“My child sees the world in a different way, and I get to experience that through him,” said Anna Vasquez. Her son Henry “Hank” Vasquez is currently enrolled in Autism ETC’s Day Therapy Program. Along with father, Henry and younger brother John, the Vasquez family is Autism ETC’s July Family of the month.

This month, we are proud to spotlight Austin Tillman and the Tillman family, the most recent graduates of Autism ETC! David and Lauren Tillman have two children: eight-year-old Nina and her younger brother Austin, age six. The story begins with David serving in the Army in San Antonio, Texas.

"Before coming to Autism ETC, our lives were a perfect storm of meltdowns and frustration,” said Chelsea York. She and her husband James have faced and overcome many obstacles with their son, Meyers. Their story is featured as Autism ETC’s March family of the month.

A vehicle had stopped and was honking the horn at him. I was screaming his name, and he appeared to be completely unaware. I knew then something had to be done for my child.

Every parent dreams of their child meeting all pediatric development milestones. However, sometimes not only does a child not meet these goals, they even regress and lose skills that they once had. For these parents, life is difficult and frightening.

Elijah was non-verbal; he would not make eye contact; he would stare at ceiling fans; and to express his warrants and needs, he would lead his caregiver to the item rather than simply telling them what he desired. Both Adam and Danielle made the decision to speak with their pediatrician about their concerns. The pediatrician referred them to Vanderbilt for testing.

Imagine driving 90 miles one way, 5 days a week, so your child can receive the therapy he desperately needs. This is what the McRee family has done for almost three years to receive services at the AutismETC Nashville location.

Xochil began to notice “warning” signs in Weston when he was 6 months old. She figured he was just a little delayed. As timeprogressed, he was not babbling or making any child-like sounds. Xochil approached their pediatrician and insisted something was not right.

Meet the Tillmans:  David (dad), Lauren (mom), Nina (daughter), and Austin (son).  Austin was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at 19 months of age. Lauren said, “At 19 months,…