Stories from some of our students families

Our son Jackson is a delightful little boy who retreated into the world of autism around 2 years of age. As his parents, we were ready and willing to do anything to help pull him back out. With lots of prayers and lots of work, Jackson was becoming healthier, more engaged and more a part of the world around him. However this was not taking place in his therapy sessions. After four years of speech therapy, he was saying less and less and just shutting down in his sessions. If Jackson was able to say the words they were asking him to, he would have. There is no doubt that he wanted to communicate, but saying the words was very hard for him and sometimes they just didn't come. No amount of rote repetition would help. Therapy seemed to just discourage him, and we realized we needed a change. Through some friends advice we found a DIR®/Floortime speech therapist named Michele Ricamato, who is one of the founders of Soaring Eagle. I saw a fairly dramatic change in Jackson after just 3 sessions with Michele. When he started therapy with Michele he made no eye contact, did not speak or engage with Michele, and needed constant sensory support during his session.

After a few months of DIR®/Floortime therapy with Michele, Jackson was speaking Michele's name and trying to open the door to get into her room before the session even started. He would enter the room with a plan, pick his toy and happily interact with Michele during the whole session. A beautiful by-product of this joyful interaction was all the speech we heard. Not only was he talking more, his cognition was greatly increasing, and we could see that his confidence was returning. He now initiates play time with both my husband and I, and even his little brother.

When we met Michele she was in the process of starting Soaring Eagle Academy. I knew that this would be an outstanding school for Jackson. This therapeutic method is such a respectful, loving and effective way of teaching children on the spectrum. It's the very type of environment where they build their confidence and have fun which in turn enables them to problem solve and play and communicate. It's an environment and method that supports them in a way that allows them to thrive. As a parent, to see your child come alive in a session is truly a beautiful thing to behold. And honestly, it just makes sense. When children have their sensory needs met and they feel confident and loved, they start hatching new ideas, trying new things and learning!

We still are on our journey of getting Jackson to the best place he can be. There are many hard days but this therapy and this school have been pivotal in my son's progress. And we are so very thankful.

- Melyssa and Jason B.

Our son Jack is a fun and loveable seven year old boy. His favorite things to do are swimming and playing in his backyard. He loves to be on a swing and jump on his trampoline with his dad. He really enjoys Baby Einstein and Sesame Street and his favorite character is the Count. Jack uses a Tango (an assistive communication device) and an Ipad to communicate.

Jack was home schooled with us for a year and a half before attending Soaring Eagle Academy. Coming from a home school program made it very hard for him to adjust to the daily school routine, but the staff at SEA were extremely supportive of him during this transition. Jack spent most of his first two weeks right at the front door trying to leave. But instead of forcing him to go into the classroom, the staff brought the classroom to him. They played with him and his toys, and did his lessons right on the floor - and he had tons of fun.

This gentle and nurturing method of helping Jack get used to school worked beautifully. He grew comfortable with his surroundings at school and started to happily explore all the rooms of the school. Now, he runs in the front door every day excited to play and learn and be with his fellow students.

Thank you Soaring Eagle Academy for all you've done for our son - he truly loves being there every day!

- Molly and Tom C.

Adam is our 5 year old son, and he loves music time at Soaring Eagle. He loves to make all kinds of art and play with his stuffed animals. At Soaring Eagle, Adam has learned more sophisticated ways of playing and he has started to help out around the house especially with cooking and laundry. Since starting at Soaring Eagle, he has become very talkative and loves to play and swing.

- Amanda and Glenn S.

Our six year old son Patrick is a lovable boy. He likes to play with cars and balls and is especially fascinated with balloons. He has an older sister Mary, and a younger sister Gabriella.

Patrick is very happy that Soaring Eagle has opened its doors. He knows that he is in a safe and fun environment where everyone will help him reach his potential and soar like an eagle.

- Julie and Joseph M.

My son Ryan is 10 years old and recovering from autism at Soaring Eagle and loving every minute of it. He has a great sense of humor and a passion for creating, listening, and dancing to music. Ryan loves going to school each day and is just cool beyond words.

- Martha K.