ChanceLight, one of the nation's leading providers of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — widely recognized as the most effective, evidence-based treatment for autism — announced it will increase its number of Georgia clinics to 13 by mid-summer 2019.

Existing clinics in Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, Savannah and Warner Robins are changing their name from Early Autism Project to ChanceLight autism services. The rebranding is the result of more than three years of planning.

Three new centers opened in the fourth quarter of 2018. A new clinic in Athens that opened in October is the community's only ABA provider. Two additional clinics opened in Marietta and McDonough in December and clinics in Hinesville, Columbus, Lawrenceville and Valdosta will open this summer. All of the company's Georgia clinics will be known as ChanceLight autism services.

ChanceLight provides children up to 21 years of age with the highest quality intensive, research-based behavioral treatment for autism spectrum disorder in their homes, clinics and schools. Therapy is provided in block scheduling which is proven to result in improved outcomes by helping ensure children constantly receive the number of therapy hours prescribed to them.

ABA is a medically necessary therapy endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and American Academy of Pediatrics as the treatment of choice for autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 59 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder.

ChanceLight accepts all major commercial insurance, Medicaid and Tricare. Ava's Law requires Georgia insurers to cover up to $35,000 for ABA therapy for children and young adults up to age 20. The law is named for Ava Bullard, whose mother, Anna Bullard, advocated for the law and now serves as vice president of business development for ChanceLight.

"ChanceLight is dedicated to making a difference in our state. Thanks in part to their efforts to help me and other advocates secure passage of Ava's Law, which provides insurance coverage for autism therapy, more Georgia children now have access to ABA therapy," Anna Bullard said. "ABA changed the life of my daughter and my family, and I'm working with ChanceLight to ensure as many children as possible have the opportunity to benefit from this effective, medically necessary treatment."

ChanceLight also provides services to schools and school districts so children can receive ABA therapy while they go to school. Services mandated by students' Individual Education Plan (IEP) are required by law and provided at no cost to the family. Other services may be paid by Medicaid, with no cost to families, by schools or districts, or by commercial insurers. ChanceLight also provides education and workshops to school district employees.