Jack was just about a year old when he started attending the Easterseals NH Early Childhood Center of Excellence. Now nearly 5, he’s preparing for kindergarten—a milestone that once felt uncertain.
“Jack is a super happy kid, always smiling and laughing,” his mother, Hayley, shared. “He thinks he’s hysterical.”
Diagnosed with autism before age 2, Jack was initially nonverbal and faced challenges with communication and behavior. Hayley recalls worrying whether he would be able to stay in a childcare setting at all.
Instead, the Easterseals NH team worked alongside Hayley to create a plan that met Jack’s needs. With one-on-one support and an inclusive classroom environment, Jack was able to learn alongside his peers while receiving individualized care.
The introduction of a DIRFloortime® approach made a meaningful difference, helping Jack build social and communication skills through child-led interactions. With additional support, including an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device and speech therapy, he has begun using words and engaging more with others.
“He has made so much progress,” Hayley said.
