Since preschool, Hunter struggled to regulate his emotions, follow directions, and thrive in school. On top of his academic and behavioral challenges, Hunter's family life was rocky. An emotionally abusive dad made his hurdles feel all the more impossible to overcome.
Finding out that Hunter was on the autism spectrum brought some answers. But his mother was frustrated at having to take him out of school to see many different therapists and doctors — none of which seemed to help. What he needed was a safe place like the Ranch where he could process his emotions, overcome hurdles, and unlock his potential.
When Hunter came to the Ranch, change didn't happen overnight. But gradually, his behavior started to shift.
Hunter went from hating school to enjoying it. He went from shutting down during conflict to advocating for his needs. He went from being unmotivated and discouraged to dreaming of becoming a lawyer after graduating from high school.
"I look at the kid who just a year ago saw no hope for his future and had no goals or dreams," says Hunter's mom. "Now, I see a light in him that I haven't seen in him since he was a baby. He's just a different person — a happy one."