Acorn Health, a national provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, has announced the acquisition of the ABA therapy assets of Concord Foundations Network. This move marks another step in Acorn’s ambitious growth strategy, further solidifying its place in the autism therapy market and expanding its reach into new states. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the impact of the acquisition is already clear. With this transaction, Acorn is extending its footprint, serving more families, and strengthening its capabilities in providing high-quality autism care.
Who Is Acorn Health?
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, Acorn Health has quickly grown into a major player in the autism treatment space. The company is backed by MBF Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm that invests in healthcare companies with strong growth potential. Acorn provides both center-based and in-home ABA therapy to children with autism, focusing on early intervention and personalized treatment plans. By blending clinical expertise with a scalable operational model, Acorn has positioned itself as a leader in a rapidly growing industry.
Concord Foundations Network: A Partner in Growth
Based in Columbia, Maryland, Concord Foundations Network has focused on supporting autism and developmental disorder service providers through capital investment and a suite of business services. Its mission has been to help providers in its network grow while maintaining high standards of care. Through this acquisition, Acorn will not only gain access to Concord’s established network but will also expand its own ability to deliver ABA therapy services across additional states. This strategic alignment allows Acorn to serve more families while offering Concord’s providers new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Expansion into New States
One of the most significant outcomes of the acquisition is Acorn’s entry into three new states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. These regions represent important markets with growing demand for autism services. In addition to entering new geographies, Acorn is also enhancing its existing capabilities in Michigan and Virginia, where it already operates clinics. With the deal complete, Acorn now boasts a network of 35 clinics across seven states, serving more than 1,200 families. This expansion strengthens Acorn’s ability to meet the increasing demand for ABA therapy nationwide.
A Proven Strategy of Growth Through Acquisitions
The acquisition of Concord Foundations Network’s ABA assets is not an isolated event for Acorn—it is part of a consistent and deliberate expansion strategy. In recent years, Acorn has been highly active in mergers and acquisitions, targeting high-quality ABA providers to broaden its footprint. For example, in May, Acorn acquired Alexandria, Virginia-based Behavior Basics, LLC. That deal followed earlier acquisitions, including Autism University in Michigan in January 2020 and Behavior Therapy Specialists in Illinois in late 2019. Each acquisition has added new expertise, geographic reach, and operational capacity to Acorn’s network.
Why ABA Therapy Is in High Demand
Applied behavior analysis is considered the gold standard for autism treatment, backed by decades of research. ABA focuses on improving specific skills such as communication, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors while reducing challenging behaviors. With autism diagnosis rates on the rise, the need for ABA therapy is greater than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. This rising prevalence, combined with broader insurance coverage for autism treatment, has created an environment where access to effective ABA providers is critical. Acorn’s acquisition strategy directly addresses this demand by ensuring more families can access services.
Private Equity’s Role in Autism Care
Acorn’s growth is also reflective of a larger trend in the autism care industry: increasing investment from private equity firms. Private equity’s interest in autism providers is fueled by both the rising demand for services and the strong reimbursement landscape. As Eugene Goldenberg, managing director at health care-focused investment bank Edgemont Partners, explained, many private equity firms that entered the space in recent years are now pursuing add-on acquisitions to strengthen their portfolios. Acorn, backed by MBF Healthcare Partners, exemplifies this trend. By strategically acquiring providers, Acorn is expanding its network while also benefiting from operational efficiencies that come with scale.
The Importance of Local Access
While large-scale growth strategies often focus on national reach, Acorn remains committed to addressing needs at the local level. The company’s expansion into Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee is not just about numbers—it is about ensuring that families in underserved areas have access to timely autism care. In many parts of the country, long wait times and limited provider availability create barriers for families seeking treatment. By expanding its network, Acorn helps close these gaps, ensuring children with autism can begin therapy as early as possible, which is critical for maximizing developmental outcomes.
Maintaining Quality During Expansion
Rapid growth often comes with concerns about maintaining quality, especially in healthcare. Acorn has emphasized that its expansion strategy is focused on aligning with providers who share its commitment to evidence-based care and clinical excellence. By acquiring established providers with strong reputations, Acorn ensures that the quality of care remains consistent across its network. The company’s approach is not just about adding locations—it’s about creating a cohesive system where families can expect high standards of service no matter where they are.
What the Future Holds for Acorn
Looking ahead, Acorn shows no signs of slowing down. The company has made clear its intention to continue seeking partnership opportunities with high-quality providers in both existing and new markets. With its strong private equity backing and proven ability to integrate acquisitions, Acorn is well-positioned to continue its expansion. As autism diagnoses rise and demand for ABA therapy grows, Acorn’s model of combining local access with national resources could make it a key player in shaping the future of autism care.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Concord Foundations Network’s ABA assets marks a pivotal moment for Acorn Health. By expanding into Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee while strengthening its presence in Michigan and Virginia, Acorn is broadening its impact and helping more families access critical autism treatment services. The deal also highlights broader trends in the autism care industry, including the growing role of private equity and the increasing importance of scaling ABA therapy to meet rising demand. For families, providers, and the broader behavioral health community, Acorn’s expansion represents both opportunity and progress toward ensuring that children with autism receive the support they need to thrive.
