The Ellison Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Who We Are
The Ellison Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (EDC for ASD) was founded by husband and wife team, Sara and Patrick Ellison with their son, Frankie, in mind.
Now almost six-years-old, Frankie was diagnosed with ASD at the age of two.
As parents who had just received this diagnosis, it was difficult for them to know where to begin and to understand how to help their own child.
Through years of research and reaching out to others in the community and around the United States, they began to get a better picture of the ASD world.
They researched both private resources and government programs, both of which had their own challenges. Private resources, while difficult to find, can also be very expensive.
Government programs are usually understaffed and underfunded. Both private and public options come with waiting lists that could be months or years long.
Autism is becoming more prevalent in the United States year after year, with one in 44 children being diagnosed in 2022.
The Ellisons realized that education centers geared toward children with ASD are more needed than ever before.
They also discovered that understanding the nature of ASD early on can be crucial to changing the trajectory of the disorder.
That’s why they’re creating EDC for ASD, a facility that will be equipped with qualified staff and therapists to provide families with the support, tools and confidence they need to help their children be successful through their education and beyond.
EDC for ASD’s mission is to provide the necessary therapy, early learning and elementary school education by experienced professionals for all children with ASD, regardless of race, sex or religion.
The team believes that early intervention through occupational, speech, physical and nutrition therapy can improve the symptoms of ASD as time progresses.
Meet the Team
Patrick Ellison
Patrick Ellison is the Co-Founder, Chairman and current acting President of EDC for ASD. He owns and operates a small business in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and is an active husband and father.
Sara Ellison
Sara Ellison is the Co-Founder and Director of EDC for ASD. She is a United States Military Veteran and a loving wife and mother.
Leah Hull
Leah Hull is a passionate education advocate and leader, deeply committed to empowering Tulsa families and students through meaningful educational opportunities. As the Executive Director of the Ellison Development Center, she is dedicated to creating a compassionate, high-quality learning environment tailored to the unique needs of students with autism.
Leah’s passion for education stems from personal experiences seeing how access, opportunity, and the right support system can transform a child's future. Her work is not just about policy—it’s about real families, real students, and real change. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Oklahoma State University, Master's of Education in Teaching and Curriculum from Northeastern State University, and completing her Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Oral Roberts University , she brings both expertise and a heart for service to her role, ensuring that families are not just heard, but truly supported.
Beyond the classroom, Leah actively engages in legislative advocacy working to expand school choice, increase special education resources, and shape policies that put students first. She believes that every child has potential, every family deserves options, and every community thrives when education is accessible and individualized. Leah is honored to lead the Ellison ASD Center, offering hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for students with autism and their families.
Mission
EDC FOR ASD exists to equip children and empower families with specialized support to flourish, by offering evidence-based educational programs and therapeutic services tailored to their unique strengths and challenges.
Vision
EDC FOR ASD aims to transform the landscape of autism education, creating manageable, adaptive pathways for every child and family to thrive and find success in navigating their autism journey.
Values
By fostering hope and nurturing trust, EDC FOR ASD, inspires to provide a future in which students and families are equipped and empowered to find a SEAT at the table of their autism journey.
SERVICE: We are dedicated to putting the needs of children and families first, ensuring that every decision we make is centered with compassion, providing meaningful support and opportunities.
EXCELLENCE: Through integrity we uphold the highest standards in education and therapy, delivering evidence-based programs that empower children with autism to reach their full potential.
ASSURANCE: We are unwavering in our mission to transform autism education and continuously seek ways to improve, innovate, advocate, and expand our impact to build a brighter future.
TEAMWORK: We believe in the power of partnerships, working with families, educators, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to create meaningful opportunities, and develop innovative solutions that expand access to specialized education.
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