Ladywood High School has students — perhaps of a younger variety than its used to — in its halls once again.

Hope Network recently opened an applied behavioral analysis, commonly called ABA, clinic in part of the building owned by Madonna University. The clinic, at 14680 Newburgh Road serves people 21 and younger with autism spectrum disorder.

"It’s the science of behavior," Maggie Moore, clinical director for the center, explained. "It’s looking at how can we change behavior and how can we improve life. In the context of people who have differences, we’re trying to help them reach their full potential."

Moore said Ladywood is an ideal setting for school-age clients who may be learning to open a locker, participate in a class or ask for something they need. Moore said ABA therapy can happen between the ages of 18 months to 21 years, but it generally more popular with young children.

ABA can also help people outside the autism spectrum, but Hope Network’s insurance-supported treatment works with autism.

Ladywood’s space can accommodate up to 100 Hope Network clients in future years, and can provide internship opportunities for Madonna students as the client base grows. Hope Network has locations all over Michigan and already has a work program for Michigan State University students.