Tag: SPARKS ABA

SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Waldorf

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No Waitlist and Expanded Year-Round Services for Charles County Area Families

SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center at 11885 Holly Lane, Suites 1 & 2, Waldorf, MD 20601.

SPARKS ABA is Maryland’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 2-14 years. As the only ABA provider in the Waldorf region, this center is essential for enhancing local support for families.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Charles County Chamber of Commerce was held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. During the ceremony, Maryland State Senator Arthur Ellis and Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., Chairperson, Board of Education, Charles County Public Schools, shared greetings and offered remarks. Churon Lanier, Legislative Director of the Office of Delegate C.T. Wilson, Chairman, Economic Matters Committee, also spoke.

Official citations were presented to the SPARKS leadership team by Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager at the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, and Ralph Patterson, Vice President of the Charles County Board of Commissioners.

Guests included members of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Arthur Ellis, Charles County State Senate Representative, Yonelle More Lee, Chairperson of the Charles County Board of Education, representatives from Charles County Parks and Recreation, and Chanel Smith, Kidz Kab Express Founder and CEO.

Ribbon-cutting attendees had an opportunity to tour the facility and meet SPARKS ABA’s leadership team, Angela Chang, MA, BCBA, LBA, Managing Behavior Analyst, Kayla Bagnato, MEd, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director, and Geneviève Marshall, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, Senior Regional Director.

“We are thrilled to open our doors and bring compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to families in Waldorf and the surrounding areas,” said Kayla Bagnato. “Through highly personalized support, we aim to empower each child and young adult to gain independence to succeed in school and life and reach their highest potential.”

The new Waldorf Learning Center offers a modern environment for children to receive contemporary ABA therapy, parent education, and center-based services. The center also features an innovative Launchpad Learning Program, which focuses on children with autism ages 2 to 6 who are ready to transition from a one-on-one learning environment to a group setting to help prepare them for school. With Launchpad, half the day involves group activities with a 3:1 staff-child ratio, developing team skills and independence, and the other half of the day focuses on individual instruction, addressing personal growth areas.

With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours that include after-school evening hours to accommodate busy family schedules, the center is now enrolling new clients in the Charles County area and beyond.

SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Waldorf Learning Center, call (240) 222-7956 or visit https://www.sparksaba.com

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

5 Sensory-Friendly Activities Close to Waldorf, MD, for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

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Finding activities that work for kids with autism isn’t always easy. Many children on the autism spectrum experience sensory sensitivities, meaning certain sounds, lights, textures, or crowded spaces can feel overwhelming. That’s where sensory-friendly activities come in. 

Maryland has a variety of inclusive spaces that accommodate sensory needs. From nature preserves to indoor play spaces, Waldorf offers opportunities for families looking for low-stimulation, welcoming environments. 

For families on the autism spectrum, “sensory-friendly” means places with quieter settings, softer lighting, and predictable experiences. These thoughtful adjustments can help kids feel calmer and allow them to enjoy activities without stress. 

Sensory-friendly spaces also provide relief for families, offering a sense of connection and support within the community. 

Here are five sensory-friendly activities in Waldorf that you and your family can try. 

1. Explore the Nature Trails at Cedarville State Forest 

Cedarville State Forest is a great spot for kids who love quiet, outdoor spaces. The park features gentle walking trails, picnic areas, and peaceful surroundings. The sounds of birds and rustling leaves create a calming atmosphere for sensory-sensitive children. 

Bring binoculars for birdwatching, or take a nature walk at your own pace. The slower, predictable environment makes it an excellent choice for kids who may find more structured activities overwhelming. 

Tip for Families: Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Pack water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. 

2. Visit the Waldorf West Library Sensory Room 

The Charles County Public Library’s Waldorf West branch offers a dedicated sensory room designed for children with autism and other sensory needs. The space includes soft lighting, tactile objects, and interactive activities that promote relaxation and engagement. 

The library also hosts sensory story times where kids can enjoy books and activities in a welcoming, low-stimulation setting. 

Tip for Families: Check with the library staff about sensory-friendly events or times when the room is less crowded. 

3. Play at My Gym Waldorf 

My Gym Waldorf offers special sensory-friendly play sessions where kids can enjoy structured and free-play activities tailored to their needs. With soft play equipment, obstacle courses, and gentle music, children can participate at their own comfort level. 

These sessions provide a safe, understanding environment where kids can engage in physical activity without feeling overwhelmed. 

Tip for Families: Call ahead to confirm sensory-friendly play hours and reserve a spot. Bring comfortable clothes and water. 

4. Jump at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sensory Hours 

Sky Zone, 3 miles away in nearby White Plains, offers special sensory hours where the music is turned down, flashing lights are off, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Kids can jump, climb, and play in a controlled environment designed for those with sensory sensitivities. Staff members are trained to accommodate different sensory needs. 

Tip for Families: Check the schedule in advance, as sensory hours typically occur on specific days. Arrive early to get familiar with the space before jumping in. 

5. Take a Drive to We Rock the Spectrum  

If you are willing to take a bit of a drive, We Rock the Spectrum could fill a day. It’s about 58 miles from Waldorf in Gaithersburg. Here,’ you’ll find an inclusive indoor gym specifically designed for children of all abilities. The facility features swings, crash mats, a calming room, and sensory-friendly equipment that helps kids develop motor skills while having fun in a safe and supportive space. 

It’s a great option for families looking for an indoor play area that caters to children on the spectrum. 

Tip for Families: Visit during non-peak hours for a quieter experience. The gym also offers open play times and private sessions. 

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas. 

Looking for additional support for your child in Waldorf, MD? At SPARKS, we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored exclusively to your child’s unique needs, behavior, and personality. Learn more about our services in the Waldorf area and contact us today!   

SPARKS Opens New Learning Center in Manassas, VA

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With over 10 years of experience providing compassionate contemporary ABA therapy to children with autism, we’re delighted to share that we opened a new SPARKS Learning Center this fall in Manassas, Virginia. The new center held an open house that included an official ribbon-cutting with their local Chamber of Commerce and opportunities for families to tour the facility, speak with the leadership team, and participate in fun activities. This new location offers a supportive, learning-rich environment where children with autism can work on individual skills in a group setting.

We couldn’t be more excited to support more families in the communities we serve. To learn more about where our services are located, find a location.