After a subdued 2023, the Autism therapy M&A 2024 landscape is signaling a strong resurgence. Two notable transactions in late July highlight this renewed momentum, showing that both private equity and independently operated ABA therapy providers are gearing up for growth.
On July 22, ABA Connect, a private equity-backed provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, announced the acquisition of ABA Therapy of Houston, expanding its footprint to 12 clinics across Texas and Colorado. Just two days later, Behavioral Framework, a family-owned ABA provider, acquired Behavior Consultation & Psychological Services (BCPS), marking its entry into North Carolina and growing its reach to over 1,000 families across four states.
These back-to-back transactions serve as strong indicators that Autism therapy M&A 2024 is not only rebounding — it’s gaining significant traction.
Industry Regains Its Footing After a Slower Year
The autism therapy sector saw a dip in transaction volume in 2023, impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty, tighter capital markets, and operational headwinds at some of the industry’s largest platforms. However, that trend appears to be reversing quickly in 2024.
According to The Braff Group, a leading healthcare M&A advisory firm, at least 12 autism-related deals closed in Q1 of 2024 — a stark contrast to the previous year.
“Now deal flow is back on the way up for autism and likely to stay that way,” said Dexter Braff, president of The Braff Group. “The lull in that space will turn out to be one of the shortest lulls we’ve seen in the sector when it experiences a downturn.”
With this early-year burst of activity, it’s clear that Autism therapy M&A 2024 is off to a strong start and may be headed for one of the most active years the sector has seen in recent memory.
ABA Connect Strengthens Its Southwestern Presence
The acquisition of ABA Therapy of Houston reflects ABA Connect’s strategy of regional consolidation and clinical growth. Now operating 12 centers, the organization is positioned to serve more families in two of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. — Texas and Colorado.
Backed by private equity, ABA Connect is part of a broader movement within the Autism therapy M&A 2024 space, where strategic roll-ups are helping create scalable networks that balance quality care delivery with operational efficiency.
While terms of the deal were not disclosed, the move reinforces the idea that well-positioned ABA platforms continue to attract investor interest and remain active players in the acquisition arena.
Behavioral Framework Expands into North Carolina
Meanwhile, Behavioral Framework’s acquisition of BCPS underscores a different, yet equally strategic approach: values-based growth with an emphasis on clinical excellence.
Founded and led by Angela and Kyle West, Behavioral Framework was previously focused on the Mid-Atlantic, serving Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. With this acquisition, the organization adds North Carolina to its footprint, significantly expanding access to ABA therapy and diagnostic services in the Southeast.
“BCPS is a leader in delivering clinically excellent therapy in North Carolina, and we are excited to partner with them as we continue to increase access to exceptional care,” said Kyle West, CEO of Behavioral Framework.
Founder Jason Cone will remain in place to lead clinical operations in North Carolina, ensuring consistency and continuity of services — a hallmark of successful integrations within the Autism therapy M&A 2024 market.
PE-Backed Growth: Fueling the Future of ABA Services
This expansion follows a January investment from Renovus Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on healthcare and education. The capital infusion is enabling Behavioral Framework to enhance its infrastructure, leadership pipeline, and clinical systems — investments that align with long-term sustainability and quality care.
“We’re going to professionalize a lot of our tools and processes and invest in systems and tools and people,” West told Behavioral Health Business. “The investment is going to help us continue to expand, grow, bring in leadership, promote people that we have and ensure that everything we’re doing is the highest quality.”
This type of growth-minded, mission-aligned expansion is becoming a hallmark of the Autism therapy M&A 2024 trend — where success is measured not just by scale, but by operational maturity and clinical outcomes.
A Bright Outlook for Autism Therapy Providers
The Autism therapy M&A 2024 landscape seems primed for continued momentum. With a growing number of children diagnosed with autism each year and increasing awareness around early intervention, the demand for ABA therapy is expected to rise steadily in the coming years.
Yet providers are no longer pursuing growth for growth’s sake. Instead, today’s leading organizations are prioritizing sustainable expansion, clinician support, and quality outcomes — principles that resonate with both families and investors.
Behavioral Framework’s integration of BCPS and ABA Connect’s expansion in the Southwest reflect two sides of the same coin: thoughtful, strategic growth backed by strong operational vision. And these aren’t likely to be the last headline-making deals of the year.
For investors, clinicians, and families alike, Autism therapy M&A 2024 represents more than just financial transactions — it’s a signal that the industry is maturing, consolidating, and stepping into its next phase of evolution.
In Summary
- After a slow 2023, Autism therapy M&A 2024 is back on the rise.
- ABA Connect and Behavioral Framework completed significant acquisitions in July.
- Strategic growth and operational excellence are driving the new wave of deals.
- With private equity backing and increasing demand, the sector is poised for sustainable expansion.
As the rest of the year unfolds, all eyes will be on how these organizations — and others like them — execute their integration strategies and continue elevating the standard of autism care.
