Autism Therapy Center Takes Over Redmond Space Left by Orange Blossom Society

The old craftsman home in downtown Redmond that formerly housed a family center known as the Orange Blossom Society is continuing to be used to serve local children.

Foundations for Learning & Behavior, a clinic that assists children with autism using applied behavior analysis (ABA), has expanded from its location on the building's second floor and is now using the entire house for its practice.

Orange Blossom Society owner Sharman Ghio announced last month she was closing her children's enrichment center for unknown reasons. Paul Johnson, director of Foundations for Learning & Behavior, said he and his staff are eager to further Ghio's mission of serving local children and their families.

"We want to continue that outreach to the community," he said.

Johnson said his clinic primarily works with young autistic children who need help developing skills ranging from how to read to interacting with other kids in a play environment. Therapists work one-on-one with children, using positive reinforcement and individualized teaching approaches to prepare them to enter the regular school environment.

"It's just a way of really turbo-charging learning," Johnson said of applied behavior analysis.

Johnson said the clinic is also working to partner with other educational or therapy organizations who need space to work with children. Any non-profit group, or for-profit organization that serves special needs kids, is welcome to use part of the building, space permitting, he said.

For more information on Foundations for Learning & Behavior, visit foundaba.com or call 425-242-0973.