A local business that provides services to children with autism is expanding into a second location. Autism Systems plans to open a Fort Gratiot location in the next few weeks.
Autism Systems is a local treatment center that provides Applied Behavior Analysis services to St. Clair County children who are on the autism spectrum. Right now, the business operates out of its current location on Range Road and plans to expand to an office in Fort Gratiot on Keewahdin Road. According to the Michigan Autism Program, there were over 20,000 public school students in the state who were considered to be on the Autism Spectrum. One in 59 children in the nation falls “on the spectrum”. Hanna Firchau, of Autism Systems, told us that the idea to have services in St. Clair County came from their Clinical Director, Christina Evanko, who recognized her hometown as needing services. Autism Services works with Community Mental Health and has helped over 40 local families.