Private equity-backed Apara Autism Centers is making major strides in the autism care sector with the recent acquisition of Autism Learning Collaborative (ALC) and the Missouri operations of Early Autism Services (EAS). These autism provider acquisitions expand Dallas-based Apara into four new states—Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma—broadening access to high-quality applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services for children and families.
“The alignment of these companies, driven by a common vision of clinical excellence and focus on family support, will increase access and quality services in Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas,” said Apara CEO Tyler Moore. “Together, we will now have the opportunity to serve even more families and continue to deliver best-in-class clinical care to our patients. Also, our combined ability to work collaboratively with payers and support our outstanding clinicians who care for our families will be unmatched in the market today.”
Expanding ABA Services Across New Markets
Autism Learning Collaborative, founded in 2020, brings three locations across New Mexico, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. ALC provides in-home therapy, center-based therapy, telehealth services, school-based programs, and social skills groups. Serving children ages 18 months to 16 years, ALC designs personalized ABA treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each child.
Early Autism Services, established in 2008, adds decades of experience to Apara’s growing network. Its Missouri operations, based in St. Louis, serve children ages 6 to 13 through in-home and center-based ABA therapy, teletherapy, and social skills groups. These autism provider acquisitions allow Apara to standardize high-quality services while maintaining individualized care for children and families across multiple states.
Before these acquisitions, Apara operated more than a dozen locations across Texas. In addition to ABA therapy, the company offers feeding therapy, speech and language therapy, caregiver training, and community training programs. The integration of ALC and EAS strengthens Apara’s ability to provide a comprehensive care model that addresses both behavioral and developmental needs.
Private Equity-Backed Growth
Apara was acquired by Havencrest Capital Management in 2021, a private equity firm focused on the healthcare sector with $600 million in assets. Havencrest targets founder-owned healthcare companies with EBITDA between $2 million and $15 million, providing capital and strategic support to scale operations, expand services, and enhance patient outcomes. The firm’s investment has enabled Apara to pursue these strategic autism provider acquisitions, supporting its mission to deliver consistent, high-quality care across an expanded geographic footprint.
A Growing Trend in Autism Provider Acquisitions
The autism care sector has become a hotspot for mergers and acquisitions, with investors recognizing the demand for specialized, scalable services. According to The Braff Group, there were 39 autism-focused deals in the first three quarters of 2022 alone. Notable transactions include MBF Healthcare Partners’ acquisition of Austin Connect and Wellness, as well as The Stepping Stones Group’s purchase of Catalyst Speech Language Pathology, an in-school speech therapy provider. These autism provider acquisitions highlight the growing trend of consolidation in the sector, as providers seek to improve access, quality, and operational efficiency.
Benefits for Families and Clinicians
Families benefit from these autism provider acquisitions by gaining greater access to comprehensive services, including ABA therapy, feeding therapy, speech and language therapy, and social skills support. Children continue to receive personalized treatment plans, while families can rely on a network of clinicians trained in best practices across multiple states.
Clinicians also gain from these autism provider acquisitions, as integration enables collaboration, professional development, and access to shared resources. Bringing together the expertise of ALC, EAS, and Apara allows for standardized training, technology support, and clinical protocols, ensuring that patients receive consistent, high-quality care.
Looking Ahead
These strategic autism provider acquisitions position Apara Autism Centers for continued growth and expansion. By extending its reach into Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, the company is able to provide family-centered, clinically excellent ABA therapy services to even more children. As private equity continues to invest in the autism sector, providers like Apara are setting new standards for scalable, high-quality care. Families and clinicians alike will benefit from this coordinated, thoughtful approach to autism treatment, marking a major milestone in the industry’s growth.
