​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.”

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Wyatt is an All-American guy you’d love to have for a best friend. He is very outgoing with good looks, a wonderful personality, and enough charisma and charm for anyone. ​Wyatt is also a 25 year old adult with autism. 

Wyatt came to the Autism Treatment Center when he was 5 years old. He and his 2 siblings were removed from their parent’s home and were placed in foster homes. Ultimately, Wyatt’s siblings were adopted by another family; because of Wyatt’s challenges brought on by autism, he was left behind in the foster home.

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Lisa Little first arrived at ATC’s Adult Service program in 1990 when she was 20 years old.  Lisa has autism and the symptoms were affecting her family’s everyday life. Leaving the house to run errands, go to a doctor’s appointment, or have a family outing became difficult because of Lisa’s challenging behaviors. She had trouble interacting socially and communicating with other people.  ATC’s Residential Coordinator, Cynthia Fox, recalls that the only words Lisa used when she first arrived at ATC were “don’t know” or “sure”.

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