SOUTHERN COLORADO – It’s no secret that in one way or another the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many of us – including our children.

The impact on children and adolescents with autism can be even greater, especially during isolation and e-learning, which is not for everyone.

The KOAA’s “Rebound Colorado” initiative is designed to focus on some of the positive programs and initiatives taking place in our region during the ongoing pandemic.

For this week’s segment, we have two special programs in the Family Support Center – a specialist autism facility with locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

KOAA

Rebekah Turner

Rebekah Turner is the mother of twin girls – Emma and Lily.

“They were daddy’s girl,” said Rebekah. “He did everything for you. You were very spoiled.”

The Turner family

Emma and Lily

From a young age, Rebekah felt that something was just not right.

“I noticed something was wrong,” said Rebekah. “When they were two years old, they didn’t speak to each other. My daughters didn’t make eye contact. They didn’t answer their names.”

These problems initially went untreated, and then in 2019 – a tragedy struck the family.

“My husband got sick in February 2019,” said Rebekah. “He had a heart problem and died on March 3, 2019.”

Rebekah Turner

The Turner family

Raising children on your own is challenging in itself, but raising children with special needs can be even more difficult.

Rebekah says she eventually found hope at the Colorado Springs Family Support Center.

“I asked for help,” she said. “They came in and we did a routine for the girls and the only thing we can do is keep a routine. For kids who don’t know how to express emotions and who don’t respond to ‘I’m sad ‘Stand or I’m happy’ — they don’t understand what’s changed, but they know something has changed. “

Rebekah enrolled her children in the Early Explorers program previously called “Foundations”.

“The aim of the program is to prepare the children for school as independently as possible,” said program manager Stephanie Cooke.

The program focuses on children under the age of 7 and prepares them for integration into a normal classroom.

The program deals with social and basic life skills such as learning to speak, ask questions, share and take turns.

“When Lily was between 2 and 4, she couldn’t leave the house without this blanket,” Rebekah explained. “If I tried to take it from her, she would go insane. Now she’s getting dressed. She goes to the car herself. She knows how to put on her seat belt.”

According to Cooke, Lily and Emma’s progress has improved significantly since enrolling.

KOAA

Stephanie Cooke

“It’s really great to see them move through the program, whether they’re with us for a year, two years, or even six months,” said Cooke. “It’s amazing to go into the group and see the changes.”

Rebekah takes pride in the progress her girls have made and credits the Family Support Center with the skills they have learned.

“To this day, people who speak to me will say they wouldn’t know the girls are autistic,” Rebekah said. “Not only would they know that they lost their father. They would not know, and it would never have been without Foundations (renamed the Early Explorers program).”

Cooke says they look at where each child is individual and then make a plan to progress.

“When a child is more socially comfortable, we have different activities and options for them than for someone who may need a little encouragement to be comfortable.”

According to Rebekah, Lily can now speak and speaks more than one language.

“Lily can speak French, Spanish, Mandarin, and sometimes Chinese,” she said. “She is intelligent and Emma is probably the sassest I have ever seen.”

With the life and social skills learned at the Family Support Center, Rebekah says her twins will achieve something she never thought would happen so soon.

“You’re going to be in first grade next year,” said Rebekah. “He (her father) would be so proud.”

News 5 also spoke to Melanie Hoffman, a licensed clinical psychologist at the Family Support Center.

KOAA

Melanie Hoffman

“Part of my job is to explain to parents that their child is absolutely perfect,” said Hoffman. “Autism by magnification is an executive dysfunction, which means you have trouble planning, solving problems, waiting for turns, and shifting your focus – this is the main problem for children with autism.”

Hoffman says individual planning and targeted treatment help children of all ages leave better prepared than when they arrive at the center.

Family Support Center Facebook page

Children learn in the Family Support Center

“No two children have the same treatment plan,” she said.

For older tens of people with autism, the Family Support Center has launched a new pilot program called “PEERS”.

“We help teenagers in middle and high school make friends and keep friends,” said Sandra Vandergoot, a board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA) and clinical director. “Social skills are a battle for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are working on these skills at a younger age so they can develop them into adulthood, which is really important.”

The program lasts 14 weeks and includes 90-minute sessions with parents and young people.

KOAA

Sandra Vandergoot

“By the end of this program, your child will be able to navigate social experiences with teenagers their age and hold social gatherings and gatherings,” said Vandergoot. “You will be more comfortable either making friends or meeting them in public.”

Regardless of where your child sits on the spectrum, the Family Support Center wants the community to know that they are expanding resources and ready to help children and teens with autism thrive.

In Rebekah’s case, that success involves her children learning to play and read with others.

For more information on the Family Support Center services, click here.

Family Support Center locations:
1330 Quail Lake Loop Suite 200, Colorado Springs
6169 Tutt Blvd Suite 120, Colorado Springs
155 Printer Parkway Suite 120, Colorado Springs
1026 W. Abriendo Avenue, Pueblo

With the expansion of the services, the Family Support Center now also has several open positions available.

Click here for a link to vacancies.

FAQs:
How do I know if my child qualifies for Early Explorers?
This program is aimed at children under 7 who are preparing for school or just starting school. Early Explorers focuses on skills that will help children be more independent and successful in the school environment, such as: B. Participating in a group, following group instructions and social skills. This program is overseen by a board certified behavior analyst. According to the Family Support Center, a number of customers attend this program instead of a typical preschool to better prepare them for kindergarten. Speech and OT is available to those students who qualify.

What makes PEERS different from other social skills programs?
The PEERS curriculum is actually included in one of the episodes of the Netflix series “Love on the Spectrum”. It was developed by UCLA to provide assistance to those diagnosed with ASD or other social disorders who are having issues with peer interactions and relationships. The program is led by a certified BCBA and youth trainer and also offers home support with a behavioral technician. For more information on this program, please call 719-540-2192.