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First Children Services acquires Exceptional Learning to expand autism services

NJBIZ - 1/6/2021

First Children Services, a Cherry Hill-based provider of behavioral health and special education services throughout New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, said Dec. 28 it is purchasing Exceptional Learning LLC, a Pennsylvania-based provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services treating children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The acquisition expands First Children Services’ STRIVE Autism Care Continuum in Pennsylvania to Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Berks and Philadelphia counties.
To support the expansion, First Children Services also announces the hiring of Peter Duggan to further broaden the organization’s diagnostic and assessment services within southeastern Pennsylvania, increasing access to diagnostic testing, treatment and services for families and children with ASD.
Prior to the acquisition, First Children Services’ STRIVE Autism Care Continuum served communities in Fanwood and Maple Shade, New Jersey and Pottstown and Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. The acquisition of Exceptional Learning will allow First Children Services to further expand access to its STRIVE Autism Care Continuum deeper into Pennsylvania. With the addition of Exceptional Learning’s scope, First Children Services will now serve over 1,300 children throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania across school, home, community and clinic-based care settings.
“We are extremely excited to partner with Exceptional Learning and expand our full-continuum of care for families and children with autism throughout southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Matthew Hess, CEO of First Children Services. “First Children Services and Exceptional Learning share a common focus on improving outcomes for children on the spectrum and we look forward to reinforcing these shared ideals through providing a comprehensive continuum of diagnostic and treatment services to this underserved population.”
“Selling one's business is never an easy decision, but I was put at ease when dealing with First Children Services,” said Shannon Vitelli, BCBA, Founder and CEO of Exceptional Learning. “The fact that First Children Services is a family-owned and operated company with a long-term, mission-centered commitment to the behavioral health and special education space made the process much easier for me. This partnership will allow us to continue expanding our services while giving our employees further growth opportunities.”
In addition to the acquisition of Exceptional Learning, First Children Services is further enhancing the comprehensive range of services it provides to children with autism spectrum disorder and their families with the addition of Dr. Duggan. As an experienced psychologist focused on diagnosis, assessment and treatment for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Dr. Duggan brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in serving complex populations in home, school and clinic-based settings.
“First Children Services’ STRIVE Autism Care Continuum provides a community-centric, comprehensive suite of on-site diagnostic, assessment and treatment services that promote increased access to care and earlier detection and intervention,” said. Dr. Duggan, psychologist for First Children Services. “I am thrilled to be joining First Children Services as they expand both their geographic footprint and their scope of services, helping to fill the gap in diagnostic testing and autism spectrum disorder treatment and services so more Pennsylvania families and children can receive the services and support they need.”