What started as a desperate attempt to help their son became a mission to help hundreds of families. A Waxhaw, North Carolina family recently made headlines for their remarkable journey in founding the nonprofit Autism Strong—an organization born from their fight to secure life-changing therapy for their son, Landon.

Diagnosed with autism at just 18 months old, Landon lost eye contact and became increasingly withdrawn. His parents, Becky and Rudy Thoms, were devastated but determined to find a way forward. That path led them to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy—a form of treatment that, within weeks, helped Landon begin making eye contact again and reconnecting with the world around him.

The Therapy That Changed Everything

Landon’s progress with ABA therapy was undeniable. Though nonverbal, he began using pictures to communicate, and his parents saw breakthroughs they never imagined possible. But just as hope began to build, their insurance provider pulled coverage for the therapy that had made such a difference.

The cost—up to $60,000 a year—was crushing. That experience led the Thoms family to ask a difficult question: How many other families are facing this exact same fight, without a way to afford the therapy their child needs?

So, they acted. They turned their private battle into a public mission.

Raising Millions for Families Who Need It Most

In just a few years, Autism Strong has raised more than $3.2 million and helped over 600 families access essential autism therapies. Their work is a reminder of how far determination and community can go in filling the gaps left by insurance systems and funding shortfalls.

As the need for autism services grows in North Carolina and across the U.S., the importance of accessible ABA therapy becomes clearer every day. For families navigating autism diagnoses, access to consistent, personalized therapy can be life-changing—but too often, it’s cost-prohibitive.

Supporting ABA Programs in North Carolina That Deliver

At Pops ABA, we understand exactly what families like the Thomses are going through. We’ve built our mission around providing effective, accessible, and compassionate ABA programs in North Carolina. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential—and every family deserves a partner who can help make that possible.

Our in-home, one-on-one ABA therapy programs are designed to meet children where they are and help them grow in meaningful, measurable ways.

Reach out today to learn how our ABA programs in North Carolina can support your child. We’ll walk you through every step, from assessment to personalized therapy planning, to ensure your child receives the support they deserve. We’re ready to help—because every child’s progress is worth fighting for.