What Saaac Autism Centre does

SAAAC Autism Centre is a registered Canadian charity (Charity #822333829RR0001) founded in 2008 by Geetha Moorthy in Scarborough, Ontario, providing evidence-based autism services to culturally and linguistically diverse families across the Greater Toronto Area. Its core service portfolio spans the full lifespan — pediatric clinical services (Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy), Ontario Autism Program-funded interventions (Entry to School, Urgent Response Services, JASPER and Project ImPACT caregiver-mediated early years programs), caregiver support (SAAAC CARES, Caregiver Skills Training), group programs (Social Buddies, Fit & Fun), arts programs (Visual Arts Foundations across children, youth, and adult tiers), and adult services (Living'N'Learning Adult Day Program, Healthy Living, and the Goodness Gift employment social enterprise). Differentiated cultural-linguistic offerings are delivered in Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, and South Asian community contexts, supported by the proprietary "Towards Cultural Competence" diagnostic toolkit. Operations are anchored in two Scarborough facilities (705 Progress Ave and 1870 Birchmount Road) totaling 11,000 sq ft, staffed by 21 personnel plus 170 trained volunteers, and serve 350+ families annually.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid model: Ontario Autism Program government funding for eligible programs, fee-for-service pricing on clinical and recreational programs (e.g., Occupational Therapy at CAD $145 per 45-minute session, Speech-Language Therapy at CAD $130–$155 per session, ten-week arts programs at CAD $100), charitable donations and foundation grants (including a CAD $1 million commitment from Northpine Foundation in 2023), corporate sponsorships, fundraising events such as the annual Walk-A-Thon, and the Goodness Gift social enterprise which generated CAD $300,000 in revenue in 2023. Distribution runs through direct family intake (24–48 hour response), healthcare-provider referrals (SickKids, Ontario Shores, pediatricians), the Toronto Autism Services Network consortium, and select virtual program delivery across Ontario. The organization has no parent company, no external private equity or venture capital ownership, and is governed by a Board of Directors under founder and CEO Geetha Moorthy.

Name

Saaac Autism Centre

Legal name

SAAAC Autism Centre

Website

https://saaac.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SAAAC Autism Centre is a Scarborough, Ontario-based registered charity, founded in 2008, delivering evidence-based ABA, speech, occupational, and caregiver-support services to over 350 culturally and linguistically diverse families annually, with government, foundation, fee-for-service, and social-enterprise revenue streams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Services and Therapy

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (611710), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Autism Diagnostic & Educational Assessment Services (EDAKAKAA), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC)

Keywords

• Autism services
• ABA therapy
• Speech language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Culturally responsive care

Headquarters

HQ city

Scarborough

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Fee for Service Programs: SAAAC charges fees for various programs including Occupational Therapy ($145/session), Speech-Language Therapy ($155/session for S-LP, $130/session for CDA), Living'N'Learning Adult Day Program ($120/day), Visual Arts programs ($100/10-week program), Fit & Fun ($100/10-week program), and Healthy Living Program ($100/10-week program).
2. Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Funded Services: Many SAAAC programs are funded through the Ontario Autism Program, including Entry to School, Urgent Response Services, and caregiver-mediated early years programs, which are provided at no cost to eligible families.
3. Donations and Fundraising: SAAAC relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. Annual Walk-A-Thon is their largest fundraiser. They also receive major donations like the $153,000 from TCLS and $1 million from Northpine Foundation.
4. Social Enterprise - Goodness Gift: Goodness Gift is an employment social enterprise established by SAAAC in 2019 that provides job training and paid work opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. The enterprise sells themed gift boxes and unique art-based products created by autistic individuals. Generated $300,000 in revenue in 2023.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SAAAC Autism Centre is a registered Canadian charity that delivers evidence-based, culturally responsive autism services to individuals with autism and their families across the lifespan. Core offerings include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, caregiver-mediated early years programs (JASPER, Project ImPACT), school transition support, urgent response crisis intervention, caregiver counselling (CARES), visual arts and recreation programs, and an adult day program. The Centre also operates Goodness Gift, a social enterprise providing paid employment for autistic individuals, and a Chance Fund financial assistance program.

Product overview

SAAAC Autism Centre is a registered autism charity based in Scarborough, Ontario, offering a comprehensive suite of autism support services since 2008. The organization provides evidence-based clinical services including ABA Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, alongside specialized programs such as the Entry to School program, Urgent Response Services, and SAAAC CARES caregiver support. Additional offerings include Visual Arts programs (Children's, Youth, Adult Foundations, and Advanced levels), fitness programs (Fit & Fun and Healthy Living), the Living'N'Learning Adult Day Program, Social Buddies, and Caregiver Skills Training. The centre also operates Goodness Gift, a social enterprise providing employment for autistic individuals. Services span children, teens, and adults, with programs delivered in-person and virtually, and are funded through Ontario Autism Program, private insurance, and private pay. The organization also provides the Chance Fund financial assistance program for families.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Goodness Gift: An employment social enterprise established by SAAAC in 2019 to provide job training and paid work opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. Produces premium themed gift boxes and unique art-based products created by individuals on the autism spectrum.
• SAAAC CARES

Products and services

• ABA Therapy Services Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services providing evidence-based behavioral intervention for children with autism. Services include 1:1 ABA, group ABA (Social Buddies), and ABA Dyad programs delivered by Registered Behaviour Analysts and Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
• Speech-Language Therapy Speech-language pathology services providing assessment and therapy for communication needs, delivered by registered S-LPs and CDAs using evidence-based approaches in 16-week therapy blocks at $155/session for S-LP and $130/session for CDA.
• Occupational Therapy Evidence-based occupational therapy assessment and treatment at $145 per 45-minute treatment session supporting children and families with participation in meaningful activities, sensory needs, and self-care skills.
• Entry to School Program Comprehensive school transition program providing 6 months of skill building followed by 6 months of transition support, helping children develop communication, play, social, and self-help skills. Free for OAP-registered families.
• Visual Arts - Children's Foundations Program Neuroaffirming art program for autistic children ages 6-12, offering safe, predictable, and sensory-inclusive creative exploration in a group setting at $100 for the 10-week program.
• Visual Arts - Youth Foundations Neuroaffirming art program for autistic teens ages 13-17, supporting creativity, self-expression, and connection through evidence-based strategies.
• Visual Arts - Adult Foundations Neuroaffirming art program for autistic adults aged 18+, providing a safe and welcoming space to explore art at their own pace at $100 for the 10-week program.
• Visual Arts - Advanced Program Advanced painting program for autistic artists with foundational skills, focusing on technique development and artistic voice in a neuroaffirming environment.
• Case Management Short-term, goal-based support helping families navigate autism services, understand funding options (SSAH, ACSD, Passport, OAP), access supports, and connect with appropriate programs.
• Urgent Response Services Time-limited crisis intervention services providing up to 12 weeks of personalized support to stabilize situations and reduce risk of harm for children with autism. Free for OAP-registered families.
• SAAAC CARES Eight-week group counseling program designed to address social, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by caregivers of children with complex needs, fostering resiliency. Supported by Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
• Healthy Living Program 10-week program at $100 supporting young adults on the autism spectrum with practical strategies for healthy living through fitness, creative arts, nutrition, and wellness activities.
• Fit & Fun 10-week fitness and movement program at $100 helping children ages 4-12 on the autism spectrum develop functional fitness, motor planning, coordination, and confidence.
• Living'N'Learning Adult Day Program Adult day program at $120/day supporting young adults with autism in learning meaningful skills for independent living, recreation, and community connection. Passport funding applicable.
• Goodness Gift Employment social enterprise established in 2019 providing job training and paid work opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum through premium themed gift boxes and unique art-based products created by autistic individuals.
• Social Buddies Group-based ABA program building foundational social skills for children ages 6-9, focusing on greetings, sharing, turn-taking, and peer interaction. Total cost $2,000 for 10 Saturday sessions.
• Caregiver Skills Training (CST) 9-week program for caregivers of children aged 2-9 with developmental delays, teaching strategies to enhance communication, social skills, and behavior through virtual workshops and coaching.
• JASPER Program Caregiver-mediated early years intervention delivered in partnership with AlphaBee, supporting children aged 2-48 months in social engagement, behavior regulation, and verbal communication.
• Project ImPACT Caregiver-mediated early years program supporting children 12-48 months in developing communication, socialization, and play skills.
• Mobile Developmental Outreach Clinic (M-DOC) Free community service providing developmental assessments, specialist referrals, and case management support for families without access to a family doctor.
• SAAAC Chance Fund Financial assistance program providing $1,300 to $4,000 per family to help cover costs of vital autism services for families receiving SAAAC services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 350+ families served annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and international.

• Surrey PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Surrey Place manages the Toronto region DSO (Developmental Services Ontario) and provides rapid psychological assessments for DSO applications. SAAAC refers clients to Surrey Place for adult psychological assessments.
• Natham Dance CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership with Natyam Dance Company for the 'Oviya Shakthi' musical event showcasing autistic artists.
• Vanilla En GlazeminorOthers · 1 January 2023Partner bakery providing cakes and desserts for SAAAC events including Holiday Market and Mother's Day Celebration.
• Art of MobilityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Art of Mobility led fitness workshop for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum, providing expert guidance on fitness and mobility.
• Toronto Autism Services Network (TASN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021TASN is a collaboration of 7 agencies (SAAAC, Geneva Centre for Autism, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Kerry's Place Autism Services, Lumenus Community Services, Strides Toronto, and Surrey Place) delivering provincially funded caregiver-mediated early years programs in Toronto.
• AlphaBeecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021SAAAC and AlphaBee partnership selected by Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to deliver JASPER caregiver-mediated early years intervention in Toronto, York, Peel, Halton, and Hamilton regions.
• SJC InitiativeinternationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018SJC Initiative, a non-profit working in Killinochi area of Sri Lanka to improve education post-civil war, partnered with SAAAC for their first international project to conduct needs assessment of special needs education system.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lumenus Community Services: Toronto community services organization providing autism, mental health, and developmental services. TASN partner with similar mix of Ministry-funded autism programs to SAAAC.
• Geneva Centre for Autism: Toronto-based autism services agency delivering clinical, educational, and family support programs. A fellow TASN member and one of SAAAC's most direct comparables in the Ontario autism services landscape.
• Strides Toronto: Toronto multi-service agency delivering autism, mental health, and youth development programs. TASN partner with overlapping caregiver-mediated early years delivery alongside SAAAC.
• Kerry's Place Autism Services: One of Ontario's largest autism services providers, offering residential, day, and clinical programs across the province. Co-member of TASN with SAAAC and overlapping in caregiver-mediated early years and adult services.

Others

• Kids Brain Health Network: Canadian research network focused on early brain development and neurodisability including autism. Comparable in research and translational focus to SAAAC's CARES program and developmental outreach work.
• Autism Ontario: Provincial advocacy and member services organization for the autism community in Ontario. Not a direct service provider but a key ecosystem partner that awarded SAAAC's founder and refers families.

Broad incumbents

• Surrey Place: Toronto-based developmental services agency managing DSO for the Toronto region and providing diagnostic and autism services. TASN partner that handles adult psychological assessments which SAAAC refers into.
• Sinneave Family Foundation: Calgary-based Canadian autism organization focused on transition to adulthood and employment outcomes for autistic youth. Comparable to SAAAC's adult services and Goodness Gift mission, though at a different geographic scale.
• Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital: Toronto pediatric rehabilitation hospital offering autism services alongside a wider portfolio of disability and rehabilitation programs. TASN partner with substantially larger clinical capacity than SAAAC.

Emerging players

• AlphaBee: Toronto-based autism services organization partnered with SAAAC to deliver JASPER caregiver-mediated early years intervention across five Ontario regions. Direct co-delivery partner with overlapping service model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SAAACAutism
• Facebookfacebook.com/SAAACAutismCentre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thesaaac
• Instagraminstagram.com/saaacautism
• TikToktiktok.com/@saaacautism

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Saaac Autism Centre