Abacus Therapies was founded in 2017 by Brad and Susan Fenton, parents of a child with autism.
Learning that your child is different comes with a certain dose of anxiety, as well as fear of alienation or misunderstanding. Yet, it is perfectly possible for the child on the spectrum to live a full and rich life with warm and significant relationships.
In order to help their son lead a happier life, the Fenton family decided to try applied behavior therapy (ABA therapy), as its main principles and focus on individuality matched their own vision.
“Our own experience taught us that the heart of any autism therapy should be the child. Not the process. Not the diagnosis. Start with your child’s interests and build from there. Understand their specific needs. Create a window into how they see the world and build new skills and behaviors that are authentic to them.”
Today, Abacus Therapies is a trusted partner to dozens of families across South Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
What began as one family’s journey to help their child has grown into a community of dedicated professionals united by a simple belief: every child deserves to be understood, celebrated, and supported in becoming their most authentic self.
Our approach centers on creating personalized therapy experiences that honor each child’s unique personality, interests, and needs. We believe meaningful progress happens when therapy feels natural and engaging, not clinical or forced.
This is why our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) take the time to truly know your child before developing their individualized plan.
We offer flexible therapy options to meet your family’s needs:
- In-home therapy where your child feels most comfortable
- School-based support to enhance learning experiences
- Center-based programs that provide structured environments and opportunities for social interaction with peers
Most importantly, we see parents as essential partners in the therapy process. Our team provides ongoing training and support so you can reinforce skills and celebrate progress in everyday moments throughout your child’s day.
We’ve been there. Let us help.
Our Manifest
Mission
To offer best-in-class professionals using a child-led approach to autism therapy.
Vision
To support families like ours through diagnosis and beyond with personalized, professional care.
Approach
We understand that every diagnosis is different, so our team is trained in a combination of therapies to explore your child’s full and unique potential.
Meet the Abacus Team
Sep Niakan
Quadrilingual reformed tech nerd who loves funny movies, Asian food and all types of animals. Dedicated father and husband doing good in the world.
Brad Fenton
Susan Cywiak
Proud Native of Venezuela, Doctor of Pharmacy, loving wife and mother. Enjoys a nice vino tinto, connecting with other moms and promoting Autism awareness and acceptance.
Stephanie Bienstock
Native Floridian supermom of two, wife of one. Enjoys real estate, a good cup of coffee and is dedicated to pairing families with quality therapists.
Sumner Flynn
Sumner has been certified as a BCBA since 2011. Her expertise includes verbal behavior, social skills development, and reduction of severe problem behaviors.
Natalie Schad
Upbeat Floridian transplant via California. Joyfully helping children reach their full potential since 2014 using an individualized and natural approach. Specializes in early intervention, verbal behavior and feeding therapy.
Sahar Dahsheh
Multi-lingual world citizen who believes that homogeneity is boring and whose calling in life is to constantly grow and help others do the same.
Madeline Smith
Traveler, Chili’s 2 for $20 fanatic, and lover of all things cheesecake. Alabama native who is passionate about creating trusting therapeutic relations and empowering others to reach their full potential.
Marixiel Desangles
A certified scuba diving, multilingual hypnotist. Her meditation practice shows in her calm demeanor and warm smile. In addition to helping children and families, she volunteers at a homeless shelter and is learning to play a mean guitar.
Avram Milanovic
State Department alumni and cat lover. Passionate about growing teams and making things work. MS Excel wizard who can’t read his own handwriting. Sushi connoisseur. Makes questionable car choices.
Isidora Mihaljcic
Serbian born–American raised–all-star mom, wife and basketball player/fanatic. Loves Chinese food, family time and Psychology. Former RBT.
Marija Djurovic
Trilingual (Serbian, English, Arabic) foodie and a mom of six cats and two dogs. Addicted to chamomile tea and Google Sheets. Natural problem-solver. Will organise your spreadsheet for a bowl of Lentil Daal.
Maria Solis
Peruvian gal, eco-friendly, traveller, explorer, chocolate cake lover. Passionate about cooking for family and loved ones. Always helping others and transmitting good vibes.
