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August 27, 2008 Dear Susan, Sandi, and Christy, I have tears in my eyes as I write this to you, because we have all worked so hard and invested so much time, energy and love into Evan’s future. All of it has paid off in the last two weeks as Evan entered Kindergarten and has been showing us that he can shine like a star! Almost two years ago, I went to hear Carol Stock Kranowitz speak. That was when we first started suspecting something was up with Evan and his quirks were more than just quirks! He hadn’t even been assessed, yet, but something Carol said struck me—Get help now—don’t wait! She emphasized how getting the help early on in their little lives can make a big difference for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder. At the time she said that, we had already pulled Evan out of one preschool and were having difficulty finding one where he would fit in. Then, there were all the public meltdowns whenever we went out somewhere too stimulating. Whatever would happen when it was time for kindergarten? We were dreading it! After going through your program at Brainasium, we are a changed family. Of course there are moments of frustration and anxiety, and the disorder is still there, but now we have tools and techniques and an UNDERSTANDING of how to get through the tough times. We keep everything we got from Brainasium in the special box you gave us with the listening headphones in them. We call it our Brainasium Toolbox—the brush for the brushing protocol, the headphones and listening therapy CD, a heavy book to add to Evan’s backpack when he needs it and some different textured fabrics for him to rub on his arms for extra input. We talk with him about things HE can do to help himself—he came up with squeezing himself in a really tight hug when he feels like he’s going to crash into someone in line (and I’ve witnessed him using his solution a couple of times already!). We have the same routine every morning, which involves getting up extra early so there is no rushing around, getting everything prepared the night before, eating breakfast and getting ready in the same order every day, doing the brushing protocol and riding his bike to school (it’s the only one in the bike rack with training wheels!). Evan is so excited to be in school and to learn. His wonderful teacher has noticed that he works so hard to keep himself together and to do his best. So far, she has given me a double thumbs-up every day when I pick him up and says “He had a great day.” I was able to help in the classroom today, and I have to say I have a new respect for my son with SPD (tears, again!!!). His classroom is wonderful, but for kids like Evan it is over-stimulating to the max!! There is great artwork dangling and swaying from the ceiling, student work and posters packing every inch of wall space, a crowded library with stuffed animals and puppets, a brightly colored rug on the carpet area, tables with nametags and caddies full of supplies, and of course kids walking, bouncing and talking all over the place! And through all of this, Evan is able to function! He can complete his tasks and follow directions without falling apart. If we hadn’t gotten the help he received from Brainasium starting a year ago, I would be writing a very different story. So, thank you and all of your extended staff for helping change our lives. You should all be proud of the difference you are making in the world. You are helping kids shine every day! Sincerely (and with lots of love, too!), Tina Thorman and Family GO BACK TO TESTIMONIALS ✧✧✧  Testimonials.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0
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