Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps individuals build the skills they need for daily living, independence, and meaningful participation in everyday activities. Through personalized—often play-based approaches, occupational therapists address challenges related to sensory processing, social interaction, and motor coordination.
OTs develop individualized treatment plans that support areas such as self-care (dressing, grooming), sensory integration (managing sensory input), fine and gross motor skills (writing, balance), communication, and social skills. Using strategies like therapeutic play, sensory diets, and behavioral supports, therapy is tailored to each person’s unique strengths and needs.
The goal of occupational therapy is to strengthen focus, emotional regulation, confidence, and overall quality of life, empowering individuals to thrive at home, in school, and throughout their community.
Family Support Therapy
Family Support Therapy helps families develop coping strategies, improve communication, manage stress, and foster positive relationships by addressing the unique challenges of living with autism, often using methods like caregiver-mediated interventions (e.g., ABA-informed), systemic approaches (like SAFE), and connecting with community resources for financial/emotional support, creating a more peaceful and functional home environment for everyone.
Speech Language Pathology
Speech-language pathology helps individuals improve verbal, nonverbal, and social communication by building skills such as conversation, understanding social cues, and using gestures, pictures, or AAC devices. Therapy is individualized and focuses on pragmatic skills (eye contact, body language, tone), receptive and expressive language, and alternative communication methods, often involving caregivers to support consistent practice.
Speech-language pathologists also support children with significant feeding challenges, including extreme picky eating or food refusal, by addressing sensory, motor, and behavioral factors. Using specialized approaches such as SOS and structured behavioral strategies, therapy helps expand food variety, reduce mealtime stress, and improve nutrition.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses evidence-based learning principles and positive reinforcement to build skills such as communication, social interaction, and daily living, while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning and participation. Modern ABA emphasizes supporting the individual, not “curing” autism, by using child-led, creative, and naturalistic approaches that prioritize respect and engagement.
When thoughtfully designed, ABA is individualized, enjoyable, and focused on overall well-being. It can be especially effective with early intervention, while avoiding outdated, overly intensive, or punishment-based practices in favor of positive, supportive strategies.
About LOGAN Autism Learning Center SW MI
Nickerson Avenue Center
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Located on Nickerson Avenue in a former elementary school, this site serves as our primary hub for autism and therapy services in Southwest Michigan. The center supports individuals from age 2 through young adulthood and is designed to meet the needs of clients who benefit from a more intensive, specialized setting.
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The Nickerson location is home to 7 center-based Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and 3 in-home BCBAs. Many individuals served here experience more complex support needs and may not currently be able to participate in traditional school or community environments. Our BCBAs and support staff use evidence-based learning principles and positive reinforcement to teach essential skills such as communication, social interaction, and daily living, while working to reduce challenging behaviors and increase independence.
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The center also features a robust therapy team, including 4 on-site Occupational Therapists (OTs). Our OTs support individuals in developing self-care skills, sensory regulation, fine and gross motor skills (such as writing and balance), communication, and social interaction. Occupational therapy services are available to individuals receiving other center-based services as well as walk-in clients.
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In addition, 3 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work with clients to strengthen verbal, nonverbal, and social communication. Services include conversation skills, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), use of gestures and visuals, and speech development—critical skills for daily functioning and meaningful relationships.
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Our Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists also collaborate to support individuals with significant feeding and eating challenges, addressing sensory sensitivities, motor skills, and behavioral factors to help safely expand food choices.
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Rounding out the team are 4 Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) who make up our Family Support Therapy (FST) team. Family Support Therapy helps caregivers and families build coping strategies, improve communication, manage stress, and strengthen relationships while navigating the unique challenges of life with autism.
Address
1651 E Nickerson Ct
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Contact
Fax: 269-359-3730
Opening Hours
Mon - Friday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sat & Sun
Closed