Hunter’s Story

For more than 14 years, Brooke Snyder has been a fierce advocate for her son Hunter, who was diagnosed with Severe Autism Level 3 at 14 months old.

In the years leading up to Hunter starting school, Brooke did her research and followed other families who had children with autism. She knew that mainstream school in their home district would not be possible and was thankful to find the PLEA Agency, where Hunter began attending preschool.

In 2017, Hunter was approved for genetic testing, which revealed that, in addition to autism, he also has Intellectual Disability, Hypotonia, anxiety, and a rare RHOBTB2 protein disorder. These results provided Brooke with a sense of relief in knowing that autism was no longer the only diagnosis.

As Brooke continued to educate herself about Hunter’s diagnoses, Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and disability laws for children, she wanted to share her knowledge and be able to help other parents in their children’s autism journeys. In 2018, Brooke founded the Pittsburgh Autism Mama Facebook group to serve as a forum for parents to ask the “hard questions” about their child’s diagnosis and how to navigate the systems. Included in the group of nearly 500 members are representatives from various agencies in the Pittsburgh region who can be resources on issues ranging from early childhood to adult transition. For Brooke, this social media page is an outlet to share with others the “time and tears that go into advocating for your special needs child.”

As Hunter grew, Brooke became increasingly concerned about his safety, as well as the safety of her two younger sons and herself. After a particularly violent incident in the home, Brooke made the difficult decision to have Hunter admitted to UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital where he could get the medical care and supervision needed. It was during this time that Brooke finally conceded that their home was no longer the best place for Hunter, and she began to search for residential treatment facilities that would be better equipped to care for him.

Hunter was placed on multiple waiting lists at facilities across Pennsylvania and even out of state. So, when Brooke received a call saying that a facility was finally available, she cried when she found out that it was in Pittsburgh.

In January 2024, Hunter moved into Pressley Ridge Home Places, a treatment program for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses. After years of pouring her heart and soul into Hunter’s care, Brooke realized a new fear on move-in day – the fear of letting go. Hunter, however, was so thrilled to have his own room that he was bouncing on his new bed.

When Brooke returned to visit Hunter a week later, she was worried that he would try to leave with her. Instead, after spending time together, he hugged her and pushed her out the front door.

Hunter also began attending school at Pressley Ridge School for Autism at the beginning of the 2024 school year. Hunter is thriving through the positive motivation of the teachers and staff – including his favorites fruit snacks and pretzels – and he is even learning to play the guitar.

Brooke is thankful to be close enough to be able to visit weekly along with her younger sons and her mother. They have accompanied the Home Places group on many of their community outings, and on Hunter’s 15th birthday, they brought pizza and cupcakes for all the kids and staff at Home Places, who are now like family to him.

Brooke has no guilt for the choices she has made in Hunter’s life, and she’s thankful that, after years of fighting against the inadequate health care options available for him, their journey led them to Pressley Ridge.