Connex Family Services, which has branches in Gloucester and Fairfax, has opened a new office in Mathews. Located at 20 Church Street in Mathews Court House, the branch offers ABA therapy for children with special needs. It is co-owned by sisters Bianca and Kathia Riddle. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, by appointment only.

Chris McCormick, clinical director of operations for the branch, said that services are being offered for children and adolescents up to age 14. A diagnosis is not required for treatment, she said, and Connex offers self-pay grades and a sliding scale.

“We’ll work with families to make services affordable,” she said. 

The mother of a special needs child herself, McCormick said that she was almost relieved when her son received a diagnosis because she figured she would be able to get services for him.

“But you have to fight to get services,” she said. “And being in a rural location and an hour fro...