“I can’t thank them enough for the help they have given to my son.” Those were the words Payton Brown kept repeating as she shared how Autism ETC has changed her family’s life.

Her son, Adrian, is a bright and energetic 6-year-old who, in January 2002,  started attending the Autism ETC Harnett Road, Clarksville TN location. Since then, he has been a full-time participant in the Day Therapy Program, making incredible progress along the way.

Payton first started to worry when her mother pointed out that Adrian wasn’t meeting certain developmental milestones around age two. “I hadn’t been around many other kids, so I didn’t realize what was typical,” Payton admitted. “He would stim with his hands, avoid playing with other children, and he even stopped talking after he had started. He walked on his toes and spun around a lot. Since ADHD runs in our family, I wondered if that was the cause.”

Wanting answers, Payton reached out to Autism ETC for a diagnostic evaluation. In March 2021, Adrian was officially diagnosed on the autism spectrum. After some time on the waitlist, a spot became available the following January, and their journey with Autism ETC began.

“When we walked into Autism ETC, the staff was so welcoming,” Payton shared. “They created a program specifically for Adrian, recognizing that every child is different. And the difference I see in him today is amazing.”

One of the biggest factors in Adrian’s progress has been the coordination between his therapies. In addition to ABA therapy at Autism ETC, he also receives feeding therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy from other providers. “Everyone is on the same page, which is so important,” Payton said. “I meet with the staff monthly, and they even let us watch Adrian on camera so we can see his progress firsthand and learn how to duplicate their therapies at home. We celebrate every milestone and set new goals together.”

Since starting at Autism ETC, Adrian has made big strides in his motor and social skills. “He’s learning his colors and shapes, eating a variety of foods, and engaging with other children in ways he never did before,” Payton said. “He’s still working on his language, but with the help of a communication tablet, he can now express his wants and needs through pictures.”

For parents just beginning their autism journey, Payton offers this advice: “There is always hope. Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but things get brighter. Stay consistent with routines and get your child into services early—it can make such a difference. And most importantly, don’t give up. Stormy weather doesn’t last forever.”

Looking ahead, Payton is hopeful for Adrian’s future. “He used to struggle with sitting still, even for a meal at a restaurant. Now, he can sit for much longer periods, which will help him in school. I see him attending public school one day, and I know he’ll be ready when the time comes.”

At Autism ETC, we’re honored to be part of Adrian’s journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him!