March 2012 - Youth Consultation Service

YCS Sawtelle In-Home Behavioral Support Programhelps children reach their potential while giving families respiteSince we began receiving in-home supportfor our son, a healthy balance hasbeen restored to our family life. Withour aide’s help, we can now go outtogether as a family. It is reassuring toknow our aide will be there for our son.He has become a part of our family.This past year, the YCS Sawtelle In-Home Behavioral Support Program hastaken root throughout the state and is now serving families whose childrenhave acute behavior issues associated with their developmental disabilities.The program’s goal is to assist families with the intensive care their childrenneed so they can be maintained in their homes and in the community.Jenny DePaul's six year old son Kentel was diagnosed with severeautism when he suddenly stopped talking at three and a half. Hiscondition deteriorated to the point where he was no longer able togive his family physical clues to tell them what he wanted.According to Ms. DePaul, he had no sense of danger and she wasafraid he would hurt himself.After a brief hospitalization for children on the autism spectrum inBaltimore, Maryland, Kentel was able to return home. He wasenrolled in the YCS Sawtelle Learning Center and referred tothe Sawtelle In-Home program.“Our behaviorist coordinates the treatment plan designed by thehospital with our family, the school and our aide. We are all onthe same page,” says Ms. DePaul.Although Ms. DePaul was warned by one of Kentel's doctors thathis condition may never improve or could even deteriorate, Kentelis making progress. “He has just begun to point when he wantssomething at home and is beginning to use a picture book tocommunicate at school,” says Ms. DePaul. “Before my son wasonly able to sit in class for a minute or two. Now he is able tofollow his treatment plan and sit for 15 or 20 minutes at a time.”Sawtelle employs family-friendly, sensitive, behavioral techniquesthat rely on positive reinforcement. The use of mechanicalrestraints and aversive techniques is strictly prohibited.A report from the frontlinesThe in-home plan varies for each child according tothe his or her abilities and interests, and the family’sneeds. A regular schedule and consistent behavioralplan is key to the one-on-one program’s success.“It is important to listen to a client and show himthat I am interested in the things that he likes,” sayssupport aide, Chris Mahoney. Mahoney, aprofessional musician, has tapped into two clientsinterest in music. He’s teaching one boy how toplay the piano, and another boy is acquiring a senseof rhythm while learning simple dance moves.Support aide Anthony Baskins used basketball toreach 12 year old Scott when his parents expresseda desire for their son to be more physically active.They had a basketball hoop in the yard, but Scottwas not interested, according to Baskins. “Weincorporated basketball into Scott’s treatment planand now he looks forward to playing every day.”Scott is more receptive to other outdoor activities.Baskins and Scott have begun playing soccer andtaking short walks in the community.When I look into your eyesExcerpted from a poem Quiana wrote to herself.Quiana is one of the first clients accepted intothe Sawtelle Buffalo Ave. residence, aftertransitioning from a residence in NewHampshire. Quiana is grateful to be back inher home state and closer to family. “It is realnice and quiet here. I am able to think andwrite poetry.”When I look into your eyes, I’m nothing but surprised. I know about your pastAnd how it didn’t last, how you got hurt, burnt, abused and used and I bet you’re confusedYou deserve better if not always and forever. You said you didn’t careBut you couldn’t bear, isn’t it such a scare?Let me into your life and I’ll show you that I care.Like an endless dream I’ll always be there. I know you’re busy but please make timeForget about the past and look to the future,I know you’re not ready and I’m not trying to push you.Just wanting to let you know I’m with you.Sawtelle Buffalo Avenue residence for young adults opened in June 20114