This month, Autism ETC features 5-year-old Ava Bailey. Ava has been attending the Day Therapy Program full-time at the Nashville/Music City clinic since May 2022.

Ava’s mother, Charity tells her story: “I started noticing a difference in how Ava developed as a young child when compared to her older brothers, Mason and Tyson. She did not make eye contact. The basic signs of communication (e.g., babbling, etc.) were not there. Between the ages 1 and 2, she became non-responsive when we tried to communicate with her. We first wondered if Ava had hearing loss, but when we had her tested, the results came back normal. Her pediatrician suggested we try another evaluation. That’s when Ava was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

“This was all so new to us”, Charity explained. “We asked our pediatrician to give us a list of places who could help her. She was already enrolled in a preschool program, but we knew she needed more one-on-one help. We knew she needed an environment with people who could give her the attention she needed.”

“We didn’t find what we were looking for on the pediatrician’s list, so I continued to search the internet. Google was my friend. I found Autism ETC’s website. We liked what we saw when we drove past the Nashville location, so I completed their online registration form. Jeni Donoho, the Client Services Director, contacted me immediately. She was so welcoming! She told me about their waiting list, but I had done my research and knew this was where we wanted to be.”

In the beginning, things were not easy. We had to figure out how to work with each other. Ava was short-tempered, high energy, and non-verbal. However, I eventually started noticing a change in Ava’s overall spirit. She was coming out of her shell. We developed a form of communication which led to understanding. She grew more interested in people and interacting with others. She started noticing her environment. Autism ETC introduced her to the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and it was a game changer. She was able to visually express her wants and needs. She became more interested in things we had at home, including books and puzzles.” Charity is thrilled to report that Ava will now say some words, especially when she’s excited. “She has also become very expressive and has learned new ways to communicate.”

In addition to ABA therapy, Autism ETC provides training services to the entire family. “It has been a joy to participate in parent training. The weekly meetings keep me up to date with what is going on at the center and I can utilize these skills at home. The staff and I work together to develop new goals for Ava. It keeps us on the same page. At every meeting, we review the progress Ava has made from the last meeting. The program is so goal oriented and it works. I see how my child has mastered previous goals and is moving on to something new. We enjoy each new success.”

When asked to share her experience with other families beginning this journey, Charity said,
“As cliché as it sounds: Trust the process. It is going to be a walk in the park with Autism ETC. You won’t regret bringing your child to the center. Any initial fear you may have will turn into excitement about what new thing your child is about to unleash and discover.”

Charity shared her vision for Ava’s future: “I see Ava thriving and excelling in her hopes and dreams. I feel like Ava is coming into her more expressive self. I feel that down the road Ava will be able to express herself more than ever before.”