About Us

At "A Hope For Autism", we focus on connecting with children and following their interests. We provide a safe, loving environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. Another important part of our program is offering guidance on dietary needs and supplements. We also offer workshops and support groups for parents.

Gayle's Story

One Determined Mom!

They say never doubt a determined mom. This was certainly the case with Gayle Woodruff, the co-founder of A Hope for Autism. After an exhaustive search for treatment for her son, Miles, who has been diagnosed with ASD, Gayle became inspired to create a program to help other children and families affected by the condition.

Gayle searched across the country for treatment for Miles, and she soon discovered that treatment options and techniques vary greatly. Not finding a single positive treatment method led to some initial frustration and sadness. However, after learning more about ASD, those feelings changed to optimism. Gayle ultimately formed a "team" to work with Miles, selecting various techniques from the options she researched.

During her search, Gayle realized that her calling in life was to work with families and offer the help and support she had struggled to find. She has now received formal training from several leading national programs, along with the years of research and experience that can only come by parenting a child with ASD. A Hope for Autism is the culmination of her efforts.

In addition to founding this cutting edge program Gayle is also an advocate for families of children with autism, and is in the process of meeting with lobbyists, and lawmakers.

In 2007, Gayle and Miles' father, Roger Pollock, reached out to fellow Oregon and Washington families by sponsoring three local lectures featuring the CEO of the world renowned Option Institute to Portland, Eugene and Seattle. Over 2,000 people attended the three events, and Roger and Gayle sponsored 250 scholarships for families to attend the "Son-rise Program" at the Option Institute in Massachusetts. Passion and an advocacy were born.

Robbin's Story

Robbin Sobotka-Soles is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA), and has dedicated her career to working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has been working with children with ASD for over 15 years, and has had the opportunity to be a part of many children's lives.

Robbin earned her Bachelors of Arts from Linfield College where she had the opportunity to participate in many community-based organizations that benefit young children. She received her graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas where she studied the evidenced based approach to teaching children, more individualized instruction for children, and the art of motivation.

Robbin has had the opportunity to work as an in-home instructor providing evidenced based treatment and teaching for children. She has assisted many children transition into a classroom setting, and has supervised many programs in the Northwest. She has worked alongside school professionals in order to create an optimal learning environment for each child she works with.

Robbin has traveled throughout the United States and Canada in assisting professionals and families set up effective and evidenced based educational programs. She has developed and implemented training procedures designed to manage home-based programs.

Robbin has worked for variety of agencies in the Northwest, and has had the opportunity to work with great professionals as well has receive specialized training in many areas of instructional design and implementation. Robbin's current focus is on developing individualized teaching programs while utilizing the benefits and techniques of Incidental Teaching procedures to promote a more natural learning environment, relevant teaching material, and a focus on the interests of the child.