Happy Independence Day!

At Balance Autism, we celebrate the 4th of July as a time to reflect on the values of freedom, inclusion, and community that shape our mission every day. As we honor the spirit of independence, we also recognize the importance of creating a world where every individual—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to live a life of purpose and belonging.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable Independence Day filled with connection and celebration.

 

Adventure Goals!

At Balance Autism, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to dream big—and to make those dreams come true. This month, one of our residents did exactly that through our new initiative, Adventure Goals, which encourages personalized planning to help residents add purpose, excitement, and discovery to their daily lives.

Thanks to this program, one resident checked off a major adventure goal—a trip to Disney World!🌟 From start to finish, it truly was THE DREAM TRIP: a magical week filled with fun, exploration, and unforgettable memories.

🏰Day 1: Magic Kingdom

The magic began at Cinderella’s Castle, where he was welcomed with all the iconic charm that defines Disney. From strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. to photo ops with Mickey, Goofy, and friends, the day was filled with smiles, laughter, and of course—a few roller coasters.

🎬Day 2: Hollywood Studios
Lights, camera, action! Hollywood Studios brought the magic of the movies to life with nonstop thrills and immersive worlds like Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Pixar Plaza.

🛍️Day 3: Disney Springs
A more relaxed day of exploring Disney Springs brought delicious dining, live entertainment, and some souvenir shopping.

🌐Day 4: EPCOT
Visiting this park was a trip around the world—literally! At EPCOT, our traveler tasted global cuisine, experienced some epic rides, and admired the iconic Spaceship Earth. It was the perfect blend of culture, science, and imagination.

🦁Day 5: Animal Kingdom
The last day brought a wild adventure! At Animal Kingdom, they journeyed through the African savanna on the Kilimanjaro Safari, explored the lush landscapes of Pandora, and marveled at the Tree of Life. Between grand sights, snacks, and spotting exotic animals, the day offered nonstop wonder.

From tasty treats to cherished character meet-and-greets, this adventure wasn’t just a vacation—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when dreams meet support.

We are so proud to help turn goals into reality through Adventure Goals, and this trip is just the beginning. Here's to many more adventures ahead!

 

Blank Park Zoo Day!

Every summer, thanks to the generosity of the Blank Park Zoo, children from our central Iowa locations have the opportunity to visit the zoo. The kids and staff trade the clinic learning environment for a day of community learning among the animals!

This year, 70 children joined in the fun.

For some, this is their first-ever trip to the zoo. For others, it’s one of the few community activities they get to experience each year. Our dedicated staff bring both expertise and compassion to make this special outing a success for every child. We love seeing them play, explore, and practice the skills they work so hard to develop!

🎉 Huge shoutout to Ryan Rohlf at DSM Sold for once again generously providing lunch at zoo day for our team! Your kindness gave us the perfect chance to rest and refuel — so we could bring our very best to the afternoon adventurers and finish out zoo day with the same excitement and energy!

 

Waterloo Picnic Highlights

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Summer Picnic Party in Waterloo! We had a fantastic turnout with a wonderful mix of current families, waitlist families, and community members coming together to celebrate the season.

The water activities were a clear favorite—perfect for a warm summer day! Guests also enjoyed face painting, a bounce house, refreshing beverages, and the chance to cool off and play inside our air-conditioned clinic.

We’re so grateful to our dedicated team members who made this event possible and helped create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all who attended.

We loved connecting with so many families and friends, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s picnic!