After 30 years in practice, we have seen it all. We have seen children conquer dyslexia, graduate from college and embark on rewarding careers. We have seen children overcome autism, join clubs, return to regular classrooms and then go on to college.
We have also seen the other side of the coin…the ones who have “failed to launch”. These are the young adults who do not have the resources for financial or social independence. Maybe they have tried attending college. Unfortunately, they don’t have the literacy skills to read college level textbooks or write legible essays. Some may not have the executive functioning skills to plan their studies–to allow enough time from the day they receive an assignment or learn of a test date to prepare themselves to ace the test or finalize the paper. And some unfortunate kids don’t know how to deal with life’s problems and ultimately end up hurting themselves or others.
These situations do not happen by chance! These problems start developing when these children are in preschool. And as their parents, the way you handle these problems and seek appropriate interventions determines how these children will develop. To illustrate this point, let’s refer back to two boys we have featured in previous newsletters.
ERIK IS ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS!
Erik was featured in our, “There’s No Stress Like Recess” Newsletter. He came to us in 2nd grade with minimal listening/reading comprehension. He cried and threw tantrums when life didn’t go his way. Erik received our intensive language, literacy and social intervention for 2 years and eventually blended back into his 4th grade classroom.
He returned to us as a 7th grader, because he wasn’t quite keeping up with his peers– his comprehension was still spotty, writing was still a challenge, and he was still socially awkward. He worked with us for another year to hone those skills. He has recently been accepted to a prestigious high school, where they will continue to encourage Erik’s strengths, address his weaknesses and prepare him for college.
With this level of support and progress, is there any question in your mind that Erik will be a success? He can comprehend grade level literature and write powerful essays. During a recent social thinking session, he asked for help preparing for a school dance. He and his therapist role-played the invitations and appropriate responses, whether the girls accepted or not, and then they practiced the moves. Of course, the girls will accept! Erik will go far!!
JEFF HAS FAILED TO LAUNCH!
Jeff was the subject of our “When Bandaids don’t Work!” Newsletter. He never did receive consistent intensive intervention. He bounced between tutors and special ed programs throughout his education. He tried one college and then another and continually dropped out because of failing grades. Jeff is in his mid-20s now and is still living at home, because he can’t make it through college or find a direction in life. He’s a classic “Failure to Launch” kid. It would be difficult to go back and undo all of the negative self worth and poor study skills that have developed over the years. What is going to happen to Jeff?
Parents, you know what is going on with your kids. Regardless of whether or not they “qualify” for special education services…regardless of how they blend into their regular classrooms at school,…you know how their literacy challenges are impacting their study skills and test performance. You know how their problem solving skills are playing out at home and in the classroom. You know if they have a healthy circle of friends!
YOU ARE THE CEO OF YOUR CHILD’S LIFE!
You must weigh all of the evidence you are hearing from doctors and teachers with your own observations and make decisions that will determine your child’s future! Then you must put on your CEO cap and seek appropriate intervention.
We are here to help. We can provide the speech/orofacial myology services to help your children develop healthy oral habits and refine their speech. We can provide the language and literacy services to help your children become proficient readers and writers and develop excellent study skills. And we can provide the social thinking services to help your children solve life’s problems, engage in reciprocal conversations and nourish their friendships.
We want to partner with you to make sure your children are not forced to depend on your support for the rest of their lives. Let’s work together to give your children the skills to launch a life of self-fulfillment, financial security, social enjoyment and independence!
If you know of a child who needs to change direction, call us at 858.509.1131 (www.therapiesforsuccess.com). We can help!