The Learning Spectrum

What The Learning Spectrum does

The Learning Spectrum is a private, for-profit education and therapy organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2005 by two special education teachers and a parent to address a community gap in autism services. The company delivers customized, naturalistic Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programming combined with individualized education plans for children with autism spectrum disorder, supplemented by occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, music therapy, autism assessment, early childhood classes, small-group learning, inclusion services, and summer camps. Its underlying methodology is rooted in evidence-based behavioral intervention delivered in natural environments rather than via digital or AI-driven platforms, with proprietary elements such as the Hunter Heartbeat Method (Shakespeare-based sensory drama) and Adaptive Music Lessons reinforcing differentiation.

The business operates across multiple campuses in central Ohio — including Central (Columbus), North East (Sunbury), South (Columbus), Worthington, Canal Winchester, and Johnstown — plus private-school service contracts throughout the Columbus area, serving over 300 students with autism. Revenue is generated through tuition for educational services, Ohio Autism Scholarships (capped at $27,000 per eligible student for the 2015-2016 school year), Ohio EdChoice vouchers, and therapy services billed to families or insurance, with summer camp programs providing seasonal lift. The organization holds chartered non-public school status from the Ohio Department of Education, allowing it to operate a K-12 program that pairs clinical therapy with academic instruction.

In 2025, The Learning Spectrum joined the New Story Schools Ohio network under Salisbury Management LLC (DBA New Story Management), a diversified special-education platform that has launched State of the State annual reporting and co-marketing initiatives (e.g., a joint Ohio Awards Dinner with Applied Behavioral Services). The Learning 4 Life Farm, a 501c3 nonprofit established in February 2019 and staffed by TLS, extends the company's footprint into transition-age vocational training for young adults on the spectrum. The operating model is sales-led and community-driven, with growth supported by family referrals, community events (Golf4Autism Memorial, SpringFest, WinterFest, Light It Up Blue), and earned media (Daytime Columbus), but no technology platform, AI/ML layer, or venture capital backing is evident in the source data.

Name

The Learning Spectrum

Legal name

The Learning Spectrum

Website

https://thelearningspectrum.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Learning Spectrum is a Columbus, Ohio-based private education and therapy organization founded in 2005 that delivers naturalistic ABA programming, occupational, speech, and music therapy, and chartered non-public K-12 schooling for over 300 children with autism spectrum disorder across multiple central Ohio campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Education and Therapy Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Other Schools and Instruction (6116)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAKAAAA

Autism-Specific Schools & Programs

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Special Education Schools & Programs

SECONDARYEDAKAHAE

ABA Assessment & Diagnostic Support (Functional Assessments, VB-MAPP/ABLLS-R)

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Behavioral Intervention & Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

SECONDARYEDAKAHAN

ABA Curriculum, Materials & Data Collection Tools (Non-EdTech Content)

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Behavioral Intervention & Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

SECONDARYEDAKAKAC

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource)

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Autism Support Services (Educational)

SECONDARYEDACAFAE

Behavioral Therapy (ABA/ESDM/Positive Behavior Support)

Education/Early Childhood Education/Early Intervention & Developmental Services (0–5)

Keywords

• Autism therapy services
• Special education programs
• Applied behavior analysis
• Occupational therapy
• Speech language therapy

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Educational Services Tuition: Tuition for educational services provided to students with autism at TLS campuses and private schools.
2. Therapy Services: Occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, and ABA services billed to families, insurance, or through scholarships.
3. Ohio Autism Scholarship Program: State-funded scholarship covering up to $27,000 for eligible students for autism-related services.
4. Ohio EdChoice Scholarship: Private school vouchers accepted for students assigned to low-performing public schools.
5. Summer Camp Programs: Summer camp programming offered at three TLS locations during summer months.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Learning Spectrum provides customized educational services and naturalistic Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programming for children with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Founded in 2005 by two special education teachers and a parent, the organization delivers one-on-one ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, summer camps, early childhood classes, small group learning, and inclusion services to over 300 students across multiple campuses in the Columbus, Ohio area.

Product overview

The Learning Spectrum is an autism education and therapy organization providing a comprehensive range of services for children with autism spectrum disorder. Founded in 2005 by two special education teachers and a parent, it operates as a portfolio of interconnected programs including a charter non-public school serving over 300 students across three Ohio locations, therapeutic services (Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, and Music Therapy), summer camps, early childhood programs, small group learning options, inclusion services, and the Learning 4 Life Farm vocational training program. The organization emphasizes naturalistic programming combined with ABA approaches to help children reach their full potential in educational and community settings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy One-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis therapy using evidence-based behavioral interventions to help children with autism develop learning behaviors, social skills, self-management, and language skills.
• Autism Assessment Comprehensive autism diagnostic and assessment services to identify individual needs and develop personalized treatment plans for children and families.
• Speech-Language Therapy Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, social cognitive, oral-motor, and feeding disorders by nationally certified and state licensed speech therapists.
• Occupational Therapy Therapeutic use of movement and play to enhance development, improve sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and overall self-care for individuals with autism.
• Music Therapy Music-based interventions using instruments and adaptive music lessons to address behavioral, social, communication, motor, and academic goals for children with autism.
• Summer Camp Program Summer camp programming offered at all TLS locations, running Monday through Thursday during summer months with activities and therapies.
• Early Childhood Classes Early childhood education integrating social skills work, sensory experiences, art, computer time, science, music, and naturalistic ABA approaches.
• Small Group Learning Small group learning option for school-aged students with autism who struggle in larger school environments, combining individual instruction with small group work.
• Inclusion Services Services helping students achieve their fullest potential as part of their community, including classroom, school, and favorite activities integration.
• Charter Non-Public School Chartered non-public school providing K-12 education for students with autism, chartered by the Ohio Department of Education.
• Learning 4 Life Farm A 501c3 nonprofit transition job training program for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum, providing vocational skills development.
• Parent and Peer Support Groups Support groups for parents and siblings of children with autism providing a safe, supportive environment to voice feelings, concerns, and frustrations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves over 300 students with autism

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• New Story Schools OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023The Learning Spectrum joined the New Story Ohio family as part of a corporate network of special education schools. New Story has launched State of the State annual reports showcasing TLS outcomes and impact.
• Learning 4 Life FarmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner501c3 nonprofit established in February 2019 providing transition job training program for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Staffed by TLS and overseen by a Board of Directors.
• Applied Behavioral ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of New Story Schools Ohio network. Joined together for second annual Ohio Awards Dinner in June 2024.
• Glenross Golf ClubminorOthersGolf course venue partner for annual Golf4Autism Memorial events.
• Central Ohio CPAminorOthersCorporate sponsor for 2019 Golf4Autism Memorial.
• DataField TechnologyminorOthersCorporate sponsor for 2019 Golf4Autism Memorial.
• Licking Memorial Health SystemsminorOthersSponsor for 2019 Golf4Autism Memorial.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• New Story Schools: The parent network that TLS joined in 2025. Operates a comparable portfolio of chartered non-public special education schools serving students with autism and related disabilities across multiple states, using the same multi-modality (ABA, OT, speech) service model.
• Hopebridge: Multi-state autism therapy provider offering ABA, OT, speech, and diagnostic services under one roof across dozens of centers. Operates a clinic-based model similar to TLS's campus approach and competes for the same payer mix of insurance and state funding.
• BlueSprig Pediatrics: Large national ABA therapy platform operating hundreds of centers across 20+ states. Directly comparable to TLS on its core ABA service line and increasingly on integrated therapy offerings.
• Centria Healthcare: National provider of ABA therapy and related autism services for children, with a significant Midwestern footprint. Competes directly with TLS for BCBA talent and Ohio-based referrals.
• Cortica: Multi-modality autism care provider combining ABA, OT, speech, and medical services in integrated centers. Closely mirrors TLS's one-roof, multi-discipline model and competes for similar family-pay and insurance-funded cases.
• Bierman Autism Centers: ABA-focused autism therapy operator with multiple centers across the Midwest and beyond. Overlaps directly with TLS on its core 1:1 ABA service offering and center-based delivery model.
• Trumpet Behavioral Health: Autism services provider offering ABA, diagnostic, and consultation services in center-based and school-based settings. Competes for the same school-district partnerships and private-pay families as TLS.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: Large national nonprofit providing disability services including autism education, therapy, and vocational programs across hundreds of locations. Overlaps with TLS on the education-plus-therapy model but operates at much broader scale and includes adult services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtD3M9frnLMesYy4J8OcWNA
• Facebookfacebook.com/thelearningspectrum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-learning-spectrum
• Instagraminstagram.com/thelearningspectrumltd/?hl=en
• Xx.com/tlsohio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Learning Spectrum