In June 2018, our son James was diagnosed with level 3 non-verbal autism spectrum disorder. For years, he worked tirelessly with a speech-language pathologist, making small strides but struggling to blend sounds together.  As parents, we weren’t sure if he would ever speak. Then, in the summer of 2024, he finally started to blend sounds together.  James began saying simple words like “hi,” “bye,” and “me.” By fall of the same year, he was speaking more complex words and even repeating sentences he hears from TV shows.

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Over the last two years, James has been more vocal. Mostly scripting lines from a clip he’s seen on YouTube or reciting lyrics to children’s songs. Nonetheless, we are overjoyed that James is communicating in short sentences to express his needs and wants! He finally found his VOICE! This incredible milestone was made possible through the dedication of the therapists at New Haven Learning Centre and the transformative power of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy. With ABA therapy, he is learning to expand his language, answer social and safety questions, increase his food repertoire, and do simple chores (such as vacuuming and putting dishes in the sink)—things we once thought would be impossible.

 

​Because of the exceptional work James’ clinical team has done, we are thrilled to host the 6th Annual Swing4James Golf Tournament—an event that directly funds the vital programs at New Haven Learning Centre, helping families like ours receive the high-quality support they need. As a sponsor, your generosity plays an essential role in ensuring more children, like James, can access life-changing therapy. The demand for autism services continues to grow at an exponential rate, and your support makes a lasting impact on these families’ lives.

 

​On behalf of all the parents and children at New Haven Learning Centre, we sincerely thank you for your support. Together, we can create access, inspire growth, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to partnering with you to make a difference in the autism community.