Autistic Pride Day is enthusiastically celebrated on June 18 every year to honor autism and autistic identity. It’s also a great time to advocate for resources that enable autistic individuals to live authentically.
Autistic Pride Day 2026
Approximately 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States are estimated to have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This reflects a total population of more than 5.4 million adults and a significantly growing number of children (source, World Health Organization). We recently sat down with Natalie, our Statewide Clinical Director for Autism/ABA Services to learn more about the services provided by Easterseals PORT Health (ESPH) in Durham, Johnston and Wake counties in North Carolina.
What is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, uses positive reinforcement to help encourage learned skills and repeatable positive outcomes. It’s a flexible approach that can support people of all ages, from young children to adults.
What happens during ABA therapy?
ABA therapy breaks skills into small, achievable steps that align with each person’s strengths, needs and understanding. Learning happens in natural, everyday environments to help each individual comfortably enhance their communication skills, social skills and activities of daily living.
Who provides ABA services?
Easterseals PORT Health’s Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBAs) create and guide each person’s customized treatment plan. BCBAs provide neuro-affirming care grounded in respect, dignity and inclusion. Supported by Behavior Technicians, our ABA team is trained to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based services with compassion and cultural humility.
Where can I find ABA Services in Durham, Johnston and Wake counties in North Carolina?
Easterseals PORT Health is recognized as a leader in providing Autism/ABA services in the communities we support and for our strong commitment to providing quality care over meeting quotas. We recognize people as the wonderful individuals they are with different skills, learning capacity and behaviors. Our team is dedicated to helping families create action plans that drive positive outcomes throughout a lifetime of learning and development from childhood to adulthood. The Easterseals PORT Health Gaddy Autism/ABA Center is located at 314 Chapanoke Road in Raleigh NC, 27603. Contact us by email at autism@eastersealsPORT.com or call us at 919-773-2020.
Learn more about our services at eastersealsPORT.com/autism-services.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
