Today we’d like to introduce you to Santanu Patra.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our story began with children in our own family and circle of friends—children who were clearly on the autism spectrum. Twenty-five years ago in India, there was little awareness about Autism. Divergent behaviors, delayed learning, cognitive challenges, and speech or communication difficulties were often dismissed as “phases” that children would eventually outgrow. Sadly, we witnessed how that lack of early support shaped lives. Some of those children grew into adults who ended up in psychiatric facilities, while others lived dependent lives, placing a heavy emotional and financial burden on their families.
Fast forward to 2022, when my wife Smita and I opened a Montessori school in Prosper, Texas. Through our work in early childhood education, we began noticing a growing number of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This was both encouraging and concerning—encouraging because awareness and diagnosis were improving, but concerning because families had limited access to high-quality care and inclusive facilities. Too often, neurodivergent children were being turned away from daycares and public schools, leaving parents struggling to balance their careers, family responsibilities, and their child’s unique needs.
It was from this gap that Little Spero Autism Creative Therapy was born. Along with our partner, Lalit Sharma—who had seen similar challenges during his long experience in the daycare industry—we envisioned a space where children on the spectrum could receive compassionate, personalized support.
Today, Little Spero has grown into a family-owned therapy center with three thriving locations in Princeton, Prosper, and Celina, Texas. What sets us apart is not just the services we offer but the environment we nurture. From the moment you step into one of our centers, you can feel the difference—warmth, inclusivity, and genuine care.
Our true measure of success is not in numbers but in the joy we witness daily: the progress of our little learners, the confidence they build, and the smiles of relief and hope on the faces of their families.
At Little Spero, we believe every child deserves not just therapy but an opportunity to thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of entrepreneurship is rarely smooth, and ours was no exception. Funding was the first obstacle we faced. With no prior business background, we leaned on the unwavering support of family and friends, borrowing hand loans to bring our vision to life. The next challenge was even greater—building a team. While our early hires brought expertise in ABA therapy, the absence of a business mindset made it difficult to define success and maintain stability. Those early struggles cost us both time and resources, but they also became invaluable lessons.
Today, those challenges have shaped us into who we are. We have built not just an organization, but a culture—one that thrives on compassion, resilience, and purpose. Our core team now embodies the perfect balance: professionals who deeply care for children on the spectrum while also driving sustainable growth through strong operations. Looking back, we realize that setbacks were simply stepping stones. In the end, it is always the strength of your team, guided by shared vision and heart, that transforms challenges into milestones and dreams into reality.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy center dedicated to supporting children on the autism spectrum. Our services begin as early as age two, since research shows that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significantly faster progress. To make this process seamless, we offer an integrated diagnostic center, working in collaboration with a trusted network of specialists who can accurately identify ASD and guide families through the next steps.
Beyond childhood, we are also committed to lifelong growth. That’s why we launched our Workforce Readiness Program for adults on the spectrum, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in real-world jobs and community life.
At the heart of our work is our exceptional team—passionate RBTs, dedicated BCBAs like Stephanie and Asha, our compassionate Clinical Director Angela, and our visionary Chief Clinical Officer Paul. Together, they bring not only expertise but also empathy, creating a nurturing environment where families feel truly supported.
What sets us apart is our belief that success is not measured in revenue or profit, but in the meaningful differences we make in the lives of the children and families we serve.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always been a dreamer, wishing to create a community where everyone could live joyfully—a kind of utopian village where people work hard, support one another, and find true happiness. (Sometimes I joke that the movie Trolls borrowed a piece of my dream! 🙂) My love for art, music, theatre, and travel shaped much of who I am, and in 2006, that passion and a little bit of luck brought me to the United States. Years later, in 2022, we expanded that dream into reality by venturing into early childhood education and establishing an ABA therapy center.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littlespero.com/
- Instagram: @littlespero
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlesperoact
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/little-spero-autism-creative-therapy/
