“When we came to Autism ETC, we felt at home.”

This month, we’re featuring Lochlan Spelta in our May 2025 Spotlight Story. Lochlan has been attending our Music Valley – Nashville location since July 2023.

“I began to notice that Lochlan wasn’t meeting his speech development milestones,” said his mom, Skyler, who is currently studying to become a Speech and Language Pathologist. Her training helped her recognize early signs of autism. “He didn’t want to play with his older brother. The only type of play he showed interest in was lining up toy cars and running them across different surfaces. He preferred to be alone. When he threw things, it wasn’t out of aggression—it was because he didn’t know how to play. He avoided cuddling and didn’t seek out interaction with others.” Syler scheduled an appointment at Vanderbilt, and Lochlan was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 years old.

Skyler began researching ABA therapy, which ultimately led her to discover Autism ETC. “We contacted the center and within a few weeks of Lochlan being diagnosed, there was an opening for him. I had a hard time dealing with Lochlan’s diagnosis, but it felt wonderful finding someone who could help.”

When Lochlan arrived at Autism ETC, he would make sounds but wouldn’t use words. Since then, Lochlan has made incredible progress. He’s now using words; he can express his wants and needs and is even initiating communication on his own. He enjoys playing with his family, too. “I wasn’t sure what the future held for Lochlan,” Skyler shared. “Receiving his diagnosis was overwhelming at first. I wasn’t sure if therapy would help, and I was terrified he might not develop the skills he’d need for a classroom. But with the support he’s getting from Autism ETC, I now believe he can accomplish anything he wants to do.” Skyler says because Lochlan is gaining the skills he needs, she can see him going to college, and becoming a productive member of society.

When talking about the parent training offered at Autism ETC, Skyler said, “It has really helped us to make sure we are carrying over everything he is working on at the center into our home. It has helped us see how to help him. Lochlan may not be a ‘typical’ learner, but watching how the staff at Autism ETC has supported him inspired us to build learning routines at home that work for him. Lochlan is a beautiful child, uniquely growing and thriving on the spectrum. Skyler’s advice to other parents: “You are not alone. The center is here to support you. They care for the children they work with as if they were their own. This isn’t just a place to drop off your child—it’s a place filled with people who genuinely care and are dedicated to helping them grow.”