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Autism affects 1 in 166 children and can be devastating to a family of a child who is affected. While there is no known cure for autism, there is HOPE.

We do know that treatment using the principles and techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be highly effective, especially if focused on very young children. This is the Foundation’s focus – to empower parents of children with autism through education, advocacy, and resources to understand how ABA can change their families’ lives!

      I am pleased to introduce to you the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization. I created the foundation in memory of my husband, Brent Woodall, who was lost in the events of September 11, 2001. I have coordinated and directed home and school programs for children with autism and developmental disabilities since 1993. Throughout my career, I always found it difficult to watch families struggle through feelings of bewilderment and grief after learning their children’s diagnoses. This struggle often left families in a state of impotence in their fight against their children’s disabilities. Since I began my career in psychology, I have wanted to design a program to educate and empower parents so they may battle their children’s disabilities without added financial burdens. After Brent’s death, I decided that I not only wanted to continue my work helping children with autism and developmental disabilities realize their full potential, but I also wanted to honor Brent, who was always so supportive of my work and encouraged me to start a foundation to realize my own goals. In 2003, I created a non-profit organization, the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children, in his memory. The mission of the Brent Woodall Foundation is to empower parents of children with autism and developmental disabilities and to encourage their involvement in their children’s therapy by providing educational training, customized academic and behavioral plans, psychological assessments, and modest financial support. Our dedication to this effort, Brent’s support of me, and our commitment to the children will be carried on through this charity.

Warmest regards,

Tracy Pierce Bender
Executive Director and Founder