The Center for Autism Education

Empowering Families Since 2002

Where Ability Meets Opportunity

The Center for Autism Education (CAE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential. Since opening our doors in 2002 — with just 10 students in a small strip mall in O’Fallon — we’ve grown into a multi-site agency that has served over 350 individuals and their families across the Greater St. Louis area.

What sets CAE apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusion. We proudly serve individuals regardless of behavior, offering support for those with intense behavioral needs including aggression, self-injury, and property destruction. Our certified staff, therapists, and behavior analysts work together to reduce challenging behaviors and teach valuable coping and life skills. Our goal is always the same: to help every individual succeed — at school, at home, and in the community.

K-12 School Program

Year-Round Education Tailored to Every Student

Our year-round school program, located in St. Peters, Missouri, partners with 12 school districts across the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area to serve students in grades K–12. Each student receives 1:1 or 2:1 support throughout the day based on their individualized education plan (IEP).

To meet every learner’s needs, our program brings together Certified Teachers, Therapists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts who design personalized learning strategies. In addition, services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy are available on site as outlined in each student’s plan.

Because we rely on evidence-based and research-driven practices, our classrooms create a supportive environment that encourages communication, learning, and independence. As a result, students gain the skills they need to adapt, generalize learning, and achieve long-term success.

Adult Day Center

Creating Meaningful Lives Beyond Graduation

Our Adult Day Program began in 2010 after CAE leadership recognized a critical need in the community for support services for adults with severe behavioral challenges. At the time, many of our students were making incredible progress at school, graduating, and then remaining at home because their families could not find appropriate placements. To address this gap, CAE created a program that offers both one-on-one and group support tailored to each individual’s needs. As a result, adults now have access to the tools and supports they deserve in order to live happy, fulfilling lives.

In addition, our adult department includes two core services: Day Services and Behavior Support Services, both funded by the Medicaid Waiver. Day Services emphasize building independence across all areas of daily living. For example, consumers participate in volunteer opportunities and take part in weekly community outings, which provide meaningful engagement and real-world learning experiences.

Our Behavior Support Services apply the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help clients thrive at home and in the community. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst develops and actively monitors an individualized behavior support plan for each participant. This plan focuses on reducing challenging behaviors, increasing positive skills, and ultimately encouraging greater independence.