June 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Overcoming the Unknowns of an Autism Diagnosis

Meet Matt Sopher

By Andrea Hurr with Photos by Julian Curet

Receiving a diagnosis of Autism for your child can be very scary, and for a single parent, it is quite overwhelming. Nick Sopher trusted his gut instincts with his son Matt and found some great local resources over the years to help them both navigate through the diagnosis and help Matt to thrive.

When Matt was younger, he wasn’t reaching milestones and Nick knew something was just a little off. Once diagnosed Nick didn’t know anything about Autism and went to the internet for answers, which we know can sometimes be worse for parents. He eventually found resources to help him and some amazing organizations in his community to connect with and they have since made lifelong friends. One organization, in particular, was the Challengers Baseball team from Green, Oh. Nick was a little league umpire and heard about the Challengers through a friendship that formed while umpiring. What started with 5 special needs players has grown into over 20 kids who get to be included, learn the game at their speed, and have the opportunity for them to have fun while families can connect with other families in similar situations.

Matt’s father Nick has learned over the years that it takes an army! He stated that his parents, brother, and family which also includes his wife Amanda (Matt’s stepmom) have all been instrumental in helping with Matt’s care over the years and have helped Nick become the person that he is today. Nick also wants to thank their hometown of North Canton for all they have done for Matt. Nick states that when they moved to North Canton it was as if a door in Matt’s mind opened and he became very interested in wanting to be involved in school. Now Matt is a 17-year-old junior at Hoover High School, who will be going into his senior year as a 2-year academic letterman and a varsity letterman in golf and choir! “I can’t thank North Canton enough, to the coaches, teachers, administrators…the difference you’ve made in Matt is life-changing,” says proud Dad Nick.

Besides the Challengers, Matt participates in UDS (United Disability Services) All-Star Training Club which has sports programs year-round for kids of all abilities. Matt has participated in this club for 10 years. He is also a proud member of the School Men’s Chorus at Hoover High School and attends Greensburg United Methodist Church.

Matt says that his hero is his Dad who has inspired him by showing him hard work and wanting Matt to be the best person he can be. Nick wants parents/families of special needs children to know that you are not alone. There are plenty of resources and organizations to help your child. “Become involved, ask questions, there are so many opinions and different places to go for help for your child.” Just by having a conversation while umpiring, Nick discovered that his son and another player were in the same class at school, and from that a friendship formed which led them to the Challengers. There are opportunities all around you just have to be open to finding them.