My Nonprofit Reviews

My son(now 19) has been a music therapy client since he was 7 with Casey Depriest and continued with her when she created both Integrative Music Therapy and Optimal Rhythms and is also a student at ACCESS Academy. I have done most anything you can think of over the years to try and help my son communicate as he has been what we call severely autistic and non verbal. We were taught to approach him from a behavioral standpoint for years. I listened to the experts. I now, because of the willingness of Optimal Rhythms and their staff, look at autism In a completely different way. I now have communication through typing with my son. He has been an advocate in his education, medical issues , and every other area. He struggles with his body tremendously and so much right now is due to medical issues,which we would have assumed were behaviors before. He has access to a general education program now and peers that he can communicate, encourage and receive support from also. He has a staff that gives the supports he needs for his body and emotions. For example, when a medical issues landed him in the hospital for 3 days almost the entire staff came to visit. We are so thankful for Optimal Rhythms and ACCESS Academy. The entire staff goes above and beyond and everyone works together. Josh also won the self advocacy award from the Autism Society of Indiana, which of course is something we had never would have imagined. I know his goals are to be a missionary, an advocate, and get his diploma and attend college. These are not goals in had ever imagined for him and I am ashamed to say that now. We must presumed competence!!!