The story of DDC Clinic begins in 1998. A group of Amish mothers with special needs children had read an article in the Reader’s Digest about a pediatric specialist, Dr. Holmes Morton. Dr. Morton is the founder of The Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. He and his clinic are known world wide for his genetic work with Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities.

Many of these children did not have a medical diagnosis, although seen by numerous physicians. Hoping that Dr. Morton might be able to provide some answers, the mothers called together other Geauga County Amish families who have children with special needs. These families decided to visit Dr. Morton’s clinic.

Dr. Morton spent two days with the families. But, even with his vast genetic knowledge, he could not tell them what caused their children’s handicaps.

The families returned to Ohio. They immediately set their sights on developing a clinic in Northeast Ohio that could assist their families in a similar way. They solicited organizational support, visited Dr. Morton’s clinic, gathered information, researched all aspects of the clinic, developed a board of trustees, and applied for non-profit status. Dr. Heng Wang was hired as the Medical Director.

DDC Clinic for Special Needs Children opened its doors to all children in May, 2002.