Meet Katie.
Katie Ruiz is a cheerful five-year-old who enjoys playing chase and blowing bubbles. In many ways, she is just like any other child. When Katie first came to ATC at three-years-old, however, she had stopped speaking and making eye contact. This was a difficult time for Katie and her family. As her mother, Terrie, shares, “When Katie was first diagnosed with autism we saw part of our little girl slipping away. Katie went into her own world.”
The ability to communicate is how we engage with family, friends, and the world around us. Katie is non-verbal, but through regular sessions with her speech therapist, Erica, she has learned to express her needs and make requests by pointing to objects and pictures. Since beginning speech therapy, Katie’s receptive language skills and attention span have improved, too. “Katie follows directions very well” says Erica, “and works very hard in therapy.”
In addition to speech, Katie receives Occupational therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis. With the combination of therapies, Katie has also learned how to perform many everyday tasks like feeding, dressing and self-care activities. Katie has made great strides in just a few years. She is now better able to interact and participate with her family and those around her. “ATC has helped us find our little girl again,” Terrie says. “With the help of our wonderful therapists at ATC, Katie now makes great eye contact and points to preferred items. She seeks us out and wants our attention. She now notices the world around her.”
Autism doesn’t just affect the individual who is diagnosed, it impacts everyone around them. We know Katie’s progress is a reflection of the work and care of her whole family. “ATC has given us the tools and training to go out as a family with confidence,” Terrie says. “We have learned how to recognize triggers and what to do to help Katie before situations escalate to meltdown status. ATC has made a huge difference in our lives. We are so thankful to be a part of the ATC family!"
The ability to communicate is how we engage with family, friends, and the world around us. Katie is non-verbal, but through regular sessions with her speech therapist, Erica, she has learned to express her needs and make requests by pointing to objects and pictures. Since beginning speech therapy, Katie’s receptive language skills and attention span have improved, too. “Katie follows directions very well” says Erica, “and works very hard in therapy.”
In addition to speech, Katie receives Occupational therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis. With the combination of therapies, Katie has also learned how to perform many everyday tasks like feeding, dressing and self-care activities. Katie has made great strides in just a few years. She is now better able to interact and participate with her family and those around her. “ATC has helped us find our little girl again,” Terrie says. “With the help of our wonderful therapists at ATC, Katie now makes great eye contact and points to preferred items. She seeks us out and wants our attention. She now notices the world around her.”
Autism doesn’t just affect the individual who is diagnosed, it impacts everyone around them. We know Katie’s progress is a reflection of the work and care of her whole family. “ATC has given us the tools and training to go out as a family with confidence,” Terrie says. “We have learned how to recognize triggers and what to do to help Katie before situations escalate to meltdown status. ATC has made a huge difference in our lives. We are so thankful to be a part of the ATC family!"