Autism is a complicated developmental condition that affects millions of children around the world. It can impact their ability to communicate, socialize, and behave in certain ways. While getting early help is very important for improving outcomes, many families still find it difficult to access quality care. As the need for long-term therapy grows, parents often face challenges in finding the right support for their children.
Nichole Daher, the founder and CEO of SOS Franchising, is a stepmother to a child with autism. She has seen these challenges up close and turned her experiences into a mission. In 2015, she started Success On The Spectrum (SOS) to offer comprehensive autism therapy beyond just early childhood. In 2018, success on the Spectrum converted into the very first autism treatment franchise in the country. Through her unique model, she has made it easier for families to get the care they need and has also created a supportive community for families across the country.
How One Stepmother Changed Lives?
In 2014, Nichole Daher became a stepmother to a child with autism. To assist her stepdaughter, she enrolled in parent training classes at an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy clinic. Initially, her stepdaughter showed significant progress at the clinic. However, when she turned seven, the clinic ceased providing services. Nichole learned that many ABA clinics only support children up to the age of seven and often do not offer further treatments that could benefit children with autism. This situation created challenges for families seeking comprehensive care.
Driven by her experiences, Nichole Daher sought to create a solution for families facing similar difficulties. In 2015, she established Success On The Spectrum (SOS) in Houston, Texas, to provide a complete treatment center. SOS offers ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy for children with autism up to the age of 18.
Nichole’s aim was to provide children with the best opportunities for success. As she reflected on her journey, she stated, “If there was no place in the world where she belongs, I was determined to MAKE it.”
Franchising for a Cause
Nichole Daher opened two clinics in Houston, both of which quickly reached full capacity. The original center was filled within six months, and even after expanding, the second location became full in just nine months. Recognizing that she could not meet the high demand on her own, Nichole decided to develop a franchise model.
In 2018, she launched SOS Franchising, which became the first Autism Treatment franchise in the United States. Her mission was to assist other business owners in establishing and managing high-quality treatment centers, thereby making ABA care more accessible throughout the country.
Innovative Autism Care
Success On The Spectrum, commonly known as “SOS,” is recognized as the first Autism Treatment Franchise in the United States. The organization provides a range of therapy services for children with developmental delays, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, serving children up to 18 years old. A unique feature of SOS is the parent viewing room, where families can watch live feeds of their child’s therapy sessions.
SOS is also dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by hosting free social events for families affected by autism. These events include the Annual Autism Prom, Autism Festival, and Parent Training Workshops, all aimed at creating a safe and inclusive environment while reducing stigma.
As of 2025, SOS will celebrate its 10-year anniversary, highlighting its commitment to improving the lives of children with autism and their families. The franchise addresses the increasing demand for autism services, with the CDC reporting that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism.
Nichole Daher emphasizes the effectiveness of SOS’s approach, stating, “Our special way of teaching creates a fun and happy environment for a child that otherwise would be left behind.” This dedication to quality distinguishes SOS in the field of autism treatment.
Awards Received by Success On The Spectrum
- 2024 Anthem Awards for Community Outreach.
- 2024 Top ABA Therapy Service Provider – Recognized by Healthcare Business Review.
- 2024 Top 10 Companies to Buy In 2024 – Featured by The CIO Media.
- 2022 Top 50 Companies – Issued by IFAH.
- 2020 Best Child Behavioral Franchise – Awarded by CV Magazine.
- 2019 Houston Award in the Mental Health Category – Recognized by the Houston Award Program.
Mission to Raise Awareness for Autism
Success On The Spectrum is recognized for its commitment to advocacy and community involvement. Through its Community Outreach initiative, SOS regularly hosts sensory-friendly events for families affected by autism. The primary goal of these events is to create safe and inclusive environments where children on the autism spectrum and their families feel accepted and supported. They also aim to raise awareness and encourage local communities to embrace and assist individuals with autism.
At the annual Autism Proms, children who may not attend traditional schools can enjoy a dance in a welcoming atmosphere. The SOS Autism Festivals provide a nurturing space for kids to play freely, while Parent Training Workshops equip families with practical tools to support their children at home.
Nichole Daher highlights the significance of these events, stating, “Every child deserves to engage in these kinds of activities without fear of exclusion. We are helping create memories.”
- In 2024,Nichole Daher received the Houston Humanitarian Award from the City of Houston for her unwavering advocacy and dedication to accessible, high-quality care for all children with autism.
- In March 2025, Success On The Spectrum awarded its 100th territory, celebrating a decade of service to over 4,000 families.
Support and Training for Franchisees
Before opening their business, franchisees at SOS Franchising participate in a two-week training program for up to three people at the corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas. During this training, they receive the full Operations Manual, hands-on training, and access to videos and demonstrations. Franchisees learn how to onboard clients and implement programs, activities, and workshops. Training also covers suggested pricing for services, managing high volume, service standards, and general operating procedures, along with guidelines for record-keeping and accounting methods.
SOS Franchising provides recommended hiring guidelines, interview training, and employment forms, along with partnerships with several universities to help franchisees find qualified candidates. They also offer training on essential software, including practice management and billing software.
For the grand opening of each franchise, SOS Franchising attends the event with a film crew that interviews the franchisee and staff, creating a promotional video for advertising.
Franchisees benefit from ongoing support through monthly one-on-one meetings with SOS Franchising and on-demand assistance for administrative issues. Additionally, a monthly group meeting is held for all franchise CEOs to analyze the organization’s structure and culture and develop strategies for improvement.
Journey of Growth and Success
Yearly Expansion of Clinics
- 2015: 1 clinic opened
- 2016: 1 clinic opened
- 2017: 1 clinic opened
- 2018: 2 clinics opened
- 2019: 2 clinics opened
- 2020: 4 clinics opened
- 2021: 8 clinics opened
- 2022: 17 clinics opened
- 2023: 29 clinics opened
- 2024: 51 clinics opened
Nichole Daher Success On The Spectrum was established in 2015 with two centers located in Houston, Texas. By the end of 2020, two franchise-owned locations had also opened. This number doubled by the close of 2021, reaching a total of eight clinics. By the end of 2022, SOS expanded even further to 17 clinics.
In 2024, SOS served over 600 clients and generated more than $56 million in revenue. The organization also enhanced its community outreach programs, creating supportive environments for individuals with autism and their families. Franchise owners take pride in running successful businesses that are rooted in a meaningful mission.
By the end of 2024, SOS had grown to 54 operational clinics across the United States. Currently, there are over 62 locations open, with an additional 35 in development across 17 states. Notably, there have been no failures among its franchisees, which reflects the strong success rate of the franchise model.
Events That Empower Children with Autism
Success On The Spectrum distinguishes itself in the market through its strong commitment to activism and community involvement. The SOS outreach program organizes various sensory-friendly events for families affected by autism, including the well-known Annual Autism Prom, Autism Festival, and Parent Training Workshops.
The primary aim of these events is to create a safe and inclusive environment for children with autism. They offer a judgment-free space where individuals on the autism spectrum and their families can feel accepted and supported. These gatherings celebrate unique behaviors, allowing autistic children to connect with others who understand and appreciate their individuality, which helps them feel more comfortable and confident in being themselves.
Nichole Daher emphasizes the significance of these events, stating, “Every child should be able to enjoy activities like this without the fear of being judged or rejected. We are making memories for these kids. I love that we can offer these events. Some of these kids would never experience things like prom otherwise.”
Additionally, these events aim to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and encourage the broader community to support individuals with autism and their families. They also help parents feel more comfortable in public settings, as SOS strives to create a sense of belonging and enhance the overall “parent experience,” allowing families to enjoy outings together.
Awards and Recognition of Nicole Daher
- Most Admired Women Entrepreneur in Autism Treatment – Recognized by The Business Vision Magazine in March 2025.
- Houston Humanitarian Award – Honored by the City of Houston in July 2024.
- Most Influential Business Leader to Watch – Awarded by The Enterprise World Magazine in June 2024.
- Most Empowering Women Leader of 2024 – Given by Fortune’s Wall in May 2024.
- Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives – Achieved in March 2024.
- World’s Most Prominent Women Leaders in Business 2024 – Awarded by World Leaders Magazine in February 2024.
- Top 100 Healthcare Leaders Award – Received from IFAH in June 2021.
- 20 Most Inspiring Women Leaders – Honored by The Women’s Leader Magazine in November 2021.
- Top 20 Dynamic CEOs – Recognized by The CEO Publication in January 2022.
- 20 Most Successful Women Leaders – Awarded by The Corporate Magazine in January 2022.
Marketing and Advertising Support for Franchisees
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the U.S., with demand for care increasing significantly. Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of autism in the U.S. has risen by more than 200%. Currently, the CDC estimates that 2.5% of U.S. children are diagnosed with autism. ASD is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing intervention for the best outcomes. On average, a typical SOS client receives 40 hours of therapy per week and stays in the program for 3-5 years. However, there are only enough ABA providers in the U.S. to meet about 30% of the demand.
SOS Franchising has established a strong corporate image that is well-recognized among customers. Franchisees are granted the non-exclusive right to use the SOS logo and registered trademarks.
Due to the high demand for services, SOS Franchising does not need extensive advertising. Instead, it simply lists its franchisees on Google Maps, leading to an immediate waitlist of potential clients. This approach allows franchisees to attract clients quickly without significant marketing efforts.
Ensuring Consistency in Quality
As the leading ABA franchise in the country, Success On The Spectrum has developed a comprehensive manual of best practices for its centers. This manual establishes a standard of excellence that is unmatched in the ABA industry. The organization is committed to continuous improvement and is recognized for its focus on quality, parent satisfaction, and staff satisfaction.
To maintain high operational standards, the franchise ensures that Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) receive quality training and that Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide exceptional supervision and training. Additionally, all ABA programs are designed based on the latest evidence-based research.
To further ensure quality across all locations, the franchising company conducts quality assurance audits at each center every six months. This systematic approach helps maintain consistently high standards throughout the network.
A Decade of Change
As Success On The Spectrum celebrates its 10th anniversary, Nichole Daher and her team are focused on expanding services for more families affected by autism. Their future plans involve bringing their combination of expertise, empathy, and effective interventions to additional communities across the country.
“Ten years ago, we set out with a dream to improve the lives of children with autism and their families,” Nichole Daher reflects. “Looking back on our journey fills us with gratitude, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff, the trust that families have placed in our organization, and the power of working together.”
As it begins its second decade, Success On The Spectrum continues to be a leader in autism therapy, demonstrating how passion, innovation, and a strong commitment to the community can positively change lives for the better.
