Nani

From the earliest grades, Nani struggled. “The slightest change in her schedule would send her into tantrums that could be dangerous to herself and to others,� explains her mother, Sheena. “Her teachers were either extremely severe with her or walking on eggshells to avoid setting off a fit.�

By the third grade, Nani was suspended so often that she was at home more than at school. That’s when her public school suggested placement at Spectrum Center. “At Spectrum, they had what she needed—a high student-teacher ratio and specialists right on campus.� And, says Sheena, they refused give up. “They were incredibly patient with Nani and had the time and training to keep trying new approaches until they reached her.�

And it paid off. Nani returned to her public school this year and is making a smooth transition—academically and socially. “At Spectrum, Nani learned how to weigh her choices, how to express herself in words instead of actions. The change is amazing. Even my family members say, ‘Wow, she’s a different kid!’�

Returning to her public school was bittersweet for Nani’s family. “From the beginning, we knew the goal was to get her back to the public school,� explains Sheena. “It was hard for me. I love Spectrum and the support she got there, but she needs to put those skills in a larger environment, and now she’s ready to do that.�