Author: Maggie PC2

We are parents of a child with autism

Lighthouse Success Stories

Helping Your Child Achieve the Possible

A Child First Approach

My name is Gregg Maggioli and together with my wife ,Sandy, we founded Lighthouse Autism Center in May of 2012. We have a son, Victor, who was diagnosed with Autism in 2003. As parents of a son with autism, we understand the struggle that you go through when your child is diagnosed. Fortunately, we had access to a wonderful ABA therapy center in Carmel, IN that changed our lives. This intensive therapy helped Victor in a huge way and we wanted to bring this same therapy to others who do not have access to it.
When it came to my attention that there was not an ABA center in my hometown of Mishawaka, we began meeting with local autism advocates to better understand the needs of the community. It became apparent that an ABA center was needed to offer Michiana children the same opportunities our son had received. We have now opened four location, two in Mishawaka, one in Warsaw and one in Plymouth. We look forward to what the future holds for Lighthouse and will continue to pursue our mission of brining ABA therapy to communities and families that need them.

Enrolled at 2 years old for 1.5 years
Then: Not toilet trained, no vocalizations, no school readiness skills
Now: Toilet trained, age appropriate vocal skills and returning to preschool!

Enrolled at 18 months for 2 years
Then: Made no eye contact , high rates of whining, screaming, and biting
Now: Makes eye contact, significant decrease in tantrums, gestures to things she wants and echoes phrases

Enrolled at 4 years for 2 years
Then: High rates of problem behaviors and only spoke in 1-2 word phrases
Now: Learned coping skills, drastic reduction in behaviors and uses full sentences

Enrolled at 3 years old for 3 years
Then: Lacked age appropriate life skills and used few words
Now: Performs life skills independently, uses an Ipad, vocalizes, and is transitioning back to school!

Enrolled at 5 years old for 1.5 years
Then: Lacked school readiness skills and engaged in tantrums when routine was broken
Now: Returned to a typical classroom with age appropriate skills and behaviors

Enrolled at 4 years old for 1 year
Then Significant problem behaviors and aggressive tantrums
Now: Tantrums occur once or twice per month and are much calmer, she now attends a regular education classroom

A Parent’s Perspective
When we started at lighthouse my son had no words. Since he’s been at Lighthouse he has made so much progress! I will never forget the day that he looked at me and said “I Love You Mommy!” I had waited for him to say those words and without Lighthouse being there helping him find his voice, I would never have heard those words. Lighthouse has truly been a lifesaver. I would have never dreamed my son would be going to school and now he is! Thank you so much for everything you have done for us!

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we believe in a child first and family focused approach to help your child achieve the possible.
We work with your child on communication, school readiness, life and social skills
We work with experts in Speech therapy as well as ABA consultants from Western Michigan University
At LAC, children are surrounded by peers their age and have programs that work specifically on encouraging peer play and interaction
When your child is ready to transition back to school, we will meet with their teachers and send a therapist to school with your child to help with a smooth and gradual transition

Center
every family

Solving the Autism Puzzle The Lighthouse Way!

Individualized programs designed for your child and family’s needs

Small case loads and 10 full-time BCBA’s on staff

Lighthouse Autism
Hope for every child,

Goals are determined with input from parents and other providers

Insurance Dept. will help you navigate the insurance process

We offer ABA trainings to our parents and will help you transition ABA techniques into your home

Quality therapists with Bachelor’s Degrees and extensive initial and ongoing training

Your child works one-on-one with a therapist 100% of the time

Experienced leadership with an award winning management team