How ABA Provides One Family With an Autistic Child a Glimmer of Hope

The Connors family had a child with autism who struggled to thrive, but they found hope with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

The Connors family of Independence, Virginia, is a lively household of six that’s filled with the typical joys and chaos of life with four young children. At the heart of their story is their third child, Garrett Connors V.

He’s affectionately known as Rett and his story has reshaped how his parents, Katelan and Garrett IV, understand love, resilience, and the meaning of hope.

Rett began life as a bright, curious toddler, full of energy and early words. But things changed after a routine procedure. He had tubes put in his ears at around 16 months of age.

“After that, he started losing words. By 18 months, he mostly babbled,” Katelan said.

Frustration Deepens in Child Autism Scenario

What followed was a growing realization that Rett needed help they didn’t yet understand about child autism — and how ABA can help. As time went on, Rett’s frustration deepened.

“He wasn’t talking or acting like before. He would scream, throw tantrums, hit himself, and bang his head on the floor,” Katelan shared.

They were desperate to understand what was happening. By July 2022, Rett began speech and occupational therapy through a local source. Still, it was clear they needed to do something more.

The Connors family started researching on their own, Katelan said. “We kept reading about ABA therapy. We even thought about moving just to find help for Rett.”

In December 2022, a doctor diagnosed Rett with autism. The diagnosis brought clarity but also fear and concern. Then a glimmer of hope arrived. A former employee of Mount Rogers Community Services mentioned their ABA program and how it might benefit Rett.

The Connors family didn’t even know Mount Rogers had one, Katelan said. “It gave us a hope we hadn’t felt in a long time.”

How ABA Helps With Child Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses evidence-based techniques to help children develop meaningful skills. Specialists at the Fernwood Counseling Center in Galax assessed Rett.

Meanwhile, his behavior worsened. He continued hitting himself and throwing more tantrums. Elopement became an alarming issue.

They had to childproof every door. Once, Rett nearly ran into the road at a family event. That moment made it clear that they needed serious help, fast.

Soon after, Christine MacQuarrie, program director of Behavioral Services, visited the Connors home. She watched Rett in his space, saw what triggered him, and started building a plan.

“That she came to us meant everything. Rett stayed in his own environment, a place where he felt safe. That made all the difference,” Katelan said.

`They Became Like Family’

In January 2023, Rett began Pre-K at Fries School, the only school in Grayson County with a developmental preschool with an inclusive classroom for children with disabilities. Christine visited Rett several times a week, and soon Corey Miller, Program Manager of ABA Services, joined full-time.

“Christine and Corey became like family,” Katelan said. “They included our other children in their visits and never treated this like just a job.”

The therapy was built around Rett’s unique personality.

“He’s a very ‘my way or the highway’ kid,” Katelan said.

To help him feel heard, they used a recordable “My Way” button. Rett could use the button to express what he wanted. Eventually, he did not need the use of the button to convey what he wanted. He just spoke it. The Connors saw this as a major turning point in his behavior and treatment.

Progress came in small but powerful moments. He used to scream and become very agitated if they took away his iPad. Now he tends to just hand it over. He knows he’ll eventually get it back. Rett began using full phrases.

“He went from saying just ‘Goldfish [crackers]’ to ‘I want Goldfish,’” Katelan said. “He can identify people, objects, even emotions. We’re not playing guessing games anymore.”

A Mount Rogers ABA Graduate

In June 2025, Rett graduated from the Mount Rogers ABA program at the Mastery Level. In the fall, he started kindergarten in a general education classroom, with speech and occupational support.

“We never thought we’d see this day,” Katelan said. “He’s a completely different child.”

Now five, Rett is affectionate, determined, and full of joy. He loves his iPad, “Cars” and “Monsters University” movies, and playing at the beach or in the pool.

Rett doesn’t have full conversations yet, but he can now effectively communicate what he needs. He knows his letters, numbers, and colors.

“He’s so smart. He just needed the right tools. And he loves being praised,” Katelan said. “We make sure he gets all the love and encouragement he needs.”

Grateful for Mount Rogers and How ABA Helps Child Autism

The Connors family is profoundly grateful for the care that Rett has received through the Mount Rogers ABA Program.

“Christine and Corey were the miracle we prayed so hard for,” Katelan said. “They didn’t just help Rett, they changed all our lives.”

Rett’s story is a reminder of what can happen under the most difficult of circumstances: with the right support, dedicated care, and unconditional love, every child can find their voice and their path forward.

About Mount Rogers Community Services – Mount Rogers is a top provider of community services for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders in southwest Virginia. Mount Rogers also offers geriatric, counseling, early intervention, and other services in Wythe, Smyth, Carroll, Bland, and Grayson counties and the city of Galax. Learn more on our About Us page.