Our Services
What is Autism?
“Autism” (or “autism spectrum disorder” also known as “ASD”) refers to a disorder currently diagnosed through symptoms, which involve difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
The DSM-5, updated in 2013, uses two key categories of symptoms for diagnosing autism:
persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, and
restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interest, or activities, manifested by at least two of the following:
stereotyped or repetitive movements, use of objects, or speech;
insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of behavior;
highly restricted, fixated interests of abnormal intensity or focus;
hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment.
Symptoms for autism typically appear between 10-18 months of age. Unfortunately, the average age of diagnosis is 4-years-old. A diagnosis is usually made by a developmental pediatrician. Typically, there is a waiting list for appointments to get this diagnosis.
The rate of autism has increased dramatically over the past two decades. The current rate, as of March 2023, is 1 in 36 children. Although we now have better diagnostics and increased awareness, these improvements do not account for the marked increase. We applaud those who are researching the causes while we focus on the necessary services.
Our Teams
Who We Are
Project Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 by two moms looking for services for their young sons with autism. As the rate of autism has expanded from 1 in 2500 to 1 in 36, our programs have also expanded into an innovative lifespan of autism services.
We are broad in our scope, serving across ages (from toddlers to adulthood), across the spectrum of autism (from those working on basic communication skills to those preparing for college), and across programs (therapy, education, adult services, and community engagement). Each program is based in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). We are individualized in our approach, seeking to meet the unique needs of each specific person. Our programs benefit not only the child affected with autism but also the entire family, all of whom are forever changed by this diagnosis.
Our therapy and adult services have been honored to be designated as United Way of the Piedmont's programs of excellence. Our educational program, accredited through SCISA, received the Education Spirit Award through the Community Foundation of Greenville, Greenville Journal, and Town Magazine. Based on our use of funding, we received the Angel Award from the SC Secretary of State.
We are currently the largest provider of ABA services in South Carolina. No other South Carolina organization offers our range of services and support for the autism community.
As a service organization dedicated to evidence-based practices, we are a member of the Council of Autism Service Providers. As a entity promoting effective strategies, we implement GiANT and Entrepreneurial Operating System tools.
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