When you donate to the Autism Treatment Center, you support programs that impact the lives of more than 600
individuals with autism each year - children like Mia and young adults like Demetri.

Read their stories below to learn how ATC - and your donations - make a difference for families and communities throughout Texas.

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Demetri
In July 2018, 14-year-old Demetri arrived at the Autism Treatment Center. His family made the difficult choice of placing him in a group home after his behavior became too challenging to handle at home. When Demetri moved into the safe and structured environment at ATC, his difficult behavior began to ebb. Working with behavioral and education staff, Demetri’s anxiety about social situations decreased. With less anxiety, Demetri was able to focus more on his education. After earning his high school diploma in 2021, Demetri enrolled in Richardson ISD’s transition program – with a goal of more independence and meaningful employment.
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​Now 18 years old, Demetri works part-time at a local Whataburger restaurant. He cooks burgers and French fries and happily delivers meals to customers. In addition, Demetri takes a vocational skills class twice a week at Richland College. According to his restaurant manager Raul Garcia, “Demetri is always happy, constantly wants to learn, and brings ideas to the team that others may not have thought of.”

Mia
When Mia was adopted from China by her parents, Shannon and Michael, they knew she had health problems but were confident those could be treated when they got her to the states. Once home, they noticed other issues they hoped could be overcome with time and love. When frustrated, Mia would bang her head or hit her face with her fists. She didn’t speak and would swing her head back and forth. Over time, the behaviors became worse and a diagnosis confirmed she had severe autism.
A few weeks after Mia’s family moved to San Antonio in 2019, Michael and Shannon were told her new school couldn’t provide the extensive medical and educational supports she needed. The school offered three alternative placements and, after reviewing each option, Mia enrolled in the Autism Treatment Center’s year-round nonpublic school. It didn’t take long for her parents to know they made the right decision. Mia has learned to communicate using an electronic device and can express herself with​ the touch of a button. The most important thing Shannon and Michael have learned is that Mia can learn. “We can truly see her now,” Shannon says, “and not just her behaviors.”