In 2020, Lighthouse Autism Center established the Lighthouse Autism Center Autism Awareness scholarship. This scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to an individual enrolled at a college or university as an undergraduate student in their junior or senior year, preferably in an area that we currently serve. While we had many impressive applications, Kaveh  Moaddeli was selected as the awardee for this scholarship.

Kaveh currently attends Monmouth College where he is studying pre-med and plays water polo. Originally from California, Kaveh has a rather unique upbringing that has led him to where he is today.

The son of immigrants, Kaveh grew up  living on a small boat in the harbor when his family could not afford a home. With a passion for water polo, he would travel into shore each day at 5:00 am to attend practices. His perseverance and commitment to his education and his team led him to Monmouth where he now studies pre-med and hopes to be an EMT.

During the summers, Kaveh returns home to California to teach surf lessons to children in his community. This past summer, he had the opportunity to connect with a boy who has autism who wanted to learn to surf. While he had never worked with a child who had an autism diagnosis before, Kaveh says it was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences he has had teaching.

Congratulations, Kaveh!

The Lighthouse Autism Center Autism Awareness Scholarship is open to junior or senior students enrolled full-time at a college or university. Preference will be given to those who reside in the areas that we serve (please click here to view a full list of center location). Preference will also be given to students studying psychology, special education or a related field.

Who may apply?

The Lighthouse Autism Center Autism Awareness Scholarship is open to junior or senior students enrolled full-time at a college or university. Preference will be given to those who reside in the areas that we serve (please click here to view a full list of center location). Preference will also be given to students studying psychology, special education or a related field.

Requirements:

Part 1:  Submit a one-page personal statement. This should include information about any work experience, internships, or volunteer activities you may have participated in. If applicable, please include any experience you may have with special needs families.

Part 2: Submit a one-page essay discussing your goals and plans following graduation

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!

Madison Clark Selected as Awardee for Autism Awareness Scholarship

Earlier this year, Lighthouse Autism Center established the Lighthouse Autism Center Autism Awareness scholarship. This scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to an individual enrolled at a college or university as an undergraduate student in an area that we currently serve. While we had many impressive applications, Madison Clark was selected as the awardee for this scholarship.

Madison is a graduate of  Northfield Jr. Sr. High School and is currently enrolled at Indiana State University in the Applied Medicine and Occupational Therapy program. Madison has experience interning in a special education classroom as well as with an occupational therapist. In her free time, she has volunteered for Joni and Friends, Lighthouse Mission Thrift store and the Church Coffee Bar.

Madison has spent time volunteering with special needs families and hopes to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy or Special Education. She has a passion for making a difference, especially for special needs families in her community.

We could not be more excited to award this scholarship to Madison. Congratulations!

Opening of Three ABA Centers in SouthBend, Elkhart

Lighthouse Autism Center is preparing to open three new ABA therapy centers this summer to meet growing demand in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. Each center will serve nearly twenty families and create a combined 120 additional jobs in these areas. The newest center in South Bend, Indiana is located on Ireland Road and will open in July. In addition to serving as an ABA therapy center, it will also serve as the administrative headquarters for Lighthouse Autism Center.

“Lighthouse Autism Center is excited to continue our mission of brining the highest quality ABA therapy services to areas in need. With our newest centers in South Bend, Elkhart and Kalamzoo, we will be able to provide crucial therapy services to an additional 60-70 families who might otherwise not be able to access this therapy for their children,” said CEO and Founder of Lighthouse Autism Center, Gregg Maggioli. While the South Bend and Elkhart centers are slated to open in July of 2020, the Kalamazoo center will not open until August.

New Location Center Opens in South Bend, Indiana

Lighthouse Autism Center, an ABA therapy center for children with autism, has announced it will open its newest center in South Bend, Indiana this summer. This will be the eighth location for Lighthouse Autism Center, which opened its first center in Mishawaka in 2012.

After a brief shut down in March and April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Lighthouse Autism Center locations are now open and preparations to open the newest South Bend center are moving forward. Lighthouse has implemented new policies and procedures in order to protect the health and safety of children while continuing to provide the highest quality autism therapy services to clients. These procedures include:

-Masks worn by staff at all times
-Temperature checks for all children and staff prior to entering a building
-No group activities such as eating together in the kitchen or group classes
-Extra staff on site to perform sanitation of surfaces multiple times each day
-COVID-19 testing available to all staff and clients who show symptoms or may have been exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19

Gregg and Sandy Maggioli, founders of Lighthouse Autism Center, and parents to a child with autism, are confident these new procedures will allow the organization to continue to operate safely. “I’m not sure that anyone could have imagined we would be facing a pandemic in our lifetime. While this can be a scary and uncertain time, especially for parents, I am confident that Lighthouse has the policies and procedures in place to keep our children, families and staff safe. We also recognize that now more than ever, the kids and families we serve need us. Parents need our support and children need the stability and routine our therapy offers. We are proud to continue to offer autism services to our families and excited to be able to expand our services to the South Bend community,” said Gregg Maggioli, CEO of Lighthouse Autism Center.

Lighthouse Autism Center is now enrolling children at their newest location. To learn more and schedule a tour, call 574-387-4313

It’s hard to believe it has been eight years since Lighthouse Autism Center first opened its doors. From humble beginnings of just serving four families in Mishawaka, Lighthouse Autism Center now provides autism services to over 100 families across Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.

While Lighthouse Autism Center may have grown, the quality ABA therapy and values upon which the center was founded have not changed. As parents of a child with autism, Gregg and Sandy started Lighthouse Autism Center with the goal of providing the best ABA therapy to communities in need. Now, eight years later, Lighthouse is doing just that in Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart, Plymouth, Warsaw and Portage, MI.

While we may not have imagined we would ever be in a place where our staff are wearing masks and children are having their temperatures checked multiple times a day, we are adapting to these new challenges so that we can continue to provide the same quality ABA therapy we have always provided.

We are proud to serve families with autism in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan, and we look forward to another year of working with the families and team that bring us so much joy.

Seven Lighthouse Autism Centers re-open after Covid-19 Outbreak Peak

After nearly 6 weeks of being closed, Lighthouse Autism Center is excited to reopen each of it’s seven centers and begin offering ABA services to our families. While Lighthouse Autism Center is an essential service, we felt it was in the best interest of our families and employees to remain closed during the peak of COVID-19 outbreak. Now, with COVID-19 cases on the decline, and with new enhanced health and safety measures in place,  we are prepared to resume offering the highest quality ABA therapy services to our families.

So, what does the “new normal” look like at Lighthouse Autism Center?

Social Distancing

Each center has been modified to include only one child per room or two children in very large rooms. We believe this will be necessary for several weeks in order to comply with recommended social distancing practices.

Temperature and Symptom Checks

All employees and children have their temperatures taken before entering a building and two additional times throughout the day. Any individuals who have a temperature of 99.5 or higher, or show any symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough, or shortness of breath, will not be permitted to enter a center until they are tested for COVID-19 and receive a negative test result.

Masks

All employees must have a mask on before entering a building. Masks will be worn all day until someone exits a center. We have special clear masks to be used by therapists who offer speech therapy services to Lighthouse kiddos.

Program Modification

Children will no longer eat together in the lunchroom and some group programs will temporarily be eliminated (like group time). Instead, children they will eat in their room at their desks and social programs will be done with a therapist as opposed to with other children. This will ensure minimal contact in group spaces.

Extra Sanitation

Extra employees are on site at each building sanitizing all common surfaces (door knobs, handles, bathrooms, kitchens, etc…) multiple times a day.

The Lighthouse Autism Center Team will continue to meet weekly and provide regular updates to parents and the greater community. We know these extra precautions will not need to be in place forever, but for the time being, they will aid in keeping our children, employees and families safe.

For questions or to learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center, please call 574-387-4313.

Autism Resources for Families in Elkhart, Indiana

Have you ever heard the phrase, “it takes a village?” For families with autism, this is especially true as they try to provide the best quality of life for their loved one with autism. With 1 in 58 children diagnosed with autism, it is likely you or someone you know is affected by autism. Not only is it important that a strong family unit is in place for someone with autism, but, it’s also important that they have access to community resources that can assist them, such as recreational therapies, autism services, support groups, and more. In order to better support families with autism, Lighthouse has compiled a list of local autism resources in Elkhart, Indiana. Below, you will find a list of organizations that may be able to assist families with autism in Elkhart, Indiana.

ADEC Family Services

Contact Information: 574-848-7451 or www.adecinc.com
Caring and highly trained staff within ADEC’s Family Services are committed to working with your family to ensure the best possible development and community involvement for your child. For children, this is accomplished through offering summer camp, after school care, transitions, parental assistance for waivers and services, a sibling support group, autism services, a game group for young adults and music and recreational therapies. ADEC also provides services for adults with developmental disabilities, including supported employment, day services, residential services, and protective/legal services.

Anabaptist Disability Network

Contact Information: 574-343-1362 or www.adnetonline.org
Resources for churches and other groups who support the spiritual lives of families and persons who live with all types of disabilities, including mental illness.

Asberger/Autism Support Group of Goshen

Contact Information: 574-742-6394
Currently an online support group with occasional informal meetings. Information posted on the private Facebook group page.

Bashor Children’s Home

Contact Information:574-875-5117 or https://bashor.org/HOME.aspx
Offers education, residential, and community-based services for individuals.

Healthy Beginnings

Contact Information: 574-522-0104 or https://healthybeginningselkhart.org/
Healthy Beginnings offers four programs aimed at prevention, education and early intervention to enhance the health and lives of infants, young children and pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.

Loveway Therapeutic Equestrian Services

Contact Information: 574-825-5666 or www.lovewayinc.org
LoveWay, Inc. provides therapeutic horseback riding for people with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities of all ages.

Oaklawn

Contact Information: 574-533-1234  or www.oaklawn.org
Oaklawn joins with individuals, families, and our community on the journey toward health and wholeness by offering a comprehensive range of mental health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

The Voice: Parent Support Group

Contact Information: 574-848-2446
This group is the collaboration of ADEC, GPS, and the United Way.
It is a support group for parents of students in special education.

For more information regarding autism related resources in Elkhart, Indiana, contact the Family Outreach Coordinator at Lighthouse Autism Center at 574-387-4313.

Elkhart Mayor meets student at Elkhart’s newest ABA Center

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese visited Lighthouse Autism Center’s newest center in Elkhart, IN. Mayor Neese met with founder and Executive Director, Gregg Maggioli, to learn more about Lighthouse and the ABA services being offered to the Elkhart community, as well as the 30 additional
jobs that will be created through the opening of the new center. Following their meeting, Mayor Neese toured the center, visiting therapy rooms, the playroom, and group therapy spaces. The Mayor also had the opportunity to meet some of the kiddos who attend Lighthouse Autism Center in Elkhart and provided them with a small token to commemorate his visit.

Lighthouse Autism Center in Elkhart is currently enrolling. To learn more or schedule a tour of the new center, contact us at 574-387-4313.

While scientists work on finding the causes of autism behavioral specialists are making great strides in assisting child development through the use of technology.

How Technology Can Help with Childhood Development

Computers in the classroom have evolved from a luxury to a necessity as communication technologies progress. As traditional classrooms have proven successful with the use of modern technology, autism specialists have been researching and developing therapies that use computers to improve communication means for children with autism.

How Does It Work?

Research has found that many children with autism are visual learners. Computers provide teachers and therapists the means to create visual presentations as well as the ability to use communication software that resonates with children who have autism. Because children with autism often communicate through images as opposed to words, computer language software programs provide a way for children to communicate their wants and needs in a way that makes sense to them.

What are the Benefits of Using Technology to Help Children with Autism?

Through this means of positive communication, children experience a more enjoyable, less stressful learning environment that increases their ability to break down their barriers and develop their social skills. One of the most widely used learning techniques with technology is practicing cause and effect. For example, if the child is hungry and wants to eat, he or she would be taught to draw, find or present an image of a food item. The child would then show their picture to their teacher or parent and receive the food they asked for.

Technology and computers can also be used to benefit those who seek to further develop motor skills. Working with a computer, iPad, video game or any technology requires children to practice and develop their fine motor skills, something children with autism often struggle with.

To learn more about the use of technology in ABA therapy or how ABA therapy can help your child, schedule a tour at one of our centers by calling 574-387-4313.

Most people might not know that my parents, Denny and Ronnie Maggioli, have had a huge impact on the success of Lighthouse Autism Center, going all the way back to the very beginning, when our first center opened in 2012. When we opened our first center, my family and I lived in Carmel, Indiana and I commuted back and forth for nearly two years. During the week, I lived with my parents and traveled home to Carmel on the weekends. Not only did my parents welcome their grown son back into their home, but they have played a huge role in the design of each center. With an eye for interior design, my mom has picked paint colors to be used inside the centers, creating a bright and warm, and most importantly, non-clinical feel for the children who attend the centers. My Dad has worked as a dedicated handyman, carpenter, painter and fixer of all things for each of our centers since 2012. Simply said, Lighthouse Autism Center would not be what it is today without the time and love put into each center by my parents. As they officially announce their retirement, we could not be more thankful for their impact not only on the centers, but on each of the kiddos who have attended Lighthouse. Thank you for your tremendous work and dedication to Lighthouse Autism Center – we could not have done it without you!

Visit from Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese at Indiana ABA Center

On Wednesday, September 25^th, Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese visited Lighthouse Autism Center’s newest ABA therapy center in Elkhart, Indiana. The newest center opened in August and is the seventh center opened by Lighthouse Autism Center, which provides ABA therapy services in Mishawaka, Granger, Plymouth, Warsaw and Portage, MI.

The new center will provide intensive, center-based therapy utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to nearly twenty-five families in the Elkhart area. The therapy programs are custom made for each child and work on things like social skills, communication skills, living skills and school readiness skills.

During his visit, Mayor Neese had the opportunity to meet with Founder and Executive Director, Gregg Maggioli, who has a son with autism. “My son attended one of the first ABA centers in the state of Indiana. When I saw the impact it had on his life, and the life of my family, I knew I had to find a way to bring this service to other families with autism.”

While touring the facility, Mayor Neese was able to observe children working, playing, participating in a simulated classroom setting, and even spoke with one child as she practiced asking and answering questions. When asked about his time at the center, Mayor Neese said, “I’ve only been at the center a short time, but I can see that the staff at Lighthouse are second to none, genuinely care about the kids and are truly making an impact on the lives of children with autism.”

Lighthouse Autism Center is now enrolling children at their newest center in Elkhart, Indiana. To schedule a tour, call 574-387-4313.