Micah was eager and excited to start Young Fives–his backpack was packed with school supplies and new clothes were picked out for the first day. It was time to go to school like a “big kid,” meet new friends, and learn all sorts of new things. What an exciting time!

Michelle, Micah’s mom, says, “As the school year progressed, Micah’s teacher noticed he was struggling with processing directions and controlling his emotions. He struggled to follow multiple-step instructions, which led to some disobedience, which in turn led to some crying outbursts while in class. We often received calls due to his emotional dysregulation. It was a challenge! His teacher, who had been teaching for almost 30 years, encouraged us to seek help. She believed in Micah and knew he could be successful in school.”

Micah’s parents believed in him, too, and knew getting him the help and therapy he needed would allow him to thrive. 

Diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder, Micah began occupational therapy, which has been a gamechanger for he and his family. His therapist has taught him multiple ways to move his body, how to handle big feelings, and about body space awareness. In the past, when Micah felt misunderstood, it was tricky for him to calm himself down and express his needs. His therapist has taught him the necessary skills to self-regulate his emotions.

Micah was also recently diagnosed with ADHD, so as therapy continues he’ll need more assistance as he learns to focus even more. Micah is very intelligent and therapy provides him with multiple opportunities for growth. As his mom says, “We know therapy will teach him the tools he needs to succeed!”

Micah’s parents want to give him and his brother everything they possibly can, including access to essential therapies, but the cost of therapy can be daunting. Micah’s father is self-employed, while his mom works for a small business that does not offer health benefits. With no increase to their income, but a continued rise to the cost of living, expenses can become quite tight.

Micah’s mom says, “Without the assistance of a scholarship from Family Hope Foundation, I’m not sure Micah’s therapy would fit into our bottom line budget. This therapy is a big commitment, and right now we are able to send him on a weekly basis. While we would like to be able to send him to more therapy sessions, extra funds are allocated to other areas, and currently there is little to no wiggle room in our budget. We just can’t sacrifice anything else at the moment.”

Therapy has also helped Micah’s self-confidence. Now in first grade, he understands that he is capable of so much, and is beginning to trust himself through his own unique thought process. Micah is also making more than just one friend at school–kids are giving him a chance. He has learned so much about himself, and for Micah and his family, that’s a big win!

Micah’s mom says, “We are praying that Micah’s confidence continues to grow. We want him to learn the tools to get himself out of any emotional roller coaster he might experience. We know that these early years of school set the groundwork for his future, and we want him to be successful. We validate his feelings and we hope he remembers the tools he learns while working with his therapist. Hope means endless possibilities for Micah!”