The Autism Beacon is Lighthouse Autism Center's virtual monthly newsletter. Take a look and learn about new center updates, client and staff spotlights and valuable resources for the autism community!
Lighthouse Center Happenings
Bringing Autism Awareness and Education to Our Community
Lighthouse Autism Center Clinical Director, Courtney Schultz, MA BCBA, visited Jimtown Elementary School to discuss various ABA topics and how they pertain to strategies for behavior management in the classroom. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit and collaborate with our local educators. Do you know of an organization that would benefit from an Autism 101 training?
Lighthouse Autism Center Clinical Director, Brooke Kuhn, MA BCBA, visited Heartland Christian Center to provide an Autism 101 training. Lighthouse Autism Center offers free training to any local community organization or healthcare provider who is looking to better understand how to support and advocate for those with autism. Sessions are led by our highly trained and experienced team of BCBA’s and involves information on the signs of autism, characteristics of autism, and appropriate interactions and de-escalation techniques.
Lighthouse Celebrates 35 Graduates
Lighthouse Autism Center is starting off the new year strong! In the month of January, we have celebrated a total of 35 learners as they have graduated from ABA therapy! For many learners, this means excelling in their personalized program and achieving all their goals! So many learners are on transitioning into school settings, and we couldn't be more proud! Follow us on Facebook to celebrate with us!
Lighthouse Autism Center continues to expand ABA services in Iowa and Illinois!
Lighthouse Autism Center is opening it's very first location in Iowa, and a new center in Illinois! Our new Davenport center and East Moline center are preparing to open in the late spring/early summer of 2023 and will feature beautifully remodeled spaces to promote natural and play-based learning. Davenport Autism Center and East Moline Autism Center will each provide services to over 21 families and create over 32 new jobs. Follow us on Facebook for progress updates and more information!
Child Spotlight: Wyatt
Meet Wyatt. Wyatt has made so much progress since starting at Lighthouse Autism Center! When he first started, he struggled with tantrums, self-injury, emotional regulation and communication skills. Additionally, Wyatt needed help with improving his social skills as well as his safety skills.

  • Now, Wyatt has significantly less tantrums as well as a decreased duration of his tantrums.
  • Now, Wyatt has increased in all vocal communication and can vocally request his wants and needs.
  • Now, Wyatt has improved social skills with his peers, adults and siblings.
  • Now, Wyatt has improved emotional regulation and his self help skills such as becoming potty trained and eating independently.

“Wyatt started at LAC almost a year ago with high magnitude tantrums and a large barrier in communication and receptive language skills. Since then, Wyatt has become completely toilet trained, has learned to dress himself, count items in front of him, request his wants, attempts to try new foods & goes to the dentist without a big fight, receptively identify his favorite things and a few of his favorite people. He has grown into such a little man in such a short time and I am so excited to see his progress in the future!”

-Madison Haverly-Binder, BCBA
Staff Spotlight: Maranda
Maranda is a Registered Behavior Therapist Trainer at our Decatur center. She previously worked as an Assistant Trainer and started as a Registered Behavior Technician. Maranda has been with Lighthouse Autism Center since October of 2022. As a mother of two, she was always enjoyed working with kids. Maranda enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new areas, camping, and her two guinea pigs, Harry and Lloyd.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?
Working with kids has always been a passion of mine, and learning to understand the functions of behavior intrigues me, so combining the two really drew me in to apply for my position at Lighthouse Autism Center. There is so much creative freedom in working as an ABA therapist. Each client learns in their own unique way, and I love helping them discover that; particularly, using arts and crafts, sand volcanoes, bubbles, and singing.


What is your favorite part of working at Lighthouse Autism Center?
Working with Lighthouse has provided me with, what feels like, infinite resources on applied behavior analysis and the intricacies of behavior. I know if I have a question, my supervisors and BCBA’s, Katie Ingram and Madeline Fletchall, are readily available. Training at the Champaign center was incredible, and I am grateful for everyone who shared their experience, knowledge, and support with me.


Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?
My favorite memory is shortly after I’d transferred to the Decatur center from Champaign. A client slowed his swing in front of me, looked my way, signed “more” and very clearly vocalized the word “more” after working on requests for wants and needs for a few days. I am so proud of him, and all of my clients, every single day.

What advice you would like to share for those interested in a career at Lighthouse Autism Center?
If you’re considering a career at Lighthouse, my advice is to apply. These kids have a lot to teach you! 
Sleep Tips for Children with Autism
There are many children who struggle with sleep issues that prevent them from getting a good night’s rest. We explore the ways that autism can impact a child’s sleep and provide tips to help you address them.
Resource of the Month: Autism Alliance of Michigan
Autism Alliance of Michigan was founded with the vision that people with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential. We lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan.
Upcoming Community Events & Resources
Autism Parent Support Group (In-person)
February 28, 2023 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Noblesville Autism Center: 15755 North Pointe Blvd, Noblesville, IN 46060
Lighthouse Autism Center and the Autism Society of Indiana are partnering to host a free Parent Support Group for parents of children who are newly diagnosed with autism. The support group will include a diverse and knowledgeable group of in-person speakers and light refreshments. This is a FREE event. Registration is not required, but appreciated.



Supporting Siblings 2003-March (Online)
Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 5:30pm
Do you have a child with behavioral challenges?
Do you have other children who are impacted?
If so, caregivers and siblings are invited to join us!           
Intended for siblings of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and/or Mental Health Issues             
What's it like? Over Zoom, siblings meet other children and teens who know what it's like to have a brother or sister with behavioral challenges. Siblings have a chance to talk, learn coping skills and feel better. The Zoom is facilitated by psychiatrists and trainees at UMass Chan Medical School.



Fuse Inspiring Abilities Spring Expo (In-person)
Saturday March 4, 2023 at 9:00am - 1:00pm
JB Stephens Elementary School 1331 N Blue Road, Greenfield, IN
The Arc Advocacy Network will have information about Medicaid Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, guardianship and alternatives, Special Needs Trusts, the Erskine Green Training Institute, and a variety of other topics available for families and self-advocates.

Providing Autism Therapy Services to Families in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Iowa.
Administrative Office
215 Red Coach Dr.
Mishawaka, IN 46545
Phone: 574-387-4313
Fax: 574-217-4894
www.lighthouseautismcenter.com