Change can be hard for many with developmental disabilities and that is especially true for someone like Evan who thrives with a set schedule and structure. And the transition into school can sometimes be very challenging for students.

But not anymore thanks to the newly formed crisis team at the ChildBridge Center for Education. This team of four works to help prevent and de-escalate disruptive behaviors throughout the day so teachers and therapists can continue to work effectively with classes and students. One staff member, Sam Shah, made the transition to this new team and says the new opportunity has been amazing.

“The kids spend the majority of their day here at the school so instead of just getting them ready in the morning at home and then doing chores while they are gone, I am able to work with them a lot more,” Sam said. “It’s been really fulfilling.”

The little moments between Sam and Evan, a student in the school, is an example of how your support is enabling such an essential team to make an impact. Over the months of working with Evan at Larry’s Home, Sam and Evan developed a trust with each other that has helped Evan in his transition to a new classroom at school. But as Evan transitioned into a new classroom after winter break, Sam was there to help him navigate the change and there has been no disruption or adverse reactions from Evan as a result.

“He’s been doing phenomenal for someone who needs things to be set in place,” Sam said of Evan’s transition at school. “He’s been doing great with the uncertainty and has shown a lot of progress in being able to handle the changes. He has a great one-on-one teacher here at the school helping him with that, but I am happy to be here to help.”

He said watching people like Evan be able to make incredible progress at both the home and in school is why he has developed such a passion for the work and said he hopes to help Evan reach even higher goals.

“All the kids have their own personalities, and sometimes wildly different. You can’t apply the same therapy to every person who has autism,” he said. “I find a lot of joy in getting to know each of them and figuring out the best way to help them grow.”