Success Stories
We hope you enjoy reading about their accomplishments as much as we do!
AJ's Story
At two years of age, when AJ was first diagnosed with autism, we were told to institutionalize him. We refused to give up, and instead, began our exhaustive search for the most effective treatment for him. Through our joint efforts with other families, we realized our goal in September 2000 when The AJ Foundation opened CLC, a school for children with autism utilizing the scientifically validated principles of ABA.
AJ's Story
At two years of age, when AJ was first diagnosed with autism, we were told to institutionalize him. We refused to give up, and instead, began our exhaustive search for the most effective treatments for him. Through our joint efforts with other families, we realized our goal in September 2000 when The AJ Foundation opened CLC, a school for children with autism utilizing the scientifically validated principles of ABA.
Over the years, CLC's staff taught AJ the skills necessary to become the person he is today - an independent functional member of our family and the community. The staff worked tirelessly to teach him many skills like toileting, tying his shoes, balancing his checkbook, and finally, job training. Because of CLC, AJ is not in an institution, but instead works fulltime between three part time jobs! As AJ's parents, we never dreamed he'd have the quality of life he enjoys today! CLC has changed AJ's life!
- Allan & Joanne, AJ's Parents
Bryn's Story
The first time we walked through the doors at CLC, we knew this was the place our autistic daughter, Bryn, needed to be. Bryn was receiving services through our district and private therapy before entering CLC. Within the first few months, we could see significant improvements in our daughter.
Bryn's Story
The first time we walked through the doors of CLC, we knew this was the place our autistic daughter, Bryn, needed to be. Bryn was receiving services through out district and private therapy before entering CLC. Within the first few months, we could see significant improvements in our daughter. Transitions, which were a major problem for her, became so much easier. Her vocabulary grew and she started to read and sing songs. The wonderful staff at CLC not only provides Bryn with basic education, but also teaches her personal hygiene, social skills, and how to handle everyday chores. Bryn works hard for each achievement and so does the staff at CLC. There is no cure for autism yet, but CLC has given Bryn a chance at a better life and more independence. It has made out family feel whole again!
- Gregg & Joanne, Bryn's Parents
Connor B's Story
At 2 months old, Connor was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. With this diagnoses comes a variety of medical problems and developmental delays, so at age 3.5 he was diagnosed with Autism. This was an intensely frustrating point in our lives as we struggled to communicate with him and meet his needs.
Connor B's Story
At 2 months old, Connor was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. With this diagnosis comes a variety of medical problems and developmental delays, so at age 3.5 he was diagnosed with Autism. This was an intensely frustrating point in our lives as we struggled to communicate with him and meet his needs. We knew when it came time for him to attend school, that he needed an aggressive program which was ABA based since that was the only method of teaching that showed any acquisition and retention of new skills. Then we found CLC! Connor has been learning many new skills at school which have generalized to home and community life. He is learning turn-taking, waiting quietly, and appropriate peer interaction and conversation. Connor is also speaking in sentences with more clarity than ever. His teachers work hard to teach him life skills as well. He's riding a bike with assistance and is also gaining independence in showering/toileting. He's more engaging and loves to share his accomplishments with us; often taking one of our hands and leading us to his latest object of interest. "Look, look, look Daddy! Show you something!" It takes a village. We're hopeful that you'll become a part of the village that invests in the life of our family by supporting The AJ Foundation and CLC. Thank you!
- Adam and Camille, Connor B's Parents
Connor F's Story
After months of training and gradual fading from the CLC staff, our son, Connor, was able to work independently at our local Giant grocery store. He was dropped off two times a week and worked two hour days without any assistance. His manager told me that he was one of the best employees she has ever had and indicated this in his review giving him the highest rating possible.
Connor F's Story
After months of training and gradual fading from the staff at CLC, our son, Connor, was able to work independently at our local Giant grocery store. He was dropped off two times a week and worked two hours a day without any assistance. His manager told me that he was one of the best employees she has ever had and indicated this in his review giving him the highest rating possible. Connor bagged groceries, greeted customers, straightened shelves and, his personal favorite, did a "clean sweep" of the store. The customers often stopped me to comment on how polite and friendly Connor was each day. Connor left his position at Giant to pick up an additional day of work in a medical office for a cardiologist where he scans documents, files and does other office work. This opportunity is possible, once again, because of the dedication and highly skilled individuals at CLC. Words cannot begin to express how thankful we are to The AJ Foundation and CLC!
- Mike & Patty, Connor F's Parents
Drake's Story
Our journey began with Drake when he was first diagnosed around the age of eighteen months. We were initially told Drake had until the age of five to learn what he could. After that, learning would be minimal and his future would be limited. So the race began to get him all the services we could before the age of 5.
Drake's Story
Our journey began with Drake when he was first diagnosed around the age of eighteen months. We were initially told Drake has until the age of five to learn what he could. After that, learning would be minimal and his future would be limited. So the race began to get him all the services we could before the age of 5. Once he turned five, doctors said that the magic age was now eight. We decided to move to Bucks County, PA from New Jersey in the hopes of finding better programming. It was then that we came across the Comprehensive Learning Center. We had no idea about CLC, but had heard that is existed. We set up a meeting, Drake then began in July of 2008, and the rest is history.
Drake came to CLC with many new behaviors and was greatly impacted by the diagnosis. Upon starting at CLC that summer, Drake's anxiety and behaviors began to lessen. Drake was finally able to learn and become a contributing member of the family. He is able to care for his needs independently and express his feelings. Drake now asks if he can learn to drive and asks when will he get a girlfriend. We never thought he would ever be aware of what was going on around him. He is now a real part of the family, with thoughts, opinions, and humor. None of this would have ever happened without CLC's diligence, optimism, and constant support. No matter who we have had in terms of staff, they have always taken great care of Drake and seek to find creative and innovative ways to enhance his learning and cognitive abilities. They are always open to what we want to try as a family and any interests Drake expresses.
Through the last ten years, we have learned from CLC that learning never ends and even now at the age of nineteen, Drake is still able to surprise us all. Last year, he joined an aquatic club for typical students where he was the only student ever to participate with special needs. I was so scared for him and worried the students would not accept him. Nothing could be further from the truth. Drake was accepted and quickly became a part of the group. If you had asked me whether this would ever have happened before coming to CLC, I would have resignedly said no. Now I know anything is possible with the support and caring of CLC. Once, I was terrified of the day Drake would graduate from school. Now, I look at the impending event with continued hope; knowing that CLC will be with him during his adult life.
- Maria, Drake's Mom
Jacob's Story
When Jacob's twin sister began meeting developmental milestones, we expected our son to do the same. Instead, he showed signs of cognitive delays especially in speech and language and at the age of 2, was diagnosed with autism. He started speech and occupational therapy at home while also attending a specialized program through our county. We quickly became discouraged when he failed to make any progress. On the recommendation of Jacob's physician, we began researching local ABA programs.
Jacob's Story
When Jacob's twin sister began meeting developmental milestones, we expected our son to do the same. Instead, he showed signs of cognitive delays especially in speech and language and at the age of 2, was diagnosed with autism. He started speech and occupational therapy at home while also attending a specialized program through our county. We quickly became discouraged when he failed to make any progress. On the recommendation of Jacob's physician, we began researching local ABA programs. Shortly thereafter, our prayers were answered when we met a CLC staff member in church who coordinated a tour for us of CLC. We immediately felt that this is where Jacob needs to be to help him achieve his fullest potential.
In November of 2016, he started at CLC at the age of 4 and within a few months we were finally able to connect with our son! Before CLC, Jacob struggled with making eye contact, following directions, brushing his teeth and staying with us in public places. Thanks to CLC we have seen incredible improvements with all of these skills, and we continue to work with the amazing staff to meet his goals. The progress we have seen in Jacob gives us so much hope for his future. CLC has truly changed our lives!
- Raquel, Jacob's Mom
Joey's Story
Joey was diagnosed with autism in April of 2017. As parents, we were devastated and lost. Even with in-home ABA services, we knew Joey needed more. Then we found CLC! After touring the school in August 2017, we knew this was where our son needed to be in order to become the best version of himself.
Joey's Story
Joey was diagnosed with autism in April 2017. As parents, we were devastated and lost. Even with in-home ABA services, we knew Joey needed more. Then we found CLC! After touring the school in August 2017, we knew this was where our son needed to be in order to become the best version of himself.
Joey then started at CLC in September 2018. Since then we have seen Joey tackle so many new tasks and make improvements on things we had been working on for years. He had his first dentist appointment, he has started toilet training, and we have seen an increase in eye contact with his expressive language getting better every day.
He is even answering some social questions. Our favorites are, "What is your name?" And "What color are your eyes?" They are hazel and he knows it! Joey has accomplished so much in such a short period of time thanks to the hard work and support that CLC provides. We cannot wait to see what his future holds, but we know that it will be bright with CLC helping us along the way.
- Lauren, Joey's Mom
Katelyn's Story
When Katelyn was diagnosed with autism at age 3, we knew we had to do whatever was necessary to get her the services she needed. That is when family stepped in and helped us get Katelyn into the best program possible - "CLC". The one-on-one support they provided helped Katelyn with speech, eye contact, potty training and staying in her car seat while riding in a car.
Katelyn's Story
Lucas' Story
My name is Lucas. I am 19 years old. This is me at work. This is my favorite job. I work 4 different jobs.
In his own word's, Lucas tells us about his happy life. Click below to read more!
Lucas' Story
My name is Lucas. I am 19 years old.
This is me at work. This is my favorite job. I work 4 different jobs. Today I reached my goal of counting game pieces for 7 different games. I was happy that I got it all done. When I started working, sometimes I could only do 1 game. It was hard but my teacher told me I could do 7 games and I did.
I started CLC at 5 years old. I did not talk then, but I talk now.
I could not do lots of things that I can do now.
My favorite thing is going to work and going out for Fun Friday. On Friday I go out with friends to eat lunch and do something fun. We all take turns, I pick pizza and the arcade.
I am going to a dance this Saturday. 
CLC is a good school and I am happy that I go to school there.
- Lucas
Owen's Story
Owen began attending CLC when he was 3.5 years old in February of 2013. We recognized early on that he needed a one-on-one ABA treatment program and were thrilled when we found CLC! A year after receiving intensive ABA therapy at school and at home, he began part-time inclusing in a typical preschool program with support from CLC staff.
Owen's Story
Peter's Story
Peter was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months. We were devastated and worried about his future!! We knew we had to do whatever we could to help peter live a full successful life. So we started with therapy right away.
Peter's Story
Peter was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months. We were devastated and worried about his future! We knew we had to do whatever we could to help peter live a full successful life. So, we started 
with therapy right away. He started making some progress here and there, however, it felt like we would get 10 steps forward and 30 steps back. The past few years have been very challenging for Peter, he was having a really difficult time, everyday was a struggle and we were all on edge. It was heartbreaking to watch a person you love so much struggle like that everyday. Peter is non-verbal for the most part, so he would get frustrated because he wasn’t able to express himself and deal with his emotions, which would cause him to have a meltdown and have self injurious behaviors like hitting himself. There were times when he would have lumps on his head from hitting himself so much, it was horrible. That’s when we decided that peter needed more support. Peter doesn’t like loud noises and has a difficult time being in crowds. He needed a more suitable environment where he was comfortable and could learn. With that in place, the possibilities are endless. We felt that was the only way Peter was going to start making the progress that we hoped for. That’s when we found CLC.
We went through the whole process and in September 2022, Peter started his new journey at Comprehensive Learning Center. We cannot express what a significant change we've seen in Peter already- he is just a pleasure to be around, always happy and smiling. He hardly has any meltdowns and head hitting has decreased. He is more engaged, he listens to when we ask him to do something and follows through with the demands given. He doesn’t put up a fight every morning when we get him ready for school, he is more willingly going and actually seems like he enjoys it! He is a lot more comfortable and happy at CLC. We are able to take Peter out to restaurants and stores, and he doesn’t have a total meltdown while doing so, which is a huge improvement. The teachers and everyone at CLC are absolutely amazing. They will go above and beyond to help these kids and their families. They are all so pleasant and patient with each and every child. Whether they realize it or not, They are all makings huge impact in so many families lives. All in all, CLC has completely changed our lives. We feel like we have hit the lottery, however, this is way better, to see the joy in Peter’s eyes is priceless!! All the money in the world can’t buy that!!
- Tami, Peter's Mom
Rhylin's Story
Rhylin started at CLC in September of 2018. When Ryhlin first started at CLC her aggression and self-injurious behavior was at the worst we have seen it. She did not sit for activities for more than 30 seconds at a time, and she had never had a proper doctor appointment or dental exam. Rhylin did not have a good form of communication to express her wants or needs. Fast forward 6 months and Rhylin has grown in so many ways.
Rhylin's Story
Rhylin started at CLC in September of 2018. When Rhylin first started at CLC her aggression and self-injurious behavior was at the worst we have seen it. She did not sit for activities for more than 30 seconds at a time, and she had never had a proper doctor appointment or dental exam. Rhylin did not have a good form of communication to express her wants or needs. Fast forward 6 months and Rhylin has grown in so many ways. With the help and support of Rhylin's teachers we are meeting her goals faster than we thought possible! For the first time we had a proper dental exam with cleaning and x-rays. At her annual doctor appointment, she allowed the nurses and doctors to exam her without any behaviors. The staff at CLC also help with community outings! Rhylin had never been able to accompany me on any grocery trips in the past. She would run away and tantrum over items that were not readily made available to her. Rhylin's instructors and I would make daily visits to the grocery store. With lots of hands to help, Rhylin is now able to walk beside me. She has learned to ignore her preferred food items while we shop. Now we have started potty training, and I know with the support of the CLC staff we will see success with this as well!
- Colleen, Rhylin's Mom
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Comprehensive Learning Center
444 Jacksonville Road, Warminster, PA 18974
info@clcschoolprograms.org / 215-956-3861