Balance Autism

What Balance Autism does

Balance Autism is an Iowa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit autism services organization founded in 1994 (originally as The Homestead, rebranded in 2020) that delivers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, integrated preschool, and social-skills programs to children with autism, alongside adult services including community living, vocational support, an 80-acre residential/vocational campus, and host-home placements. The organization's clinical platform is built on a 'Four Pillars' ABA methodology — assessment, individualized planning, one-on-one naturalistic instruction, and daily data tracking with weekly adjustment — augmented by proprietary-feeling but licensed curricula (PEERS, ESDM, Unstuck and On Target, Lindamood-Bell reading programs, FLASH, AIM). Service is delivered across 9 Iowa locations plus in-home, school, and community settings by a staff of approximately 400 including BCBAs, BCBA-Ds, LBAs, and Behavior Technicians, serving more than 300 children and 150 adults annually.

The business model is a multi-payer clinical-services operation. Revenue is drawn from Iowa Medicaid HCBS waivers (Intellectual Disability, Money Follows The Person, Habilitation), the Iowa Autism Support Program (state-funded, income-tested up to 400% of federal poverty level), private insurance, private pay, preschool tuition ($50/week half-day, $100/week full-day), philanthropic grants (Variety, Prairie Meadows), and B2B training/consultation contracts with schools, first responders, and employers. Customer acquisition is sales-led and referral-driven — outreach coordinators by region, healthcare-provider and school referrals, community partnerships, and a website-driven inquiry flow. Operating budget is disclosed at $21 million.

Strategic posture is regional consolidator: the February 2025 Metro West Learning Center acquisition, the in-house transition of Community Living into six Balance Autism-owned homes, three consecutive CARF 3-year accreditations, CASP membership (with CEO Steve Muller serving as CASP President), and a multi-decade operating history position Balance Autism as the leading nonprofit ABA provider in Iowa with demonstrated capacity to expand through both organic clinic growth and acquisition of peer providers.

Name

Balance Autism

Legal name

Balance Autism

Website

https://www.balanceautism.org/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Balance Autism is an Iowa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1994 that delivers ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapy, integrated preschool, and adult services (community living, vocational, residential campus) to more than 300 children and 150 adults annually across 9 Iowa locations, funded primarily through Medicaid HCBS waivers, private insurance, and state autism programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Behavioral Health Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Child and Youth Services (62411), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAKAKAB

Autism Early Intervention (Educational)

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

SECONDARYEDAKAKAI

Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention

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

SECONDARYEDAKAKAJ

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked)

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

SECONDARYEDAKAKAC

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource)

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

Keywords

• Applied behavior analysis
• Autism therapy services
• Developmental disability services
• Speech occupational therapy
• Adult residential vocational services

Headquarters

HQ city

Altoona

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 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. Medicaid/HCBS Services: Balance Autism receives Medicaid funding through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers including Intellectual Disability Waiver, Money Follows The Person, and Habilitation Funding for services to individuals with disabilities.
2. Autism Support Program (ASP): Iowa state-funded program that pays for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for families of children under age 9 diagnosed with autism who meet income guidelines (up to 400% of federal poverty level).
3. Private Insurance: Services covered through private health insurance plans for eligible families.
4. Private Pay: Self-pay option for families without insurance coverage or who exceed program eligibility requirements.
5. Grants and Donations: Philanthropic funding from organizations like Variety - the Children's Charity, Prairie Meadows, and other community donors supporting specific projects and capital needs.
6. Preschool Tuition: Affordable preschool program at $50/week for half-days and $100/week for full-days. Insurance may cover costs for children with autism diagnosis.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Balance Autism is a non-profit behavioral health organization that delivers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, integrated preschool, social skills groups, and specialized adult services (community living, vocational support, residential campus, and host homes) to individuals with autism across Iowa. The organization also provides autism training and consultation to schools, first responders, and community organizations, all grounded in a person-centered, neurodiversity-affirming clinical model supported by BCBAs, BCBA-Ds, and LBAs.

Product overview

Balance Autism is a leading Iowa-based autism service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of therapy and support services for children and adults with autism. The organization operates on a platform-plus-modules model centered on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as the core clinical service, supplemented by speech therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized programs. Children's services include ABA therapy, social groups, preschool, parent training, youth home, and consultation/training. Adult services encompass community living, vocational services, campus programs, and host homes. The organization serves individuals across 9 Iowa locations and provides training services for schools and emergency personnel. Founded in 1994 (originally as The Homestead), Balance Autism is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy Cornerstone clinic-based service using evidence-based ABA principles to help children and adults with autism develop communication, social interaction, and daily living skills while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning or safety, delivered through personalized plans by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
• Speech Therapy Speech and language therapy services including early intervention for delayed language development, pragmatic language, stuttering, assistive/alternative communication, articulation, and expressive/receptive language support for children with autism.
• Occupational Therapy Services addressing daily living skills, play and leisure skills, fine motor and visual motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and social interactions through comprehensive evaluation and individualized intervention for children with autism.
• Balanced Beginnings Integrated Preschool Integrated preschool program serving children ages 3-6 with and without autism diagnosis, offering structured preschool curriculum with low student-to-teacher ratios and focus on kindergarten readiness at Clive and Quad Cities locations.
• Social Groups (Club CLUE, Teen TALK, Young Adults) Social communication and problem-solving groups including Club CLUE for children, Teen TALK for middle/high school students, and Young Adults (ages 18-25), addressing friendship-building, body language, conversation initiation, emotional regulation, and managing meltdowns.
• Training and Consultation Evidence-based training services for schools, first responders, and organizations covering autism awareness, functional behavior assessments, sensory-friendly environment design, IEP consultation, crisis prevention, and custom consulting solutions.
• Parent Training Programs focusing on the entire family, providing tools, knowledge, and support to help caregivers continue therapy progress at home and find balance in all aspects of life.
• Youth Home Licensed 8-bed ICF/ID facility providing 24/7 residential services with staff supervision, offering individualized service strategies coordinated with schools, dieticians, and specialists for children with autism.
• Community Living Residential support services for adults with autism providing 24/7 care or occasional support to help individuals accomplish goals as they live, work, and enjoy their community.
• Vocational Services Employment support helping individuals with autism find and retain jobs by defining interests and passions, building resumes, honing interview techniques, and connecting with real businesses in the community.
• Campus 80-acre chemical-free residential and vocational campus in Pleasant Hill offering open-air lifestyle with both residential and vocational opportunities for adults with autism.
• Host Homes Family home setting where contractors provide supports for individuals with autism, including formal training based on identified goals and development of interests and community connections.
• Feeding Therapy Family-centered eating/feeding program at Metro West offering individualized evaluation and intervention to help children learn to eat varied textures and foods, provided by occupational or speech therapists.
• Tongue and Lip Tie Therapy Therapy services addressing tethered oral tissues (TOTs) to help babies with latching, feeding challenges, and motor development related to oral restrictions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300+ children served annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Metro West Learning CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Balance Autism acquired Metro West Learning Center in February 2025, combining organizations with shared commitment to improving outcomes for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across central Iowa. Enhanced resources, innovative programming, and broader network of support resulted.
• Autism SpeaksminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 December 2021Autism Speaks presented Governor Kim Reynolds with 2021 Public Service Award recognizing her support for employment initiatives including WIN program with Lee Container. Balance Autism helped present the award.
• CASP (Council of Autism Service Providers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCASP is a non-profit association of leading autism service providers dedicated to establishing and promoting highest standards of evidence-based care. Balance Autism is a member, providing Parent Toolkit resources developed by CASP experts. CEO Steve Muller serves as President of CASP.
• Iowa Vocational RehabilitationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorState agency partner supporting vocational services for individuals with autism. Helps connect Balance Autism clients with employment opportunities and job training resources.
• WHO Channel 13 (Erin Kiernan)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal news partnership featuring Balance Autism in 'Understanding Autism' video series covering family dynamics, services, funding challenges, residential options, and employment opportunities.
• Lee ContainerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing company partnered with Balance Autism's Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program for employment of adults with autism. Governor Reynolds recognized this partnership through her Future Ready Iowa initiative.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: National nonprofit disability services organization offering ABA, early intervention, vocational, and residential services across the lifespan. Comparable to Balance Autism as a multi-service, mission-driven disability provider serving children and adults, though operating at much larger national scale.

Direct peers

• BlueSprig Pediatrics: One of the largest US providers of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. Comparable to Balance Autism on core clinical methodology (ABA), payer mix (Medicaid and private insurance), and outcome focus, though for-profit and national in scale.
• Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers: Multi-state pediatric ABA, occupational, and speech therapy provider. Direct competitor in the clinic-based autism therapy space with overlapping service portfolio (ABA, OT, speech, diagnostic services) and similar payer relationships.
• Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): Large national ABA therapy provider serving children and adults with autism. Comparable treatment methodology (ABA-based), full lifespan services, and similar payer/Medicaid reliance. Direct competitor for talent and contracts.
• May Institute: National nonprofit providing ABA, educational, residential, and adult services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Closest nonprofit peer to Balance Autism given full-lifespan model, residential/campus programs, and mission alignment.
• Trumpet Behavioral Health: ABA therapy provider serving children with autism across multiple states. Comparable clinical methodology, multidisciplinary services (ABA, speech, OT), and similar payer ecosystem.
• Acorn Health: Multi-state Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider serving children with autism. Comparable core offering, evidence-based clinical model, and payer mix; currently absent from Iowa but a logical expansion threat.

Others

• Autism Speaks: National autism advocacy organization that funds research and services. Not a direct service peer but a fellow CASP-aligned organization and policy advocate that has publicly recognized Balance Autism's leadership. Provides grant funding and policy influence.

Regional players

• ChildServe: Iowa-based nonprofit pediatric specialty healthcare organization serving children with developmental disabilities, autism, and complex medical needs. Strong regional peer with overlapping mission, therapy portfolio, and Iowa geographic footprint.
• Four Oaks: Iowa-based nonprofit providing child welfare, behavioral health, and developmental disability services. Comparable as a regional Iowa nonprofit serving vulnerable populations with Medicaid-funded programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BalanceAutism
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/balance-autism

Compliance2 records

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 Balance Autism