Parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder have access to a new center that provides resources to help kids thrive in happy and fulfilled lives.
The Fayetteville Life Skills Autism Academy is one of many centers run by the applied behavior analysis therapy provider Centria Autism. The center opened in December 2025 at 2814 Procurement Circle and operates Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., serving children ages 1 to 12. ABA therapy helps children with autism or other developmental disorders learn necessary skills in communication, behavior and social interaction by increasing positive behaviors while decreasing negative ones.
Life Skills Autism Academy will hold a free Resource Fair & Activity Day on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist Fayetteville families with connecting to community partners and discovering effective ABA strategies. This event will also be the perfect opportunity for children with autism to enjoy sensory-friendly activities and connect with each other. Kids can engage with low-stimulation, go-at-your-own-pace amusements such as a bubble zone, an indoor gym, sensory tables and an arts and crafts station.
Attendees can find out what options they have for autism support, gain educational resources or simply meet others who’ve had similar life experiences.
The first 50 families to arrive will receive a free Centria swag bag, so be sure to get in early. Items include fidget tools and stress balls for the children and information packets about Centria Autism’s services. RSVP for the event by filling out the Google form at https://bit.ly/4wSAO0V
Area Operations Director Carol Nentwig says the Resource Fair & Activity Day will provide a range of tools and expert advice for families.
“In addition to receiving information on specialized services for individuals on the autism spectrum and those in need of other pediatric therapy, we’ll also be providing education on accessing Medicaid and SNAP benefit support, best practices for addressing at-home behavioral challenges and strengthening familial bonds, and recommending local recreational community programs for folks of all abilities to engage in fitness, sports, music and more,” she said.
Numerous service providers will be on-site to present tailored programming, including information on “developmental counseling and emotional wellness support,” assistance for military families and guidance for “strengthening family and community support systems,” according to Nentwig. The full list includes these partners:
• Beyond the Spectrum Institute
• Follow the Spectrum
• ShineLight
• Carolina Counseling Services
• The Haymount Institute
• Therapy Playground
• Healing Hearts Therapeutic Services, PLLC
• Cumberland County Department of Social Services
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
• Youth Villages
• Child Incorporated
• Community Life Development Center
• Dorothy D. Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center
• Special Olympics Cumberland County
• Cumberland County Public Library
• Voices Together
• Fun City Adventure Park
The choice to open a new center in Fayetteville was motivated by Centria’s ongoing dedication to supporting families across the nation.
“Early intervention changes lives,” said Nentwig. “By creating a safe, play-focused environment, we're giving children the tools to build independence, supporting families and strengthening the foundation of our entire community.”
Though Life Skills Autism Academy only serves children up to age 12, they work with their many community partners to enable a smooth transition into other services and help children avoid experiencing gaps in support once they age out of the program.
By offering access to diverse service providers under one roof, the Resource Fair & Activity Day is a standout example of how therapists and other healthcare providers are foundational elements that sustain the behavioral wellness of communities.
Visit Life Skills Autism Academy at 2814 Procurement Circle or call them at 888-975-4557 to connect with their healthcare professionals and learn more about their services for Fayetteville families.