Families searching for autism services often want more than a program; they want a place where their child is truly seen, supported, and celebrated. That’s exactly the heart behind Mercy Autism Center, a locally founded provider built on decades of experience in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
After working in the ABA field since 1997, Mercy’s founder Catherine Heard, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA (Dr. Cat) felt called to create something different: a center focused less on corporate structure and more on meaningful outcomes for children. Opened in February 2023, Mercy Autism Center was intentionally designed to remain small, with plans for no more than five locations, allowing Dr. Cat to stay actively involved in each center’s day-to-day operations.
At its core, Mercy Autism Center provides ABA therapy, the only research-based treatment for autism spectrum disorder. What sets Mercy apart, however, is its deeply individualized approach. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all model, each child’s therapy plan is carefully tailored to their unique needs. Recommendations are based on what is truly appropriate for the child, not outside pressures or standard expectations.
Mercy also emphasizes collaboration, welcoming outside occupational and speech therapists into its centers and helping children transition into school environments when ready. The goal is simple but powerful: to help every child reach their fullest potential in a way that’s meaningful for them.
Success at Mercy looks different for every child. For some, it’s transitioning successfully into school with improved social skills. For others, it’s learning to communicate for the first time or reducing behaviors that once impacted daily life. Every milestone—big or small—is celebrated.
For families evaluating centers, Dr. Cat encourages families to look beyond appearances. Meet the staff, ask questions, and seek out a team driven by compassion and data-driven care. At Mercy Autism Center, that combination is at the heart of everything they do.
For more information, visit mercyac.com.