The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is entering 2021 with renewed momentum, strengthened by recent technology investments and a commitment to expanding its impact on families living with autism. After weathering the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, CARD is positioning itself for a new wave of growth, leveraging its size, experience, and innovative spirit to deliver better outcomes for children and families across the United States.
A Leader in Autism Treatment
With 235 locations across 27 states, CARD is recognized as the largest autism treatment provider in the world. The organization specializes in delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a research-backed method widely considered the gold standard for autism treatment. Founded over three decades ago by Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, CARD has steadily built its reputation as both a trusted provider of clinical services and a key contributor to autism research.
CARD’s reach and influence grew significantly in 2018 when Blackstone, one of the world’s leading private equity firms, acquired the organization. The deal, valued at an estimated $700 million, was the largest transaction of its kind in the ABA field. Since then, Blackstone’s backing has helped CARD scale operations, invest in cutting-edge tools, and prepare for long-term expansion.
Navigating COVID-19 Challenges
Like nearly all health care providers, CARD faced major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines forced clinics to temporarily close or reduce in-person visits, while families struggled to access consistent services. Many children with autism rely on routine and structure, and disruptions to therapy can significantly impact progress.
To adapt, CARD pivoted quickly to telehealth, leveraging existing digital tools to continue delivering ABA therapy remotely. While not a perfect substitute for in-clinic care, telehealth provided continuity and allowed many families to maintain treatment during an uncertain time. CARD also worked to safely resume home-based and clinic-based care, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and updated protocols to protect both families and staff.
Despite setbacks, CEO Tony Kilgore emphasized that CARD’s long-term vision never wavered. “This won’t last forever, and our call is still to scale so we can meet the needs of this community,” he explained. That outlook now informs CARD’s 2021 growth plans, with expectations that expansion will return to pre-pandemic levels by the first quarter.
Investing in Technology for Growth
CARD’s resilience during the pandemic was fueled in part by its ongoing investments in technology. The organization has upgraded its IT infrastructure and adopted a new practice management software designed to streamline operations, support clinicians, and enhance scalability.
Perhaps most exciting is CARD’s use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze decades of treatment data. With thousands of children served and millions of treatment hours recorded, CARD’s database provides a powerful foundation for research and innovation. By applying AI tools to this information, CARD can identify patterns, optimize lesson planning, and accelerate skill development for children.
These innovations represent more than operational efficiency—they reflect CARD’s mission to improve outcomes. The ability to capture and analyze real-time data from therapy sessions allows CARD to fine-tune treatment in ways that benefit each child individually while also advancing the broader field of autism care.
Research as a Core Priority
Research has always been central to CARD’s work. Dr. Granpeesheh, who trained as an academic, instilled a commitment to evidence-based care from the beginning. Today, CARD operates one of the largest clinical research programs in the autism treatment field, contributing valuable insights into effective interventions, outcomes measurement, and best practices.
One unique feature of CARD’s approach is its use of iPad-based systems for real-time data collection during therapy sessions. These tools allow therapists to record and analyze each child’s progress instantly, feeding into a master database that informs future treatment planning. This feedback loop ensures that therapy remains dynamic, responsive, and data-driven.
The research team is also focused on defining clear outcomes in autism treatment, a challenge that has long faced the ABA field. While autism is a spectrum disorder with wide variability in needs and responses, CARD believes that setting industry standards for outcomes will improve accountability and drive better results for children and families.
Expanding Clinical Services
Looking ahead, CARD plans to return to aggressive growth in 2021, expanding its network of clinics across the country. While acquisition opportunities may arise in the future, Kilgore has emphasized that CARD’s immediate focus is on de novo growth—opening new centers built from the ground up. This strategy allows CARD to maintain control over operations, culture, and quality while scaling more quickly and predictably.
Pre-pandemic, CARD’s operations were about 80% clinic-based, with the remainder delivered in homes, schools, or community settings. This model is expected to continue, with clinics serving as the primary hubs of care. However, the pandemic has accelerated exploration of long-term virtual treatment options, which could eventually supplement CARD’s in-person services and expand access to underserved families.
Supporting Families and Staff
At the heart of CARD’s growth strategy is its commitment to families and staff. Autism therapy is labor-intensive, requiring skilled and compassionate clinicians who are dedicated to helping children achieve their full potential. CARD invests heavily in training, mentorship, and leadership development to ensure that its teams are equipped to deliver high-quality care.
Kilgore, a parent of children with ADHD, has spoken about his personal connection to families raising children with unique learning needs. That empathy informs his leadership style and underscores CARD’s mission to serve families with compassion, respect, and evidence-based care.
A Future of Scale and Impact
As CARD prepares for growth in 2021, its priorities remain clear: expand access, improve outcomes, and support the families who rely on its services. With technology as a catalyst, research as a backbone, and Blackstone’s investment as a resource, CARD is poised to continue shaping the future of autism treatment in the United States and beyond.
The challenges of 2020 highlighted the importance of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in health care. For CARD, these lessons have reinforced its commitment to building a scalable, sustainable model of autism care—one that can reach more families, provide better outcomes, and advance the field as a whole.
As Kilgore put it, his role is to “honor our past and prepare for the future.” With a strong foundation, a clear strategy, and a mission-driven team, CARD appears ready to do just that in 2021 and beyond.
