About Ad Astra MHK
Founded in 2023, Ad Astra (“to the stars!”) MHK proudly serves Manhattan, Kansas, and the surrounding communities, with telehealth services available statewide. With a passion for excellence, we are committed to nurturing a world where people of all abilities are seen, heard, and celebrated.
Our Approach to Ethical, Compassionate ABA
Ad Astra MHK values feedback from autistic adults and families regarding historical ABA practices. We actively engage with current research and evolving best practices to ensure our services remain ethical, effective, and patient-centered. When faced with differing perspectives or challenges, we respond with curiosity, reflection, and a commitment to growth.
ABA therapy at Ad Astra MHK is designed to feel natural, supportive, and respectful of each individual as a whole person. Rather than focusing solely on reducing challenging behavior, we prioritize teaching meaningful replacement skills that support real-life success.
Prioritize connection over compliance
Honor autonomy and assent
Ensure emotional safety, especially during times of dysregulation
-
Teach through play, daily routines, and natural environments
-
Follow the patient’s lead while supporting functional skill development
-
Respect sensory needs and stimming as forms of self-regulation
-
Introduce and practice new skills only when the patient is regulated and engaged
-
Strengthen functional communication and meaningful replacement skills
-
Emphasize emotional regulation, trust, dignity, and respect
-
Support skill use across home, school, and community settings
How this Looks in Practice
We do NOT use:
Forced Physical Prompting
Control & Compliance Based Practices
Demanded Eye Contact
Drill-Based Teaching
Elimination of Stimming Behaviors
without clear safety risk
To deliver compassionate, empirically driven services that support individuals and their caregivers, while cultivating a values-driven workplace grounded in integrity and care.
Our Mission
We envision a future where individuals of all abilities are supported with dignity and compassion, empowered to develop independence, and reach their full potential while being authentically themselves.
Our Vision
Honesty & Integrity
Ethical, transparent, and truthful practices
Compassion
Connection over control; supportive and caring relationships
Commitment to Excellence
Reflective, innovative clinical work rooted in empirically driven services
Unity & Flexibility
Open communication, collaborative teamwork, and adaptive problem-solving.
Balance
Work–life balance, self-care, humor, and joy