#United States #New York #ABA Therapy #Cathay Capital #Ascendia Autism Care

Cathay Capital's Investment in Ascendia Autism Care

In a significant move to support children and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder, Cathay Capital has officially announced the launch of Ascendia Autism Care. This innovative platform is designed to expand accessibility to evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, responding to the urgent need for such services across the United States.

Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately one in 31 children in the country, creating a surge in demand for effective therapy options. Unfortunately, the supply of qualified ABA practitioners often falls short, leading to extensive wait times for families seeking assistance. Recognized officially by the U.S. Surgeon General as an evidence-based intervention, ABA therapy is essential for helping children improve essential life skills.

Ascendia Autism Care is set to commence operations with a founding affiliate that boasts 20 centers across eight states. With plans for rapid growth, the company aims to both expand its existing services and form partnerships with top clinical providers to ensure comprehensive access to care. Cathay Capital's investment will not only cover the foundational aspects of this initiative but also allocate substantial funds for future growth opportunities.

The need for ABA therapy is pressing, particularly among families in various geographical areas where such services can be limited. Access issues are prevalent even though ABA is covered by commercial insurance and Medicaid in all 50 states. Ascendia Autism Care is committed to closing the gap between demand and access through a clinician-first model that prioritizes the outcomes for children and their families.

Focusing on early intervention, Ascendia is particularly dedicated to serving children aged two to six. The platform employs a robust clinical team of over 400 professionals, including more than 70 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and over 300 Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). These experts work under stringent clinical supervision, ensuring that each child's progress is closely monitored and adjusted as necessary. The affiliate has garnered a commendable 4.2-star rating from families for their satisfaction with the services provided.

Recent years have seen Ascendia grow at a remarkable pace, largely due to the strong demand from families seeking high-quality therapy for their children. With Cathay Capital's backing, there are plans to further enhance access in current markets and nearby communities, with new service centers scheduled to open over the next 24 months. This expansion strategy includes investing in its clinical workforce and extending services to schools and educational institutions, where children spend much of their time. By establishing school-based programs, Ascendia will facilitate better coordination among families, educators, and clinicians to support each child's developmental goals.

“Family-centered providers embody the mission-driven and clinically rigorous businesses we are eager to endorse,” stated Mark Woods, Partner and Head of North American Private Equity at Cathay Capital. He emphasized that their role is to supply the necessary resources and operational support to ensure that the high standard of service experienced today can be shared with more children and families.

“There’s an undeniable need for ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism, paired with extensive evidence highlighting the benefits of early, comprehensive intervention,” explained Jackson Catalano, Vice President at Cathay Capital. Through this collaboration with Ascendia Autism Care, they aim to enhance access to quality care and sustain a positive clinical atmosphere for the children and families involved.

Gladstone Capital Corporation and its financial advisory services were key contributors to this transaction, ensuring that Ascendia Autism Care is well-positioned for its upcoming ventures. With Cathay Capital, Ascendia aims to make great strides in addressing the critical needs of families affected by autism spectrum disorder while cultivating a professional environment for clinicians dedicated to this impactful work.

About Ascendia Autism Care
Ascendia Autism Care is an innovative platform focused on partnering with leading providers of ABA therapy to enhance clinical quality and access to services. Launched with backing from Cathay Capital, Ascendia is poised to revolutionize care for children facing autism spectrum challenges. For further information, visit www.ascendiaautismcare.com.

About Cathay Capital
Cathay Capital is a global investment firm dedicated to supporting healthcare, technology, and consumer companies across North America, Europe, and Asia. With over $5.5 billion in assets, the firm is committed to fostering opportunities for growth and sustainable development within middle-market companies and startups. For more insights, check cathaycapital.com.

In a society where the needs of children on the autism spectrum are often overlooked, initiatives like Ascendia Autism Care emerge as beacons of hope, promising a brighter future for families seeking the support they desperately need.