Comments on Barry (Bears) Neil Kaufman:

“Bears is one of the finest teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing time with. His energy, enthusiasm and complete knowledge of the subject material presented are beyond compare. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him and take away a treasure chest of unique insights and knowledge.”

Name: Pat D.
Occupation: Computer Consultant
State: Ohio
Child: 4 years old
Diagnosis: PDD/ Language Delay

“Fabulous! Bears emanates such a warmth and soothing! I learned so much about myself and the child I work with, and reached a place I never knew existed. A place of absolute acceptance.”

Name: Jennifer K.
Occupation: Program Facilitator
State: Texas
Child: 6 years old
Diagnosis: Rare Y-Y Chromosome Makeup

“The ‘oneness’ between Bears’ beliefs and his teaching is incredible. Initially, I was looking for holes but was stopped dead by the fact that there weren’t any and then I had no choice but to marvel at the gems.”

Name: Brad B.
Occupation: Treatment Specialist
State: Wisconsin

“Excellent. Bears opened emotions for me I never knew I had. I’ve been an extremely angry person for the last year but he opened a new door for me and my son and I no longer feel anger. This man did things for me that no one ever did before. I will always be grateful.”

Name: Raymond R.
Occupation: Registered Nurse
State: New Jersey
Child: 2 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Bears is inspiring beyond words. His facilitation was unforgettable. His gift of making the participants comfortable enough to express their most private and deep emotions is something quite magical. I would love to have interacted more with him.”

Name: Jean P.
Occupation: Homemaker
State: Massachusetts
Child: Cara, 2 years old
Diagnosis: Down’s Syndrome

“10+. Bears was the one who gave me my life back! He was able to give me strength, energy, love and courage again. He has been my inspiration.”

Name: Annette K.
Occupation: Administrator
State: Oregon
Child: Hayden, 5 years old
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy

“What a dear, sweet man. I loved how much of himself Bears shared—bits of pieces of his past, how much he’s changed—which made him very real and accessible. I loved his silliness, physical contact and affection. Many leaders and men are not present, open or inviting—GO BEARS.”

Name: Andrew S.
Occupation: Instructor
State: California
Child: 8 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Bears is wonderful, warm hearted, loving, present. I felt like I was home and I never wanted the session to end.”

Name: Mary Jo N.
Occupation: Seamstress/Designer
State: Montana
Child: Jemison, 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Bears is loving, sincere and authentic in life. The force of nature inside him has changed my life.”

Name: Vikki M.
Occupation: Housewife
Country: Hong Kong
Child: 6 years old
Diagnosis: PDD

Comments on Samahria Lyte Kaufman:

“Meeting Samahria and spending time with her was such a profound experience! She was able to give us practical hints and insights into our children that I have never been able to get from anyone else with such a mutual sense of empathy and understanding.”

Name: Carol D.
Occupation: Mother
State: Ohio
Child: Danny, 4 ½ years old
Diagnosis: PDD/Speech Delay

“Samahria was fabulous! She answered all of the questions with direct, tangible answers. She is believable because she did it day to day, minute by minute. Her laugh is infectious—you can not help but be happy.”

Name: Jennifer H.
Occupation: Business Owner
State: Oregon
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy/Mental Retardation

“Samahria is such a genuinely warm and caring human being that I was able to easily connect with her. I consider it an honor and privilege to have had the unique opportunity to spend time with the person who is the essence of The Son-Rise Program®.”

Name: Pat D.
Occupation: Computer Consultant
State: Ohio
Child: 4 years old
Diagnosis: PDD/Language Delay

“Samahria showed me that I must be loving and nonjudgmental so that my child will seek me out. From her first hug, Samahria showed me how wonderful I can make my son feel. I didn’t want to leave our consultation. I realized Samahria’s way is the way I can be for my children. Thank you.”

Name: Bev P.
Occupation: Homemaker
State: Ohio
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Developmentally Delayed/Autistic Tendencies

“Samahria is my hero. It was a joy just meeting her and experiencing her wonderful down-to-earth acceptance. I so respect her, not because she helped her child as we all do, but for the courage and persistence to try a new way!”

Name: Linda B.
Occupation: Nurse Practitioner
State: Minnesota
Child: 9 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“If the best of all mothers and grandmothers got together and formed into one, she would look like Samahria.”

Name: Dan B.
Occupation: Telecommunications
State: Iowa
Child: 3 ½ years old
Diagnosis: PDD

“The love Samahria has for you and your child the minute you meet is beautiful. It’s a gift I will use in my own life.”

Name: Jenifer W.
Occupation: Homemaker
State: Pennsylvania
Child: Kyle, 5 ½ years old
Diagnosis: Autistic Tendencies

“Samahria is such a wonder! I love her presence in class: attentive, caring, enthusiastic and so beautifully simple!”

Name: Julie B.
Country: Canada

“Samahria is very alive, sweet and genuine, not ‘professional’ and ‘polished.’ I loved her deeply. She took in questions and really wrapped her brain and heart around them, taking lots of time to respond.”

Name: Andrew S.
Occupation: Instructor
State: California
Child: 8 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Samahria was just awesome. I wish I could bottle her laughter! The world would never need an anti-depressant again.”

Name: Prue M.
Occupation: Mom
Country: Australia
Child: Connor, 3 ½ years old
Diagnosis: Autistic

Comments on Bryn N. Hogan:

“Bryn is so special to me. She’s not a follower, but a real rebel and I see her as the future of The Son-Rise Program®. I hope she knows the impact she has on the people she meets, for she gives so much of herself.”

Name: Frank D.
Occupation: Health Food Store Owner
State: Florida
Child: 10 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Bryn is by far the most experienced in all phases of the program, living the examples firsthand. She is the easiest to talk with and gives the most complete answers. She explains each situation clearly.”

Name: Jennifer H.
Occupation: Business Owner
State: Oregon
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy/Mental Retardation

“Bryn is very funny, direct, clear and helpful. She knows her stuff! She can accentuate humor in sensitive topics, which helps us put into perspective how to do the best for our children. She kept my attention and made herself the best thing in the room.”

Name: Joanne B.
Occupation: Student
Country: England
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Bryn: I want to bottle you up, take you home and release you in my house. Your expressions and voice are so playful. You always kept my attention with your enthusiasm. I will use this with all of my children. They will be pleasantly surprised to meet their fun Mom.”

Name: Bev P.
Occupation: Homemaker
State: Ohio
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Developmentally Delayed/Autistic Tendencies

“Bryn is very talented, warm, humorous, honest, and loving. Sometimes she is like a priest, sometimes an artist, sometimes a therapist. She knows how to create a warm, accepting and trusting climate in the group.”

Name: Catharina E.
Occupation: Psychologist
Country: Sweden

“Bryn is a ray of hope and a very powerful woman. I learned a great deal through her modeling of teaching and love. She was both professional and genuine and I love her for that.”

Name: Juliette Z.
Occupation: Teacher
State: Oregon
Child: 10 years old
Diagnosis: Asperger’s Syndrome

“Bryn is absolutely the best role model for a parent/helper/volunteer of a special child. She gives the example and confidence that nothing is impossible.”

Name: Charles L.
Occupation: Obstetrician
Country: Singapore
Child: Roger, 14 years old
Diagnosis: Asperger’s Syndrome

“Bryn was funny, dynamic and clear and gave a couple of analogies that really had my mind running wild. I felt a great sense of peace in her presence. It was as if she could have stood there without saying a word and we would have understood her.”

Name: France V.
Occupation: Full-Time Mom
Country: Canada
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Bryn was thorough, honest, direct, with a remarkable sense of humor. She spoke to you, not down to you. Her humaneness was remarkable. She’s the sister I always wanted.”

Name: Richard K.
Occupation: Internet Consultant
State: California
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: PDD/Apraxia

“Wonderful, sincere and energetic, Bryn makes everyone feel his or her question is important. Her joy and reverence for life ‘ooze’ from every pore of her being.”

Name: Joni P.
Occupation: Mother/Data Systems Manager
Child: 9 years old
Diagnosis: Autistic

“I think of Bryn as being our master of ceremonies—the glue that held the week together. Her authenticity, genuineness, comfort in herself bowls me over. She is so skilled.”

Name: Lucy H.
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Child: 3 ½ years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Bryn will be forever in our hearts. I have never experienced so much love and warmth from any one person. She is amazing and I love her. Bryn, don’t change a thing.”

Name: Martin G.
Occupation: Training Manager
Country: England
Child: 4 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

Continued

Comments on William Hogan:

“William’s sense of wonder coupled with his ability to pull one out of his hat were great models. I found myself—rather than beating myself up for what felt like an utter lack of competence in parenting—watching William with great intensity and reminding myself to think of him when I feel stuck! What would William do? What expression of surprise, delight, or wonder would he exude?”

Name: Sally P.
Occupation: Writer/Artist

“William is so gentle, yet so strong. The sincerity in his eyes and his willingness to do anything to help you come through so incredibly. Of all the people and mentors, William really knows the effect and power of the things he possesses. Excellent.”

Name: Frank D.
Occupation: Health Food Store Owner
State: Florida
Child: 10 years old
Diagnosis: Autistic

“Incredible! William has such energy and genuine love for what he does. It was effective when he gave examples to support his response to a question or a point he was trying to make. He was truly effective in answering my concerns fully. I love his use of body, face and voice to illustrate an answer—I learned a lot.”

Name: Karen B.
Occupation: Sales
State: Texas
Child: Catherine, 3 1/2 years old
Diagnosis: PDD/NOS

“William, you have so much love in your eyes when you look at people—it’s fantastic; never lose that. The examples and physical demonstrations you gave were so helpful. Your voice, tone and attitude reflect on their own what the program is all about.”

Name: Florence D.
Occupation: Mom
State: Ohio
Child: Adrien, 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“William is the warmest, most intelligent man alive. I have never met a man so full of knowledge, compassion and deep love.”

Name: Roberta B.
Occupation: Mother/Missionary/Nurse’s Aide
State: Massachusetts
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“10+. William had a way of bringing out all my feelings! He helped me grow and become a better person. He made me understand that I truly need to give 100% to this program.”

Name: Annette K.
Occupation: Administrator
State: Oregon
Child: Hayden, 5 years old
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy

“I appreciated William’s awesome ability to console and counsel in a situation. He is gifted and skilled in helping vulnerable people. He is a blessing with encouragement, and his smile lights up the room.”

Name: Joan P.
Occupation: Registered Nurse
State: New York
Child: 4 years old/Joshua, 3 1/2 years old
Diagnosis: Asperger’s Syndrome/PDD

“You showed me the incredible effect of enthusiasm to the point of feeling ridiculous, and yet I didn’t find you ridiculous. You showed me what it represents to really believe in what you are doing and also live it.”

Name: France V.
Occupation: Full-time Mom
Country: Canada
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“William is grounded, caring, understanding and genuine. He inspired me to be myself and celebrate the challenge.”

Name: Mary Jo N.
Occupation: Seamstress/Designer
State: Montana
Child: Jemison, 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“William made me feel I could talk to him about any part of my daughter’s life and that there is a simple answer somewhere inside of me for her. Very inspiring!”

Name: Marilyn B.
Occupation: Insurance Agent
State: Oklahoma
Child: 6 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“William has a very gentle and charming way about him that naturally spills over into his method of teaching. He seems to be a very caring individual whose sensitivity helped me to appreciate the beauty of life.”

Name: Jessica R.
Occupation: Home Childcare/Full-Time Mom
State: Ohio
Child: Cody, 3 1/2 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

Comments on Raun Kaufman:

“Raun is awesome! He is so clear in presentations, with such great enthusiasm and energy. I felt that, when he spoke, I wanted to jump up and start working with my child immediately. During a video segment that Raun taught, he concluded his presentations by noting that many parents wonder if they have what it takes. He said that if you love your child, that’s all it takes. I was ‘blown away.’ I didn’t feel the wind on my face, but I felt the wind within. What an amazing experience!”

Name: Marianne L.
Occupation: Attorney
State: Michigan
Child: Camden, 8 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“For Raun’s confidence and power, humor and deep love; for his depth but light heart, his wisdom and understanding; and for his gravity yet intense joy—I love him. For he has taught us the power of love.”

Name: Roberta B.
Occupation: Mother/Missionary/Nurse’s Aide
State: Massachusetts
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Raun, you are inspiring! A living example that miracles still do happen. You have a natural ability to make people feel loved and accepted as well as desire to learn more.”

Name: Mallory B.
Occupation: Elementary Teacher
State: New Jersey
Child: Aaron, 3 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Raun is funny, passionate, a shining light. He knows how you feel and loves all people without boundaries. He makes you want to reach for the stars.”

Name: Karen S.
Occupation: Full-Time Mom
Country: England
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Raun is a very effective and charismatic presenter who engages the audience well. He is such a lovable guy—you can’t help but be engrossed in what he is saying.”

Name: Jean P.
Occupation: Homemaker
State: Massachusetts
Child: Cara, 2 years old
Diagnosis: Down’s Syndrome

“What can I say? Raun is a living dream, a legacy of love from his parents, but more as a teacher than a happy-ending story because he shares so much without conditions.”

Name: Glenn W.
Occupation: Self-Employed
State: Arkansas
Child: 14 years old
Diagnosis: PDD

“Raun is a natural. He is a living inspiration, along with being very talented, funny and effective. A very big plus for the Autism Treatment Center of America™.”

Name: Wendy M.
Occupation: Flight Attendant
State: Massachusetts
Child: Kayleigh, 7 years old
Diagnosis: Developmentally Delayed

“Wow! Meeting Raun was such an unexpected bonus! It was wonderful to actually see him and have him impart information to us—both professionally and sharing his personal experiences. He’s made a profound impact on me.”

Name: Anna W.
Occupation: Sales/Real Estate
State: Illinois
Child: 6 ½ years old
Diagnosis: Autism

“Raun: Thank you for my biggest gem. You described people who spent their entire lives pursuing their dream. I now know that I have the passion within me to pursue Frankie’s miracle and time doesn’t matter. Thank you.”

Name: Bev P.
Occupation: Homemaker
State: Ohio
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Developmentally Delayed/Autistic Tendencies

“Raun is amazing, and the single biggest inspiration of the course.”

Name: Gina M.
Occupation: Event Coordinator
State: New Jersey
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: PDD/NOS

“Raun had energy, excitement and enthusiasm! He had a great attitude and was a positive energy force in the classroom, keeping things alive and interesting. I was impressed. Thank you.”

Name: Sherry D.
Occupation: Son-Rise Program® Volunteer
State: Massachusetts
Child: 5 years old
Diagnosis: Autism