Daniel attended a traditional public school before his journey at Quest, where his parents had concerns about whether it was a good fit for him. They decided they needed another option to help Daniel reach his full potential.
The Search for the Right Place
Their search led them to Quest Kids Therapy, where they found the support and understanding they sought.
“Once we met the staff, I remember coming home and saying, “Man, I think we got it. I think we finally got it,” said Daniel’s father, Roger, of their first interaction with Quest Kids Therapy.
A Comprehensive Approach to Development for Daniel
Daniel started attending Quest Kids Therapy at age four, receiving a comprehensive approach to his development, including ABA therapy and personalized support for his fine motor delays. The ultimate goal was for Daniel to attend Quest Kids Academy, which provides a supportive education informed by the principles and procedures of ABA therapy. Daniel was eventually accepted to Quest Kids Academy and began his education journey.
“I remember getting that phone call and being so over the moon because I knew his life would be different. I knew it would be life-changing to put him into an environment where people were invested in him,” said Daniel’s mother, Laura.
Quest Kids Academy has small student-to-teacher ratios and offers instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs. Students can learn various skills, including academics, life skills and employment readiness.
Overcoming Communication Challenges
Daniel faced significant communication challenges; he was nonverbal. His parents took the initiative to teach him sign language, but because of his fine motor delays, Daniel had difficulty making the exact sign for the words they were teaching him. So, he used approximated signs. The staff had Laura videotape every word Daniel knew in sign language, using his approximated signs.
“They were learning Daniel’s language—not only what he sounded like when he was using the signs but also what his hands looked like so that they could communicate with him. And that’s when you know people are fighting for your kid,” said Laura.
Despite these initial challenges, Daniel’s determination and the support of the Quest Kids Academy staff led to incredible progress. With the mantra “sign it and say it,” Daniel made remarkable strides in communicating effectively with those around him.
Remarkable Progress and Growth
Today, he predominantly uses vocal communication and is known for his enthusiasm in initiating conversations and interacting with others. Daniel has also made significant progress in various areas, including social interaction, self-regulation and fine motor skills. His growth and maturity over the last 13 years have been incredible.
“The progress Daniel has made at Quest Kids Academy is a testament to the commitment and expertise of the staff. Their unwavering dedication and belief in the potential of every student have been instrumental in Daniel’s journey to independence,” said Roger.
As Daniel prepares to transition into QKA’s work-study program, everyone is excited about his future. The work-study program and community involvement activities provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop social skills and independence.
“It takes a village to raise a child and an extraordinarily large village to raise a child with special needs,” Laura said. “The people [at Quest Kids Academy] are our village. We count on them, and we are all on the same page. Having that kind of support system is invaluable as a parent.”