When we first invested in Family Treatment Network back in 2016[10], the autism diagnosis rate was 1 in 68 children. Today, the most recent CDC data shows that figure is about 1 in 31 children by age eight[11]. This isn't just a statistic; it's a profound demographic shift that is creating a generational need—and opportunity—in behavioral health. The story here isn't about providing a few years of therapy. It's about building an entire system of care for a population that will need support for the next 60-plus years.
The Story Beyond the Numbers
The growth is undeniable. The U.S. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) market is projected to grow at 4.8% CAGR through 2032[12], driven by rising autism diagnoses. At the same time, all 50 states now have insurance mandates covering autism services[13]. But many investors miss the most important part of the story: what happens after childhood? The focus is almost entirely on early intervention, which is vital. But the children receiving ABA therapy today will soon be teenagers needing social skills training, then young adults needing vocational support, and eventually, adults who may need supported living for decades. The real opportunity is in building a company that can serve an individual for their entire life.Our Approach: A Lifetime of Care
Instead of just buying up standalone ABA clinics, we've focused on creating an integrated company that can support people across their lifespan. Family Treatment Network provides the clinical foundation for children and adolescents with intensive therapy and therapeutic day schools[14]. Baroco Corporation, founded in 1983[15], provides the community infrastructure for adults, with job training and day programs that foster independence. Our strategy doesn't end when a person turns 21. It's designed for the long haul. This allows us to guide an individual and their family through each stage, from early diagnosis to adult community life.The Trust Dividend
There's a hidden asset in this model that you won't find on a balance sheet: trust. When you successfully guide a family through the incredibly challenging early years of an autism diagnosis, you become their partner for life. They'll turn to you when it's time for job coaching or residential support. That relationship is an advantage that's almost impossible for a competitor to replicate. Baroco's 42-year history is a testament to this[16]. They have families who have been with them since the early years. That kind of loyalty is a real defense. This isn't just about a trend. It's about having the right infrastructure in place to serve millions of families for decades to come. We've been building for this since 2016, and we are just getting started.References
- Family Treatment Network investment year, https://pharosfunds.com/family-treatment-network.php ↩
- CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research (2025 Report, 1 in 31 prevalence) ↩
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Market Growth Report, https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/us-applied-behavior-analysis-market (U.S. ABA market projected to grow 4.8% CAGR through 2032) ↩
- Autism Speaks State Regulated Health Benefit Plans, https://www.autismspeaks.org/state-regulated-health-benefit-plans (All 50 states have adopted insurance mandates for autism spectrum disorder) ↩
- Family Treatment Network services, https://pharosfunds.com/family-treatment-network.php ↩
- Baroco Corporation portfolio description, https://pharosfunds.com/Baroco-Corporation.php (Founded 1983) ↩
- Baroco Corporation founding date, https://pharosfunds.com/Baroco-Corporation.php (Founded 1983, now 42 years) ↩