State of the ABA Industry: Insights for Your 2026 Strategy

Dear ABA Community,

As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a new year, I want to share what I’m seeing across our industry — especially for those of you who are planning for growth, exploring exit opportunities, or simply trying to understand what all of this market movement means for your practice.

I recently attended The Braff Group’s presentation at the first annual AIS East, and the insights they shared about the autism services M&A market reinforce what many of us already feel: this field remains resilient, important, and full of opportunity — even when broader economic conditions are bumpy.

The Big Picture: Resilience in a Changing Economy

2025 threw us some surprises — inflation concerns, tariff impacts, and labor uncertainty all made decision-making more stressful than expected. Many sectors within healthcare have felt real pressure.

Autism services? Still strong.
Demand hasn’t slowed. Families still need access. Providers are still expanding. And investors continue to believe in the long-term stability and importance of our field.

Autism M&A Today: What the Numbers Are Telling Us

Here are the key takeaways from The Braff Group’s latest data:

• Healthcare services deals are up 7.2% YoY
• Behavioral health deals are up 17.8%
• Autism transactions continue to be a major driver of that growth

Through Q3 2025, we’ve seen 10 PE-backed autism platform acquisitions. Volumes are lower than the peak frenzy of 2021–22, but still very active.

A critical stat:
83% of autism deals are PE-sponsored (compared to ~52% in wider behavioral health)

That level of concentration is reshaping how decisions are made, how fast companies grow, and — importantly — what life looks like for employees and families when ownership changes every 3–5 years.

What’s Ahead in 2026

Most analysts believe autism M&A will remain active. Why?

• Lower interest rates keep acquisitions attractive
• Medicaid changes don’t take effect until 2027, so current reimbursement still drives underwriting
• Investors see autism services as one of the most resilient areas in healthcare
• Valuation ranges are widening depending on quality, outcomes, and operational maturity

What This Means for YOU as a Practice Owner

If you’re considering a sale

• Strong systems, clean financials, measurable clinical outcomes = higher valuation
• Culture fit matters — ask how they maintain quality and retain teams through growth
• Understand that your practice will likely change hands again within 3–5 years

If you want to remain independent

• There is real value in autonomy and personal connection with families
• You can compete successfully with the right infrastructure and leadership focus
• Collaboration with other independents can create strength in numbers
• More families are actively seeking alternatives to “big corporate ABA”

If you’re building with options open

• Good business fundamentals keep every door open
• Document processes, measure outcomes, and invest in people and training
• Keep a pulse on payer shifts and regulatory changes — plan ahead, don’t react later

How We’re Supporting You in 2026

Our commitment is simple: help you build a stronger, more valuable, audit-ready organization — whether you plan to sell someday or never at all.

Contracting & Credentialing (RCM Focus)

Being in-network with all financially viable payors directly increases valuation and creates predictable revenue.

We help you:

• Identify the highest-value commercial payors in your market
• Complete contracting & credentialing efficiently and accurately

Valuation Strategy — Early, Smart, & Actionable

Don’t wait until you’re ready to sell to find out what your business is worth.

• Conduct valuations early to establish your current value
• Identify what’s driving your valuation up — and what’s pulling it down
• Develop a targeted plan so you have time to increase value before a transaction

Even a 1–2 turn improvement in EBITDA multiple can mean millions more at exit.

Our “e-Harmony for M&A” Approach

If you choose to pursue a transaction, fit matters — a lot.

We help you:

• Identify buyers who share your clinical values
• Ask the right questions about culture, autonomy & family communication
• Protect the legacy you’re building

The goal isn’t just to sell… it’s to land where you and your teams will thrive.

Consultative Partnership for Practice Strength

We partner with you to:

• Assess operations, systems, clinical oversight, and payor mix
• Implement strategies that boost efficiency, compliance & employee satisfaction
• Build infrastructure that is audit-proof, scalable, and clinically superior

A Personal Note

I’ve watched this industry transform over more than two decades — through growth spurts, massive innovation, and now a wave of investor-driven consolidation. Every shift brings both opportunities and challenges.

The quality of your clinical care matters more than who owns your company.
Your values and your vision should guide your decisions — not market pressure. There is no single “right path.” There is only your path.

I’m incredibly proud of the operators in our community who continue to put children first, build strong teams, and hold firm to the belief that compassionate, collaborative ABA changes lives.

Here’s to closing out 2025 with confidence — and entering 2026 with clarity, purpose, and momentum.

Warmly,
Kim Finger
Founder & CEO, ABA Building Blocks