Interview with one of our families
Mona Tadayyon, Executive Director of REACH Behavior and Development Center.
When Layla and Mohammed had Noora they quickly realized she will need support. Layla and Mohammed researched various therapy options, talked to their medical team and toured many facilities. Eventually, Layla stumbled across the founding member of REACH. They enrolled Noora in full-time therapy and are thrilled with Noora’s remarkable progress. “They have turned a dark situation into one of promise.” The center specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a widely recognized and effective treatment for autism and other diagnoses.
What were Noora’s primary challenges?
LAYLA: We noticed a regression in our daughter when she was almost 2 years old. She stopped making eye contact and a few months later she stopped talking. We went to see a child psychiatrist and he recommended ABA therapy. We’ve been taking Noora to ABA therapy ever since. My daughter’s biggest challenge was her lack of communication. The inability to communicate her basic needs along with poor life skills was a major concern. For example, she wasn’t able to communicate that she needed a glass of water or be able to get it herself. This led to a lot of tantrums and meltdowns on a daily basis.
MONA: Noora had very limited communication skills and engaged in a lot of problem behavior when denied something or couldn’t communicate her needs.
What are some goals you’ve set for Noora?
MONA: We immediately started teaching functional communication. Before Noora started therapy, her parents heard her say a few words randomly. We tried to capture that and build upon her language. We worked on vocal language, repeating sounds we make, and following instructions. She made a ton of progress and is now able to communicate her wants and needs.
LAYLA: Before Noora wasn’t very vocal whereas now she can have a full-on conversation!
Why did you choose REACH Behavior and Development Center?
LAYLA: I met Mona, the founding director of REACH over 2 years ago. She assessed our daughter and from the very beginning it was clear she had a strong understanding of ABA unlike the many therapists we have seen before. The therapy plan she laid out for our daughter was unique to suit her needs. Noora made a lot of progress in the time she was in therapy. Mona then opened REACH, which has been wonderful for our little girl. I recommend REACH to all parents of kids with special needs. I also recommend it for parents struggling with any child behavior. They provided us with hope and I could tell that everyone is passionate about what they do.
What does full-time therapy entail?
LAYLA: Noora goes to REACH five days per week. Full time therapy for our little girl would be between 3-4 hours a day of ABA therapy, social skills sessions and Occupational Therapy. When Noora goes to REACH, she works on her language, life skills, academics such as reading, writing and math, fine and gross motor skills as well as social skills.
We meet every two weeks for parent training and discuss any concerns I have at home which is immediately incorporated into her therapy plan.
MONA: We do whatever is best for the child. We provide some support in schools, while some children learn better in the center. Our goal is to help the family reach their goals, whether it be going to a restaurant without an issue or helping them express their wants and needs. We can teach the child in any environment and cater to each family’s needs. Individualized, one-on-one treatment is what sets us apart. The more peer involvement, the better off the child will be long-term. We don’t want the child to regress when they stop our program. We want to give parents and caretakers the skills to move forward. For Noora, it was important to increase her social skills so she worked with peers like my own 5-year-old daughter to learn.
How has Noora responded to treatment?
LAYLA: Thanks to Allah and then thanks to Mona and REACH, our daughter has come a very long way. She is now able to communicate all of her needs and speaks in full sentences. She has learnt basic life skills which has made her more independent. She has also learnt to read, write and do math. Her social skills have come a long way as well. On top of all this, Noora loves to go to REACH every day. REACH gives us reports on Noora’s progress every day, and they get so excited about the little achievements.
MONA: Each child is different, but Noora loves praise and tickles. Some like bubbles, while others get their favorite food. Positive reinforcement is our biggest tool. In ABA, that’s how we teach.
Noora’s parents say her time at REACH Behavior and Development Center has been the most beneficial. We are so proud that we continue to be a part of her journey.