Kim Strunk, the program's founder, had been working with children in her community when she came up with the idea for the Hopebridge program. The parents of many autistic children Strunk worked with were constantly hopping from one facility to the next to ensure their children were receiving the best care possible. There was no other way for children and families like those Strunks to get the treatment they deserved.
His evidence-based approach centered on the science of applied behavioral analysis soon followed a few years later (ABA). Unfortunately, when Strunk's approach was first introduced, it didn't fit within the existing autism therapy framework. As a result, many people could not benefit from ABA treatments since insurance companies did not recognize or cover them. Patients at Hopebridge may thank Strunk's perseverance and determination, along with the support of her staff, for opening up new treatment options and opportunities.
Underserved areas in several states have had access to high-quality, dedicated ABA services and care for more than 15 years after the program began. It started with a dream and a single Indiana facility, but it has grown into one of the country's largest autism therapy clinics, serving thousands of families.