Here’s what clients had to say about Sue and her programs! (... and their results!)
I can’t say enough
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Sue Simmons and her program. Her compassion, honesty and knowledge set her apart from all of the experts that have crossed mine and my daughters path on this autism journey. She not only cares about you, but understands the day to day struggle and works on creating a different mindset for us as parents.
“This journey with autism isn’t JUST about our kids. Doing this program is probably the best present I could ever give MYSELF!”
Lauren Sjolseth
We finally feel confident that we are now on the right path
“Our son was diagnosed with ASD when he was under two years old. At that time he was nonverbal, totally disconnected from us and in his own world. He is now seven. It’s been a long journey with many ups and downs. We’ve tried just about every treatment and intense intervention available over the years. Although he showed some progress and became verbal, we knew there was still so much more hiding from us and we desperately wanted to tap into his potential, intelligence and humor. We just didn’t know how to engage him or develop a meaningful relationship with him.”
We were introduced to another approach by another family a year ago, and referred to Sue. In learning about the relationship and developmental principles, it just totally made sense! It was like we were able to finally grasp the missing key to help us unlock what we always knew was there, and we eagerly committed to giving it a try. It has been an amazing and challenging year and we have witnessed some huge gains and changes in our connection with our son. Sue has been a wonderful consultant throughout this first year, always full of encouragement and insightful guidance. We know this is only the beginning of a long journey, but we finally feel confident that we are now on the right path.”
Tia, Oshawa, ON
Sue’s program helped me to show up effectively for my son!
“In the 6 years since my son was diagnosed with autism, he has had every kind of therapy and support available. Yet in all this time I still found myself unsure of how to manage his behaviors without resorting to consequences and reward charts. These methods often failed, leaving me frustrated and lacking confidence as a Mom…
This program shifted my focus from my child’s behavior to focusing on my child’s development, and gave me back my power! In a few weeks, I learned how to stop playing “drill sergeant” and to communicate with my son so that he could really listen. I grasped the stages of anxiety, the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum, and how to respond accordingly. I discovered my own stress triggers, and how my own reactions influence my son’s behavior (I had no idea!!).
Reframing my thoughts and practising daily self-care effects how I show up and interact with my son. I discovered how to set effective limits and how to praise effectively.
All of these seemingly small changes added up to a huge difference: not only did my 9 year old start listening more often, I felt closer and more connected to him than I have in a long time!
Recognizing that no two families are the same, Sue took the time to get to know us in order to provide personalized feedback for specific challenges affecting our families. I would highly recommend her program to a parent raising a child with ASD—or any parent for that matter!”
~ Julie, Toronto, ON
Sue’s program was eye-opening and life changing!
“Before meeting Sue, I felt helpless and overwhelmed as a mother to my son with ASD. Participating in Sue’s program taught me how to take back control of my life and provided me the tools for a happier, healthier family life. My son has participated in a number ABA-based programs that were of no help to us as parents. Sue’s focus on development rather than behavior has truly been eye-opening and life changing. In the couple months that I’ve worked with Sue, our family is less stressed, more connected and problematic behavior has decreased. I also enjoyed the way the program is run because it gave me the opportunity to connect with other ASD moms and to share our experiences. Thank you Sue for all your help and support!”
Marlene, Ajax, ON
I almost didn’t sign up! Thank God I did.
I was wondering what you could possibly have to tell me that I hadn’t found in my own research over the years of struggling alone. Other professionals said my child was too closed off to be reached emotionally. Not so. Finding Sue’s knowledge and methods were the missing pieces. I thank God every day that I wasn’t too proud or too much of a lone ranger to give you a try, and I got a great friend out of it, too.
~ Mary Knowles
Game Changer
“Sue Simmons is a ‘game changer’. Yes, she has a powerful modality with EFT and a strong framework around relationship and autism development – but, it is who Sue is and how she integrates these tools that truly makes the difference.”
Nancy Forrester · Founder and Executive Director at National EFT Training Institute
Sue gave us the tools to reduce behavior challenges
“Working with Sue on our son’s behavior was an eye-opener. I didn’t realize how much I tip-toed around him! It’s so easy to let our kids off the hook because of their challenges; but it definitely sends them the wrong message in the long run.
Our son was actually happier when we learned to set limits, and with consistency we were able to make some amazing changes.
We were able to reduce his use of electronics without meltdowns, and he felt good about what HE was capable of doing (without a reward). We learned to praise him so he really understood what he was doing well! We got him involved in things at home, and (with practice) I was able to reduce the amount of language I was using, so he could “hear what I was saying,” It was so nice to be able to do things with him without nagging all the time. Sue is very knowledgeable, and equally as dedicated. I would highly recommend working with her.”
Fiona Cobourg, ON
I thought it was too late!
“By the time I connected with Sue, my son was already graduating high school, had already been booted out the house a few times by hubby, and relationships in the home were falling apart. I thought it was too late to repair anything. Boy was I wrong. Today we’re thriving, connected and my son regulates himself so the blow ups or conflicts are near zero. He’s 90% independent and so I can easily retreat away with my husband for down time when life allows. What I once thought was a life sentence is now a future of possibilities.”
Karen Hilts, St. Catharines, ON
Exactly the answer we were looking for!
“Sue’s Program has been the answer to what we were looking for. In a very short time, with Sue’s guidance, experience and knowledge we have become more connected to our son. The challenges we faced at home have decreased considerably. We are seeing his potential emerge. SO exciting.”
~ Kim and Tom, Pickering, ON
It’s not perfect, but now there’s hope where things were feeling pretty hopeless for so long!
“The last few years have been pretty rough in our house. There were lots of hurt feelings and yelling and everyone was just miserable. In the last few months I started working with Sue.
At first we just talked about what is happening in my house and took things one day at a time to navigate through the emotions. There were (are) lots of things I needed to work on as a parent of a child with ASD and most of it was managing…me.
It all seemed really overwhelming at first. Then we started implementing tiny baby steps; slow your roll, walk away before reacting, use gestures, lots of hugs, verbal praises, and (my favorite) “let’s start this over.” Pretty much show up and be present with positive expectations and focus on positive.
Little by little my mindful reactions and planning ahead are paying off for the whole family. I feel better because I make time for me to reset and just let things be instead of micromanaging. Things aren’t as loud and out of control. We still have some bad days and really not fun moments, but there are certainly less than there were in the past.
In a way it seems like our family is healing from an open wound; everyone’s feelings were pretty hurt and now everyone is a little more guarded, but the healing has begun and things seem to be coming around. It’s not perfect, but now there’s hope where things were feeling pretty hopeless for so long.”
Lynn, New York, USA
We have tried dozens of other autism treatments, but Sue’s approach truly changed our lives
“Words cannot explain the difference that Sue made in our family. She coached us closely and was an amazing support when we were going through difficult times and cheered us on from the sidelines when things were going well. Her coaching enabled us to become better parents and above all, our son flourished. He is more engaged, more verbal, more emphatic, more curious, more respectful and most importantly happier! We have tried dozens of other autism treatments, but Sue’s approach truly changed our lives, and will continue to do so for years to come.”
The Martins, Ottawa, ON
What an eye-opener!
“Sue’s program was a real eye-opener for me. I had no idea that I could learn to communicate in a way that could improve my relationship with my son, and reduce his stress! What I learned will take practice, but now I know how to talk to him without making so many demands. It feels SO good.”
Valerie Burns-Gonzales, Newcastle, ON.
Sue allowed me to find my power!
“Through Sue’s program, I began to see that I have the power to make positive change in my son’s life, and in our relationship. I learned strategies that enable me to prevent meltdowns, and to communicate in a way that allows him to “hear me” and feel more competent himself. I have benefited tremendously from learning EFT (tapping), and have used it on my own with great results. I would highly recommend Sue’s program to other ASD Moms!”
~ Samantha, Aurora, ON
Single most important thing I have done for my family’s well-being
“Working with Sue Simmons is the single most important thing I have done for my family’s well-being. Her passion for helping families, her knowledge, experience, insight and dedication are truly exceptional. Sue understands the challenges I face as the mother of two “double-exceptional” sons. She brings a holistic approach, based in current research and best practice, as well as a deep sympathy in helping me identify and shift negative patterns within my family. And she supports me in finding a healthy, productive balance in my own life. Sue knows how easy it is to lose yourself in your family’s and children’s needs. Without her guidance, I don’t think I would have made it this far. Every mother deserves support and a resource like Sue Simmons!”
Beth, Toronto, ON
It’s so simple, but it really works!
“I learned a really cool communication strategy in Sue’s program. It’s so simple, but it really works! Up until Sue’s program I relied on nagging to get my kids to do things. Now I have a better way that I never would have come up with on my own… and it’s just as effective with my neurotypical son! Thanks Sue!”
Jen E Clapp, Courtice, ON
“This whole program was the biggest win for me!”.
“Thank you so much for putting us on the right path….I feel for the first time, in a long time, that I’m able to help my child!”
Carmen Stoffel
We have not looked back
“We can still remember our first conversation with Sue. We took 2 ½ pages of notes… she told us some pretty remarkable things. I remember her saying that kids on the spectrum seek out new and different experiences. That was something we never saw with our then 8 year-old son; we had no idea how ingrained his routine was at the time, but we knew he liked things to remain the same.
Despite our skepticism, we began a new developmental approach with Sue in the fall of 2007, and we have not looked back.
Our son has gone through some remarkable changes in the past 2 years. He now engages regularly with his sister and plays with friends at school. He has two good friends who like to come over, and he even helps out around the house. There are so many moments now when my husband and I look at each other and comment, “That was such a normal-kid thing to do!” He even fights with his sister now…ironically, we love it!
Sue is an excellent teacher. She lives and breathes helping other parents but she is a real person and a parent who has fought the same battles we are fighting.
She has a unique ability to show us how our objectives can be brought into real life, so we feel like what we’re doing is meaningful and productive. She is professional, punctual and positive. She is an inspiration to work with and can really pick us up when we feel like we’re stuck.
We still have the notes we took from our first conversation with Sue almost 2 years ago. The possibilities she told us about – which seemed unreachable at the time, have now become a reality for us.
Thank you Sue.”
Leisa and Jim, Mississauga, ON
Behavior therapy didn’t feel right for us…
My daughter-in-law and I both took Sue’s program. We were looking at behavioral therapy, but it just didn’t feel “right” to us. Sue’s program is based on a developmental approach, which is so refreshing. We learned some excellent tools to engage my grand-daughter in new ways. We’re really encouraged, and it’s been an eye-opener for us to understand autism in a new way. Sue also provided some amazing resources that we’re using with great results. I would definitely recommend this program for ASD Moms and caregivers!
Jacqueline Springer, Perrysburg, OH
This speaks volumes in terms of what is possible!”
We’ve been working with Sue for three years. When we look back over the past three years, the relationships our son has developed are so meaningful. Not too long ago, our son and his sibling had minimal connection. Now, his younger brother can’t wait for him to get off the bus so they can be together. When we’re out and about, our son’s friends are happy to see him. At the end of the day, seeing our son forge meaningful relationships is what it’s all about. This speaks volumes in terms of what is possible!”
~ Samantha and Chad, Whitby, ON
Sue’s program changed our lives…
“As a single parent, I was at my lowest when I joined the program. I felt lost, out of control, and like I couldn’t do any more to help my son (who was diagnosed last year at the age of 11). Then an angel appeared in a support group I’m a part of. I contacted her and from that point on…the clouds cleared and so did my mushy brain. I got my power back! I really looked forward to our weekly video-conference classes! Sue is an amazing teacher who has been there, and completely understood how I felt. She is personable, relatable and always takes time for support. Guidance is her super power!
I highly recommend this program. If you put the content into action, you will see the changes very quickly! THANK YOU SO MUCH SUE FOR CHANGING OUR LIVES!!!
P.S. My dream is for this program to be available to all schools. Educating staff, students and parents about autism from a developmental (versus a behavioral) perspective would be amazing. Our children would be much better supported and understood.”
~ Becky, Ottawa, ON
I now awake with cautious optimism — something I didn’t think would ever be possible.
“Our daughter has made tremendous strides since starting with Sue. She was in ABA for about a year with no results. My once loving and happy child became withdrawn, angry, and aggressive. I knew I had to stop the ABA but I didn’t know how to help my daughter or where to turn.
Somehow the stars aligned and I was introduced to Sue. I decided to give it a try and urged my very hesitant husband to give it a try too. I implemented the strategies that Sue gave us and we slowly began to see small but significant changes in our daughter.
Our daughter used to have several meltdowns a day and we were constantly walking on eggshells. We can now go through an entire day without a single meltdown. Even when she is clearly angry, she is able to calm herself quickly and refrain herself from becoming aggressive.
Her eye contact has improved greatly and she is continually making more attempts to use her words. She smiles more, and seeks us out to play with her in simple games of ball, or just cuddling on the couch watching TV as a family of four.
We have discovered her sense of humour and we’ve realized that she was and always has been absorbing all of our words. We have also come to learn that her understanding is much greater than we ever imagined.
Just as Sue expected, we simply needed to give her time to show us how much she understands. We needed to step back and show our daughter that we believe in her. She has also begun to let her sister back into her world. They have begun sharing simple moments such as cuddling while watching a favorite TV show, dancing to music together, taking turns on a slide at the park, or playing a game of tag.
Sue has given us the joy of watching our girls laugh with one another. Today as I listened to our house filled with laughter and joy, I was filled with gratitude. Sue gave us our daughter back in just a short period of time. Where I once filled with dread facing the morning, I now awake with cautious optimism which is something I didn’t think would ever be possible.”
Sophia, Woodbridge, ON
