What is Birchtree?
Birchtree is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 that promotes inclusion, independence, and holistic growth for individuals with autism and other diverse abilities. We are experts in using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to change behavior – and transform lives.
How Birchtree Serves the Seacoast and Beyond
Our nonprofit organization is based in Portsmouth, NH – but our impact reaches throughout the New Hampshire Seacoast and beyond. We offer services to individuals, schools, and organizations across New England.
Behavior Experts on the Road in Northern New England
Behavior experts in Birchtree’s Outreach Program travel 100,000+ miles per year, serving individuals with autism, ADHD, behavior challenges, and other diverse abilities. We help individuals ages three and up to succeed in their local public schools, at home, and in their communities.
New Hampshire’s Only Year-Round School Serving Students With Autism Exclusively
Birchtree’s Day School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the only year-round school in our state that serves students with autism exclusively. Our school welcomes students with autism ranging from preK to grade 12. Students receive individualized instruction and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at our center year-round.
Building Knowledge & Skills in Our Community
Birchtree teams up with local organizations to offer online and in-person training and workshops open to the public. If you’d like to have a Birchtree expert offer training for your school or organization, please contact our Outreach Team.
Our Nonprofit’s Mission
Birchtree supports individuals with autism and other diverse abilities by providing personalized education and outreach programs that promote inclusion, independence, and holistic growth.
Our Vision: We are committed to creating a compassionate and empowering environment where every individual is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Our History
In 2001, the mother of a son with autism founded the Birchtree Center for Children in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her goal was to help other local families obtain the specialized education and therapy she once struggled to provide her son.
Birchtree first opened its doors in December 2002 as the first and only year-round school in New Hampshire serving students with autism exclusively.
Since then, the number of students with autism in our state has increased dramatically. Today, there are over six times as many students with autism in New Hampshire as there were in 2002.
To meet this growing need, Birchtree increased its capacity, strengthened its expertise, and expanded its programs.
In 2007, Birchtree changed its name to “The Birchtree Center” to reflect the expansion of its programs to serve children, youth, and families. That same year, Birchtree launched an Outreach Program serving students, families, schools, and community agencies throughout northern New England.
In 2026, the organization changed its name to “Birchtree” to reflect the continued growth of its Outreach Program to serve hundreds of individuals outside of Birchtree’s day school.
What's in a Name?
Birchtree is named after New Hampshire’s state tree, the white birch. The shallow-rooted birch tree often grows in clusters to survive. Likewise, people with autism and other diverse abilities are more likely to thrive when they’re surrounded by supportive family, teachers, and community members.
How You Can Help
We’d love to have you join Birchtree’s community of supporters! You can join our team, volunteer, or donate to our nonprofit. Thank you for being part of our work to promote inclusion, independence, and holistic growth for individuals with autism and other diverse abilities.