Long Beach Learning Center: Autism Therapy

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) is proud to announce the opening of the Long Beach Learning Center, where kids with autism can receive comprehensive and specialized ABA therapy services.

The Long Beach Learning Center aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes learning, socialization, and independence. Located at 999 E. Willow St., the Long Beach Learning Center officially opened on July 25 with a ribbon cutting and open house attended by staff, families, and city and community leaders.

“I’ve been working with AST since May 5 of 2009, so it’s been a little bit of time,” said Brandon Whitfield, senior clinical director for the Beach Cities region of AST. “I’ve spent a lot of time here at Long Beach, and for as long as I can remember, everybody always asks, ‘When are you guys going to actually open up a Learning Center or a clinic so we can actually have some services inside?’ Well, today is that day.”

AST — part of the LEARN Behavioral company that serves families with autism nationwide — has more than 20 years of experience providing families across eight states with compassionate, contemporary, applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy.

“We’re all about contemporary ABA,” Whitfield added. “We do a lovely job of it. We’ve been doing it for years in the schools. And now it’s time to do it in the Center.”

An Autism Learning Center That Contributes to a Successful Community

The grand opening event featured an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, tours of the facility, opportunities to speak with the Long Beach leadership team, and sensory-friendly, carnival-themed activities for families.

“We’re so excited to be here celebrating this momentous occasion,” said Natalie Leighton, vice president of membership for the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

Officials delivered praise and certificates of appreciation.

“We want to say thank you so much for opening up the space for the next generation of leaders,” said Sovanna Pouv, field representative for Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-District 33). “These are the young people that we all should put all of our resources into because they will be one of us one day in the future.”

Click here to find out more about the Long Beach Learning Center.