Leah Gross OTR/L, FounderIt’s a familiar story—concerned parents feeling overwhelmed by their child’s unique needs, seeking help, only to be stalled by endless waitlists. That’s exactly what Circle Care is here to change.
At the heart of Circle Care is a steadfast focus on swift and transparent client onboarding. Specializing in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy tailored to meet the intricate needs of children with ASD and their families, the company makes sure each child receives comprehensive care.
Founded by Leah Gross, an occupational therapist with a passion for helping children, the Circle Care journey commenced in 2020, in the aftermath of the pandemic. Recognizing the fragmented services young children with ASD were receiving, and the frustration of parents attempting to coordinate those interventions, she decided to offer something more—a comprehensive, compassionate approach to therapy. Leah’s personal connection to the cause, where she witnessed the challenges faced by a family member with special needs, fuels her commitment to ensuring no child’s potential remains unexplored.
“Gross’s firsthand experience helps us achieve our core mission—empowering parents to navigate the complex web of therapies and offer an environment where every child can fully cultivate their capabilities,” says Chana Gross, director of marketing at Circle Care Services.
Each family receives a dedicated Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who crafts personalized plans, discusses a child’s needs with their parents, and observes their behavior to identify triggers and patterns. The BCBA analyzes the observations and maps out a step-by-step plan to help the child.
In an attempt to align services with the unique needs of each child and their family, Circle Care delivers ABA therapy at home, school, or local clinics.
By integrating child-designated autism specialists into the child’s chosen school, children who would otherwise be lost, secluded, aggressive, or lagging gain personal, on-site coaches, bringing invaluable one-on-one support to the classroom setting.
Shifting the spotlight to the clinic model, the company provides a full-day ABA early childhood program, Full Circle Preschool, directed by BCBAs. Each toddler is paired with an ABA specialist who cultivates connections and individual growth.
Real-life scenarios bring this from idea to reality, showcasing the effectiveness of the in-home model. In one instance, parents were concerned about their child exhibiting extreme rigidity. From a switch in choice of supermarket to an unexpected turn on the route home, any deviation from routine led to tantrums. Specific practices, like pressing the elevator button, and certain dependencies, like the need to hold a figurine in hand, highlighted the child’s need for stability.
The parents anxiously reached out to Circle Care, who initiated therapy within two weeks. The child received therapy five days a week, totaling 25 hours, with a 1:1 behavior therapist and a BCBA overseeing the entire process. The initial focus was on understanding the child, and then on educating the parents about their son’s behavior, highlighting his comfort in routine and fear of change. Armed with this insight, the parents became more patient and proactive in preparing him for new situations, making him feel secure amidst change.
Therapists worked on building essential skills in the child, gradually reducing his reliance on routines and external comforts. The therapy aimed to teach him to express his needs, calm himself independently, and reduce behavioral challenges. Over time, he learned to ask for things and find internal calm, educing dependence on routines and objects for reassurance.
By understanding that parents often find themselves lost in the labyrinth of timely help, Circle Care gives every child personalized attention
The training initiative by Circle Care is hailed by employees as game-changing. Having an infrastructure of strong training and mentorship for the clinical team not only addresses the waitlist issue but turns recruitment into a strategic advantage. The training initiative is praised by employees for its effectiveness. A daycare director, with over two decades of experience, working after hours as a BT, attested that she learned more in Circle Care’s program than in her entire career.
Extending beyond initial training, the company emphasizes continuous learning and ongoing employee support, cultivating a culture of development. In terms of employee retention, it takes a proactive approach, recognizing and appreciating the team through events, contests, and initiatives. By actively supporting career growth through promotions, ongoing education, and fostering a nurturing environment, Circle Care creates a positive cycle where skilled therapists deliver effective treatments with passion and compassion.
“In the last six months, we have received a remarkable 152 candidate referrals from existing employees. This isn’t merely a statistic; it’s a vivid demonstration of the satisfaction and confidence prevailing among the team,” says Gross.
Circle Care doesn’t just promise a quicker start and better experiences for parents; it guarantees a unique and supportive journey for each family. By going beyond therapy, addressing challenges collectively, finding effective solutions, and creating a positive cycle where skilled therapists deliver effective treatments to children, Circle Care is proving that it is not just a service provider but a trusted partner in the incredible journey of child development.
