For families navigating autism care, the journey can often mean coordinating evaluations, behavioral support, communication therapy and other services across different providers. Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers was created to make that journey more connected. Founded in 2005 by occupational therapist Kim Strunk in Kokomo, Indiana, Hopebridge began with a simple but important observation: families needed more comprehensive pediatric support in one place. What started as a single center has grown into a major autism therapy provider with more than 100 centers across 10 states, serving thousands of children and families.

At the heart of Hopebridge is a commitment to individualized, evidence-based and compassionate care. Rather than treating a diagnosis as the definition of a child, the organization focuses on understanding each child's strengths, developmental needs and goals. Its interdisciplinary approach brings multiple forms of care together through the Hopebridge 360 Care model, combining services such as applied behavior analysis, speech, occupational and feeding therapies, along with autism testing and family guidance.

The organization's focus on early intervention is equally central to its model. Hopebridge provides diagnostic testing beginning at 15 months and develops personalized care plans through evaluations conducted by licensed professionals.

Today, after more than two decades of autism care, Hopebridge continues to focus on expanding access while strengthening clinical quality, research and family support. Its journey reflects an enduring belief that better-connected care can help children build skills, confidence and greater opportunities for the future.

Hopebridge’s Therapy & Services

Diagnostic Testing and Assessments for Autism

Hopebridge provides comprehensive autism diagnostic testing to help families better understand their child's developmental needs. The process is designed to identify signs of autism and provide families with greater clarity about the support their child may benefit from. Hopebridge offers diagnostic assessments for children as young as 15 months, recognizing the importance of early identification and intervention. Its clinical team evaluates each child's individual strengths, behaviors and developmental patterns rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Once an assessment is completed, families can better understand the next steps and explore personalized therapy options suited to their child's needs.

ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one of Hopebridge's core services and plays an important role in its early intensive behavioral intervention model. The therapy focuses on helping children develop practical skills across areas such as communication, social interaction, learning and daily living. Hopebridge creates individualized treatment plans based on each child's abilities, needs and goals. Therapy is delivered through structured learning and everyday activities, allowing children to practice skills in meaningful situations. By combining clinical expertise with individualized support, Hopebridge aims to help children build greater independence while giving families guidance they can continue using beyond the therapy setting.

Speech and Language Therapy

Hopebridge's Speech and Language Therapy helps children develop the communication skills they need to participate more confidently in everyday life. Licensed speech-language professionals work with children on areas such as understanding language, expressing thoughts, developing vocabulary, producing sounds and improving social communication. For children who communicate differently, therapy may also explore alternative or augmentative communication methods. Each program is shaped around the child's developmental stage, abilities and individual goals. By incorporating engaging, functional activities into therapy, Hopebridge works to make communication practice meaningful and useful beyond the treatment environment, helping children connect with parents, caregivers, teachers and peers.

Feeding + Swallowing Therapy

Hopebridge's Feeding + Swallowing Therapy supports children who experience difficulties with eating, drinking or swallowing. Feeding challenges can involve food preferences, sensory sensitivities, difficulty chewing, swallowing concerns or discomfort around mealtimes. Hopebridge's therapists assess each child's individual needs before developing a personalized treatment approach. Depending on the child, therapy can address feeding skills, food acceptance, oral motor development and safe swallowing. The service can also work alongside other therapies within Hopebridge's broader care model, allowing different specialists to contribute to a child's development. The goal is to help children develop safer, more comfortable and functional eating experiences.

Expanding Access, Advancing Autism Care

Hopebridge's next chapter centers on reaching more underserved communities while continuing to advance the quality of autism care. The organization plans to invest in research, expand university partnerships and its Fellowship Program to help grow the number of qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and strengthen training and leadership programs across its clinical teams.

The company also aims to continue evolving autism testing, ABA, occupational and speech therapy while moving toward a more value-based model focused on measurable outcomes and high-quality services. Its broader vision is to combine expansion with clinical innovation and advocacy, helping more children and families access the support they need.

LeAnne Hester | CEO

“We are committed to providing personalized therapy for children and their families as they navigate behavioral, physical, social, communication and sensory differences, helping them live their best lives possible.”