Meet Xander.

In November 2023, Xander took a brave step into a new chapter of his life when he was enrolled at the Autism Treatment Center (ATC). This transition marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the spirited young boy, who faced a series of challenges that shaped his early years.

Before joining ATC, Xander struggled with various developmental hurdles. Potty training was a daunting task, and he had difficulty walking independently—often choosing to run instead. His communication was limited to just a few words, and his conversations frequently veered towards dark themes, fixating on death and violence. These challenges weighed heavily on both Xander and his family.

At ATC, Xander found a nurturing environment tailored to his needs. Enrolled in a comprehensive program that included residential care, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, school, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, he was given the tools to thrive. The staff at ATC worked diligently to address his unique challenges, fostering a sense of safety and encouragement that Xander had not experienced before.

The progress Xander made in his first year at ATC is nothing short of remarkable. With newfound confidence, he began walking independently, moving at a comfortable pace rather than running. He quickly became potty trained and, most notably, Xander's speech blossomed. He transitioned from uttering just two or three words to expressing himself in full sentences. His conversations shifted away from dark themes, and he began to speak positively about life—a change that filled his ATC family with joy and hope.

As Xander continues to make strides in his development, he and his care team remain focused on specific goals. One primary aim is to reduce self-injurious behaviors, which have been a source of distress. Additionally, minimizing the duration of these behaviors will contribute to a more positive experience for Xander. 

Xander’s journey at the Autism Treatment Center is a testament to the power of specialized support and compassion. With each passing day, he is carving out a brighter future, one where he is not just surviving but thriving—filled with laughter, creativity, and hope.

Meet Chris.

Chris' story is one of resilience, growth, and finding a sense of belonging. Chris had a challenging start in life. Diagnosed with autism at age 4, he faced a difficult childhood marked by a family breakdown and neglect. His early years were filled with instability, having been in CPS custody for some time before enrolling in ATC’s residential and educational programs in 2008. At ATC, he not only found a place to grow but also a community that would become his new family.

When Chris first enrolled, his challenges were clear—he was verbal, but his social and behavioral issues made it difficult for him to connect with others. He struggled in ways that required both specialized support and understanding. ATC became a place where Chris could safely explore, learn, and grow, receiving speech and occupational therapy that would help him navigate the world more comfortably.

Now, 16 years later, Chris continues to thrive at ATC, where he is valued for his contributions and has built a life full of joy and purpose. He is an active participant in many ATC programs and loves to contribute in a variety of ways. Whether it’s decorating classrooms for holidays, helping Ms. Louise with art projects, or assisting Ms. Kim at the school’s reception desk, Chris is always on the go.

​In his personal time, Chris has a deep interest in current events and enjoys football. His engagement with the world outside of ATC has grown significantly over the years. He was even able to participate in the democratic process and voted early in the Presidential election this year — an achievement that showed just how far he had come in developing social and political awareness.

Having recently turned 25, Chris’ journey has been one of significant progress. From the child who faced neglect and behavioral challenges to the young man who actively participates in his community, Chris is living proof of the transformative power of a supportive environment. He approaches life with enthusiasm and energy, and though his interests might be varied, he remains driven by a strong desire to experience new things. Dr. Carolyn Garver, who has worked closely with Chris throughout his time at ATC, describes him as her "buddy," a testament to the strong bond they share.​

For Chris, ATC has truly become home, and the people here have become his family.

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