Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center eyes expansion

Last edited 12:50 p.m., Sept. 18, 2024 [Editor's note: Comment from Empower: abilities has been added.]

The Arc of the Ozarks' Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center is planning to expand after opening this year, the clinic's medical director said yesterday.

Dr. Kyle John, hired for the role in 2023 ahead of the clinic's opening in January this year, said negotiations are in the works for the purchase of a nearby building.

"Our goal is to expand and double if not triple our space," said John, speaking in a 12 People You Need to Know interview with Springfield Business Journal Executive Editor Christine Temple at The Backlot, Alamo Drafthouse Springfield's restaurant and bar.

Noting a good relationship with the potential building seller, whom he did not name, John said the expansion has an "optimistic" two-year timeline.

The Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center opened in January at 2864 S. Nettleton Ave., the site of a former Empower: abilities building that it purchased, according to past reporting. Empower: abilities previously relocated across the street to 1450 W. Cambridge St.

Shannon Porter, CEO of Empower: abilities, told SBJ on Sept. 18 that the organization is in early discussions with Arc of the Ozarks to potentially sell its building across the street from the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center. Empower: abilities is working on a feasibility study to determine whether they should launch a capital campaign to raise funds for a new location, Porter said, noting they are running out of space at the current facility.

John said the $10 million Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center has $4 million left to spend as part of a matching funding grant initiative approved by the state legislature.

"We have a plan to spend the other $4 million," he said.

The Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center has a goal of evaluating 500 children this year, said John, noting the clinic has conducted more than 200 so far.