Testimonial Letters

It gives me great pleasure to write this letter of support and endorsement for the Joshua Center for Neurological Disorders. I have worked with the Joshua Center since its inception and have been very pleased to have such a good place for individuals and their families who suffer from Tourette Disorder as well as High Functioning Autism. The Joshua Center provides a camp that many of my patients have attended over the years which is a highlight of their year. The social skills groups, therapy programs and support groups have proven helpful and stabilizing for many families. The literature and information the Joshua Center provides through their conferences has educated many professionals, educators and parents over the years. I strongly endorse this community not-for-profit organization.

I cannot say enough good things about The Joshua Center! Their dedication to providing education, life skills training, various therapies and parental support to families affected with neurological disabilities, far exceed most centers. Most importantly, Joshua Center gives families hope for a better tomorrow…

I’m honored to show my support for Becky Ottinger and the Joshua Center. What Becky and the Joshua Center have been able to accomplish over the years is nothing less than spectacular! The programs are cutting edge and impact her community of children in a way that is life changing. The quality of programs should be role models for others around the country. When I first met Becky, I felt her passion of making a difference in the lives of children who had Tourette syndrome. Becky saw a need in her community and hasn’t looked back. The Joshua Center continues to grow because of its leadership and commitment to the children they serve. If you’re looking to support programs that impact children for a lifetime, you don’t need to look any further. The Joshua Center is what you are looking for.

I have known the Joshua Center and its members since the beginning. They have been a tremendous resource for families and people who are looking for help in dealing with the effects of Tourette Syndrome. Whether they are newly diagnosed, or have been a regular client, the Joshua Center has provided the professional guidance and support that is greatly needed. As a person who has Tourette Syndrome, I often refer people to the Joshua Center for help and consultation, knowing that they’ll be in good hands. The passion the Joshua Center staff has to help those in need is second to none, as they are continually expanding to offer all the latest and most helpful information. Their summer camps have been a wonderful success for the participants.

As a public school counselor, I often have requests from parents for referrals for a variety of services in the private sector. For services for students with neurological disabilities, the Joshua Center is always at the top of my referral list. The staff at The Joshua Center work very closely with my school to develop and implement intervention strategies. Therapists from The Joshua Center conduct thorough observations in the school setting, consult with school personnel and families, attend school staff and IEP meetings, and work together with the school to meet the needs of the student. This partnership is very unique to The Joshua Center, and is the main reason for the success of the students we share.

I also refer many students to The Joshua Center for activities such as social skills groups and summer camp. Through fun activities, students are able to learn and practice critical skills to help them overcome many challenges they face in the social world. The dedicated instructors and staff are very knowledgeable about the impact of conditions such as Tourettes, ADHD, OCD, and High Functioning Autism. Through hands-on, age appropriate curriculum, the Joshua Center provides a safe, caring environment for students to not only learn social skills, but also to connect with each other and find support among peers. Students who attend the social skills groups or camp feel positive about themselves and often develop strong, long-term relationships with the adults and students they meet through the Joshua Center.

Along with other teachers in my school, I have participated in professional development offered through the Joshua Center. I have learned a great deal about various neurological disabilities and strategies or interventions to use with my students. the Joshua Center also has a great teacher website, and Joshua University, both great online resources for teachers and other school professionals who work with students with neurological disabilities.

Finally, I am a parent of a child with High Functioning Autism, among other disabilities, and have brought my son for counseling at the Joshua Center. My son’s therapist, Mike Sumler, worked not only with our son, but also with our family to help us all work through difficulties related to my son’s disability. Mike worked very hard to use my son’s strengths to help him overcome challenges and he gave our family tools to help strengthen our relationships. We are a stronger family because of the support we received from the Joshua Center.

Becky,

I have been thinking about sending you a quick thank you for camp but I just can’t quite put my thoughts into words. This was the most “normal” experience my son has had in years. Yes, years! He rarely goes anywhere without me to be the “buffer” between him and the world. To allow these kids to be free for an entire week is the greatest gift anyone could give them. For one glorious week they are free to tic, run, play, laugh, and make friends. But more than that, for one amazing week they are free from glares, judgment, condescension, and bullying. This is something that I, as a parent, couldn’t give him.

My son summed up his camp experience for me when he said, “That was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life! And, mom! They said I was a GOOD kid!” Camp! The gift that will last a lifetime!

Thank you Becky, Mike and everyone else involved for everything you did to make camp happen.

Thank you again for everything you do. We also thank God for bringing you into our lives. I know that He knew I couldn’t do this alone so He sent you to us. I can’t imagine how many families you have helped. Please keep up the wonderful mission you are doing. I’m sure God looks down on you and smiles.

WE LOVE YOU!

My son loved camp so much!! This was his first year and I was worried about how he would do! He told me he made friends for the first time and that everyone there understood him. He became quite emotional at the thought of not being able to see the new friends he made and the counselors and immediately wanted to know if he could come back to camp next year!! This was in our van in the parking lot right after I picked him up. I can’t say enough thanks for giving my child this experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

P.S. We will be signing up for social skills classes ASAP!!

This is such an awesome place. I am so thankful that my mom found it and made the 3 hr drive to Kansas City. Becky, I am so thankful to you, Mike, and everyone who helped my family! Thank you for helping me be successful!