Our History
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders was established in 1990.
CARD® was founded on the principle that early intervention using applied behavior analysis treatment can yield outstanding clinical results for individuals with autism.
The first CARD center opened in Encino, California (Los Angeles County) in 1990. Using proven applied behavior analysis techniques, CARD created a unique treatment curriculum for individuals diagnosed with autism now known as the CARD Model. CARD has trained thousands of technicians and behavior analysts on this methodology and has successfully treated tens of thousands of individuals, with many achieving optimal outcomes and leading successful, independent lives. Today, CARD has locations throughout the United States and continues its mission of helping families from all backgrounds obtain top-quality, evidence-based treatment which will result in meaningful progress for each learner.
CARD is committed to remaining at the forefront of research on ABA-based methods of autism assessment and treatment. In August 2009, CARD researchers published the first-ever study to document recovery in a large group of individuals with autism (Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Records in 38 Cases of Recovery from Autism, published in the Annals of Clinical Psychiatry.) CARD continues to help individuals achieve substantial progress, with many no longer qualifying for the autism diagnosis by the end of their treatment.
CARD is equally committed to developing technology to make autism treatment available to professionals and families around the world. Based on over 30 years of research on human development and autism, CARD’s breakthrough web-based tool, Skills®, provides comprehensive skill assessment, individualized curriculum design, and the ability to track treatment progress with automatically-generated graphs and clinical timeline charts. Skills® is designed to teach over 8,000 age-appropriate skills to individuals with autism, making it the most in-depth, multidisciplinary system of its kind in the world.
CARD strives for success for every individual it treats, so that each person can fulfill their maximum potential, find their own unique voice, and achieve happiness in life.