Corporate philanthropy plays a vital role in addressing societal challenges, especially in supporting underserved communities. When businesses commit to corporate social responsibility, they can uplift entire populations by creating opportunities for inclusivity and accessibility. One initiative making a profound impact in the autism community is the Autism Prom, an annual event hosted by Success On The Spectrum (SOS).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2.8 percent of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. While services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy are in high demand, access to quality care can be limited. SOS, the first ABA therapy franchise in the United States, has taken a leading role in tackling this challenge, not only through exceptional therapy services but also through meaningful community outreach.
Founded in 2015 by Nichole Daher, SOS was created with the vision of transforming the autism therapy industry by offering quality care, family support, and community integration. With over 70 clinics across 16 states and plans for continued expansion, SOS provides individualized, one-on-one therapy in sensory-friendly environments. But beyond therapy, the organization is passionate about building experiences that foster joy and belonging, none more impactful than the Autism Prom.
In addition to Houston, several other Success On The Spectrum centers across the country hosted their own Autism Proms this year, including Northlake, Lancaster, Englewood Cliffs, Trenton, Missouri City, Bridgewater, Wayne, Lee’s Summit, Pleasant Valley, and more. Each location tailored the event to their community’s needs, but all embraced the same mission: creating inclusive, judgment-free celebrations for children on the spectrum and their families.
Unlike traditional proms, the Autism Prom is carefully curated to prioritize comfort and inclusion, featuring:
- A dance floor that welcomes all movement styles without sensory overload
- Low lighting and gentle music to accommodate sensory sensitivities
- Engaging, interactive activities tailored to diverse needs
- A judgment-free space where families can create joyful, lasting memories together
Held during Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Prom is a reflection of SOS’s broader mission: to create safe, inclusive spaces where every individual on the spectrum can celebrate without barriers.
“Our community outreach program is about creating a world where individuals with autism feel accepted and valued,” says SOS Founder and CEO Nichole Daher.
From free sensory-friendly events to accessible therapy, SOS is committed to helping families access the resources and experiences they deserve. These outreach programs demonstrate that inclusion isn’t just about treatment, it’s about celebrating every child’s potential and building communities of understanding and support.
SOS’s impact is being recognized nationally. As featured in Us Weekly, the organization continues to set the standard for compassionate, high-quality autism care while expanding its reach through franchising.
With its eyes set on the future, SOS is not only revolutionizing how autism therapy is delivered but also reshaping how communities celebrate and support individuals with autism. The Autism Prom is more than an event; it’s a movement toward greater joy, acceptance, and inclusion.