News
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AUGUST 2022
All the ATC campers had new experiences they will never forget. Carly* got into a kayak for the first time and paddled around the lake with another female camper. While Darrell* didn’t participate in many activities, he enjoyed watching the action and being part of a group. He did get out of his comfort zone, though, and was the only ATC camper to go ziplining.
For children with autism, activities in the community help build confidence and independence. Thanks to the generosity of a few individuals, four of our residents were able to enjoy summer camp the way it was intended - not as teenagers with autism, but as just teenagers. * We changed the names of children who are wards of the state to protect their privacy
Nono was recognized nationally for his expertise in affordable housing and his passion for helping people who were economically disadvantaged become self-sufficient, productive members of the community.
In total, the Texas Housing Finance Corporation donated $100,000 to four nonprofits that provide housing to underserved and at-risk populations. The benefiting nonprofits were recommended by Nono’s wife, Mary Helen Flores, and sons, Michael and Tommy Flores. When asked what the donation meant to his family, Michael said, “We were touched that this organization my father helped create would want to carry on his legacy with this incredible gift to the community he served.” We're grateful to the Flores family and TX Housing Finance Corporation Board President Michael Hernandez, Board Vice President Frances Ferguson, and Director Stephan Fairfield for helping make these funds possible. JULY 2022
Connecting Healthcare & Art
In June, ATC San Antonio was pleased to receive a piece of art to display at the downtown ABA clinic. The art was created and donated by Christina Deltoro, a Rehab Science student at the University of the Incarnate Word. As part of a class in Cultural Issues in Healthcare, Christina and the other students spoke with parents of children with autism to identify barriers to healthcare and created art that communicated what they learned. For Christina, this meant expressing the connection between the community, healthcare workers, parents, and insurance companies and their collective impact on individuals with autism, both positive and negative. “As healthcare professionals,” she says, “we really need to listen to families so we know how to work together to make the system work better for them.” Pictured above: Artist Christina Deltoro (left) and ATC staff Sierra Stegemann
JUNE 2022
MAY 2022
Michael’s dedicated therapists worked with his mother to develop a plan specifically suited to meet his needs. The plan includes additional safety equipment, special training for the staff and parents, and teaching resources to use at home.
Today, Michael is moving around the clinic without harmful behaviors, has learned to express his needs using a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) book, and now uses 10 words vocally! We are so proud of Michael and thankful for the additional resources that allow us to provide the best care possible. These are just a few of the MANY examples of how our donor’s gifts are helping to change lives at ATC.
ATC student Bryan works on his vocational skills helping maintenance team member, Jacob, with projects at our group homes.
In 2016, when Bryan first enrolled in ATC’s school, he had not attended his public school in California for several semesters because they couldn’t meet his behavioral needs. His grandmother, a retired college professor, was tutoring him during the day, but his father, who worked from home so he could care for Bryan, always stayed close by in case his son became aggressive.
During his time at ATC, Bryan has made remarkable progress, not just on his behaviors, but on his academic and vocational goals, too. Bryan is a bright, inquisitive student who excels in math and science. Now 19, he is focusing more on job skills he can use once he graduates. He practices office tasks like filing, addressing envelopes, and delivering packages around the ATC campus. He also keeps track of and stocks hygiene and cleaning supplies for the school. Recently, Bryan helped the maintenance staff put together outdoor furniture and change air conditioning filters at all the group homes, activities he especially enjoys. APRIL 2022
campaign at an event at ATC where two lucky winners were drawn to win the custom kicks. Altogether the raffle and art sales from that night raised $6,500 for local autism services!
Dimas had no idea that his generosity and desire to help other families would turn out so quickly to be a blessing for his own. While visiting with ATC staff during the KRW Kicks event, Dimas and Chelsea learned that Zayn, who had not been able to receive ABA therapy for a while, was eligible for services through ATC’s state-funded therapy program. Rather than the $700 they previously paid for a month of therapy, the family would be able to continue his treatment for as little as $25 a month. Good things happen when our community comes together to support a worthwhile cause. We are so grateful to KRW Lawyers and Dimas for their desire to help people with autism in our community. And, we look forward to helping the Martinez family as they continue their autism journey with Zayn! MARCH 2022
Thank you to everyone who participated in the KRW Kicks for Autism awareness campaign and art contest! View the winning entries
We know it takes a whole team to be on board for the best results. Aiden's mother, Tasha, contributes to his success by attending and learning about ABA and his treatment plan twice a month at hands-on parent training meetings. These parent training experiences help Tasha and Aiden work together on skills needed in different types of environments. Raina Busoul, Program Director at the Fort Worth Clinic, said, "Aiden is a very hard worker. Observing his growth this last year has been very rewarding to his whole team!"
We're proud of Aidan and everyone who is helping him succeed!
Taking Action in the Community!
On a walk through Comanche Lookout Park in San Antonio last fall, our students and staff noticed that benches along the trails were in need of a new coat of paint. We contacted the Parks and Recreation Department to see if our students could take on painting the benches as a service project. On March 4th, ATC students Bryan and Garrett started work on the project. They got several compliments from other park guests on the great job they did and you can tell by the smiles on their faces they had a great time. Way to go Bryan and Garrett! FEBRUARY 2022
Carole was surprised, though, when Asa initiated a conversation with her about something that interested him at SeaWorld. While riding the train at the zoo, Asa even responded out loud when Carole asked him in sign if he was having a good time. “Fun!” he said.
One of the most significant changes Carole saw was how patient Asa was when they had to wait in line at a restaurant or theme park. On past outings, he would dart to food areas and demand something to eat at every stop. This time he asked first and waited politely, understanding that his patience would pay off. Carole noticed a difference in his physical movements, too. Asa no longer shuffled his feet but picked them up and walked properly. He even showed improvements in self-care, dressing himself each day and reminding Carole when it was time for his medication. We're so proud of Asa and excited to see what 2022 has in store for him and his family! 
We have a new hallway mural at our Dallas program!
Our art therapist worked with ATC students to create this beautiful artwork. We're so proud of their hard work and wonderful talents. |
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