On May 21, 2012, Lighthouse Autism Center opened its very first center in Mishawaka, Indiana. With a handful of clients and a small team of clinicians, we began providing ABA therapy services to the Michiana community. Since then, we have opened centers all over northern Indiana and southwest Michigan and recently expanded into central Indiana. To think we stated with just one center, and have no grown to over twenty centers is truly incredible.
When Gregg and Sandy Maggioli pursued their dream of providing the highest quality autism therapy services to families in Mishawaka, I don’t think they could have imagined just how big and how far that dream would come nine years later. Through a passionate team of individuals dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families with autism, Lighthouse Autism Center has impacted hundreds of clients and thousands of individuals across the state of Indiana and Michigan serving as not only an ABA provider, but an advocate and support for special needs families.
We are grateful to all of those clients, families, employees and individuals who have been a part of the Lighthouse family for the past nine years, and look forward to what another year will bring!
Meet Alexis! Alexis is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Mishawaka center, where she has worked for a year. She is a graduate of Indiana University and holds a degree in Psychology. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Alexis is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!
What made you want to apply to work at Lighthouse?
I wanted to work somewhere where I could help kiddos live their best life. I knew I could do that at Lighthouse Autism Center.
Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.
Honestly, my favorite part of working with my team is being able to be myself around them, inside or outside of work. Whether it’s making jokes or needing support, they are always there.
Can you share a favorite part or memory about working with the Lighthouse kiddos?
My favorite memory is hearing one of our non-verbal kiddos finding their voice. The list words he knows went from zero to almost 30 seemingly overnight. I may have shed a tear or two hearing him talk.
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?
It’s been the most supportive environment I’ve ever worked in. The staff, the seniors, and our PM’s are just all so friendly and easy to get to know.
In her free time, Alexis enjoys painting to help her relax. She paints on canvas and on miniatures, which are only one inch tall!
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Katie Beth
Meet Katie Beth! Katie Beth is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Granger center, where she has worked for a year and a half. She also has a degree in ministry and theology from Atlanta Bible College. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Katie Beth is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
I have always had a passion for working with kiddos and helping people. Since I knew that I wanted to be able to make a bigger impact in the lives of children with special needs, Lighthouse seemed like a natural fit! My aunt has Down Syndrome and she has been an inspiration in pursuing a career in this field.
Can you share a favorite part or memory about working with your Lighthouse teammates?
I love how supportive and encouraging my teammates are. Coming to work is easy when you have such a wonderful group of people to share the day with. I would not be able to do what I do without each of them!
Can you share a favorite part or memory about working with the Lighthouse kiddos?
The best feeling in the world is when you look back on when a child first started and see just how much they have achieved in their time with us. It is such a joy to be a part of their lives and help them grow!
Outside of work, Katie Beth enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue dog Sage. She also enjoys photography and hiking.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Meet Tiffaney! Tiffaney is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our South Bend center, where she has worked for two and a half years. Tiffaney also has a degree in Psychology from Indiana University South Bend. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Tiffaney is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
I wanted to apply to work at Lighthouse because I wanted to be able to use my degree to impact lives and know I am a part of something bigger.
Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.
One of my specific favorite memories was during a transition to school day with one of our kids. We were in a completely new environment and without any help they were able to communicate their needs. It reminded me how hard these kids work every day and how what we all work on is implemented into their daily lives.
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?
I would describe my Lighthouse experience as life changing. The kids that I have worked with over the years have taught me so much. I have experienced growth in my own life, and I have the privilege to see the growth in the kids’ lives as well.
In her spare time, Tiffaney enjoys taking care of her six pet bunnies and writing.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Guidance for Families with Children with Autism when Moving House
Moving is always a stressful and complicated endeavor. But when you have a child on the autism spectrum, the thought of packing up your household and moving somewhere new can seem like a near-impossible task. Parents often worry that their children will get overwhelmed by this major transition, and rightfully so. Children with autism thrive on routine and stability — everything that moving is not!
Are you looking for guidance? The clinical team at Lighthouse Autism Center presents this informative guide to assist families preparing to move. Whether you’re still in the process of house-hunting or you’re already packing up your home in anticipation of moving day, the following tips will help keep support your child through the process.
Establish Your Home Buying Budget
Raising a child with autism can pose a significant financial challenge for parents, even with the help of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. It isn’t easy to manage the costs of equipment, supplies, medication, childcare, education, and therapy services.
So are you prepared to handle the additional expenses involved in buying a new home, selling your existing property, and moving? Redfin recommends creating a realistic home-buying budget before you start looking at properties. Calculate how much mortgage you can afford by adding up your ongoing expenses and subtracting these from your household income. The rule of thumb is to keep your housing costs less than 28% of your before-tax income. Once you have a better idea of your home affordability, research home prices in your area to find out what kinds of homes you can afford on your budget.
Look for Specific Home Features Conducive to Your Child’s Needs
Ready to start looking at homes? Get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you scout properties that will best fit your family. Keep an eye out for features that may appeal to your child and your family’s life style. Things to look for might include making sure there is a fenced backyard, double-pane windows to dampen noise from outside, and even considering if there are pools, ponds or bodies of water nearby.
Making a Moving Day Plan
Moving day will always feel a little hectic, no matter how much planning you do. Help keep your child calm and content amid the mayhem by giving them your full attention. Hire professional movers so you can ensure that all of your possessions make it to your new home safely while you spend time with your child. Some movers offer activity packs for children, so be sure to ask about this when you call for quotes. When you arrive in your new home, unpack your child’s room first so they can start regaining some sense of normalcy right away.
Keep Your Child in the Loop
The most important thing to remember as you prepare for your upcoming move is to keep your child in the loop. Children with autism feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. Parents.com recommends broaching the subject early so your kid has plenty of time to process the idea of moving. Highlight some things that your child can get excited about, like a bigger bedroom or backyard where they can play. Help your child visualize the days leading up to your move by writing down everything on a dedicated moving calendar.
Remember: continuous communication is key! Review your moving schedule every day, read children’s books about moving, and offer plenty of positive reinforcement when your child makes it through a day that deviates from their normal routine.
When it comes to moving, things rarely go smoothly — and that’s okay! Be prepared to go with the flow and respond to issues as they arise. Monitoring your child for signs of stress and anxiety is vital. Do what you can to prepare ahead so you can focus all of your attention on your child before, during, and after your move.
Together, we can unlock your child’s potential
Interested in learning more about therapy resources that can assist your child with autism?
Caitlin Tells Us About Working with Children with Autism
Meet Caitlin! Caitlin is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Elkhart North center, where she has worked since August. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Caitlin is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
I honestly had never really thought of working with children with autism before. I had always known I wanted to work in pediatrics but wasn’t sure where. Then Covid hit and I was laid off. I was looking for something different and figured I would give it a try. It was the best decision I could have made!
Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.
I absolutely love how encouraging and helpful every one of my teammates are. We are constantly building each other up.
What is your favorite part of working with the Lighthouse kiddos?
I love everything about the kiddos I work with. They bring a smile to my face and melt my heart. Seeing their progress and growth is so rewarding.
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?
I love working for LAC! I don’t dread waking up in the morning to go to work. I come in excited for the day and excited to see the kiddos that have stolen my heart. This job has truly changed my life in such a short time!
Caitlin has three children, ages 8, 4 and 7 months. She loves going to rock concerts and going camping with her family.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Meet Alexis: A Registered Behavioral Technician at LAC Avon
Meet Alexis! Alexis is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Avon center, where she has worked for one year. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Alexis is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
I applied to Lighthouse Autism Center because I wanted the opportunity to provide meaningful services to children in an urban setting.
Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.
My favorite part of working with my Lighthouse teammates is being able to leave work every day knowing we are making positive differences in the lives of our kiddos and having the most fun while doing it!
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?
My “Lighthouse experience” has been great! No two days are alike, and I have been able to learn a lot about myself as an employee and as a therapist while working for Lighthouse! Everyone I have had the opportunity to work with has been team-driven with shared goals, and the unwavering support for each other is incredible!
Alexis is the oldest of seven kids and has a pet bunny named Ice Cube. She is a graduate of Indiana University Kokomo, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Spanish.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Meet Kait! Kait is a Senior Therapist at our New Castle center, where she has worked for a one year. As a Senior Therapist, Kait serves as a lead therapist and works closely with the BCBA’s on her team as well as provides support to the RBT’s working one-on-one with clients.
Kait is a Senior Therapist at Lighthouse in New Castle, IN.
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
I had a friend that always posted on social media about how much she loved what she did and how rewarding it was (She was so right!). So, I decided to give it a try and ended up falling in love with ABA and what I do now. This job has taught me so much in the short amount of time I have been here, and I want to share a couple of strong key points I have taken away from this amazing opportunity. There is a career out there that isn’t just “another job” or dragging your feet to get up in the morning to push yourself in to work a Monday-Friday job. You will find what you love to do as long as you take those leaps and go beyond your own comfort zones to get there. Waking up and going to work is easy for me, because I love what I do, the company that I work for and most importantly I love working with every single one of my kiddos. ABA isn’t easy and some days you feel so exhausted and defeated but seeing the progress that these kiddos make in such a short time goes beyond words and makes all of that incredibly rewarding.
Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.
There is no one favorite memory I have because it’s all been amazing. The team we have at New Castle is always striving to be the best team we can be every single day. We lift each other up, celebrate one another and cheer each other on every single day. Some days are harder than others but working with such a positive team that continuously uplifts each other makes it so much easier. I am so proud to be a part of a team that inspires each other every day to be better and to work together with ease. Not only are we a dedicated and strong team, but we are an even better family. I’m grateful for these people who have motivated me to grow as a person, a friend and an even better RBT.
What is your favorite part of working with the Lighthouse kiddos?
My favorite part about working with all of these kiddos would definitely be seeing their progress from where they started and where they are now. It’s always such a joy knowing you made a difference in their lives and all that of that hard work is showing amazing results. Pairing with these kids and building that connection with them is another favorite part of mine because you get to see their face light up when you’re around and it makes you feel valued and important which is just another reminder to get up and do what I do every day.
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?
So far, I have had an amazing experience with Lighthouse. They have given me so many more resources to become a better trainer and more importantly they have given me multiple opportunities to grow as a person. I have met two of my biggest inspirations here who have continued to push me out of my own comforts to become a better person and to grow more than I ever could have imagined and I will forever be grateful for that. This company goes above and beyond to make sure their clients and staff are well taken care of and that alone shows how amazing it is to be a part of this team.
Kait is a dog mom to a Pitbull named Cosmo and enjoys traveling to new places in her free time.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Meet Dacia! Dacia is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Anderson center, where she has worked for two years. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Dacia is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!
Dacia is an RBT at Lighthouse Autism Center in Anderson.
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
I have always loved helping other people. Before coming to Lighthouse, I worked with adults with special needs. While I enjoyed that, I was looking for a change, and and for a while I was working with adults. I then decided that I wanted to start working with kids and I have loved every minute of it.
Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.
My favorite part about working with my teammates is that no matter how hard your day is, there are always people around you who support you and always can put a smile on your face.
What is your favorite part of working with the Lighthouse kiddos?
My favorite part is being able to spend time with the kids and watch as they make so much progress. It’s so rewarding!
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?
My experience with Lighthouse has been nothing short of amazing! The team is so supportive and everyone really cares!
In her free time, Davis enjoys spending time with her six year old daughter, cat and dog and shopping.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Autism, as defined by the Autism Society of America, “is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Symptoms and signs of Autism generally emerge between 24 and 36 months of age. There is no known single cause of autism…”
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are general terms used for grouping complex disorders of brain development. These developmental disorders are characterized in different degrees by:
Social interaction difficulties
Nonverbal and verbal communication difficulties
Repetitive behaviors
While the signs and symptoms of autism can appear as early as 6 months, and typically by age 3, there are many children who are diagnosed much later, and some individuals may not diagnosed until much later in life. It’s critical that parents and families are educated on the signs of autism as well as the steps to take if they think their child may have autism, in order to achieve the best outcomes for their child.
Diagnosis
If you suspect a child may have autism, the first step is to contact the child’s pediatrician or their general practioner. The pediatrician will perform an assessment and will typically be able to determine if a child has autism or not.
In some cases, a pediatrician will refer families to a psychologist, a physician that specializes in mental health. The psychologist will perform a standardized assessment (included but not limited to CARS, ADOS, MCHAT, etc…) to evaluate if the child has autism and the severity. This step is critical in the diagnosis and evaluation process, as most insurance companies require a standardized assessment (such as those listed above) in order to approve an authorization for treatment (such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, ABA Therapy and more).
Early Intervention
Data shows that the earlier children are diagnosed with autism, the earlier they start receiving interventions and the better their outcomes are. This leads to a better overall quality of life for the child and the family. This is one of the biggest reason’s families are encouraged to understand what autism is, recognize the signs of it, and take the steps to get their child the help they need.
Types of Intervention – ABA Therapy
Once a parent receives an autism diagnosis, they often are left in shock and confusion as to what to do next. While a physician or psychologist may refer them to a specific therapy center for services (whether that be ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or something else) but that is not always the case. The best thing you can do for your child is research the services and interventions available to you in your area.
Specifically, many doctors will recommend Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism. This is the only type of therapy recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General for the treatment of autism. ABA therapy aids in the development of new skills, shapes and refines previously learned skills and decreases socially significant problem behaviors. It often involves the following components:
Qualified and trained BCBA’s (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) lead and oversee a child’s therapy program
After a detailed assessment of a child, the BCBA will create a unique program with consideration given to the child’s ABA therapy goals, preferences and the overall family goals.
Goals will be developmentally appropriate for that child and will include things like sociability, communication, play, self-care, motor development and academic skills.
Highly qualified and trained therapists will help a child achieve these goals through detailed instruction plans that break down skills into skill sets. The child will then work on the most basic skill sets and build up to more complex skill sets, with each skill set building off of the previous one.
Therapists continually collect data on your child to determine which skill sets are improving, which one’s are not, and how the therapy program may need to be modified in order to make sure your child achieves their goals
Regular meetings with family and staff take place to allow for planning, review of child’s progress and to make any needed adjustments.
Meet Chelsey: An RBT at Lighthouse Autism Center in Portage, Michigan
Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best aba therapy to the kids and families we serve.
Meet Chelsey
Meet Chelsey. Chelsey is a Registered Behavior Technican at our Portage, Michigan center. Chelsey has worked with Lighthouse Autism Center for just a few months and recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Psychology. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Chelsey is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!
Chelsey, a Registered Behavior Technician with Lighthouse Autism Center in Portage, MI
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
I have always heard great things about Lighthouse Autism Center and thought it would be a great place to further my passion of working with children with autism.
Tell us about a favorite memory with your team at Lighthouse.
While I have only been with the team a short time, everyone has been so welcoming and willing to helping me learn and any questions I may have.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Lighthouse?
On the day I passed my Registered Behavior Technician Certification exam, the whole team cheered for me over the walkies. A client heard the team cheering and wanted to also congratulate me. It was such a wonderful feeling!
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?
My experience so far has been nothing short of amazing. The welcoming atmosphere of the center makes me look forward to going to work every day!
Chelsey is a cat mom to Nala and Luna and enjoys playing Sims in her free time!
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight highlights the incredible people who work on our team. The Staff Spotlight will feature employees across all different centers in a variety of positions. This is an opportunity for our community to get to know the people who work so hard every day to deliver the best aba therapy to the kids and families we serve.
Dana’s Lighthouse Story
Dana is a Purchasing Specialist with Lighthouse Autism Center. While Dana has only been with Lighthouse Autism Center a few months, she has enjoyed her time with the company. As a Purchasing Specialist, she is responsible for ensuring centers have all the supplies they need to provide the best therapy to the children and families we serve.
Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.
Lighthouse Autism Center has a great reputation in the northern Indiana area. I wanted to work for a company that really made a difference and offered great career opportunities.
Share your favorite part about working with the Lighthouse team.
While I have only met in-person a few of my colleagues due to COVID-19, everyone is so friendly and welcoming!
How would you describe your Lighthouse experience so far?
While it’s strange starting a new job during a global pandemic, I have enjoyed being a part of the Lighthouse team. It’s really great being part of a company that is not only growing but does such important work for families in our community.
Ready for a career where you can make a difference?
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Lighthouse Autism Center offers ABA therapy for children with autism. Contact us to learn how our innovative clinical model can help your child make greater progress, faster, all while having fun.
