringing together experienced team members with different backgrounds, we are able to bring that diverse experience to our whole team when they just need to brainstorm, spark new ideas, and often, re-affirm that they are on the right path,” Allen said.

Amanda, BCBA at Lighthouse Autism Center in Avon, found the BTC to be a welcome addition to the company. “I found the BTC to be very helpful,” Amanda said. “When we first worked with one of our kids, he had high-frequency behavior in the form of elopement, aggression, and task refusal. The BTC helped come up with good ideas that honored the learner’s assent, but worked on skills of tolerating other peoples’ or learners’ choices.”

Jr. Program Manager Melissa Avon also had a positive learning experience with the BTC. “This is something that was extremely helpful for me, especially being so new as a Jr. Program Manager,” she said. “I appreciate it so much!”

Meet the Behavior Treatment Committee

Leila Allen (MA, BCBA, LBA) is the Chief Clinical and Compliance Officer at Lighthouse Autism Center, focused on developing our outcomes platform, compliance and payor audits, and legislative/regulatory supports. Leila has worked in the field of ABA since 2006, joining Lighthouse as a Clinical Director in 2012. As a sibling of an adult with autism, Leila knows firsthand how important clinical teams working together is for the betterment of not only the learner, but for the empowerment of the whole family. This directly aligns with the BTC’s focus, to give clinicians support and a sounding board, advice, ideas, and always follow the idea that two (or 10!) heads are better than one.

Michelle Grose (MA, BCBA)is the Regional Director of Lighthouse’s Indy South centers (Avon, Greenfield, and Columbus). Michelle has a great passion for working with adolescents and learners with high-magnitude behavior, as well as coaching and supporting BCBAs and supervision students through the Indy South centers. She is excited to be a member of the BTC as another outlet for her passion for collaboration among behavior analysts.

Megan Noll is the Director of Compliance at Lighthouse Autism Center. Megan provides valuable expertise in navigating the complex ethical considerations and practices within the healthcare landscape. Her diverse background in healthcare outside of ABA therapy brings a valuable, unique perspective to the BTC.

Cassi Nichols (MA, BCBA)is the BCBA Recruiter at Lighthouse Autism Center, having previously served as Program Manager and Clinical Director. Her experience working with learners who exhibit varying levels of support needs and maladaptive behaviors lends a valuable perspective to the BTC. Cassi is passionate about training in all areas of ABA, but particularly programming with assent in mind, self-advocacy, and getting creative with each learner’s treatment package.

Lacy Wolter (MA, BCBA) is the Director of Training at Lighthouse Autism Center, a position that allows her to share her wealth of experience with other professionals in the ABA field. Lacy’s dedication to her passions and commitment to teaching others contribute to the growth and development of the professionals at Lighthouse Autism Center.

Congrats to Anderson RBTs Who Leveled Up in February!

Our Anderson, Indiana Center had six Lighthouse Legends level up in the month of February! Congratulations to the RBTs who earned their well-deserved recognition and promotions, and to all Anderson’s awesome therapists who are instrumental in delivering compassionate care with clinical excellence!

From top left: Christen Walters, Enchantment Becote, Heather Waymire, Shannon Kemper, Shannon Street, and Yessenia Fuentes.
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