The Dream Team

We are very big on celebrations and parties in my family and this week, my Jac hit a milestone. After attending ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy for seven years at 8 hours a week, he graduated! 

He first entered ABA Therapy during his early teen years, which was a hard time. His first month of therapy involved lying on the floor and screaming while the behavior therapist held the door shut. He was not happy to be there and I was sure that this ABA thing was a bad idea. 

As the weeks passed and we were given homework, I could see where the ABA therapy was slightly helping. During those first few years, we became very acquainted with the entire staff at the ABA Clinic. We spent so much time there.  Eventually, Jac became more adjusted as well. He didn’t need to have the doors held shut anymore. 

We began to be able to take him out on short trips, to restaurants for the first time, and on short grocery shopping trips for a few items. These errands had seemed like torture in the past. With therapy, all of a sudden, they were not only possible, but they were turning out to be successful! 

As the years have passed, Jac has faced other obstacles. He had a seven-hour spinal fusion surgery at a hospital six hours away. Following the surgery, he had to be immobile for several days. Once again, the therapy team planned ahead. 

They wrote social stories and prepared him for what to expect during the surgery and recovery. hey also sent a bag full of gifts for him to open every day he was in the hospital. And personalized cards with their faces on them and silly jokes. What therapy team do you know that would go the extra mile to ensure your child was prepared for an event and comforted in an unfamiliar setting?

As the time grew near for Jac’s therapy to come to an end, we decided to have some sessions at home to help him learn skills to be more independent. This has been helpful because now he has learned everyday skills. He helps with chores, doing his hygiene and becoming a little more independent with some daily tasks. When I tell you this boy has come a long way, that would be an understatement!

For Jac’s graduation celebration, the therapists had a dance party. They had Jac’s favorite songs over the years, including Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer. The therapists’ sons did the lip-syncing and led the sing-along. This was followed by the graduation walk to Pomp and Circumstance. That is when this momma started having some tears. 

These hallways were the same ones we spent many years strolling down to the treatment rooms. And now we were taking that final walk. This graduation seemed more monumental than his school graduation simply because these dear therapists have been through so much with us and we’ve seen so much progress. Thank you, SLB, for so much love and for helping our Jac soar! 

Here is more information on the types of therapies for children with disabilities.