Understanding the Whole Child
Home, Community, and School
When you first meet 11-year-old Branden, he seems no different than any other boy, full of curiosity and bursting with energy. But it is quickly apparent that something more is going on inside him. He darts back and forth between a box of plastic figures and a sandbox, chattering loudly. Then, with all the force he can muster, he thrusts an action figure violently into a mound of sand before flinging sand wildly into the air. Nearby, a Family & Children Services professional continually tries to coax Branden into conversation using a calming tone of voice.
“The sandbox is his favorite thing in the play therapy room,” she says to an observer. “He won’t respond much to anything else.”
For as out-of-control as he might appear, Branden is making progress in the FACT program. He was referred to Family & Children Services by a psychologist, who diagnosed him with Asperger’s Syndrome (high functioning autism) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. She believed that Branden could benefit from a therapist who could work with him in his home and community settings, and use structured play therapy. Branden, who also has some obsessive-compulsive tendencies, is taking medication to control the extremes of his behavior.
His parents, Chris and Collete, are grateful for the help their son is getting.
“I had reached the point where I had to resort to a camera and tape-recorder in our home to document Branden’s behavior,” Collette, explains. “I was afraid people would think I was crazy or was doing something wrong as a parent because he would scream in the middle of the night, empty kitchen drawers on the floor, and cut up the tablecloth. The things we saw at home you don’t see in an office.”
Branden has trouble making and keeping friends, because he becomes extremely possessive of the friend’s time and attention until suddenly abandoning that child for a new “very best friend.”
Their brother’s ever-changing, dramatic behavior is difficult for Branden’s 12-year old sister and 2-year old brother to understand or to cope with because they don’t know what to expect from him. Chris and Collette are in the process of a divorce, unrelated Collette says, to Branden’s difficulties. “We actually stayed together as long as we could because we both want to help our son,” she says.
In addition to spending time working with Branden in his home, Family & Children Services therapists regularly involve him in an Agency program called, “Out & About.” This program provides recreational outings and educational activities for children with special needs to give them enrichment opportunities in the community and a chance to practiced improved behavior and social skills.
“Branden’s FACT therapist at Family & Children Services advocated on his behalf to get him into special education last year,” Collette says with relief. “This year we are working to mainstream him and he has an Individualized Education Plan. He gained weight and kids have stopped calling him ‘Shrimp.’ He feels better about himself. He is doing so much better.”
