Duke’s Story of Hope

Duke, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), lives in a rural area. When he was first diagnosed at two years old, no therapy services existed in his area.

Without medically necessary therapies, Duke would never achieve his fullest potential.

Duke’s doctor delivered heartbreaking news. To find services for their child, Duke’s family would have to move over two hours away. Away from friends and family. Away from home.

“When we received the news, we cried and prayed,” Duke’s mother said. “We would do anything to give Duke the best life, but leaving home would have been devastating.”

But Duke’s family never had to move. Shortly after Duke received his diagnosis, Hope opened a new autism clinic in his town. Immediately Duke began receiving therapy close to home.

“It was a dream come true, a prayer answered,” Duke’s mom said.

Before coming to the Hope Autism clinic, Duke never made eye contact or played with toys. He showed no interest in his surroundings. Now, however, Duke is vocal and attentive. He loves to play and read books about the ocean. Now Duke can experience a childhood like any other.

And he never had to move away from home.

“There’s not a lot of places for kids with autism, especially where I live,” Duke’s mother said. “Hope has changed my child’s life.”