ABA Therapy in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is our home. Since 2013, Creating Brighter Futures has helped children and teens with autism and other developmental disabilities build communication, daily living, and social skills at our center on the south side of the city. If you live here, ABA therapy can fit into your family's week without a long drive.
Our center is at 4201 Varsity Drive, just off Ellsworth Road near South State Street, and it is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Every child's plan is written by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and carried out one-on-one and in small groups, in a space with individual work areas, group tables, a mock classroom, a toddler area, and a large motor room.
How Far Is Our Center From Downtown Ann Arbor?
From downtown Ann Arbor, the drive is about 5 miles and roughly 11 minutes without traffic. Most families simply head south on State Street and turn onto Ellsworth Road, then Varsity Drive. Families on the south side, near Briarwood or the Bryant neighborhood, are often only a few minutes away.
Because ABA sessions usually last 2 to 5 hours and happen several days a week, a short drive matters. Living in the city makes it easier to fit drop-off and pickup around work, siblings, and part-day school schedules.
Ann Arbor Public Schools, Preschool, and Your Child's IEP
Most Ann Arbor children attend Ann Arbor Public Schools, whose Office of Special Education serves students with disabilities from birth to age 26 through a continuum of services. For three- to five-year-olds with a diagnosed disability, the district's Early Childhood Special Education classrooms at Westerman Preschool & Family Center on Boardwalk have no more than 12 students each, with speech, occupational, and physical therapists on the team. For babies and toddlers under 3, Washtenaw ISD's Early On program offers a free evaluation.
Many of our families use school services and ABA together. We help parents understand and advocate during IEP meetings, collaborate with your child's other providers, and plan therapy hours around the school day. Families who homeschool or choose a private school are welcome too; the same individualized approach applies.
Schools in Ann Arbor
We support children from every kind of school in Ann Arbor, public, charter, and independent, and we are glad to coordinate with your child’s teachers and school team when you ask us to. Here are the schools in the city, with links to each one.
Ann Arbor Public Schools: Preschool
Ann Arbor Public Schools: Elementary schools
- Abbot Elementary
- Allen Elementary
- Angell Elementary
- Bach Elementary
- Bryant Elementary
- Burns Park Elementary
- Carpenter Elementary
- Dicken Elementary
- Eberwhite Elementary
- Haisley Elementary
- King Elementary
- Lakewood Elementary
- Lawton Elementary
- Logan Elementary
- Mitchell Elementary
- Pattengill Elementary
- Pittsfield Elementary
- Thurston Elementary
- Wines Elementary
Ann Arbor Public Schools: K–8 schools
Ann Arbor Public Schools: Middle schools
- Clague Middle School
- Forsythe Middle School
- Scarlett Middle School
- Slauson Middle School
- Tappan Middle School
Ann Arbor Public Schools: High schools
- Community High School
- Huron High School
- Pioneer High School
- Skyline High School
- Pathways to Success Academic Campus
- A2 Virtual+ Academy
County, charter, and independent schools
- High Point School (Washtenaw ISD) (for students ages 3 to 26 with significant disabilities, including autism)
- Honey Creek Community School
- Greenhills School (JK–12)
- Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor (preschool–12)
- St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Programs for Ann Arbor Kids and Teens
Our Early Intervention Program serves ages 2 to 8, with a focus on communication, play, toilet training, and school readiness. The Junior & Adolescent Program serves ages 8 to 18 and builds independence, hygiene, social skills, and pre-vocational skills. We also run seasonal group programs and PEERS social skills groups for teens.
Around Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor has some thoughtful options for kids who need a calmer outing. The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor Centennial Playground at Gallup Park is the city's universal access playground, with textured surfaces, a sand area, and ramps that connect every play area. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum also offers My Turn sensory-friendly hours, with fewer visitors, break spaces, and sensory bags to borrow.
Getting Started in Ann Arbor
Your first step is a free tour and consultation where you meet our team and see the center. If your child doesn't have an autism diagnosis yet, we help you schedule an evaluation, and then we work with your insurance. We are credentialed with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, and Priority Health, and you can learn more on our insurance page or in Getting Started.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is Creating Brighter Futures in Ann Arbor?
Our center is at 4201 Varsity Drive, off Ellsworth Road near South State Street, about 5 miles and 11 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor without traffic.
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Can ABA therapy work around my child's Ann Arbor Public Schools schedule?
Yes. Many families combine school and ABA. We plan session times with you and can help you prepare for IEP meetings so school and therapy goals support each other.
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How soon can my child start?
We can often begin therapy in as little as two weeks, depending on your preferred session times and insurance authorization.
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Is the tour free?
Yes. The one-on-one tour and consultation is free, and you can book it online or by calling (734) 926-0740.
