or many children, signs of autism become clearer as social and school demands increase. In the U.S., public early intervention services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act end at age three, after which children move into preschool or school-based programs. Families often face gaps and long waitlists during these transitions, just as their child’s needs are surfacing more clearly.
Nichole Daher, founder and CEO of Success on the Spectrum (SOS), faced that turning point with her daughter. Though ABA centers had helped her daughter in her early years, as she neared school age, the same centers stopped offering services because of age limits. Determined to help, Daher immersed herself in parent training and saw firsthand the gap in care for older children on the spectrum. Rather than accept that reality, she chose to change it.
She created SOS, a center designed to serve autistic children from 18 months to 18 years. Offering ABA, speech and occupational therapy, along with structured social skills classes, SOS equips children with practical skills for independence while giving families confidence for the future.
“I find joy in helping my daughter and other kids like her. For me, it’s about the mission and creating access to care, not profit. That’s why I launched the autism franchise with a quality-first approach,” says Daher.
Today, families across the U.S. turn to SOS. Most franchises are locally owned, with 25 percent led by parents of autistic children. Their lived experience brings rare empathy and authenticity to every decision for the families they serve.
Therapy at SOS is built on a trauma informed, play-based approach. Instead of forcing compliance, therapists turn everyday routines into games. A toothbrush becomes part of a friendly race, making children eager to join. If a child resists, their ‘no’ is acknowledged and the therapist finds another playful path forward. This gentle guidance helps children move beyond their comfort zones, learning essential life skills in ways that feel natural, positive and lasting.
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I find joy in helping my daughter and other kids like her. For me, it’s about the mission and creating access to care, not profit. That’s why I launched the autism franchise with a quality-first approach
Every SOS location hosts free quarterly events that open doors to experiences many families struggle to access. Autism proms, seasonal festivals, playdates and parent workshops create safe spaces for connection and celebration. Holiday traditions like photos with Santa, Easter egg hunts or trunk-or-treats are reimagined so children can join without the stress of long lines, judgment or unsafe environments.
SOS therapy’s achievements carry extraordinary weight. For some families, it means hearing their child speak their first words. For others, seeing a child make a friend is a joy. With SOS’s support, a 12-year-old boy finally learned to use the bathroom. That single skill opened the door to mainstream school for the first time, freeing him from dependence on adult diapers. Stories like his show how SOS builds independence in ways that transform daily life.
In 2025, SOS will mark its tenth anniversary with more than 100 locations across 18 states. What began as a mother’s response to her daughter’s needs has grown into the nation’s first, largest and fastest-growing autism therapy franchise—proof that mission-driven care can scale without losing sight of the children at its heart.
The CDC now reports one in 31 children is diagnosed with autism before age eight—up from one in 36 just last year. With families often waiting six months to a year for therapy, SOS stands as a partner committed to expanding access and bringing care to more children when it matters most.
