A story from founder Sharon McCarry: 17 Years and Counting

At 39, I eagerly awaited my second child. Unlike my first, who met developmental milestones early, my second wasn't walking, babbling, or eating solids by eight months. At 18 months, after pushing my pediatrician, we began tests and learned our son had Autism, specifically PDD-NOS. We were advised to start therapies like ABA, but most programs wouldn't accept him due to his behavior. Thankfully, The Little Red Playhouse nursery school made an exception.

 

Around the same time, my eldest son had a transformative experience at the MacKay Centre School, inspiring me. When The Little Red Playhouse announced it would close, I saw an opportunity. In 2008, I took over the lease, rebranded it as an integrated preschool and early intervention facility, and made it my new career.

The foundation, named after my son Coco, has grown to include advocacy and consulting on various projects. Today, Coco, now a young adult, is a self-advocate and a Board member. Our journey has been challenging, but it has shaped our reality and inspired us to help others.

 

Many parents I speak with fondly remember their "Life Before Autism." My corporate career was fulfilling, but balancing it with Coco's needs was life-changing. This experience equipped me to fill a gap in services for children with autism. My children's needs remain my biggest motivation, driving me to support other families.