In 1985, Jeff and Sue traveled to Riley Hospital in search of answers about their three-year-old son, Kurt. The diagnosis they received, autism, came with a long list of everything doctors said Kurt would never do. They were even told he could be placed in an institution that very day. Jeff and Sue didn’t hesitate. Their answer was an unwavering “No.”
Back home, they began carving out a different path for their son. They connected with a behavior therapist who helped Kurt take important early steps, and they worked closely with his school to ensure he had an aide who understood him and stayed with him year after year. That continuity, they believe, made all the difference.
Today, Kurt lives in his own apartment and enjoys a life rooted in purpose, independence, and connection. He has worked for many years at the HANDS in Autism® program, supporting others along the same path his family once navigated. Outside of work, he’s an avid volunteer at Riley Hospital for Children, a proud and enthusiastic uncle, and is always up for catching a movie. His life reflects both his incredible growth and the joy he brings to the people around him.
Jeff and Sue are longtime members and volunteers of The Arc at both the state and local levels, and Sue became a strong advocate for families navigating special education in her community. Looking back, Sue says she cannot imagine where their family would be without The Arc, and is glad she was able to “pay it forward” by helping other families find their way.
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