The Son-Rise Program was created by Barry Neil Kaufman and Samahria Lyte Kaufman when their son, Raun was diagnosed as severely autistic. They were advised by doctors and experts to institutionalize Raun because his condition was “hopeless” and “incurable.” Unwilling to give up on their son, they decided to try to reach him on their own and developed an innovative child-centered program in their own home.

Raun’s story was featured in a best selling book by his father, Barry Neil Kaufman called “Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues,” which went on to become an award-winning NBC TV movie “Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love.” Soon after the release of the book and movie, The Kaufmans were flooded with requests for help from parents of autistic children. Responding to this demand, The Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center of America was born—home of the Son-Rise program. The Kaufman’s have been teaching and training parents and professionals the Son-Rise therapy approach since 1983 and have helped thousand of autistic and special needs children.

This unique program helped transform Raun from a mute and withdrawn little boy into an engaging and socially interactive child. He went on to attend school and engage in life like any typical child. He graduated from an Ivy League university and now bears no trace of his former condition.

Raun Kaufman, the original Son-Rise child is now the CEO of the Option Institute.