I am the mother of a 14 year old boy on the autism spectrum and have been running a successful home-based program for the past 11 years, following the Global Autism Solutions Approach under Gerd Winker. My son is now a happy, social boy who loves to make friends and enjoys activities with peers. I have pursued further training with Gerd Winker and I am currently working with families in Europe.

I have a professional background as a Clinical Psychiatrist and researcher with a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Education Autism (Children) by the University of Birmingham. Since 2015 I have focused my research on the autism spectrum and have published several papers in international scientific journals.

I believe that parents are the child’s best resource and that love, attitude and using the child’s motivations are key to invite connection and growth. Over the years, having support from other parents on the same journey has proved to be a remarkable resource.

– Joana Prata
joanappr@gmail.com

I was born and raised in Japan, and have lived in the U.S. since 1998. I am a language and culture geek. I’ve lived in France, Yemen, and Kuwait to learn the language and culture there, and I consider Autism as a culture with its own language (communication) as well.

I have worked with over 400 preschoolers, about half of them needing special support. I have experienced over and over again how children show up as their best self when we provide an environment where they feel safe, loved, and accepted. Global Autism Solutions Approach is by far the best approach I know to provide the best environment for children to unlock their true potential and thrive.

I am so honored to have Gerd as my mentor to carry on his experience, wisdom, love and passion to support children and families all over the world.

I bring in my knowledge of Neurological Reorganization to further facilitate the journey when working with families.

– Wakako Wheelock
wakakowheelock@gmail.com

Dr Deibby Mamahit has a great passion in autism and learning disabilities as well as brain injuries and brain degeneration.

She developed her own protocol on autism treatment and have seen high rates of improvements and recoveries in her patients through the years.

Her journey in Autism Spectrum Disorder started in 2008 when her first son lost all his speech and second son was diagnosed with severe ASD. Her first son is now normal and fully functional. Her second child has gained language and started to learn new things, and has great things ahead for him.

Her areas of expertise:

ADD/ ADHD; Autism and Autistic Spectrum; Learning Disorder; Learning Disability; Developmental Delay; Epilepsy; Bipolar Disorder; Schizophrenia; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Alzheimer’s Type Senile Dementia; Parkinson’s Disease;; Headache and Migraine; Depression; Anxiety Disorder; Tic; Gilles de la Tourette; Dystonias.

To learn more, visit her website brainworksingapore.org

In college, majoring in Psychology, I chose to work as an intern at a state residential facility where my responsibilities included observation, data collection, and working one-on-one with Autistic adults.  Additionally, I also worked directly with children on the Autism spectrum in their homes, lending support to them and their families.  Little did I know that this experience would introduce me to the study of Autism that would become my passion and personal reality, manifested in my first-born son.

In 2013, full of hope and a diagnosis of provisional Autism for my then 3-year-old son tucked under my arm, I resigned from my job in corporate America – DETERMINED to find a way to help my child reach his full potential! This wasn’t easy, nor quick. Constantly searching for ‘just the right approach’ or program often seemed daunting, but I realized quitting was not an option. I had set out to be a strong voice for my non-verbal son, advocating for special school services on his behalf, which eventually led me to embrace a home-based program that was subsequently funded by the school district. This was the beginning of a positive breakthrough for our family.

With measured support and what would become a lifetime of unexpected learning and specialized training, I rolled up my sleeves and started working one-on-one with my son, while standing up this full-time program in our home five days a week. With the help of my amazing daughter who chose to volunteer in her brother’s program, the family value experience we gained through this choice was immeasurable! As a family, we learned the full essence of acceptance (as is); love unfeigned, the power of truly listening to one another without prejudice or judgement and, and the importance of having “essential conversations – in the safety of our homes …[that] can help us prepare for the avalanches of life”.  (Jay Gowen, Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

In short order, my son began to change.  His potty training took shape.  He engaged in frequent eye contact.  He spontaneously surprised us with words and understanding we didn’t realize he had quietly absorbed through the changes we were making.  And he engaged in long periods of play.

Today, always cheerful, my child initiates social interaction with others; shows increased understanding, renders answers to simple questions; and balances two languages with clairvoyant ease.

Suffice it to say that we are ALL ‘differently-abled’, as we come to this life without malice, with a figurative bag full of potential, and the divine gift of choice in hand. Thoughtfully applied, this trifecta serves to uniquely refine each of us, thus enabling us to help lift and edify one another on our journey as we learn to access and leverage all that is good within.

Together is not only better, but crucial to our success as individuals and as a society. And -this- is why, as a woman of faith, I am drawn to serve in every principled way. That said, being a mother of 2, running and cooking keeps me sane.

– Fatten El-Maddah
felmaddah@yahoo.com

From Option Institute®/Autism Treatment Center of America®/Son-Rise Program®

“After many wonderful years of working together, we offer our support to Gerd as he follows his choice to take a different path and no longer provide Son-Rise Program® services.  Whatever direction he chooses to move in, we know that he will continue to be a caring and supportive resource for children and families.”

—Bryn Hogan
Executive Director
Autism Treatment Center of America ®

From Gerd Winkler

It has been my great pleasure to work with the Autism Treatment Center of America® these many years.  Although I am taking a different path at this juncture and am no longer providing Son-Rise Program® services, I wish the organization every success moving forward.  I know that both the ATCA and I will continue to offer loving support to families and their children in different ways.

I will stay active in the field of Autism and Special Needs Education by providing my own professional services.

—Gerd Winkler