Our Story: CCSN's Mission & Clinical Impact
Trusted autism care shaped by science, compassion, and a deep commitment to families
About CCSN
For more than 40 years, the professionals of CCSN: The Center for Children with Special Needs have been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental needs.
Through evaluation, treatment, consultation, training, and research, our multidisciplinary team combines evidence-based practice with an individualized approach to care. We partner with individuals, families, schools, and other organizations to develop practical solutions that support meaningful progress at home, at school, and in the community.
From early childhood through adulthood, CCSN is committed to building on each person’s strengths, expanding independence, and improving quality of life. Our mission is simple: combine the best available science with compassionate, individualized care to help every person reach their fullest potential.
2003
After growing through larger facilities in Mansfield and Tolland, CCSN settled in Glastonbury to support expanded clinical services for children, families, and individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental needs.
2012
CCSN expanded into a second Glastonbury location and grew to over 15,000 square feet of dedicated space for clinical treatment, consultation, and telehealth.
2013
CCSN established The Center for Independence to provide specialized evaluation and treatment for older adolescents and adults, along with consultation and therapy for concerns such as feeding, sleep, and elimination disorders.
2016
CCSN reorganized its services into four divisions: Clinical Services, Consultative Services, Adult Services, and International Services. This structure allowed CCSN to support a broader range of needs, from diagnosis and treatment to educational support, transition planning, independence, and adult services.
2017
CCSN established CCSN Behavioral Health, LLC to expand access to outpatient therapy and center-based ABA services for children and families.
2017
CCSN formalized an affiliation with the Yale Child Study Center, building on more than 20 years of clinical and community faculty involvement and a shared commitment to high-quality care for children and families.
Comprehensive autism care for children, families, and care teams
CCSN provides comprehensive autism and behavioral health services at our Farmington, Glastonbury, and Westbrook locations. We serve families from communities throughout Central Connecticut and the shoreline, including West Hartford, Avon, Hartford, Canton, Bristol, Wethersfield, Cromwell, East Hartford, Newington, Manchester, Middletown, Madison, Clinton, Essex, Old Saybrook, New London, Old Lyme, and surrounding towns
ABA Therapy
We offer applied behavior analysis therapy and guidance designed to build meaningful skills, reduce barriers to learning, and support more confident participation across settings.
Explore ABA therapy
Diagnostic Evaluation and Assessment
We provide diagnostic evaluations and clinical assessments that help families better understand a child’s development, strengths, needs, and recommended next steps.
Request an evaluation
Speech & Language Pathology
Our speech-language pathologists address a range of communication needs, helping children improve their ability to understand and express language effectively in everyday situations.
Find communication support
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapy services address sensory needs, motor skills, self-care, and functional participation.
Explore occupational therapy
Individual & Family Therapy
Therapeutic guidance for managing emotional challenges and strengthening relationships, with practical strategies that support healthier communication and daily family life.
Discover personalized therapy
Helping schools and organizations build stronger support systems
Our mission
Our vision
Our values
- Science-guided care: We believe the best clinical practice begins with the best available science. Our work is grounded in evidence-based treatment, ongoing learning, and thoughtful application of research to real-world needs.
- Respect for every individual: CCSN was built on the belief that diversity is a strength. We honor each person’s abilities, needs, experiences, and potential, and we approach care with dignity and respect.
- Family partnership: Families know their children in ways no one else can. We value parent and caregiver insight and use that knowledge to shape care that is practical, personal, and connected to everyday life.
- Lifespan commitment: Our work extends beyond one stage of development. We support individuals and families across the lifespan, from early diagnosis and treatment to education, transition planning, independence, and adult services.
- Practical impact: We are focused on solutions that make daily life better. Whether through therapy, consultation, training, or research, our goal is to help individuals build skills, open new doors, and move toward greater independence.
Michael D. Powers, Psy. D.
Co-Executive Director & Founder of CCSN
CCSN’s work has always been shaped by the children and families who first taught us what autism care could and should be. In 1973, when Dr. Michael Powers began working with young children with autism at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center of Rutgers University, there were far fewer services, fewer educational protections, and far less public understanding of autism than there are today.
Those early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to science-based care, respect for neurodiversity, and the belief that progress must be measured not only in clinical goals, but in the lives of children, families, teachers, caregivers, and communities.
CCSN believes meaningful care requires a clear scientific eye, a compassionate heart, persistence, and respect for each person’s strengths. Our mission is to provide families, healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers with practical solutions that improve quality of life, expand independence, and create more inclusive futures for individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental needs.
Since our beginning, CCSN has been guided by a simple belief: with strong science, thoughtful care, and the right support, individuals with autism and their families can thrive.