John Coleman and Eileen O'Shaughnessy- Coleman of Newark, Delaware are the parents of five children.  Two of their children are affected by Autism.  After early, unsuccessful efforts with several programs, public and private, they began to search for a therapy; or method to work with their boys, Sean and Ryan, which would help them with the very elements of Autism which were not being addressed by the other programs.

After much searching they learned about the Son-Rise Program based as the Autism Treatment Center of America.  Quickly they realized that this was the program which could help each of their sons reach their full potential.  In January of 1999 the Colemans began separate Son-Rise programs for each of their sons.  Sean and Ryan were making great progress on a continuing basis until a problem developed in the spring of 2001.  Ryan, their youngest boy, was scheduled for a one-week program at the Son-Rise House in Sheffield, Massachusetts.  Ryan had been on the waiting list for this program for over two years.  Sean had been to this program the previous summer and had progressed immensely.

After years of 'doing it alone' with no support from the State, the School District or their health insurance providers, the Coleman's financial bottom had been reached and it appeared that Ryan's session would have to be foregone.  It was then that John and Eileen decided to ask some friends to help raise the funds necessary for Ryan's program.  The response was overwhelming.

As their story circulated, these friends involved their friends, neighbors, community supporters, businesses, political figures, and the media.  It soon became apparent that the funds raised would far surpass those needed to help Ryan.  The informal group of friends then decided that if they could help Ryan Coleman and his family, they could provide similar assistance to other families in the same situation.

At this point, the Heal Autism Now Delaware (HAND) Foundation was formed.

In its first year, HAND has accomplished much.  Seven families have been able to receive or are scheduled to receive Start-Up Son-Rise Program Training at the Autism Treatment Center of America. Comments from some of the parents who have been helped by Hand can be read here:  Quotes from parents.

HAND arranged for a speaker, Raun Kaufman who came to Wilmington and gave a presentation entitled "Practical Strategies for Autism and PDD".  This presentation was attended by over 100 people.

HAND is currently working with the YMCA of Delaware to develop a swimming program for children with Autism who are home schooled.

And more.