Frank McCabe, Lyn Snow, and David Daly, all originally from Lowell, have been friends for 30 years.

They went in different directions but now have teamed on a project important to them all, the PrideStar Center for Applied Learning.

The new center in Lowell offers after-school, weekend, and vacation programs for children and young adults on the autism spectrum, as well as others with neurological, behavioral, and cognitive disorders.

McCabe, 41, of North Andover, who worked in industrial consulting and is the center’s executive vice president, has a 12-year-old son, Frankie, who has autism.

Snow, 40, of Lowell, the center’s executive director, has had a 20-year career as a special education teacher, school administrator, and behavioral therapist.

Daly is chief executive officer of PrideStar EMS, a Lowell-based medical transportation and emergency services company.

The new center is located in Suite 3 of the PrideStar building at 229 Steadman St., Lowell.

We talked with McCabe and Snow.

Q. Evolution?

McCabe: When Frankie was diagnosed 11 years ago, we had never heard the word autism. We went to Lyn to figure out what to do. For the past decade, she has been our tour guide.

We began talking about what can we develop beyond school programming and she knew how to build it.

We brought in Dave Daly, who has an understanding of the health care landscape, and the three of us kept the ball rolling.

Q. Programs?

Snow: Generalized learning opportunities, as well as recreational and leisure programming. The aim is to go beyond the school environment to offer new experiences to build social and life skills, and increase independence. Also helping with what needs to be done as a child progresses and transitions into high school and then adult services.

And we want to create a community for parents and families in which they feel supported and can come in and ask questions, as well as parent workshops.

Q. Ages of clients?

Snow: 5 to 18, and considering a certain number of students up to age 22.

Q. Numbers?

Snow: At any one time 25 students, some in groups and some one on one. We do intake and assessments.

Q. Cost?

McCabe: Services can be funded by school districts as part of an individualized education plan, through health insurance, or paid privately.

Q. Future?

McCabe: We hope to open more centers in the next two years, not only in the Merrimack Valley, but beyond. According to the population and demographics, the need is great.

Wendy Killeen can be reached at wdkilleen@gmail.com.