Autism Center in Portage, Indiana
Lighthouse’s Portage Center is an applied behavior center for autism in Indiana, with programs designed to support autistic children with everyday skill development. Our Portage autism center offers play-based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy through Lighthouse Fusion, an integrated approach that weaves speech therapy directly into each child’s daily schedule.
Why Choose Lighthouse for Portage, Indiana
Families looking for ABA therapy in the Portage area choose Lighthouse Autism Center for consistency, collaboration, and real progress. Our play-based therapy approach is designed to support healthy communication, confidence, and everyday independence for your child, while keeping each session engaging and structured.
The Portage community values accessibility and inclusion, and our model fits naturally within that environment. By combining one-on-one therapy with consistent speech support throughout the day, children have more opportunities to build communication skills in natural, engaging ways. Our team works closely with families and caregivers to create individualized programs that support growth at home, at school, and out in the community.
Portage Autism Services
The Lighthouse Approach
Our goal is to help families find the right support, without unnecessary barriers. Founded by parents of an autistic child, Lighthouse offers the Lighthouse Fusion program which is designed to reflect both clinical best practice and actual lived experience. We collaborate with children and their families to create an environment that allows for consistent progress.
- Families work with a dedicated enrollment team, including an Insurance Specialist, to help guide them through the enrollment process.
- Lighthouse services include our integrated speech and ABA model, Lighthouse Fusion, autism diagnostic testing at all locations, and ongoing family support.
- Thanks to a focus on small caseloads, each child receives individual attention with one-on-one therapy.
- Programs are supported by a multidisciplinary team including BCBAs, SLPs, and registered behavior technicians who work together to develop clear goals and deliver compassionate care.
- Our team stays closely involved, while families remain part of the process through regular communication and collaboration.
- When additional help is needed, our team can also provide support and caregiver training at home or in the community.
Lighthouse Fusion®
Lighthouse Fusion integrates speech therapy directly into a child’s daily programming. Instead of separating services and care models, communication goals are addressed throughout the day, incorporating them during play, learning activities, and daily routines. By embedding these skills into your child’s natural moments, they face more consistent opportunities to practice, keeping therapy engaging while they make steady progress.
Diagnostic Services
Families with concerns about their child’s developmental milestones or who notice any early signs of autism are more than welcome to reach out for support. Autism diagnoses and evaluations are provided at all Lighthouse locations, with a dedicated team ready to help you begin the evaluation process.
Our diagnostic services follow a collaborative clinical model with a team of licensed clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and BCBAs. We’ll make sure the documentation process is clear and manageable, while helping you gather any necessary info.
What to Expect During the Evaluation Process
The process generally begins with a virtual interview where parents meet with a licensed psychologist. Later, an in-person evaluation is scheduled where parents and their child meet at the center.
- During the appointment, the child meets with a BCBA from our team for about one hour.
- Standardized assessment tools include the second edition Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS 2) or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), along with observation and play-based interaction.
- After the evaluation, a licensed psychologist will review the findings with the family and discuss diagnoses and recommended next steps.
