Imagine if your eleven-year-old child…
Was too terrified to have his hair cut with clippers.
Hated to shower because he avoided the water.
Never sat down for dinner due to his need to pace.
Could not tie his own shoes.
This is the life of a family struggling to care for their son TJ who is living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Desperate for help, they connected to our Bridging Family Support program. The program provides intensive in-home services such as therapy, daily living skills development and behavior management for individuals of all ages with developmental/intellectual disabilities and their families.
Fast forward to New Year’s Eve, TJ sat with his family for the entire dinner for the first time. Just weeks later, we received a text from TJ’s mother, “I was so excited I just had to share. TJ’s father gave him a haircut yesterday using the clippers and TJ sat quietly the whole time. The interventions are working! But that’s not all – TJ had on a pair of pants that were a little loose. I watched him pull them up, take the strings and tie it in a bow!”
The Individual Support team is also working with TJ’s parents to help keep him safe while in the grocery store and other public spaces. They developed a social story and are modeling and teaching Positive Behavior Supports.
TJ’s progress is powerful, but not unique when the right services and techniques. We are honored to be a part of TJ’s team!
For resources or more information call our Access Center: 1-800-963-3377
