Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyndi O’Toole.
Hi Cyndi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Autism Resource Center (ARC) started from a simple goal: to make the diagnostic process more compassionate, clear, and accessible for families who have a neurodivergent child.
I’ve worked in the field of behavior analysis and special education for over 20 years, and throughout that time, I kept seeing the same story play out. Families were waiting months, sometimes even a year, for evaluations. Parents would come to me feeling lost, unsure how to navigate all the pieces between medical, educational, and therapeutic systems. I knew there had to be a better way.
That’s really how ARC was born. I wanted to create a place where families could receive timely, high-quality evaluations for autism and ADHD, but also feel supported every step of the way. Our approach brings together information from parents, teachers, therapists, and medical providers, so each report truly reflects the child as a whole person, not just test scores or checklists.
What started as a small private practice has grown into something bigger than I imagined. Today, we serve families across Texas, both in person and through telehealth, helping them find clarity, access services sooner, and feel more confident in their next steps. At its heart, ARC is about connection and empowerment. We don’t just give families answers; we help them move forward with hope and understanding.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one.
Like many small business owners, I’ve had to figure out a process that truly works: for my family, for my clients, and for myself. In the beginning, I was learning everything at once: how to build a business, navigate insurance credentialing, handle marketing, and still give each family the level of care they deserve. There were a lot of late nights and trial-and-error moments.
One of the hardest parts was knowing when to take a leap of faith and go all in with the company. At first, it was just me, seeing a few clients at a time. Now, the challenge is different: figuring out how to grow and expand while staying true to our mission and maintaining ethical, high-quality care.
Every obstacle has really shaped ARC into what it is today. I’ve learned that growth in this field doesn’t just mean seeing more families, it means doing it the right way, with integrity and heart.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At The Autism Resource Center, I specialize in comprehensive evaluations for autism and ADHD that bring together information from multiple perspectives: parents, teachers, therapists, and medical professionals. My background as both a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Educational Diagnostician allows me to look at each child through both a behavioral and developmental lens.
I’m known for taking the time to truly understand each family’s story. Every evaluation I complete is individualized. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” report. I want parents to walk away not just with a diagnosis (if one is appropriate), but with a clear understanding of their child’s strengths, challenges, and next steps.
I’m most proud of the feedback I get from families who tell me they finally feel seen and understood. That’s what this work is about for me: helping parents feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.
What sets ARC apart is the combination of expertise and empathy. We prioritize timely, thorough evaluations without sacrificing quality, and we stay connected with families after the assessment to guide them through the next stage of care. For many families, that combination of clarity, compassion, and ongoing support makes all the difference.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t measured by numbers or growth charts. It’s when a parent tells me they finally feel heard and seen. So many families come to me after months or years of feeling dismissed or misunderstood. When they leave with answers, clarity, and hope, that’s success. It means we did more than complete an evaluation; we helped restore their confidence and reminded them that they’re not alone in this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theautismresourcecenter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismresourcecenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theautismresourcecenter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-autism-resource-center/
