Loren's Story

Five-year-old Loren was referred to Parents Place by his teachers who were very concerned by his out-of-control and abusive behaviors which included head banging, scratching himself until bloody, describing himself as "stupid" and "ugly," and being extremely aggressive towards other children. Loren's mother, Paula, had been told repeatedly by professionals that she needed to get help for Loren or risk having him taken away from her, but she was too overwhelmed by the stresses of working full-time and being the single parent of three to act on their advice until the school intervened and sent her and Loren to Parents Place.

A Parents Place consultant met with Loren and his mother and arranged for Loren to have a psychological evaluation and begin intensive one-on-one counseling with an early childhood therapist. She also helped Paula write a letter to the school district requesting a formal Individual Education Plan for Loren. Next, the consultant met with Loren's teachers to suggest ways to more effectively manage him in the classroom, and she continues to shadow him once a week to observe his behavior both at home and at school. She also meets weekly with Loren's teachers, the program director, his therapist and Paula to review his progress and strategize next steps.

Loren's difficulties are serious and it will take time and the ongoing involvement of a team of professionals to help him learn to value himself and function effectively in the world. But with the early childhood specialists at Parents Place, his therapist, his mother and his teachers all working together on his behalf, Loren has the support he needs to succeed.

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