Caravel Autism Health, a leading provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services, has expanded its footprint with the opening of a new ABA therapy center in Bloomington, Minnesota. This new location marks Caravel’s eighth center in the state and continues the organization’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality autism care for children and families.
Caravel currently operates nearly 30 centers across the Midwest, with locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The new Bloomington center reflects both growing demand for autism services and Caravel’s mission to deliver early intervention and effective treatment to children on the autism spectrum.
The Growing Need for Autism Services in Minnesota
The decision to expand in Minnesota is based on data showing higher-than-average autism rates in the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 54 children in the United States has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In Minnesota, the numbers are even higher, with one in 44 children identified as being on the spectrum.
These statistics underscore the critical need for autism services across the state. For many families, timely access to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment can be the difference between delayed support and meaningful early intervention. Caravel’s presence in Minnesota seeks to address these gaps by offering local, specialized care for children and their families.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Intervention
One of the key elements of Caravel’s work is ensuring that children can be evaluated and diagnosed without unnecessary delays. Jackie Vick, vice president of Minnesota clinical operations for Caravel, highlighted this in the company’s announcement of the new center.
“Families with questions about whether their children were on the autism spectrum were encountering significant wait times for seeing specialists,” Vick explained. “These delays are significant because timing is critical. The earlier we can begin providing intensive ABA therapy for children with autism, the greater the gains can be in learning, communication and social skills.”
Research has consistently shown that early intervention plays a pivotal role in helping children with autism build skills that support independence and long-term success. ABA therapy, in particular, is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for autism, offering structured, individualized support to improve communication, behavior, and social interaction.
What Caravel Autism Health Provides
Caravel Autism Health focuses exclusively on serving children with autism and their families. Its services include evaluation, diagnosis, and individualized ABA therapy plans designed to meet each child’s unique needs. By employing a team of experienced clinicians and therapists, Caravel creates treatment programs that target key areas of development such as language, social skills, and adaptive behaviors.
At the new Bloomington center, families will have access to comprehensive care that combines evidence-based therapy with compassionate support. Caravel’s approach is family-centered, meaning parents and caregivers are active participants in their child’s progress. This collaborative model ensures that skills learned in therapy sessions can be reinforced at home and in everyday life.
Addressing Barriers to Care
One of the challenges families often face when seeking autism care is limited access to providers and long waiting lists for evaluations. The addition of Caravel’s Bloomington center aims to reduce these barriers by creating more opportunities for families to receive timely support.
In many regions, families wait months—or even longer—to get their child evaluated for autism. Such delays can prevent children from receiving services during the most critical developmental windows. Caravel’s investment in expanding access helps to bridge this gap, offering families hope and practical solutions close to home.
ABA Therapy and Its Impact
Applied behavior analysis therapy is widely considered the gold standard for autism treatment. ABA focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors, teaching new skills, and reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning and daily functioning. Each therapy plan is individualized, with measurable goals that reflect a child’s strengths and challenges.
In practice, ABA therapy can include a wide range of activities, from practicing communication skills and following routines to developing play and social interactions. For younger children, ABA may focus on foundational skills like language acquisition, while for older children, therapy might include more advanced goals such as problem-solving or preparing for greater independence.
Caravel’s team of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and registered behavior technicians (RBTs) work closely with each child and family to track progress and adjust strategies as needed. This flexible, data-driven approach ensures that therapy remains effective and relevant to each child’s evolving needs.
Community Impact of the New Center
The opening of the Bloomington center is not only significant for the families it will directly serve but also for the broader community. By expanding access to autism services, Caravel is contributing to a stronger support system for children with autism throughout Minnesota.
The center will create new jobs for trained professionals, from clinicians to support staff, helping strengthen the local behavioral health workforce. Additionally, its presence helps raise awareness of autism and the importance of early intervention, encouraging more families to seek out evaluations and support when needed.
Caravel’s Commitment to Growth and Excellence
Caravel Autism Health has steadily expanded across the Midwest, building a reputation for excellence in autism services. Each new center reflects the company’s dedication to reducing barriers to care and supporting families at every stage of the autism journey.
With its growing network of nearly 30 centers, Caravel combines local accessibility with the expertise of a larger organization. This balance allows families to receive specialized, evidence-based care in their own communities while benefiting from the resources of a provider committed to innovation and quality.
The company’s long-term vision includes continued expansion to meet rising demand, as well as ongoing investment in research, training, and technology to improve outcomes for children with autism.
Looking Ahead
The Bloomington center represents another step forward in Caravel’s mission to provide hope and help to families navigating the challenges of autism. As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, the need for effective, accessible care has never been greater. Caravel’s focus on early intervention, individualized therapy, and family engagement ensures that more children can achieve meaningful progress and reach their full potential.
For families in Minnesota, the new center offers not just therapy, but a lifeline of support during what can often be a difficult and uncertain time. By combining clinical expertise with compassion, Caravel Autism Health continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families.
Conclusion
Caravel Autism Health’s decision to open a new ABA therapy center in Bloomington underscores the importance of expanding access to autism services in Minnesota, where prevalence rates are higher than the national average. With a focus on early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and family-centered care, Caravel is helping more children with autism gain the tools they need to thrive. The new center not only addresses immediate needs for families but also strengthens the broader community by increasing awareness, reducing barriers to care, and providing much-needed resources for the future.
