Option Institute and Fellowship

I want to say a big THANK YOU to the Option Institute for all their wonderful tools and perspectives. If it's self empowerment courses, learning how to ask useful questions in order to move forward with a clear goal, how to help myself and others in challenging situations, how to stand in front of a crowd and deliver my message and many more. This is indeed a place where miracles happen.

This is the most loving, respectful and kind approach to autism. It is so in tune with my values and beliefs; I am so happy that I discovered the Son Rise Program in an ocean filled with limitations, doubts and fears.

The guiding principles marry in a harmony with the techniques. I learnt to let go of fears and judgements regarding my daughter's future. I learnt how to be with my daughter and tools to connect a bridge of understanding with my daughter.

The benefits are plentiful and continue to grow. Some special moments that I hold dear are the happiness GPS tools to navigate stress, to be a curious happy detective and to be an unstoppable force of nature.

Before the program, my daughter used to babble a lot, cray a lot and go round in circles again and again.

Now, she giggles and chats; we have wonderful interactions with her dollies and we have simple exchanges about her dollies tea parties. Her imagination is also blossoming and she adapts props for a particular game. For example, a plastic tool became a toothbrush, a hairbrush and a nail clipper.

Thank you sincerely from my daughter and I.

I have attended numerous courses at the Option Institute and I also completed three training sessions at the Autism Treatment Center of America so I could run a Son-Rise Program for my daughter. The courses have been life-changing, especially those pertaining to helping my daughter with autism and a genetic anomaly. I fully credit The Son-Rise Program with my daughter learning to talk, eat healthily, play imaginatively, play board games, read, write, and use the toilet. The teachers are all incredibly insightful, present, thoughtful, kind, loving, and enthusiastic.

I think this is my 3rd review for the Option Institute - a place that literally CHANGED my life for the better. Programs have been online since COVID hit us all - and you know what? The teaching, the support, the love from the amazing teachers is still just as palpable.
I was living a life that was just going through the motions. I thought things were fine but they weren't GREAT. Now they are. Because the Option Institute has helped me learn how to take charge of my beliefs and therefore my actions and my feelings. I don't blame others or the situation anymore. I don't see things as good or bad - everything can be an opportunity for growth. I'm not perfect at this - but I now have something wonderful to fall back on when I CHOOSE to "do sad" - and I know how to help myself get up and fly again. Please consider taking a program (online) from the Option Institute. You will not be disappointed. You will come away having for sure, learned something valuable and new!

I had a wonderful experience during an online class at the Option Institute. I felt heard and seen and embraced. I learned a tremendous amount, about myself and also tools for the future. I appreciated the participatory learning, not just lecture/information. The had wonderful follow up too.

i have done several programs on zoom and am attending another in November. i would love to recommend them to anyone who needs help to find inner peace and happiness as well as strategies to cope with unhappiness in the past as well as the present, in such a way that you face them instead of cowering under them.
i have been given the tools and loving help to search myself continually so that i dont need to fall back into old habits of being powerless and feeling a victim.
The help they offer is to all, whatever the situation, they are loving, non-judgemental and help you to see yourself for yourself and give you the opportunity to change the way you have always thought for something far better and satisfying. i have been very grateful for this and wish many others could find this help too.

Without a doubt, the best organisation I've ever had any experience with in my whole life.

Everyone in the organisation is always sincere, kind, helpful, resourceful, and they just want to help. They're very honest and transparent.
I originally searched for a treatment for my son's autism, and I was led here. As soon as I read what it's about, I had a knowing within me that this was the one. I applied it, and then I realised just how vital my role was in my son's progress. I had to change myself for the better in order to help my son. The Autism Treatment Centre of America is a division of the Option Institute. I started at the ATCA, and then explored the Option Institute to learn more about myself, my thoughts, my behaviours, and my beliefs - which are the root cause for all my emotions and actions.

For the first time in my life, I felt like my big questions have been answered. They didn't give me the answers, I did it myself. They just helped me ask some questions that got me to face my life issues.

I learned that I have the answers all along. I don't need to depend on anyone or outside resources to help resolve my issues. It is such an empowering feeling. I feel peace knowing that I have the tools, these people graciously share their knowledge with every person who wants to learn it.

I attended Maximum Impact advanced course. This course showed me so much about my attitude, how to switch from feeling discomfort to be calm and comfortable even in challenging situation. I would recommend this course to all parents or people with a child on autistic spectrum. It changed everything and you feel much more empowered like before. And all is done withing deep understanding and loving environment of amazing teachers.

In 2012 as I lay on a massage table, describing to the massage therapist my tender spots following a neck/back injury, I told her, “I got myself into this, I can get myself out of it.” She replied, “You sound like The Option Institute”. I looked up, “The who?”

I then visited the Option website and read Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues, by Barry Kaufman. Once I discovered what the Kaufmans were doing — nurturing happiness and well-being through unconditional love — I thought, “I want to meet these people!” I promptly flew across the country and enjoyed participating in some preliminary workshops during my vacations from full-time employment.

In 2017, entering semi-retirement, I explored Life Coaching in California but found something missing. Remembering The Option Instituteʼs Mentor Certification program, I returned to the Institute for additional workshops and found the missing piece: the potential to powerfully relieve emotional — and, as an extension, physical — suffering inherent in the uniquely non-directive, loving and nonjudgmental approach of the Option Process Power Dialogues. I found nothing else like it anywhere.

So I enrolled in the Mentor Certification program.

I found an elegant, yet beguiling, simplicity to Mentoring. Although simple questions are posed to explore emotions, behaviors or beliefs, asking kind, helpful and timely questions requires art as well as skill. Itʼs not just knowing what to ask, but how and when.

Whatʼs more, I found, to my chagrin, that while Mentoring — more noticeably than when in school or at work (where, in the past, I had equated successful performance with self worth) — the moment I reverted to caring more about what I was doing than how I was doing it (which happened often), I dropped The [loving] Attitude of a Mentor, lost my way in the Dialogue and began “tormenting” (judging) myself or the Explorer . . . which begged the question: Why was I in this program? To learn to ask the “perfect” question? . . . as if there were such a thing. To answer othersʼ questions for them? . . . as if that were possible. To base my happiness on the happiness of others? . . . talk about self-imposed suffering! Or to become a happier, healthier, more loving human being? (Sigh of relief ;.)

So, once I gave up trying to control the outcome of a Dialogue and focused on feeling better for its own sake, I lightened up, relaxed, regained my self-confidence, enjoyed the learning process instead of dreading it and, in early 2019, passed Mentor Certification with flying colors!

Even if I hadnʼt passed Certification, I knew more than ever before that performance is not a measure of success or self worth; it simply reflects skill level. My self worth — my value as a human being — is a given; itʼs never in question. But how I feel in the moment affects everything I do and is a question only I can answer. Mentor Certification enhanced my life experience, bringing home to me a deeper understanding that love and happiness is the true measure of success.

Lynne Slater
Retired California Workersʼ Compensation Supervisor
Option Process Mentor-Counselor

Sonoma, CA

I completed the SonRise program at the Option Institute. The facilitators and leaders are truly extraordinary and giving such a gift to many parents who are in need of support. I would recommend this program for any parents who have a child on the spectrum.

I was at the couples course at the Option Institute and it has transformed my relationship with my wife in ways I cannot describe in writing.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

My wife and I just returned home from the Couple's Course. We had an AMAZING experience there. The amount of love and acceptance is priceless and we were able to learn and employ tools to enhance our relationship. The course offered us very practical and hands on strategies to make love last and to increase happiness, authenticity, connection, and love between us and the many other couples in the class. We practiced "happy negotiations" and being able to ask freely and openly for what we want from our partners and listen to what is important to them in return. The staff and teachers were wonderfully supportive, present and loving. Never once did we feel judged or guided as we were able to navigate and design the relationship most important to us as individuals. I think everyone should take this class!!!

My family has a very special member, Favi, diagnosed with HF Autism. Favi was highly verbal but wouldnt adreess his speach to anyone, he pointed and cried and made noises. Did not make eye contact, either.

Last year, I found the book Autism Breakthrough by Ron Kauffman and applied most of it right away. Within days my son was making eye contact and speaking to us, a couple of months later, he walked up to me and said "I love you", I cried for days!!! Tearing up with the memory as I scribe it here...

Mh husband and I fidured, if we have gotten so far with only with the book, how would we do if we went for the full program!!!?? And so we did!!!

This program is amazing and offers all the nuts and bolts a parent needs to help us reach into our child's world.
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to participate and have met so many other parents who traveled days by plane and car from Europe, Emirates and all over the USA to be there and the best part to know it will be worth it!!!

So many of us are seeing the improvement because it is immediate!!

What my hubby and I learned is also helping with our relationship with our older son, Ravel, he's not in the spectrum but what we were taught goes beyond the disorder.

Forever greatful,
Reina and Pavel
The happiest parents in the world!

Option is a safe place to explore your beliefs and how those beliefs affect your happiness. The staff is very skillful in what they do but more importantly, they challenge with love and acceptance. We are all responsible for our own happiness. If you have a desire to explore yourself fully, this is the place for you.
Theresa
DOBBS Ferry, New York

My son (now 5 yrs old) was diagnosed with autism in September 2018, and I attended the Son Rise Start-Up program in June 2019. I was searching for a way to approach my child's challenges with love and to respect his dignity as a person.

The program exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere at the Autism Treatment Center of America (ATCA) is one of loving support, without judgment. All of the teachers have many years of experience working directly with children with autism, are lively and passionate about what they do, and provide a tremendous amount of practical skills and strategies as well as encouragement and support. I also really appreciated the opportunity to get to know the other course attendees (parents/grandparents/aunts/teachers). It was the first time since my son's diagnosis that I felt like I was surrounded by people that really understood my life and with whom I felt comfortable being completely open and honest about my hopes and fears.

We have been doing a Son Rise program now with my son for just over 30 days and he is already making so much progress! He went from only saying about 5 words before Son Rise to over 30 words now. "Mommy" and "Daddy" are two of his new words that we have been waiting such a long time to hear! He is also making much more eye contact and is seeking our attention far more often than before. He even waved goodbye for the first time this week and has learned to blow bubbles and play a harmonica. These may seem like little things, but to us they are amazing!

There is ongoing support available through Son Rise teacher consultations. I did one of these a few weeks ago and got helpful answers to many specific questions about things my son was doing in our playroom as we got started with our program. There are also active Facebook groups for both the in-person and online programs (my husband is doing the online program now so we are part of both groups). The Facebook groups allow for encouragement/advice from other parents as well as Son Rise teachers from the ATCA who regularly give feedback there.

Bottom line - I would highly recommend the in-person Son Rise Start Up program if you have a child with autism. Son Rise has given our family so much joy and hope, and in just one short month has helped us to really begin to know our beautiful son and learn what it really means to love.

The Option Institute Learning &Training Center is a wonderful place to be . It not only gave me strength and hope to work with my 6years old autistic son but it has taught me to appreciate everything I have . The staff and the teachers are extremely kind and knowledgeable. I hope I’ll return there for some other Programs in the future.

I am forever grateful to Option/Sonrise because with their teachings I have been able to recover my son from autism! He's not just out of autism, he is a thriving and happy 14 year old who is mature for his age. Just last night his Sunday School teacher who doesn't know he once had autism told me that he is a great kid who has a "good head on his shoulders."

Now that my son is better, I'm going to the non-autism Option classes to continue building my happiness and ability to make this world a better place.

Whether you have a child with autism (or something related) or you just want to be a happier person, I highly recommend Option!

Just came back from an advanced Sonrise Program called ' New Frontiers'. This was my third trip to Option institute-Sonrise program. Every time I attend, I feel like, I have peeled off a layer of negative beliefs and gotten close to the CORE(new set of positive beliefs). This program has empowered and equipped me with tools and techniques that I can use effectively and confidently in my Sonrise program / playroom (for my kiddo with Autism -12yrs old). All sessions are incredible, made me think, ponder and reason in deeper level. Amazing teachers. Every session had its own importance, there is so much to learn and grow. Beautiful and picturesque campus. Friendly and helpful staff members. I am glad, thankful and grateful I have taken this amazing program.
Thanks,
Paddy Rao
Dallas, TX

The Option Institute founded by the Kauffman Family is, indeed, a beam of light in a scientific world that still is dominated by medicines, non-efficient rehabilitation approaches, therapeutic segregation, and professionals that consider themselves

Option Institute is the home of Son-Rise. Son-Rise is a program for families to create a home program for Autistic people of any age. I attended Maximum Impact this April. Wow! This program changed me, my family, and my son's life. I learned how to take care of me through a process called dialogue and how to love more deeply. Upon my return home, my family was already different because of the changes I had made. My son began playing with me in our Son-Rise room for more than 50 minutes at a time because of what I learned at the Maximum Impact program. This never happened before. I waited 11 years to play with my boy. The Option Institute taught me the tools to make this happen. They have taught me the tools to be a better person and more loving spouse. This non-profit is amazing and have the tools to heal people no matter the circumstance. I'd recommend it to anyone in a second (I already do, actually). I recommend it to anyone with extra coins to donate. The money will be put to good use to serve families and individuals to share tools that translate to more love and kindness for the world.

I have been attending programs at the Option Institute since 1997 and making donations ever since. They have given me concrete, proven tools to make the most out of my relationships - both personal and professional. They also do amazing work with special needs children through their Son Rise Autism Treatment Center that has given many families renewed hope.

I attended the sonrise startup programme and found the whole experience to be very enlightening. Your beliefs that have been holding you back are challenged in a non judgemental way. You are provided with a very detailed and practical set of skills that will help implement a programme. This programme aims to help your childs development and also help you live a happier life with a better outlook on things. The material is delivered by some excellent teachers who are full of enthusiasm and experience. The whole thing has been a breath of fresh air and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering it.

THEY KNOW AUTISTIC KIDS! I am a professional who works with kids who have special needs. Attending this beautiful, peaceful campus with parents and professionals who love kids with autism has been refreshing. We have learned very real ways to love on "our kids" in a way they will understand. Learning ways to encourage "our kids" to connect with us has been amazing. Option Institute trainers have taught us how much our attitudes and thinking are key to our happiness and the happiness of the kids we work with. THIS IS A PLACE OF REAL HOPE, NOT FALSE HOPE.

The Option Institute is amazing in what they teach. Every single teacher is a model for what they stand for and for wat they teach. To believe you create your own happiness and own unhappiness.I have never experienced more committed people!! Love them all!

I took Empower Yourself,;my first course at Option. At the outset, I was skeptical that it would help me as I was quite depressed. However, the week's training made a big difference. I now have a much more positive attitude to life. I hope to go back for other courses.

On the stunningly beautiful campus in the Berkshire Mountains, you’ll spend an amazing week, uncovering and challenging your self-limiting beliefs. You’ll come home empowered, equipped with a new set of beliefs that work for you. All the teachers are outstanding. They sincerely want the best for you. They’ll go the extra mile to help you along your journey. I met some life-long friends while attending the courses. Over the last 10 years, the Option Institute has become my second home.

I have attended Happiness Gps and Empower Yourself Programs at the Option Institute just few days ago. It was the greates time for me and I know my wants and desires are so much clearer. I found the answers that I have been looking for a long time. As an autism parent with many challenges on my way I am more aware about my attitude and choices that I make everyday.

I attended the happiness gps weekend and left with the tools to be able to choose happiness. I feel lighter and more in touch with my beliefs that cause misery so I can change that. I met a lot of real and genuine participants and learned from them too. The food was spectacular and met an array of dietary needs. Well worth the long travel to arrive and the costs involved. Love love loved my stay at option institute.

If I seat four people around a table and place a beach ball in the center. Then ask each what color do they see? Would hear four colors. Because people don’t see life as it is, rather as they are. There the methods are taught how to see people as they are, what they see vs how you see yourself.
No advice because it is your view and not what they see. Help others to see themselves and replace old ineffective with the new productive self!
Worth every second. And the staff, lodging and OMG the “FOOD”!
Oh, a tax deduction too.
No need to look any further...promise!!

I arrived at the Option Institute shattered with grief on the inside, a thin veneer of composure on the outside. During the course, Personal Peace, I learned to set traumatic circumstances into the broader context of my journey of self-discovery. I learned to find calm amidst chaos, wisdom amidst confusion, trust amidst the unpredictable events of the world today. Symbolic of my shift in thinking, and all the more miraculous because it was so obviously physical, I healed a persistent case of asthma during the workshop and have had no further symptoms. To say that I am breathing easier now is a vast understatement! I am so grateful!
Wendy Musk (Teacher, Newtown, CT)

Just returned from yet another great learning program, this time I had my son who has autism with me. We both learned so many ways to improve our lives, and I see him growing in ways I wasn't sure possible as few years ago.

We came across the Son-rise program and the Autism Treatment Center of America in a moment of despair, when we could not find effective options to treat our autistic child in our country. This is THE place we could find in the world in which profound respect towards our son in the spectrum and effective treatment came together.
We don't consider anymore our time working together as "therapy" for him, but rather as a platform to grow together as a family and as individuals. The Son-Rise approach has completely changed our perspective about autism and we now able to feel grateful for having such a beautiful growth opportunity in our son.

I recently attended the Autism Treatment Center of America at the Option Institute. I cannot recommend their services enough. I found in them people who talk and treat people with autism as truly special and with a level of respect and dignity I had not seen elsewhere in the two years since my son's diagnosis. This has offered my family much needed support. They also offered us extremely helpful and powerful techniques which we are implementing to help him. I had been using biomedical treatment and diet to help but I had not found a therapy treatment that really encompassed how I felt about my child and/or seemed effective especially in connecting with him which is the most important thing to us. They truly are a blessing.

For seven years my wife and I have struggled trying to find the answers to our questions related to our son’s autism. No matter who we saw, therapist, doctor or “specialist” we were left confused and unable to properly help our child. But the Sonrise program at the Option Institute has changed that. From day one they answer the questions that we had been wanting to answer for many years and not only we have a more profound understanding of autism, but we also as parents are well prepared to help him at home. This program is focus on training parents so that they can help their kids create and strong bond with them and use their motivation to teach them well, not just train to respond to treats or rewards like an animal or robot.This makes perfect sense since its the parents who know well the child and spent most of the time interacting with him/her. The people at the Autism Treatment Center of America are so caring, kind and understanding and most of all, non-judgemental. They really want to help. They also have and incredible amount of experince, which is very comforting since we as parents tend to see our circunstances as “unique” or “different” from every other parent with a child on the spectrum, which could be very discouraging. I love this place and recomended if you are truly trying to help your child in the most loving way.

This awesome nonprofit organization has an awesome team of staff. Always smiling and made me feel like I am home. The food was prepared by a very diligent and genius chef. The rooms are up to par, clean and nice smelling sheets and towels.
The autism program of this great organization has far exceeded my expectations. The teachers/facilitators are all equally knowledgeable. Consistency is the name of the game of this organization.

I attended Option Institute and Fellowship program held in June 2018. It was inspirational, transformative and insightful. In many ways, it has helped to change my perspective about people who are different and special. Never realized how gifted these children are and what abundance of joy they bring to the world!!! The instructors were awesome, friendly, nice and knowledgable. Met with the visionary Barry Kaufman. Amazing person!!!!!. Thanks Option Institute for making a difference in the world. Best regards Okey Ikpe

I cannot recommend the Option Institute highly enough. I've been taking personal development programs there for years and I always learn so much about myself, bring home many tools to use in daily life, and have a blast, to boot. Every teacher is just as amazing as the next - loving, insightful, fun, and dynamic. For anyone who would like to lead a happier life - from general malaise to serious issues - this is the place to go. You will learn to love and accept yourself and others, and move through the world with ease.

Just arrived home from again an incredible week at the Option Institute and Fellowship. The course Wide Awake is such an amazing course to attend. With the other participants we explore and learn to become a bigger and better version of ourselves. With more love and understanding for ourselves and the loved ones around us. We share our most inner thoughts and feelings in this save enviroment, and by the encouragement and love we're getting I know I can develop myself more and more into the person I want to be. Loving and steady.
I come back every year to attend so that I can keep myself growing, cause I'm never to old to learn.

If you want to experience an organization that walks the talk this is the organization to experience. They do their very best to model the principles they invite everyone to adopt. Acceptance, kindness, integrity and commitment are all things that the Option Institute takes action on and implements. I had the best week of my life learning how to be more effective as a human being. I also learned how to discover what I want and to head right for it. The guidance offered at the Option Institute is unmatched to anything I've ever experienced before. There are no ill side effects to learning at the Option Institute.

Arrived home a different mum .My son is so amazed and loves the new me .I initially went to the institute to see if I could learn how to help others ,Little did I know I needed healing first. I love the new happy, empowered mum I have become .I have no doubt my son will recover. Thank you Bears ,I will always remember your words ."I will find a way "

The Son Rise Program has helped us to deal with our 18 years old autistic daughter who at that moment, even she was prescribed with Risperdal, was very self injured, had tantrums, cried every day and night and the worst of all, she couldn't sleep at night. After 4 years working with this program she barely cries or has tantrums, on the contrary, her understanding of language and following instruction had increased enormously, words and sometimes 3 words sentences come out easily, her flexibility has grown incredibly, can sleep much better and above all, her connection-relashionship with us and the volunteers who are helping us in this journey has became more friendly and spontaneous. Not to mention that as her mother, I am also in my journey of personal growth. Each adult program I've taken at the Institute has helped me to understand better myself, and in doing that I founded myself always in the position to decide what I wanted for my life. The programs present always tools we can use in order to make changes easier and with confidence. I believe this journey will never end and if there is one thing I can say with confidence is, that at this moment I am much happier in all the areas of my life than when I started to do this program for my daughter. For me and my family the Option Institute is heaven in the earth.

I started as a volunteer 14 years ago, and have loved the experience ever since. .The little boy I started with is fully recovered now and is doing great. The reason why I do what I do is because I fell in love with their techniques and teachings I apply the Son Rise Principles to my area of work (special needs and learning disabilities) every single day. It has been a life changing program and have seen great changes in all the children.

What a wonderful and transformational week I have had at The Option institute, Massachusetts . It felt like I was in a heaven and all the staff/teachers on the campus were angels caring for us, loving us, comforting us, honouring us and helping us discover the power of love and faith.

It was indeed a life changing experience for me to attend the start up program. It made me discover a new me who was lost somewhere within me. I have come back much happier, empowered and confident. As soon as I found out about son-rise program, It appealed to my heart and I knew this is exactly what I needed to be the mum, I always wanted to be.

My children are madly in love with the new nurturing mother that I have become. They are already flourishing. Words can never express the gratitude I feel for those who developed this program, taught it and made it possible for me to attend it.

Thank you Son-rise team for helping me discover my potential and see my children's potential.

God bless you all!

I attended the Son Rise Program last week and am truly thankful for this wonderful opportunity of learning how to interact with my daughter who has autism. I went throught some sort of transformation in viewing myself as a parent in helping my child reach her greatest potential leading to recovery. After excellent informative inspirational sessions with Raun, Bryn, Samatria and Bears and others I started to believe much more in my significant role as mother in helping my child. What a great place to start with!
Thank you so much all the wonderful people in the Autism Treatment Center of America!
I would like to attend more programs with you and to implement my work with my child as per the Son Rise program :)
Many blessings
G.

The other day I was in the car with my teenage daughter listening to a tune on the radio and the singer sang out, "He broke my heart." I said to my daughter, "There's no way he could break her heart -- she broke her own heart." My daughter said, "Yeah, mom! I know that Option stuff is so right." Yes, that's what I've learned. I'm not a victim. I have a choice. I can break my heart if I want to OR maybe I can decide that he's not really worth it and I want something different in my life. For us, as a family, The Option Institute has given each person in our family the language to be responsible for they way they are feeling. No blame game here! Thank you! We are having so much more fun! Change your thoughts, change your life -- Option helps all the way!

I attended The Son-Rise Program Start-Up at USA, in April 2016 after reading an amazing book called “Autism Breakthrough” for Raun K. Kaufman, the Director of Global Education and former CEO of the Autism Treatment Center of America. He was recovered from autism by The Son-Rise Program which was established by his parents, Barry and Samahria Kaufman.

I went there with many questions and worries about my autistic daughter and returned back optimistic and free of worries. The journey changed my life and my family as well.

They taught us how to face our inner thoughts, get rid of fears and how to be optimistic and full of energy and happiness.

We met the co-founder of the program Barry and Samahria, it was an emotional moment to meet the parents who tested and lived the same story of us, who rescued their kid successfully in 1970s, Barry told us that there is no problem to be unrealistic; we are parents who know and feel what is the right for our kid. Samahria told us “we have to hug our problems and say ok!”  

We also met wonderful educators, who taught us how to understand the autistic kids, to know the appropriate time to teach them, to teach them by 3E’s (energy, excitement and enthusiasm) and how to apply the ABC.

Raun told us that the acceptance and love make us as a magnet in the social relationship. Kate told us that we have to work hard with our kids, we want to catch the moon. Kem and Becky taught us how to make our kids fall in love with human so they will love to speak.

I returned back to my family full of hope, I don’t know what is the future, we all don’t know what is the future, but we can start making our presence more fun and more beautiful.

Be happy, your kid will be happy because they feel and they are sensitive for our feelings and thoughts. Finally, it seems that our kids are reflections for our thoughts.

    

My son with autism has grown so much since I have attended the Autism Treatment Center of America which is part of the Option Institute. They train you to help your child based on motivation instead of rewards and with love and enthusiasm. In In 4 months, my child went from 0 to 40 words. Now 2 months later I have lost track. They help you help them to engage and to love to interact. This is what will move our children forward. And it really works!

The lessons in attitude are critical as well not only for your child with autism to progress but for you and everyone in your life. My whole family dynamic has changed for the better and I finally have a real path to peace and contentment with our current challenges. If you are looking for awe-inspiring hope and a detailed path to move forward, this is the place!!

Hi my name is jan, I am a single mam of an autistic boy he is seven , I won a scholarship to the option institute and I attended this dec , this was the start up Sonrise program , this program has changed my life and my Sons life , I now look on my son as a blessing and love everything about him , since I'm home I have applied what I've learned and as a result in three days my son is going to sleep by himself and through the night , I am changeling my sons hours to part time in school . This Sonrise programme is very natural , and feels right every step of the way , it changes your view of autism and how to get the best from your child . For us it has been life changing and this is only the beginning of out journey , I would recommend this program for every child with autism , I am also a qualified special needs assistant and I have done a lot of training but nothing comes close to this program , I highly recommend this .

I recently took one of their week long programs and went there with an open mind prepared to feel uplifted and empowered. I found that like most cults and alternative therapies, they offer something that vulnerable people are missing in their lives and offer a solution to your problem that conventional therapies seem unable to offer. They also claim to cure autism or in their words "recover". Not all their teachings were useless, they promote a vaguely harmless philosophy of self reflection and the naive attitude of not having to take responsibility of face the consequences if you don't want to. If you want to do something, do it, and to hell with what other people think. If your kid died yesterday and you decide to get over it in 24 hours, you can do that if you just believe it (this literally was an example they gave)! Many of the people in attendance had been to many programs before (maybe if you've been to 20+ programs at Option, it's time to try a different solution...doesn't really speak to the practical success of their teachings), so be prepared to have a small group of returning customers seeking attention and approval, knowing the answers and eager and happy to tell you what those are. They have mastered the art of self-promotion. I would say you could decide for yourself, but I would not recommend anyone go here. Their process seems to involve breaking you down, building you back up and throwing in lots of subtle and overt fundraising tactics. They incorporate fundraising in to their classes to maximise attendance, and when only one person said they wanted to attend the optional session to find out more about other programs they offer, they then proceeded to question why no one else wanted to go, until more people caved and said they would go. They have established their own language and practice behaviour modification which is especially evident in those returning customers who are eager to enforce those rules and tell you if you aren't conforming. Their co-founders are revered and that attitude is positively encouraged by other members of staff. I came away, not angry, but disappointed. I went in feeling positive and confident in myself and came away feeling very sad that they are taking advantage of people desperately looking for answers (and selling the idea of the 'quick fix').

The Option Institute has been such a blessing in my life - I have gone from living with sadness to living my life with strength, hope, and self trust. The one week courses are amazing opportunities for personal healing & growth. I've changed my life at the Option Institute, and I am so grateful.

The Option Institute has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Having come through the doorway of the SonRise program I continue to be so grateful for what I learn during the adult programs. The techniques and perspectives I have learnt are so powerful that no matter what other self development tools I come across and may consider using, nothing matches the Option Dialogue Process for effectiveness, ease, intellectual stimulation and being so widely applicable to any life situation, past or present.

I have been doing programmes with the Option Institute for 16 years, and the consequences for my life have been beyond my wildest dreams. Family relationships which once seemed troubled and dysfunctional are now full of ease, joy and fun. Issues I used to have with depression are now a distant memory. With every programme I take I simply get happier and happier, from having the opportunity and tools to resolve issues with which I have struggled for many years. And I see the same thing happening in the lives of so many other people. They are truly an exceptional organisation with a unique philosophy and an ethos of excellence, and I have a profound gratitude for everything they teach.

An absolute magnificent place - `the philosophy taught at the Option Institute - the Option Process - can heal those who wish to make change in their lives. I believe it can be useful for all those seeking greater happiness. It certainly has made a great impact in my life after just one week. Can't wait to return!!!!

This organization is amazing! They have been helping people choose happiness for over 30 years. You won't find more passionate and effective teachers anywhere. Without a doubt, the classes I have taken at The Option Institute have enabled me to change my life if profound ways. I am happier than I have ever been and have nothing but gratitude for The Option Institute!

A place to learn how to be calm and effective in the 21st century.

This organisation is doing such amazing work. Our son was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy, and after doing mountains of research and trying dozens of therapies and practices we found the Option Institute and their Son Rise program. It has not only helped our son to develop at a rate we could not have dreamed of, but has opened our hearts and minds to happiness, acceptance and determination. Every single person here, from the cleaners to the founders, are simply amazing, beautiful people who are excited to share these amazing tools for a happier existence. My wife and I have been here twice, and we simply cannot wait to go back and learn more.

The Option Institute is like no other place I've ever been. In beautiful tranquil surroundings, the courses are highly professional & life-changing. I have been struggling with anxiety all my adult life, particularly in social settings. After a week's course I had totally changed my beliefs about myself. I can truly say that at the age of 59 I have learned how to be myself, how to be happy & how to be with other people without judging myself! I shall be back next March to learn more about 'Power Dialogues' - the Option Institute's wonderful method of mentoring/counselling, in which each person is seen as their own best expert. It is based on a series of simple questions by which the 'explorer' is helped to unearth the beliefs that cause them difficulties in their life.
Kathy Grant (Family Physician & Contraception Dr. UK)

I love this place, it's courses are life changing, for yourself and your loved ones, my sons with autism have benefited from the son rise program and the teachings I learned there more than any other thing. I am eternally grateful and recommend their classes to anyone looking for happiness options!

In my opinion Son-rise program (SRP) is the best autism treatment approach ever because of its simplicity and clarity. SRP is strongly linked with attitude evolved from Option process. Both SRP and Option are tough at Option Institute by highly skilled, devoted teachers. I have attended all 3 courses for SRP and found them really helpful, joyful, challenging, mind stretching experiences. They brought me higher, changed my life and life of my family. I recommend SRP to all parents, volunteers and experts who purposely want to help children and adults challenged by autism.

Having received an autism diagnoses of our 4 year old Daniel we didn't know what way to turn we were offered very little meaningful help until we found the options institute - we have attend several courses there and have been armed with wonderful techniques to help our son and our family I will be forever grateful for this support !!!

I have now attended two programs at the Option Institute and Fellowship, the Start-Up and Maximum
Impact to help my son with Autism. Both times have been rewarding and enriching experiences. Not
only did I learn how to work with my son in a loving anda accepting manner, I've learned how to be
more focused on my priorities for the program I'm running. I've been challenged as i've taken
steps out of my comfort zone, like how to be most effective in the playroom with my son and also
as the teamleader for my son's program. And the other parents I've met, many from different
countries, have been an inspiration to me as I've heard their stories or the daring actions they've taken
to help their children to reach their fullest potential. And best of all, I've already sen some encouraging
results, such as increased eye contact, saying more words, and some imaginative play. And I recieved
scholarships both times to come because they want to help you come to get the help you need.

I went here to attend one of the Son Rise Autism Treatment. I was amazed at how simple the program is, and how my son's behavior (he has high functioning autism) had changed overnight due to these techniques. The staff was unbelievably helpful and supportive, and I can honestly say that the experience has changed my life! Thank you, Option Institute!

I went there to attend a program which is called (The Son rise program) to deal with autistic children,
This institute is one of the best in the world, courses might be a little bit expensive but you can apply for financial support (which was my case)
people came to attend from around the world
%100 it is one of the best

I came to the Option Institute 15 yrs ago to attend a program called Optimal Self Trust to help me gain clarity in making a big decision (whether or not to get divorced). Then I went to therapy for a number of years. Upon coming back to Option for a week, I realized that I made more self-discoveries and gained more tools about how to live a happier life than I had in all those years of therapy -- all in one week!!

My favorite program is called Radical Authenticity. By becoming radically authentic, you learn to be yourself in all situations. It is such a relief to be able to say what you think and feel to people without fear of their reactions! When you are so afraid of conflict, nothing gets resolved, and issues sometimes continue for years! I've learned it doesn't have to be that way.

Perhaps most importantly I've learned how to be happy in any situation at any time -- even situations typically viewed as "terrible" - such as death, sickness, loved ones going to jail, etc. And now I'm paying that forward. I've recently switched careers. Instead of diagnosing people and telling them what's wrong with them, I counsel angry/depressed homeless moms/dads/kids and teach them the incredible power of being in charge of their own feelings and behaviors - no matter what.

Simply put - The Option Institute is awesome & changes lives all over the world for the better.

Such an excellent, joyful, life-enhancing place! I've attended 10 programs and relished each one, learning more & more each time how to delight in my own existence, connect easily with others and go for what I deeply want in life. Soul-satisfyingly delicious.

As a young adult I was helped in many fantastic ways by the Option Institute, so that I was able to learn, change and move forward from my depression and eating disorder. I now feel very happy, at ease and strong in my life, and along the way have met many, many people who have also been helped. Not only with personal development, but children and families touched by autism. Having seen the incredible impact this organisation can have, for families as well as individuals, I couldn't think of a better place to give my charitable donations. I'm so glad to be able to support this work in the world!

if you want a happy life, this is the place to create it. For ANYONE. Whatever you thought was not possible, is possible.

When my son was 27 months old, he was diagnosed with autism. As soon as I heard the news, I made it my mission to do everything possible to help my son. I researched schools, therapies, diets, and every treatment out there. January 2013, I came across The Autism Treatment Center of America, the worldwide teaching center for The Son-Rise Program.The more I researched it, the more I knew this was exactly the program to fit my son's needs. In June 2013, I attended a week long Son-Rise Start-Up course in Massachusetts. THIS WAS THE BEST WEEK OF MY LIFE! I had finally found a way to connect with my son in a non-judgmental loving way.

As soon as I got home, I began applying all the techniques I learned. It was amazing to see my son become so much more interactive with me. My son began to point, wave bye-bye and gave make speech-like sounds within a short period of me implementing the strategies and attitude I learned at the Autism Treatment Center of America. No more does my son smear poo, need help undressing, or run off at every opportunity.

In April 2014, I attended a second course of the Son-Rise program. Again, I was able to put into practice my learnings and immediately saw results. Not only in my son, but in myself. I became a happier person.

I am so glad that this place exists and continues to bring hope to all those families who have been told otherwise!

I am a Special Educator and have been working with children with disabilities for over 20 years. I have worked with children with autism in many different capacities and using many different treatments. I have never come across an approach so compassionate and logical. It just makes sense!! The Son-Rise Method that was taught in our training is amazing and simple. Anyone committed and invested in their relationship with the child can be successful!! You don't need a degree, you just need love and understanding. I thought all of the instructors did a great job of being welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring! I will definitely be going back to the Option Institute for another one of their amazing classes/trainings. I also liked that the participants were from all over the globe and not just the US. It was nice to meet new people and hear how different cultures experience the autism journey. One last thing that was so awesome about the Option Institute, not as significant as the training though, was the fresh and delicious food that was served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I was excited, but a little skeptical about the Son-Rise start up program, but it was a transforming experience. I learned many new and specific strategies to implement when I work with children and adults on the autism spectrum. What was even more powerful to me at the age of 54 was the realization that I could change my beliefs and thus change my attitudes. In fact, if I hope to effect change in others, I must change first. I am so grateful for my experience here and as a final note, the food is amazing!

I received a scholarship to attend the start up program on Dec 2013.
I can tell you it changed my life and the way I see autism now.
My kid has been diagnosed with autism, he's 6 yrs old and non verbal. Attending this Program has made me implement so many great activities, having my child more connected with us and more interested in everyday life
Im really grateful about this opportunity, me and my wife thank you from the heart

I am a professional and by attending the Son Rise Programme, I am strongly encouraged to face in a different way both the individuals with autism and the parents.

Two years ago my husband and I decided to take the Start-up Introductory Course for the Son-rise Program for our then 10 year old autistic son. At that time our son was spending 2-3 hours a day hitting and biting himself, he was verbally non-communicative and he did not want to be around people at all. After taking the Start-up course we decided to offer a full time program to our son and now 2 years later our son is fully engaged in our family, he no longer hits or bites himself and daily he is learning more verbal and effective ways to communicate. We are so grateful to the attitude and techniques that we have learned through the Option Institute and the Son-rise program. The staff is consistently genuine in their concern about us and in helping us help our son to overcome his autism. WE ARE FOREVER THANKFUL!

I was recently at the wedding of a good friend. Her 15 year old son conducted the ceremony. He had recovered completely from autism at 10 years old, following several years of a Son-Rise Program, and having still been very autistic at 9 years old.

I’ve personally been volunteering for over 2 years in a Son-Rise Program for a 9 year old girl who’s original diagnosis was severe autism. Now she’s high functioning. She is excited to interact with people. She can now play happily for hours with friends. Last Christmas she participated in a ballet for 4 consecutive days in front of an audience of thousands.

Last week I read a letter from a Son-Rise father who’s 10 year old son has made so many improvements in the last year, including that he’s now using the toilet independently, and sleeping through the night. Can you imagine the impact of these two things alone, for a family dealing with a special needs child who’s growing closer to adulthood?

I tell these stories to highlight the value that the Son-Rise Program (otherwise known as the Autism Treatment Center of America) has created for hundreds of thousands of families around the world over the last few decades. These families have discovered hope, happiness, and achieved reduction in their child’s autism, and in some cases, complete recovery. The number of parents attending Son-Rise Programs continues to increase. The Son-Rise Program has persevered since the 80s in the face of skepticism from autism groups and the medical and professional community, due to their claim that autism is a recoverable condition, and perhaps due to the strong focus on attitude over techniques, which is a paradigm shift from the way our culture currently operates.

The first studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the Son-Rise Program are starting to come out (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021992413000518), as well as studies suggesting that autism is a recoverable condition (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=is-it-possible-to-recover-from-autism). The number of parents and professionals attending Son-Rise Program training has increased in recent years, and is likely to increase further now that Son-Rise can be considered an evidence-based program. The Son-Rise Program needs additional funding to provide scholarships to parents who haven’t got the financial resources to pay for programs, and to train new teachers to meet the increasing demand for services. If you’re looking to volunteer or donate, please consider this organization.

Finally, I strongly suggest to all parents and people dealing with autism in a loved one: Consider the Son-Rise Program. To other organizations and professionals dealing with autism: Take a look at the Son-Rise Program and consider aligning your approach more closely with Son-Rise Program attitude and techniques.

I recently attended the Start-Up Program together with my wife. The program is impressive. We received practical hands-on advice on how to do one-to-one training with our autistic child in order to develop his social skills and language capabilities. We already find it much easier to connect with our child. The best thing about it is that we have a very good time together with our child while we do the training. It is joyful! Moreover, the program also taught us parents to find inner peace/ happiness and to love our son just the way he is and not to be preoccupied with assumptions over what others may or may not think about our son's behavior from time to time. The Start-Up Program teachers are very professional and full of positive energy and the Son-Rise techniques make perfect sense. Superior!
Johan R

I would describe my experience from participation in the Start-up Program of Son-Rise. I am a parent of 3 autistic teenagers. I live in Poland. In the program I attended with my wife. We have received from The Option Institute funding that enabled the participation both of us. By participation in the program changed the vision of our children. We started to accept them. Otherwise we interpret their behavior. Better communicate also as spouses. Experienced understanding and support by the organizers and friendship of other participants. See how to help our children and we have the tools to take action. We encourage other parents to participate in the Son-Rise Program. It will be a time of joy and transformation for them. Pawel Urbanowicz

I heard about the SonRise program a few months ago, in a book I read ("The Thinking Mom's Revolution"). I was able to connect with someone who had attended, and she said, quite frankly, every family, upon autism diagnosis, should be given a trip to the Option Institute. She was so right.

My son struggled with ABA therapy on a full time schedule for 6 months. The Option Institute teaches that there are other ways to be with our special children. We can love and accept them and respect them, and everything about them. Option teaches you how to approach and be with your child from a place of love and understanding. They offer tried and true methods for connecting with our children who have social impairments. They offer hope. A life of hope for families with autism.

I am so thankful for the Option Institute. My son is well on his way to recovery and our family has come so far in our healing thanks largely to this institution.