When Nitin moved into an Eden residence, he showed everyone he was capable of far more than anyone expected.
Behavior Analyst Clare Posey fondly remembers the first time he sat down at the dinner table and had a meal with his housemates. “It wasn’t the norm for him to sit and have dinner in a room full of seven guys,” she said. “It’s those little things that are so huge.”
Since moving into Lombardi House, Nitin has started to do things with his housemates both at home and in the community, and they have even gone on trips together. “They went to Atlantic City a couple of times, and he had the time of his life,” said Clare. “Not only was he able to do it, but it was done safely, and he loved it. He has blown away everyone’s expectations.”
Nitin has been part of Eden since he first joined the Eden School as a teenager.
“When a spot opened up for him, it was a dream come true,” said Nitin’s mom, Radha. “Nitin is a poster child of what good behavior therapy can change.”
Nitin had challenging behavior when he was younger. When he joined Eden, his teachers and behavior analysts worked with him to help him communicate and decrease his behavior. “He transformed from being so difficult to the sweetest,” said Radha.
Nitin loves being active. He loves rollerblading, walking, riding his bike — he loves being on the move. He’s also known across Eden for his love of music. “He has the best playlist I have ever heard,” said Manager of Day Services Jennifer Jackson.
Thanks to the support and encouragement from Eden staff, Nitin has demonstrated that it’s never too late to learn new skills, try new things, and defy expectations.
“Eden is a very special place,” said Radha. “Words cannot describe the gratitude that I have for the quality of life that they’ve given to our family.”