Taking Part in Kids’ Smiles and Skills at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers in Tennessee

Hopebridge Families and Clinicians Celebrate Our Kids’ Progress Throughout ABA Therapy

For nearly two decades at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, we have seen our kids disprove some of the biggest autism misconceptions, over and over. From heartwarming displays of empathy to clear expressions of emotion – including from those who communicate a little differently than the neurotypical world is accustomed to experiencing – we have witnessed some of the most thoughtful and brightest moments alongside our kids.

At Hopebridge, every child’s journey is celebrated and cherished. We are delighted to shine a spotlight on two incredible kids from our Tennessee therapy centers in the Greater Nashville area who remind us – once again – that autism myths must be busted. The progress and achievements of these sweet, smart kids have inspired everyone lucky enough to work with them, and we’re excited to share their stories with you.

How ABA Therapy Helped Wyatt’s Independence, Communication and Social Skills Shine Through

Music, Mario and monster hunts are the way to Wyatt’s heart. Like many 4-year-olds, he loves scooting around, sculpting with PlayDoh, playing at the park, visiting the Nashville Zoo, and going on “hunts,” whether they be for monsters, mermaids or Yetis.

For Wyatt, life was not always this easy, however. In the past, he has struggled with communication and aggression, at times impeding other areas of his life.

In less than six months since starting applied behavior analysis (ABA) at Hopebridge in Thompson’s Station, Tenn., much has changed. His family told his Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Kyle Long, that his previous triggers are now “small blips on Wyatt’s radar” that no longer lead to tantrums or aggression. Once occurring daily, these behaviors are now rare occurrences that have also decreased dramatically in intensity.

Wyatt has made great strides in functional communication and social skills with more independence around requesting things he wants or needs. He now answers “what” questions when asked, can provide personal information, and responds to “yes/no” questions with confidence. He engages in parallel play with peers and mom said he was even able to tell the doctor his name and age during their last visit.

“This kiddo is very empathetic and emotionally intelligent, to the point where he’s been observed comforting his fellow peers, as well as encouraging them to keep going when things get tough for them,” said Kyle.

Kyle told us about one moment that especially sticks out to him while working with Wyatt. Shortly after learning to identify emotions represented in a picture, Wyatt took part in circle time when another child was upset and crying. Wyatt looked at them, said “it’s ok,” and wiped a tear from the child—all completely unprompted. These are the moments why we do what we do!

His independence in adaptive functioning skills has also flourished. From practicing self-grooming habits like handwashing and teeth-brushing to mastering toileting routines, Wyatt has embraced new skills. His newfound independence extends beyond the therapy center, as reported by his family, demonstrating the generalization of skills into the home.

Bonnie Overcomes Communication Challenges and Mealtime Struggles with Help From ABA Therapy

At nearly 8 years old, the list of Bonnie’s favorite things isn’t that surprising: Chocolate chip cookies, music, books, swimming, tickles, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” … and her RBT!

Yes, you read that right; Bonnie’s mother tells us that Ashley Creviston, Bonnie’s Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Hopebridge, is near the top of the list of things that make her happy. The two have been together since Bonnie started her journey at Hopebridge in 2022. At the time, Bonnie had minimal verbal communication and did not eat much, which was her parents’ main concern and worry. In addition to autism, Bonnie also received an epilepsy diagnosis within the past year, which includes other challenges, but that does not stop her from working toward big goals.

Bonnie began with Hopebridge on a part-time basis before moving to full-time, and her progress has been nothing short of phenomenal ever since. Not only is she easing her family’s fears by eating a diverse range of foods, but her developmental growth across other areas has also been life changing. Bonnie has more independence regarding personal hygiene and can now carry on basic conversations with her therapists, peers and parents.

“She is fierce, strong and overall, incredibly special to so many of us here in the center. A memory that will stay in my heart forever is when our girl independently asked me how my day was,” said Bonnie’s BCBA, Megan Pullum.

Bonnie’s mom told us about another unforgettable moment when the team witnessed Bonnie’s ability to read for the first time. Supported by her dedicated therapy team, she continues to achieve milestones that once seemed out of reach, igniting hope and pride in everyone around her.

Help Your Child Thrive Through Pediatric Therapy at Hopebridge

Wyatt and Bonnie exemplify the resilience and spirit of joy that defines our Hopebridge community. Their journeys remind us of the transformative impact of ABA therapy and the boundless potential within each child.

If you’re seeking support for your child’s developmental journey, we hope you’ll consider joining our Hopebridge community. If you live in Tennessee and have health insurance coverage from any of our , reach out to us to learn more about Hopebridge. With services like diagnostic evaluations, ABA, occupational therapy and speech therapy, together, we can unlock your child’s possibilities and celebrate with all of you every step of the way.

 

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC.