Chuck Brandstater

It was 30 years ago, and Chuck Brandstater was devastated, and admittedly a bit bewildered, when he learned of his son Parker’s autism diagnosis at age four. After noticing several delays and missed milestones, Chuck brought him in for an evaluation at a local hospital, where his suspicions of a developmental delay or autism diagnosis were confirmed. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging new chapter for the family. “We were essentially living in a nightmare,” Chuck recalls, describing the overwhelming experience of trying to navigate a complex world with limited guidance and a steep learning curve.

Everything changed when Parker was enrolled in a May School a year later.

“May was the key turning point in redirecting us to where Parker needed to go,” Chuck notes. “He thrived there, and I really feel that on many levels, it served as wonderful foundation and springboard for everything that followed.”
During his time at the May School, Parker developed critical communication, behavioral and academic skills. “The teachers and staff didn’t just educate Parker—they helped me learn how to care for him,” Chuck says. “They were wonderful teachers and, in many ways, surrogate parents. I was so new to all of this, and the guidance I received made all the difference.”

Before enrolling at May, Parker exhibited significant behavioral challenges. Through individualized support, clinicians, teachers, and staff worked closely to identify and manage his maladaptive behaviors. The results were long-lasting. Today, Parker has minimal behavioral issues and demonstrates age-appropriate social and communication skills.
Though Parker transitioned out of May’s services around age ten, Chuck has remained a dedicated supporter and monthly donor since 2014. When asked why he continues to give to an organization his son no longer relies on, Chuck responds: “I have absolutely no hesitation about continuing to show my support for May Institute. Its mission, and it’s carrying out ofits mission, merits more funding than I could ever deliver. May’s reach should continue to spread far and wide.”

Years later, Chuck still feels deeply grateful to May for the role it played in his son’s life. “May Institute gave Parker an excellent education. I’ve got the paperwork to prove it, and above all, happy memories to prove it.”

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