Our Daughter, Bryn — Her Story, In Her Own Words

In some of my earliest memories, I recall the strangely unique behavior of my brother, Raun, and I remember hearing the diagnosis: autism. As I watched my parents search for a way to help him, I saw firsthand how challenging it was to find a respectful and effective treatment program.

For my parents, that program was never found. As a result, they pioneered a new way of working with children.

As a child, I participated in the very first Son-Rise Program® and marveled at my brother’s full recovery — an experience which has had a profound impact on my life. I knew then that I would dedicate my life to helping children with special needs.

After spending years working in various teaching environments — schools, group homes, assisted-living environments, and case management centers — it became clear to me that there was not a single modality I could find that rivaled the effectiveness and loving care of The Son-Rise Program®. Consequently, in 1990, I returned to the Autism Treatment Center of America® and The Option Institute®, and spent many years of my life working there.

Later, my own daughter was diagnosed with autism, and we created a Son-Rise Program for her, which we did for five years. Today, you would not know she was the same child. She attended a mainstream school, had many friends, performed in the school talent show, and participated on different sports teams. She is funny, tender, and warm, and she spent her weekends volunteering at a local stable for rescued horses. She is fully involved with us in every way and has become a loving and generous young woman. If I had never told anyone about her past, no one would have any idea that she was ever autistic.

The Son-Rise Program® gave me back my brother. Now, The Son-Rise Program® has given me back my daughter.

Mine is just one of countless stories of families who have seen their children blossom using this program. I am one of many grateful mothers who have used this loving method to transform their child’s life.