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This episode was original released on May 18, 2023.
Raising a child with special needs takes a special kind of love. Leasa Androl, the CEO and founder of Spectrum Autism Center shares her personal journey of discovering her son’s autism and the subsequent struggles she faced in finding adequate resources. Driven by a passion to help other families, she pursued a degree in psychology and started her own center to provide ABA therapy for children with autism. The episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of opening multiple centers, the impact of legislative changes on autism services, and the future of her organization.
Links:
Spectrum Autism Center: https://spectrumautismcenter.com
Championing Hope: Leasa Androl’s Journey in Autism Advocacy
Hello everyone, today on Total Michigan, we have another inspiring story to share with you. We had the honor of speaking with Leasa Androl, CEO and founder of the Spectrum Autism Center. Leasa’s journey is a tale of empathy, determination, and a fierce commitment to helping families affected by autism. Let’s dive into her story.
From Desperation to Determination
Leasa Androl, along with her husband, discovered that one of their sons was different from most children. He was happy, rarely cried, and had unique behaviors. But as time went on, Leasa noticed that her son wasn’t developing like her other children. After expressing her concerns to doctors and being reassured that “some kids just talk later,” Leasa couldn’t shake her fear. Eventually, she pushed for a diagnosis and found out her son had autism. The diagnosis was not just eye-opening, it was life-changing. Leasa and her family felt the weight of the world on their shoulders, feeling overwhelmed and unsure about the future. But they were determined to make things better.
A Journey Through Autism Treatments
The initial search for autism treatments took Leasa all over the country. She and her family attended training programs to learn new techniques, desperate for a cure. One program led them to Massachusetts for an expensive but enlightening week-long session. Though it wasn’t the miracle they hoped for, it gave them hope and new skills. Leasa’s turning point came when she discovered the book *Let Me Hear Your Voice* by Catherine Maurice. It talked about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy—a method showing promise for children with autism. Leasa threw herself into learning everything she could about ABA. She even went back to school for a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later a master’s in behavior analysis.
Creating the Spectrum Autism Center
While ABA therapy is effective, it was also expensive and rare in Michigan. When she found out insurance didn’t cover ABA, Leasa decided to take matters into her own hands. She started the Spectrum Autism Center to ensure that families in Michigan could access the help they needed. Starting the center wasn’t without its challenges. The first year was a financial strain, and Leasa and her family faced moments of doubt. But their perseverance paid off. By January 2016, clients began to pour in, and the center flourished.
The Spectrum Autism Center Today
Today, Spectrum Autism Center helps countless families. The center has expanded to five locations, and Leasa continues to train staff in compassionate, respectful, and effective ABA therapy. The center avoids old, outdated practices and focuses on what is most beneficial for each child. Leasa is particularly proud of her work in making ABA therapy more accessible and effective. She trains her staff to be empathetic and dedicated, ensuring that each child gets the personalized care they deserve. She also mentors others who wish to open their own centers, spreading her passion and approach even further.
Future Aspirations and Community Impact
Leasa’s journey doesn’t end here. The demand for autism services is high, and Spectrum Autism Center is committed to meeting that need. They’re opening up new locations and partnering with community organizations, like churches, to give children a stable environment for growth. The center aims to keep pushing forward, fulfilling its mission to provide quality ABA therapy across Michigan.
Words of Advice for Families
If you’re a parent considering ABA therapy, Leasa offers some advice. Look for a center with a low turnover rate, where you hear kids laughing and see them enjoying their sessions. Avoid places that rely heavily on devices or food as rewards. Understand that ABA is intensive and not right for every child, but it can be life-changing for those who respond well to it.
How to Get Help
For more information about the Spectrum Autism Center, visit [spectrumautismcenter.com](https://spectrumautismcenter.com). If you need broader resources, the Autism Alliance of Michigan is also a valuable resource.
Leasa Androl’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished with determination, empathy, and a willingness to fight for what is right. Her journey from a worried mother to the founder of a pioneering autism center is nothing short of inspiring. She has turned her struggles into a beacon of hope for many families, proving that one person can make a monumental difference. Thank you, Leasa, for sharing your incredible journey with us. You’re a true hero, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
