Photographer / Dylan Senkus
For the Co-Founder and CEO of Adapt For Life (AFL) Autism Services, Nick Rossano, every morning starts with a fire in his heart and a deep sense of purpose. His journey began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as an M1A1 tank commander. That experience shaped him in profound ways — instilling discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to mission and team. It taught Rossano that leadership is not about titles, but about service, integrity and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal.
As an M1A1 tank commander, Rossano was no stranger to responsibility. The role demanded precision, discipline and the ability to lead under pressure.
“The military shaped me in profound ways,” he says. “It instilled in me resilience, a commitment to the mission, and the understanding that leadership is about putting your people first.”
After his time serving, Rossano knew he wanted to continue making a difference, but in a way that directly impacted the lives of families and individuals in his community. AFL Autism Services was born from that drive. From the start, Rossano built the organization on a simple but powerful belief: every individual deserves to be seen, heard and supported. The mission wasn’t just to provide services — it was to build relationships, foster growth and create opportunities for meaningful change.
“I saw a need for compassionate, high-quality autism support services, and I knew that with the right team and vision, we could build something truly transformative,” he adds.
AFL provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism at three northside Indianapolis locations. Locally, AFL has locations in Fishers, Indy West, Indy South, Plainfield, and soon to open Noblesville, Indy Northeast and Greenwood.
Under Rossano’s leadership, AFL has become more than a business, it’s a people-driven movement. Every program is intentionally designed, every hire is carefully chosen, and every decision is made with the families they serve at the heart of it.
“We celebrate every victory, big or small, because we know the trust families put in us is sacred,” Rossano says.
This purpose has fueled AFL’s growth. New locations, expanding teams and more families served are not just numbers on a spreadsheet, they’re proof of impact.
“Growth isn’t just a metric,” Rossano adds. “It’s a reflection of lives being changed and futures being shaped.”
Rossano credits his Marine Corps training for his relentless drive. Challenges are met head-on, fueled by passion, grit and respect for each client’s journey.
Today, AFL Autism Services is a thriving organization powered by a team of professionals who share Rossano’s vision and bring their whole hearts to the mission. Together, they’ve cultivated a culture of excellence, empathy and innovation — one that continues to inspire hope in the communities they serve.
Looking ahead, his commitment is as strong as ever.
“The best is yet to come,” Rossano says. “We will keep growing, innovating and serving with heart. At the end of the day, it’s about the lives we touch, the hope we bring and the legacy we build together.”
For more information about AFL Autism Services, visit them online at aflaba.com.
