When Alan and Brona moved to the United States in 2016, their top priority was finding a spot for their son Gus. Gathered around their kitchen table in Dublin, they called Rachel Tait, Eden’s Chief Program Officer, who invited them in for a tour of the Eden School.
“We were blown away,” said Brona. “The families, the people, the services — it made the transition to the US so much easier knowing there was a place for us.”
With their family back in Ireland, Eden’s support became instrumental. “Eden is just an incredible resource for us,” said Alan. “We feel part of the Eden family. Brona always says it’s not just for Gus; all of us benefit from Eden.”
Since joining Eden, Gus’s independence has skyrocketed. Making himself food, getting dressed, doing things around the house — Gus has learned many daily living skills and enjoys completing them. Everyday things like these may be taken for granted by most people, but for Gus and his family, they are moments worthy of celebration.
“We have a very different perspective on joy. These little simple things can mean an awful lot to us,” said Alan.
Gus is close with all of his teachers, and his Behavior Specialist Brittany Bosi has helped the family tremendously over the past year. “We couldn’t do this journey without her,” said Brona.
“Gus is one of a kind,” said Brittany. “He’s really funny, and he keeps us on our toes. The more rapport you build with him, the more he will show you his personality and the more you will earn his trust.”
Teachers describe Gus as playful and creative. He loves to joke around. He will sometimes pretend to slip on a banana peel as he walks down the hallway to make his teachers laugh.
Brittany works with Gus’s teachers to find creative ways to motivate him and troubleshoot his programs to keep him engaged. Small changes make a big difference. One day, Gus spent his usual spelling lesson making a Christmas list! Little adjustments to his programs keep him engaged and motivated to keep learning. “Gus has a tremendous amount of skills,” said Brittany.
Eden’s teachers are there for Gus in and outside the classroom, helping the family with whatever they need.
“We’d be lost without Eden,” said Alan.
“They go beyond the kids,” Brona agreed. “It’s a family and a community.”