Now, Reagan Jumps Out of Her Car
April 4, 2016
Reagan is a sweet, fun, observant 9-year-old member of Elim’s community. Filled with energy, Reagan loves to dance with her classmates and Elim’s staff, and she loves jumping on the mini-trampoline in her classroom. Reagan is a joy to all those around her!
Kristi, Reagan’s mom, sees evidence of her newfound happiness in many ways. She explains, “Reagan is absolutely excited to go to Elim every day. She loves her teacher and even asks for her on weekends. You can tell school is finally fun for her!”
Before enrolling at Elim earlier this year, Reagan would frequently cry when she had to go to school. Now, when Reagan’s teacher comes to get her from her mom’s van, she has her seatbelt unbuckled, her backpack on, and she jumps out of the car.
Reagan is a member of Jaclyn Schutt’s Pathways classroom, which provides specialized curriculum for children with autism. Reagan has thrived through the structure of the Pathways program. Each week, she travels with her class into the community to learn valuable life and social skills. Each day, Reagan has access to sensory activities to help her stay focused on her work.
In just a short time, Reagan has experienced great boosts in her communication. She is able to communicate many of her wants and needs verbally. She also uses a communication device or an iPad to help supplement her vocabulary, giving her greater capacity to communicate.
Her parents see this communication growth at home, too. “She’s talking a lot more at home,” Kristi said. “She has a great imagination and it’s obviously being encouraged at school. She’s making social strides, too. It’s great that she is able to express her wants and needs.”
While Elim’s staff and Reagan’s family are celebrating each academic, social, and communication milestone, Reagan’s joy is cause for the greatest celebration among those who love her. As her mom says, “Reagan is such a happy girl. She’s always been happy at home. It is such a gift to see her finally happy at school, too!”
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