As the need for autism services continues to grow in the Mahoning Valley, the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University is responding.
One in 31 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, leading the Rich Center to expand capacity and continue to strengthen individualized, evidence-based instruction and family support, according to Jake Ellis, coordinator, community engagement and event organization with the Rich Center.
Phase two of the Rich Center’s Building for Tomorrow renovation, which is underway, expands the center’s physical footprint and service capacity by approximately 33%. A multiuse space will feature a parent resource room with a separate entrance, providing a supportive area where the center can offer short-term services to families on waiting lists. Flexible meeting and training areas, new offices and expanded storage, complete the phase, which adds to earlier classroom, corridor and infrastructure upgrades.
The Rich Center’s growth aligns with YSU’s broader commitment to community engagement, which was recently recognized with the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification.
The Rich Center/YSU partnership is shaping autism treatment, education and research. At the 2025 American Evaluation Association Conference, Executive Director Dr. Michael Latessa and YSU professor Dr. Karen Larwin presented data-driven results of the center’s RoboKind curriculum and its social-emotional and literacy development support for students with autism.
In 30 years, the Rich Center has grown from a small summer enrichment program into a cornerstone regional resource for individuals with autism and their families, while remaining focused on its core mission – innovative, compassionate support rooted in strong university and community partnerships.
