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Service area

ABA Therapy in Lakewood Ranch, FL

MCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Lakewood Ranch, Manatee County.

ABA therapy in Lakewood Ranch

Multicultural Development Services Center (MCDS) is proud to serve families in Lakewood Ranch, a large, master-planned community spanning both Manatee and Sarasota counties. Since its establishment in 1994 on what was formerly the Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch has grown into a significant residential hub with a population of over 34,800 residents as of the 2020 census.

For the many families that call Lakewood Ranch home, we understand that life is busy. Data from the census shows that over 17% of the population is under the age of 18, and finding accessible, reliable support for children on the autism spectrum is a priority for many parents. Navigating a sprawling community that covers over 47 square miles, from its first neighborhood of Summerfield to its newest developments, can present unique scheduling and travel challenges.

MCDS addresses these challenges by offering flexible, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy that comes to you. Our services are not confined to a single clinic. We provide in-home ABA therapy to build skills in a child's natural environment. We also offer school-based support and community-based services, meeting families where they are. This approach is designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily life, whether you live near the scenic Braden River or closer to the I-75 corridor.

Under the guidance of our Executive Director, Damaris Baez, and clinical leaders like Hiram Aguilera, BCBA, our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) is committed to a family-centered approach. We collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to develop individualized treatment plans that align with your family’s goals. For added flexibility, we also provide telehealth options for consultations and supervision. Our mission is to provide consistent, high-quality support that empowers children and families throughout the Lakewood Ranch community.

About Lakewood Ranch

Population
34877 (2020)
Areas & neighborhoods
Summerfield
Local landmarks
Schroeder-Manatee Ranch · Braden River · Interstate 75

Services available in Lakewood Ranch

Depending on assessment and authorization, MCDS may deliver the following services to Lakewood Ranch families:

  • ABA TherapyIndividualized applied behavior analysis therapy for children, informed by more than two decades of behavioral-services experience in South Florida.
  • In-Home ABA TherapyABA therapy delivered where children learn best — inside their home and daily routines.
  • School-Based ABA SupportCollaborative behavioral support that partners with schools and educational teams when clinically appropriate.
  • Community-Based ABA TherapyABA therapy in real community settings so children can practice skills where they use them.
  • Early InterventionIndividualized early intervention for young children showing signs of developmental or behavioral needs.
  • Parent and Caregiver TrainingStructured coaching that equips caregivers to support their child throughout everyday routines.

Insurance for Lakewood Ranch families

MCDS works with eligible plans from Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, and TRICARE, plus qualifying Florida Medicaid fee-for-service coverage. Verify your specific plan on the benefits verification page.

Questions from Lakewood Ranch families

Since Lakewood Ranch is so large and crosses county lines, do you serve the entire area?
Yes, MCDS offers ABA therapy services throughout the entirety of Lakewood Ranch, including portions in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. Our in-home and community-based model is designed to serve families across the community's expansive area.
My child attends school in Lakewood Ranch. Can you provide services there?
MCDS offers school-based ABA services and can collaborate with your child's school in Lakewood Ranch, pending the school's approval and policies. This approach helps support skill development in the educational environment.
What makes MCDS a good fit for families in a planned community like Lakewood Ranch?
As a planned community established in 1994, Lakewood Ranch is designed for family life. Our flexible service models, including in-home, school-based, and telehealth ABA therapy, are well-suited to the needs of busy families in this structured and geographically large community.

Get in touch

To find out whether MCDS currently has provider availability in Lakewood Ranch, call 954-302-8758 or request a call.

DB
Reviewed by Damaris Baez, Executive Director
Executive Director, Multicultural Development Services Center
Last reviewed

This page describes MCDS's stated service area for Lakewood Ranch. It does not represent a physical clinic location. Availability of a specific clinician, schedule, service, or service setting may vary based on location, staffing, clinical needs, insurance authorization, and current capacity.