As Demand for ABA Therapy Increases, Investors Buy In
October 23, 2018
By: Courtney Perkes
Source: Disability Scoop
Autism therapy is attracting significant attention from private equity firms, a trend that could fund rapid expansion of clinics, but is also raising concerns about quality of care.
Investors say the rising prevalence of autism, as well as increased insurance coverage for applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is driving their interest. Some autism advocates welcome an expansion of services, while also cautioning that unchecked growth could cause lapses in training or oversight.
“This is not necessarily a bad thing that private equity is getting involved,” said Thomas Frazier, chief science officer for Autism Speaks. “If we can standardize things, private equity may bring in the financing that allows us to expand. If we do things right, we could actually create a market that serves individuals and families better.”