Port Charlotte Parents Launch Autism Resource Nonprofit
A local family has established Support on the Spectrum to help families navigate challenges in accessing essential autism therapies.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Autism
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Krystle and Chas Hanchey of Port Charlotte have founded the nonprofit organization Support on the Spectrum. The parent-led group aims to serve as a local resource hub for families seeking autism services in the area.
Why it matters
The founders started the organization after experiencing long waitlists and the need for extensive travel to neighboring counties to secure necessary therapies for their children. Their initiative addresses the gap in local support services for families living with autism.
The organization supports families with children like Morgan, 13, and Miranda, 9, who are diagnosed with severe nonverbal autism. These figures represent children requiring specialized care versus the limited availability of local resources.
The players
Krystle and Chas Hanchey
They are the founders of the Port Charlotte nonprofit organization Support on the Spectrum.
Golisano Children's Hospital
Located in Fort Myers, this facility became a certified autism hospital in 2023.
The details
The Hanchey family created the nonprofit to provide a centralized hub for local autism resources after Krystle withdrew Morgan from public school in 2021. The effort follows recent regional changes, including a 2022 Florida law allowing Registered Behavior Technicians on campuses and the 2023 designation of Golisano Children's Hospital as a certified autism hospital.
Timeline
Krystle withdrew Morgan from public school in 2021.
Florida passed a law regarding Registered Behavior Technicians in 2022.
Golisano Children's Hospital attained autism center certification in 2023.
Health Landscape
The establishment of Support on the Spectrum follows the 2022 Florida law allowing Registered Behavior Technicians on school campuses, which expanded the legal framework for autism support. This initiative marks a shift toward localized, parent-driven advocacy within the broader state healthcare environment.
Local families may benefit from reduced travel requirements and shorter waitlists for critical autism therapies provided through this new hub. The nonprofit offers a direct resource for parents to navigate available clinical and educational services in the community.
The takeaway
Families searching for local autism support can now turn to this parent-led initiative to connect with necessary services. Establishing such community resources is a practical step for managing the long-term care needs of children with severe autism.
Further reading
Find more local resources on our Autism page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM.
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