One family shares their experience on the Thompson Center’s waitlist.
The Thompson Center provides excellent care for children affected by autism and neurodevelopment disorders. Due to the high demand for the Center’s services, families can spend a long time waiting for a diagnosis. In this new video, the Crabtree Family shares about their waitlist experience and what the Thompson Center means to them.
Renovations are underway at the Thompson Center! Expanding our physical space will allow us to add providers, which will give families faster access to care. You can support our efforts by making a gift today.
Magen Crabtree:
Samuel is seven, and from the beginning, he has been his own person. He was diagnosed when he was three years old.
It’s hard. It’s awesome too. That dude is hilarious.
Alexander will be 10 next month. He’s been on the waitlist for a long time, and the pandemic, I know slowed it down, but I think it was originally at a year and a half, and then it’s just kind of been extended once everything’s shut down.
There’s so much unknown with little kids when they’re not developing typically. A lot of times you kind of second guess yourself, like why am I having this struggle with this child?
Dr. Tracy Stroud:
Families are waiting to get answers to questions that seem like they could or should be answered much more quickly. We’re trying to help them through that time period in accessing services and resources while they’re waiting. Then once their child has that evaluation done, and to get some clarity as far as what’s going on at this developmental age for their child and to give them some direction moving forward.
Magen Crabtree:
It really is nice to have an explanation. It doesn’t change who he is, but it answers so many questions, opens the door to solutions.
There are so many resources. Dr. Stroud always has ideas for something or she’ll send somebody else in.
Dr. Tracy Stroud:
People who contribute to the Thompson Center are helping families. They’re helping families directly, so we’re able to hire more people to decrease that waitlist, to provide ABA services, to develop that program and to be able to provide those therapy supports that these children need.
Magen Crabtree:
This place is amazing and any donations, I know they help a lot of families in this area.
Dr. Tracy Stroud:
Being able to provide care for families, it has been a blessing, a joy. I tell so many people that I’m just inspired daily by the families that I get to hear and be a part of their story. It’s a valuable mission.