At Easterseals Arkansas, we are committed to supporting children and families by providing a nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive. Every child’s experience is unique, and today, we are honored to share Nate’s story—a resilient and loving young man who found his voice with the help of Easterseals Academy at Riverdale.
Nate’s Progress: Overcoming Challenges with Love and Support
Nate is a sweet and affectionate young man who loves to eat, prepare his own food, garden, play in the water, and share warm hugs. However, life brought big changes—his older sisters left for college, his family situation shifted, and he and his mother, Stacey, moved to a new place. These transitions left Nate feeling lost and withdrawn, making it difficult for him to express his emotions.
When Nate first arrived at Easterseals Academy, he hesitated to even step inside the building. Overwhelmed and unsure of his surroundings, he struggled to connect. Stacey recalls how he would stay outside for hours, unable to adjust. Everything changed when Madeline, one of the dedicated staff members, introduced Nate to a new way of communicating—the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
A Breakthrough Moment
The turning point came when Madeline presented Nate with two pictures—one of an iPad and one of a snack. Given this simple choice, Nate selected the snack, marking the first time he willingly walked through the doors of Easterseals Academy. From that moment on, he began to engage and express himself in ways he never had before.
Through PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Nate started by exchanging a single laminated picture card for an item he wanted. As he progressed, his vocabulary grew into a massive binder filled with hundreds of words, eventually leading to the use of a communication device. With this newfound ability to express himself, his frustration and challenging behaviors diminished. No longer did he lie on the floor or throw tantrums—he had finally found his voice.
The Impact of Easterseals Academy at Riverdale
Easterseals Academy at Riverdale provides a specialized learning environment for children with developmental disabilities, helping them reach their full potential. The Academy focuses on individualized instruction, promoting communication, independence, and academic growth. For Nate, this supportive atmosphere made all the difference. The staff met him with patience, care, and the tools he needed to succeed.
“They met Nate right where he was—hurting, anxious, and hesitant to connect with people,” Stacey shares. “As soon as he realized that people here were willing to love him as he was and help him grow, he was all in.”
Looking Ahead
Today, Nate is thriving in ways his mother once only dreamed of. The support and resources provided by Easterseals Arkansas have given her hope for the future, knowing that Nate has the tools he needs to continue growing and learning.
“Easterseals has given me hope,” Stacey says. “Every dollar that goes to Easterseals helps a child who truly needs it, and that child will go on to do amazing things in life.”
We are incredibly proud of Nate’s progress and excited to see all the wonderful things he will accomplish. If you or someone you know could benefit from the services at Easterseals Arkansas, we encourage you to reach out. Every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, learn, and thrive, just like Nate.
Learn more about Easterseals Arkansas and how you can support children like Nate at Easterseals Arkansas.
