Ripple Effects Autism Learning Center

04/02/2026

Something important is coming to our community!!!

Tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day.

During my campaign, a mother asked me what kind of training law enforcement receives around autism awareness and interacting with neurodivergent individuals. I told her I hadn’t heard of any specifically, but I made her a promise: when I was elected, I would be back with an answer.

I’m back, and we’re following through.

We are working on a new Autism Awareness Program at the Sheriff’s Office. This program will help our deputies better understand and interact with individuals with autism, while also giving families a place to turn for support.

We’re also proud to share our new program logo, which shows our commitment to better understanding, better training, and better serving those affected by autism.

📻Tune in tomorrow morning!

We’ll be live on 99.3 WBET Sturgis at 9:00 AM, Thursday, April 2nd, to talk more about the program and how you can help support it.

I would also like to thank Kelly Hostetler and the St. Joseph County United Way for their support and partnership.

This is just the beginning💛🖤💛

-Sheriff Spence

11/22/2025

🎉 2025 Employer of the Year! 🎉

🎉 Congratulations to our 2025 Michigan Works! Southwest Annual Award Winners! 🎉

We are proud to recognize outstanding partners who go above and beyond in supporting our regional workforce and community:

🏆 Legislator of the Year: State Representative Julie Rogers
🏆 Employer of the Year: Ripple Effects Autism Learning Center
🏆 Community Partner of the Year: Kellogg Community College
🏆 Volunteer of the Year: Brian O'Donnell

Your dedication, collaboration, and commitment strengthen our region and expand opportunities for the people and businesses we serve. Thank you for all you contribute!

👉 Learn more about our partnerships and this year’s honorees:
https://www.michiganworkssouthwest.org/michigan-works-southwest-2025-annual-awards

10/22/2025

🎉 No Waiting List! 🎉 Please share!!!
We have two rare openings in Centreville for Early Intervention ABA Therapy for children diagnosed with autism ages 18 months - 6 years. We accept most commercial insurance plans and Medicaid with a referral from Pivotal.
Call for a tour! 269-245-0401

09/17/2024

🌟 Free Support Group for Parents/Caregivers of Autistic Children 🌟

We are excited to offer a FREE support group starting October 1st, led by Jennifer Austin, LMSW, MDIV, a licensed therapist and fellow autism mama who truly “gets it.”

🗓️ When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center (2255 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI)

💡 What to Expect:
- Connect with other parents who understand your experience
- Learn stress management strategies and ways to improve self-care
- No registration required – just come as you are!
- Donations accepted to support the group

If you’re interested, Jennifer can also help you connect with individual therapists for additional support.

We hope to see you there! 💙

www.rippleeffectsinclusion.org/events

08/28/2024

Only room for one more friend under age 5! Call today for more information. 269-257-9060

08/27/2024

information about the Michigan State ASD Plan

04/02/2024

Happy World Autism Acceptance Day!

12/29/2023

No Waitlist! Most insurances accepted. Start the enrollment process online today!
www.rippleeffectsalc.com/form-therapeutics-contact

12/06/2023

Autism affects 1 in 36 children. You’re not alone.
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Ripple Effects specializes in early intervention and can help your child develop skills necessary for Kindergarten. Now enrolling children 1 - 5 years old at our new Portage location, inside Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center.

Therapist

12/05/2023

11/06/2023

Does your child have challenging behaviors at school? Come learn about services provided through the IEP to teach and support positive behaviors at school.
Join us tonight, November 6 at 6:30pm for a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Overview webinar. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/5n855b8h

05/25/2023

The fence is up and we’re excited for safe, outdoor learning!