Dr. Gale's pinpointing of various behaviors that these special children often exhibit: defining and isolating behaviors ; having strategies for child and parent; giving child a chance to practice new behavior; motivating child to change. In addition, Dr. Gale knows what quirks a parent might have overlooked, or gotten used to, but are behaviors that will hinder the child's integration into society as an adult. One example: not smiling for a photo. This quirk is not a big deal when the child is 7; a huge deal when he's 25
- Working on my child's food issues
- My child feels he has improved
- Concrete advice on responding to daily issues I enjoyed listening to Dr. Gale discuss the other kids issues and solutions with the parents on the teleconferences
- I believe my child felt very respected and felt a strong sense of belonging. Learning how to confront and handle a variety of situations with other children who have similar issues
- I'm glad my child experienced food at restaurants he otherwise would not consider eating at
- Getting my child to interact with some different kids. He has had few friends the last several years; hopefully he will continue to be more aware of his behaviors that can contribute to driving kids away
- Knowing what techniques work to help my child. social interaction and the overall approach to working on behaviors
- Having my child in a group situation where behaviors are monitored and directed
- After the LUNCH program, the changes I see in my child are the following. He is more independent; has demonstrated a "can do" attitude; is more cooperative; feels more comfortable with himself; has been willing to try to situations; has been willing to try new foods; has started sleeping in his own bed; gets himself dressed in the morning; has stopped whining; makes an effort to speak louder; doesn't complain when I ask him to look at me while he's speaking; is more open to instruction; is happier in his own skin
- Love the program, and would very much like to enroll my child in the Fall program
- My child's sister really enjoyed the sibling teleconference-she has spent so many years getting dragged to his appointments and sitting in waiting rooms and having her needs downgraded due to his more immediate issues that having a voice made her really happy. She is looking forward to the next teleconference
- My son enjoyed going to group-we had very little difficulty getting him up in the mornings which is unusual. He has become a little more aware of what he eats. He continues to be more cooperative at home which we are really hoping will continue into the school environment
- I feel the program was helpful and will assist with my daughter with her issues with more support. Especially when school starts and there are more pressures.
- My son looked forward to going every day and was very disappointed about the one day he missed. He loved the technology aspect and was able to make friends that he is still emailing and talking to on the phone. This is a huge success for him since in the past he has hated talking on the phone and has had great difficulty making friends. Thank you for the respectful and positive manner in which issues were dealt with